As we enter the last month of 2019, we take a moment to reflect on all that has happened at Challenger School in the last ten years. In the 2010s, Challenger has reached various milestones and celebrated many achievements.
We opened five new campuses, building two new locations in Nevada (Los Prados and Desert Hills) and expanding to Texas (Avery Ranch, Round Rock, and Pond Springs). To best meet the needs of our students, we also renovated several of our campuses and playgrounds. We relocated our California and Utah region offices as well as our printing and distribution center. Additional development will continue into the new decade.
Read the full article here.
This month, third through eighth graders will participate in class spelling bees. These class bees will feature spelling and vocabulary words students have learned or will learn in class during the year.
Class finalists will qualify for the campus bee, which will utilize words and vocabulary from the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Good luck to our fantastic spellers!
On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces attacked the U.S. Naval Station at Pearl Harbor, plunging our country into war.
In classes this month, we will remember those whose lives were lost on that day and throughout World War II.
Students have been rehearsing and are excited to present their Christmas Sings and concerts. Parents are invited to come and enjoy the programs.
The date and time of your child’s performance is listed in this month’s Classroom News and is also posted on your campus page on our website. (Preschool classes will receive a flyer.) Please read the uniform care tips to ensure that your child’s uniform looks its best.
We also invite friends and families to attend the evening Christmas Concerts presented by our middle school students. Outstanding elementary classes will be featured, too. Join us for this celebration of the festive holiday season.
Classes will have parties on the last day of school before Winter Break. Challenger will provide fun activities and treats, so please do not send food or gifts to this in-class, student-only event.
Challenger School will not be in session from December 23–January 3. Please make alternate arrangements for child care during these two weeks. We hope that you and your children enjoy this family time, and we wish you the best in the new year!
Broadcom MASTERS Award Winner Ruhi Y. of Ardenwood (CA)
Eighth grader Ruhi Y. of Ardenwood (CA) was named the first place award winner in the category of Science at the 2019 Broadcom MASTERS Finals last month. Thirty finalists from around the nation traveled to Washington, D.C., to present their projects and participate in activities to demonstrate their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills.
Ruhi originally created her project, which tested the effectiveness of different plants as coagulants for purifying contaminated water, for Challenger’s Science Fair last spring. She then went on to compete at the Synopsis Science and Engineering Fair, at which she qualified for the Broadcom MASTERS contest.
As a first place category winner, Ruhi received $3,500 toward a STEM summer camp experience and an iPad. Since Ruhi is interested in a career in computer science, she is very excited about the award.
In addition to academics, Ruhi enjoys music. She plays the piano as well as an Indian flute called the bansuri. Continued success to you, Ruhi!
Current Challenger families have the opportunity to enroll for the 2020–2021 school year before enrollment opens to the public. You’ll receive more information in January.
Current students must reapply every year before open enrollment begins to ensure priority placement.
It’s full steam ahead for Challenger students’ Science Fair projects!
Kindergarten–grade 2 students are receiving their materials this month, and grade 3–8 students should already have their projects well underway. Please make sure that your child completes the project on his or her own.
The Science Fair will be held in late January.
In order to ensure that your child retains the skills she is learning in class, try these activities together over Winter Break:
Watch educational DVDs like Challenger Phonics Fun with your child (available at your campus or online at LearningCrew.org). The kit makes a terrific Christmas gift! Sing along with the songs. As you watch, ask questions about letters, sounds, and blending.
Play counting games. Ask your child to count the cookies on a plate or presents under the tree. While you’re in the car, say, “Can you find eight houses that are decorated for the holidays?” or look at a calendar and ask, “How many days are left in this year?” Three-year-olds are learning to count to 20, and four-year-olds can handle even larger numbers.
Every month, we send email versions of the Challenger News to all parents who have registered their email address on our parent portal. If you haven’t yet done so, register your email today to ensure that you receive the newsletter and stay informed and up-to-date on all that’s happening at Challenger.
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