As the Christmas season approaches, you may be caught up in a whirlwind of activities with family, friends, and co-workers. No matter how busy you are, I hope you take a moment to reflect on the actions of the people who have enhanced your life.
Many holiday traditions and cultural customs are created to provide special ways to express good will toward others. In the pressures of daily life, we may sometimes take for granted the people most important to us. The holiday season gives us an opportunity to step out of our daily concerns and to remember and reflect on the ways certain individuals add value to our lives.
Western culture has a tradition of exchanging gifts during Christmas as a way to show appreciation. Giving gifts can be among life’s most satisfying experiences, but only if done as a sincere expression of appreciation. Gift-giving by rote, as a means to gain leverage or as something that you do only because you feel obligated, isn’t nearly as effective in bringing true happiness to the gift giver or receiver.
You’ve heard the expression "it’s the thought that counts." But in reality, it’s not only what is in your head that matters; what is in your heart matters, too. That is the secret for feeling the true Christmas spirit.
Let your heart fill with appreciation as you think about those who enhance your life. As you select and give gifts, whether for family members, friends, or service providers, reflect on how each person added value to your life over this past year. Think about the specific things that he or she did. And accept gifts in the same spirit—as an expression of the other person’s appreciation for you—reflecting on how you have added value to the life of the gift giver.
Here at Challenger, we want to take a moment in this Christmas season to express our appreciation to everyone who enhances our lives: our students, our staff, and you, our parents. Challenger is only able to fulfill our mission of providing outstanding education for our students because you are so concerned, loving, and committed. We are grateful to have you in our lives and as a vital part of our schools. Thank you, and have a very merry Christmas filled with laughter and joy.
Hugh Gourgeon CEO
January is enrollment time at Challenger School. As a current student, your child will be continuously enrolled for the 2024–25 school year.
Watch for an email in early January containing your child’s placement information for the 2024–2025 school year as well as updated policies, program costs, and important deadlines.
If the placement is as you expected, your child is all set for the next school year! If you’d like to make changes or add a program (like Extended Classtime or summer program), you can submit a request at any time through the parent portal. If you have an additional child who is ready to enroll, contact your campus for an online new-student enrollment application, and submit it before classes fill up.
As always, we thank you for your continued support and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your child’s life and education.
We are excited that families of California students—after a three-year hiatus—will again be able to attend Christmas Sings and concerts on campus this year. Students in all regions have been learning and practicing and are looking forward to presenting their programs to you.
Parents of preschool through grade 5 students are invited to enjoy the Christmas Sings, while families of our middle school students will be attending a Christmas Concert.
The date and time of your child’s performance is posted on our website’s Christmas Sings event webpage.
We hope you can join us for our favorite festive event!
On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces attacked the U.S. naval station at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, plunging our country into war. In classes this month, we will honor those who lost their lives on that day and those that fought for freedom throughout World War II.
On the last day of school prior to winter break, classrooms will be celebrating the holidays with Christmas festivities. Kindergarten through grade 8 students are required to wear uniforms on this day, however, students are encouraged to help celebrate by wearing a holiday accessory: a headband, a tie, socks, a hat, tights, or a scarf.
Challenger will provide fun activities and tasty treats, so please do not send food or gifts to this in-class, student-only occasion. It will be a wonderful day of Christmas cheer!
Please contact your campus office if you’d like to volunteer to assist with kindergarten through grade 8 classroom parties.
Challenger School will not be in session December 18–January 1. We hope you enjoy time together with family and friends, and we wish you the best in the New Year!
It’s full steam ahead for Science Fair projects!
Kindergarten through grade 2 students will begin their projects after the break, and grade 3 through 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 culminate in late January.