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History
"We Touch the Future, We Teach"
In 1987, Challenger Middle School started as a junior high with a double-session schedule of 840 seventh graders sharing the site of Wangenheim Junior High School. We moved to temporary bungalows located next to our current site later that same year. Our permanent buildings opened in 1990 with eighth graders joining us in 1991. We became a middle school with 6th, 7th and 8th graders in 1996. Our school is named in honor of the space shuttle Challenger and her courageous crew. On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded during lift-off, ending the lives of all seven crewmembers including the first "Teacher in Space", Christa McAuliffe. The name “Challenger” captures the energy and the inspiration associated with commitment to success. It dares one to go beyond one’s limits, to have high expectations, to touch the future. The crew’s love for their country, commitment to excellence and appreciation of education were elements that led to their success. The memory of that crew will serve as a role model for our multi-ethnic student population. Christa McAuliffe
September 2, 1948 – January 28, 1986
First Teacher in Space
Mrs. McAuliffe was a social studies teacher from Concord, MA who chosen by NASA out of thousands of applicants to develop lessons and teach all of us about space. She considered it to be The Ultimate Field Trip. In order to be part of the crew, she trained for 114 hours just like all the other astronauts. She loved to teach and her motto was “I touch the future, I teach.” Teacher Reaches Space Two Decades Later Barbara Morgan, an elementary teacher who trained as a backup astronaut for Christa McAuliffe under the Teacher in Space Project, finally flew in space for twelve days in August 2007 on the orbitor Endeavour during Mission STS-118.
![]() Challenger Crew Mission STS 51-L
These astronauts who trained and worked together represented the hope and diversity of America. Francis R. (Dick) Scobee, Commander Michael J. Smith, Pilot Ronald E. McNair, Mission Specialist Ellison S. Onizuka, Mission Specialist Judith A. Resnik, Mission Specialist Gregory B. Jarvis, Payload Specialist Sharon Christa McAuliffe, Payload Specialist - First Teacher in Space While on the 8th Grade East Coast Trip, students usually visit the Arlington National Cemetery. They place a wreath at the memorial to honor those astronauts who perished during the accident. 20th Anniversary
Many former staff members and students attended our 20th anniversary celebration, including all of our former principals. We were privileged to have a U.S. Marine Color Guard, VMFA (AW)-121 Greenknights, from Miramar MCAS present and retire the colors. One of our parent volunteers, Mrs. Shortill was instrumental in arranging their participation. Thank you the men who took time out of their very busy schedules to honor our school with their impressive performance. Sgt Reese W. Taylor, Cpl Harvey R. Ballman, Cpl Eugene F. Sloskey, LCpl Jason A. Slaven
Accompanied by MSgt Steven C. Shortill Mrs. Generia Perkes', who also retired on that day, reflected on the years she spent learning and growing through change as we went from a junior high with only 7th graders to a middle school with 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Our current ASB President, Nicole Hardson-Hurley discussed her many family connections to Challenger and how Christa Mcauliffe, the First Teacher in Space, inspires her to become a teacher herself. George Presecan, a former Challenger student and senior at Mira Mesa High School, encouraged our students with his motivational speech about becoming a well-rounded student in academics as well as in sports. Advisory representatives recited the poem One Life and the Challenger Chorale, accompanied by one of our excellent student pianists, Jinyoung Hwang and violionist, Natalie Gibson, sang the Star Spangled Banner, Challenger's Alma Mater and, to finish, Happy Birthday!
![]() Principals (from left): Sheelagh Moran (2007-Current), Lamont Jackson (2005-2007), Samuel Wong (1993-2005), Mary Castleberry (1987-1993)
Christa the Cheetah
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© Challenger Middle School
10810 Parkdale Avenue, San Diego, CA 92126 Phone: (858) 586-7001 - Fax: (858) 271-5203 |
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