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Principal's Message
Dear Families and Friends,
We have worked hard and have accomplished a lot this year! For example, Challenger Middle School celebrated its 20th birthday; we launched our CATS community character program; we painted murals; we beautified our campus; we consistently followed our dress code and discipline policies; we took benchmark exams; we ran the circuit, and we held our first Harbor Cruise for 8th graders, just to name a few.
Students have met all of our expectations and have even surprised us with their continued commitment to look and act like students. Students treated each other with respect, put forth their best effort, launched rockets in Science class, entered contests, gave speeches, played sports, joined clubs, convinced Mr. Bauer to play music on Fridays, met standards and absolutely defined The Challenger Way….. For this, I thank all of you.
Please take time this summer to reinforce the work habits students have formed during the school year. They should continue reading their favorite authors and expanding their horizons by trying new genres. Public libraries are open during the summer and often have summer reading programs. Show them how math is used in everyday life – grocery shopping, reading recipes, working on household projects such as measuring distances for cutting wood, or even hanging a picture. We live in a wonderful city with many opportunities to be physically active. Spend time with your children and take advantage of our lovely weather.
The website has been updated with important information for the 2008-09 school year. Please check back often for new information. You will receive a postcard in the mail with important dates. Students will take home the “Back to School” packet in September with many important forms and critical information for all of you which will include an application for the Free/Reduced Cost Meal Program, especially since the cost of a full meal has risen by twenty-five cents.
Thank you again for your continued support. Good luck all our eighth graders moving on to high school and to our retiring staff members, Generia Perkes, Jeanne Reed, Joe Carter and Kathy McLaughlin, as they move on to their well-deserved next stage of life. I hope you all have a relaxing break.
See you soon,
Sheelagh Moran
Principal
March 13, 2008
Dear Families,
I am very happy to tell you that Challenger has been awarded $1,000.00 for winning the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Front Runner prize. We are excited about this because we know that healthy kids do better in school!! Please visit the website to see how your child can record their physical activity and help us as we work to earn the grand prize of a brand new fitness center for our school.
Progress reports will be distributed on March 28, the Friday we return from spring break. I hope all of you have signed up for the ParentConnection program which enables you to view your student’s grades and attendance as often as you feel is necessary. This progress report reflects performance for the first six weeks of the second semester. This means we have only twelve weeks of school left this school year – please ensure your student is completing all assignments and attends any after school tutoring necessary he/she needs.
STAR (Standardized Testing and Reporting) testing for grades 6-8 will take place in the morning hours between April 24 - 31.
STAR consists of the California Standards Test, which is based on the California teaching standards in the areas of English language arts and Mathematics; eighth graders will also take a science and history test. The second component within STAR testing is the CAT6 (California Achievement Test, 6th Edition). This assessment is norm-referenced, rather than standards based, and measures achievement in the areas of reading, language arts, spelling and mathematics. Please read test-taking tips for parents on the website, making sure students are well rested and eat a good breakfast each day.
Standardized assessments are used to publicly report school/district scores. Additionally, you will receive an individual score report for your child via U.S. mail in late August. Standardized test scores are used to identify student needs and areas of strength. It is imperative that students do their best to “show what they know.” If you have questions or need clarification, please feel free to see me and/or visit the state website, www.ets.org/letstalk.
You have undoubtedly heard about the state budget crisis and how it is affecting our schools. Challenger has made cuts; we have worked very hard to keep them as far away form the classroom as possible. Please take time to address your concerns with state officials and local government representatives. On the website, you will find
links that will guide you in this endeavor.
In order to keep everyone focused for the remainder of the year, please communicate closely with your student daily to ensure he/she is completing homework and projects within timelines set by the teacher. Students need to be at school on time, each day. They should be dressed appropriately (refer to the dress code no no’s pictured in the planner), paying attention to no spaghetti straps, halter-tops, flip-flops or backless shoes.
Thank you for your continued support, have a great spring break.
Sincerely,
Sheelagh Moran
Principal
Dear Families,
I hope all of you had a rejuvenating holiday break. We are back in full swing and are excited about second semester. The first half of the year has been very positive. In order to maintain the momentum, we are working with students to recommit themselves to academic excellence just as they did in September. Students have been asked to reflect on their first semester in order to continue positive behaviors and learn from mistakes. Please take time to check your student’s grades, talk with them about their school day and take a look at their planner. Challenger staff members are committed to providing each and every student a safe learning environment in which children are supported so they can excel; we will be even more successful with your help.
Thank you to all the parents of eighth graders who have attended the 4-Year Plan parent meetings with our counselors; it is critical that we work together to ensure a smooth transition to high school. Mira Mesa High School counselors will be on campus February 12 and 14 to give eighth graders information regarding their class choices for the 08-09 school year. In addition, there is information available to you regarding the district’s promotion/retention policy as well as the eighth grade party and promotion ceremony participation requirements. Please scroll through the website to learn more.
We have many exciting clubs this year: Las Mariposas, Interactions for Peace--Peer Mediators, Robotics Club, Lighthouse Christian Club and MESA. I know that many Challenger students are involved in sports and community groups. These activities are a great avenue for students to build confidence and surround themselves with young people who are “doing the right things."
As many of you know, we just celebrated the 20th birthday of Challenger Middle School. We also said goodbye to Mrs. Generia Perkes, who retired and welcomed Ms. Goura Perey to take over for the second semester. The celebration brought many people together to share stories on how Challenger has grown. The one constant is the tremendous support from the community and the pride we all have in our students.
I hope your students have told you about the beautification project that was launched over the past few months.
The lunch tables were painted, the planters were replanted with beautiful magnolia trees and ground cover, two amazing murals were added and the grounds were cleaned. Thank you to all that have helped spruce up our campus!!! On a sad note we are having a problem with weekend vandalism. Since October, we have had several windows broken, plants uprooted, graffiti written on the walls and trash dumped around campus. We have put fliers around the immediate neighborhood, called the police and have posted the CrimeStoppers phone number around the school. If you have any information, please call us at 858-586-7001. We hope that by working together we can put a stop to this immediately.
As always, thank you for your support and please call with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Sheelagh Moran
Principal
Dear Families,
In the poem, Amazing Peace, Maya Angelou says “Hope is born in the faces of our children.” As educators, the joy and optimism inherit in children renews us daily. As you try to balance the obligations of the season, we hope you can set aside the stress and enjoy some time with your children. The Challenger Staff and I want to wish you a safe and happy holiday.
Throughout the school year, teachers are asked to assess students to determine level of performance. One way to communicate student progress is through progress reports which are sent home every six weeks. Report cards issued at the end of each semester records the permanent grade. The last day for the first semester this year is Friday, February 1. Please take time to talk to your student about his/her grades and what he/she can do to keep up the good work or improve. If you need assistance with understanding the grades, please check our website. Using the progress report as your guide, look for the teacher’s name listed next to each subject. You can then view each teacher’s syllabus and email teachers if you have questions. Teachers are available to provide help and answer questions, please also encourage your student to ask for help and clarify any misunderstandings. You may also sign up for ParentConnection to view grades on assignments, test scores and your child’s daily attendance record.
Making good decisions during a child’s life impacts their happiness and level of success. We are working with students by informing them about how to handle difficult decisions through the anti-harassment program and supporting good decision making skills by recognizing outstanding grade point averages. Students who turn in their homework on a regular basis now belong to the 100% Club. Our nurse, Becky Draper, is working with NarcAnon Program to inform students on how drugs and alcohol effect the body. A new awards program at the end of the first semester will also reinforce students who made good academic decisions and are successful in class.
Our Counseling Department will be working with 8th grade students to create 4-Year Plans. Career, college and vocational school information will be discussed at the parent meetings. We want students to start thinking about their post-high school plans and choose classes in high school that would support those plans. Invitations to the meetings have been mailed home and information is posted on the website. Please take advantage of this opportunity to discuss the future with your eighth grader.
As I reflect on my first three months as principal of Challenger, I realize I have much for which to be thankful for, especially the great team we have strengthened. Each day I walk into classrooms where the teachers have planned meaningful lessons for all students. Students are interested in school, eager to learn and are having fun. I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to all of the Challenger families; your support has been tremendous, and it is truly a key to our success.
As I reflect on my first three months as principal of Challenger, I realize I have much for which to be thankful for, especially the great team we have strengthened. Each day I walk into classrooms where the teachers have planned meaningful lessons for all students. Students are interested in school, eager to learn and are having fun. I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to all of the Challenger families; your support has been tremendous, and it is truly a key to our success.Wishing you a safe and prosperous new year!
Sheelagh Moran
Principal
Principal
October 29, 2007
September 2007
Dear Families,
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your student(s) to the 2007-2008 school year at Challenger Middle School. Teachers and staff at Challenger have been working diligently to establish a positive learning community in and out of the classroom. We have launched our CATS program (Community, Attitude, Tolerance and Scholarship). All students attended a one hour presentation via their English class during the first week of school. We have developed this program to support all students and to create a safe Harassment, Bullying, and Teasing-Free environment.
Hard work has paid off – our formal test scores increased! Our API (Academic Performance Index) is 813 up from last year at 796. I am excited to begin our work this year with a focus on building a positive learning environment in and out of the classroom, taking a deep look at formal and informal assessments, monitoring student progress, building collaborative teams and improving communication with families. It takes all of us to set up optimal learning conditions to support students in becoming their best. Congratulations and thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to the Challenger Community!
The very essence of a learning community is a focus on and a commitment to the learning of
each student….
Commitment is what moves a group to become a team.
As we begin the 2007-2008 school year, we will work along side Chelsea Kang-Smith (our Area 2 Superintendent) to address the five goals set out for the district.
1. Accelerate gains in student performance.2. Provide safe, orderly and well-maintained schools.3. Strengthen parent, community and higher education support.4. Boost employee morale.5. Secure adequate funding for schools.
Teachers have been providing students with Standards-Based Lessons. This is important because standards define the basis of knowledge that all children are expected to learn. Teachers are working to support your student as they reach proficiency in all academic areas. Please support students at home by checking their homework, asking them about school and volunteering. Your involvement is the key to their success.
You, as family members, have the most significant role in the learning of your child. Check your child’s grades through ParentConnection, attend Open House on September 25 and add the Challenger website to your favorites. These are a few ways to keep up on what is going on at the BEST middle school in the area. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns. I am also available to establish and support two-way communication. Thank you for your commitment to your student’s education and support of Challenger Middle School.
Sincerely,
Sheelagh Moran
Principal
June 2007
Dear Families,
On behalf of the Challenger Middle School Staff, I would like to personally express our thanks and appreciation for your ongoing support as we come to the close of the 2006/07 school year. It is great to be able to lead a school with supportive parents, an involved community, and motivated students. I would also like to extend a HUGE thank you to all staff for their ongoing commitment to the Challenger community.
Teachers worked extremely hard this year to provide your students with standards based lessons each day. This is crucial because standards define the basis of knowledge that all students are expected to learn at the state and national levels. During late summer, you should receive results from the STAR assessments via U.S. Mail. Please take time to look over these test scores and discuss their implications with your son/daughter. Remember, it is our goal for all students to perform within or above the proficient band. As students move through the K-12 system, it is imperative that they are made aware of their progress as well as what they need to do to improve or maintain their level of proficiency. The High School Exit exam is quickly approaching and middle school test scores serve as an indicator of future success. If you have any questions regarding the standardized testing process, do not hesitate to ask.
Summer School will be held at Challenger Middle this summer for 6th and 7th graders. Eighth graders will attend Kroc Middle or Mira Mesa High depending on their situation. Summer School begins on Monday, June 25th. If your student is attending Challenger Summer School, you will receive a letter confirming times and dates. If you have any questions, please call the office.
The district has introduced a new program in which family and community members are able to recognize employees for supporting a family-friendly environment at Challenger. By filling out a Super Service Commendation Card, you are able to show your appreciation for high quality service. This program enables you to communicate your appreciation to staff members. If you have received outstanding service from a school employee, please complete and return a card to the Commendation box located in the main office. Those employees recognized will receive award certificates. Thank you for recognizing our efforts to serve you better.
It has been a busy couple of months. I am very impressed with the students and staff at Challenger and have received a warm welcome from everyone. Thank you all for taking time to stop by and introduce yourself. I am looking forward to next year. We will reestablish the advisory period in which students will meet in a homeroom each morning for about fifteen minutes. This will provide time to take care of daily routines, saying the pledge, handing out/collecting important information, and reading the bulletin. This period will reduce classroom interruptions and, in turn, strengthen the instructional program in all content areas.
I hope all of you are able to spend quality time this summer with those most important to you. Please encourage students to read; you might want to choose a book you and your child can discuss together, participate in age appropriate – fun activities and talk about how next year can be the best yet.
Have a great break!
Sheelagh Moran
Principal
