Dear Families,

As we begin the second half of the 2011-12 school year, I would like to thank you for your continued support.

We have had a terrific first semester! Attendance rates are near perfect! Students are excelling academically and socially as demonstrated by grades, involvement in on-site activities, and their participation in after-school sports. As we speak with students on a daily basis, they share a friendly attitude and an enthusiasm for school.

Most students at Challenger have discovered that the student planner is a helpful tool to assist them stay organized with assignments, tests, and class activities. If your student is not utilizing his/her student planner consistently, please take time to share how a planner would be useful in your personal and professional life. Sometimes, making a connection from your busy schedule to their schedule helps students understand the practical side of organizing priorities.

Parent/Student Connect has proven to be another amazing tool for both students and parents. Using the on-line grading system to monitor assignments and grades has allowed students and families to remain abreast of current student progress on assignments, tests, and homework. If you are having trouble accessing this system, please give your student’s counselor a call for assistance.

As we move through the second half of the school year, it is imperative for students to take advantage of help that is offered during and after the school day. If your student is struggling in any capacity, please speak to them regarding help that is available at school. If they are unable to articulate the level of help available during and after the school day, please contact the grade-level counselor. We are willing to troubleshoot with you ways to help you develop a plan to address any social or academic barrier your student may be experiencing.

Throughout the school year, there are many opportunities for parents to become involved and increase their understanding of what Challenger Middle School has to offer. For example, our school sponsored workshops help parents as their students enter the middle school years. Also, we have hosted several events such as Keeping Mira Mesa Safe, A-G Workshops, Parent Orientation, and School Tours. On a monthly basis, we email and post on our website a Middle Years publication that is loaded with timely articles which may answer questions and provide insight to adolescent issues. We welcome your input and participation.

Thank you for choosing Challenger - hope to see you soon.

Sheelagh Moran

Principal

 

Welcome to the 2011 - 2012 school year. The Challenger staff is looking forward to another exciting year in which all students are supported to do their best every day.

 

Our efforts at Challenger align with the district mission statement: All San Diego Unified students will graduate with the skills, motivation, curiosity, and resilience to succeed in their choice of college or career in order to participate in the society of tomorrow. Bill Kowba, our superintendent, has reorganized district leadership. Shirley Wilson will serve as our Area Superintendent. Ms. Wilson’s goal is to support principals, school staff, and the community in all aspects of school life. She will be a visible member of our school community and is committed to lead Challenger students to higher levels of achievement.

 

This year Challenger will continue to support the community-based school reform model which focuses on building academic and social skills for all students to prepare them for future success in and out of school. Challenger will focus on teaching students how to think critically which will enable them to apply their knowledge in every situation they may encounter. The Challenger community will continue to collaborate, communicate, nurture meaningful relationships, celebrate success, and address areas of need. Our Challenger team works diligently to meet the needs of students and to support them academically and socially. I believe the one thing that sets Challenger apart, is our relentless drive and determination to uphold consistent high expectations for everyone each and every day.

 

As your student moves through the school year, please take time to review the school planner on a weekly basis. This is a tool that assists your student in meeting expectations in all areas. Visiting the Challenger website will assist you as you and your student experience middle school. If you haven’t already, be sure to enroll in the Zangle Parent Connect. Using Parent Connect, you will be able to monitor your student’s grades and attendance on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. We have heard nothing but positive remarks from our families last year regarding this program. If you need assistance enrolling in the program, do not hesitate to call and speak with a counselor or a member of the office staff.

 

Please take time to get to know us; there are many opportunities to support the school.

 

Thank you for choosing Challenger, and hope to see you soon.