The Comet Chronicle
Challenger Elem. Parent Newsletter January/February, 2019
Message from the Principal
As we continue our school year, we are looking forward to the many exciting activities planned for Challenger students in 2019! The PTA sponsored Spelling Bee is scheduled for February 8. National Read Across America activities will take place the week of March 3. The STEM fair will happen on March 15 and grade level vocal performances are scheduled throughout the spring.
This is just a glimpse of the many activities during the second half of the school year that will continue to help build a sense of community at Challenger. Check out our website to see pictures of these events and to find details of the exciting things planned for this school year.
It might just be me, but I am hearing a lot about a certain principal at Challenger getting covered in slime. That's right, our PTA membership has reached the 75% mark! That means 75% of our families are PTA members. Back in September, I made promises about what I would do if we met certain thresholds for membership. When we reached 25%, I came to school with green hair. When we reached 50%, I wore an inflatable T-Rex costume at arrival and dismissal. I promised that if we got to 75%, I would let the kids cover me in slime. And we got there! We are still working out the details about when and how it will take place but it will be in the next few weeks. Look for a message about it soon!
PTA Hops n Drops Fundraiser
Present this flyer to your server and HopsnDrops will donate 20% of your total bill to the Challenger PTA.
Tuesday, Feb 5, 2019, 05:00 PM
Hops n Drops, Klahanie Drive Southeast, Issaquah, WA, USA
Making Challenger a Safer School
Challenger has taken the next step in making our campus even more safe for students. The area in the back of the school, which was open, has now been fenced off and secured with a lock. Just like other areas, staff members have the ability to unlock the area in case of an emergency. Our campus now has a completely secured perimeter. All visitors must enter through the front of the building using our safety vestibule.
Please remember that there is no supervision on campus until 9:00 AM each day and students should not arrive before this time. Gates, in the front and back, will not be opened until 9:00. This is a change for our school now that the area has been secured.
Our Second Graders are Out of This World
Attendance is Important
Bicycle Safety for Students
You may have heard from your children that “Mr. Klein is the helmet policeman!” And they’re right! He is the self-appointed Chief of the Challenger Bicycle Helmet Police. From his perch in Portable 9 overlooking the front parking lot at our school, he watches dozens of kids riding their bikes to school. He does his best to praise those who protect their heads with a helmet, and gives reminders to those who don’t.
Mr. Klein loves riding his own bike – it’s a recumbent! He always wears a helmet because he values his head!
Remember, students must wear a helmet if they ride their bike to school. Washington State law requires all children under 16 to wear a helmet. Students who do not wear a helmet will not be allowed to ride their bike to school.
If the cost of a helmet is a concern for you, then Mr. Klein will gladly give one to your children free of charge. All it takes is an email to him at kleinh@issaquah.wednet.edu, and your kids’ heads will be forever protected.
Kindergarten Registration is Coming!
Online kindergarten registration for the 2019-2020 school year will open Monday, February 4th. Applications should be completed by Friday, March 8th.
Kindergarten screening appointments will take place Wednesday April 3rd, from 1:40-3:40 pm. Sign up will take place upon completion of registration.
Kindergarten Orientation will be held at Challenger on Wednesday, May 29th from 3:00 – 4:00 pm. More details will be available as we get closer to the date.
Comet Coin Update
Second Winter Break February 18-22, 2019
School Resumes Monday, February 25, 2019
Important Dates:
February
1 Popcorn Friday
8 Spelling Bee
12 2nd Grade Vocal Concert (evening)
14 Site Council Meeting; Library
18-22 No School; Presidents Day; 2nd Winter Break
27 Fifth Grade Students leave for Camp Coleman
March
1 Fifth Grade Students return from Camp Coleman
4-8 Read Across America Activities
8 National Day of Unplugging
13 Plateau Choir Festival; Cascade Ridge 5:30 PM
15 Challenger STEM Fair
19 Report Cards
21 Site Council; Library
26 Kindergarten Vocal Concert (evening)