The CHMS Post

November 1, 2023

Challenger Middle School Mission

To provide an exemplary education that develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills which inspire our students to challenge their minds and charge their spirits.

Principal's Corner

Happy Fall Y'all!


I trust this message finds you in good health and high spirits as we continue to embark on the second quarter of this academic year. It is a pleasure to write to you, reflecting on the progress we have made and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.


As we continue in this new quarter, I want to take a moment to commend our students for their hard work and dedication throughout the first quarter. Your commitment to learning, personal growth, and excellence has been truly inspiring. Let's carry this momentum forward and build on the successes and lessons of the past few months.


In the coming weeks, we have an exciting lineup of events, projects, and opportunities for students to engage in. These experiences are designed to not only enrich your education but also encourage personal growth, teamwork, and community involvement. Stay tuned for updates on our school website or Facebook and get ready to make the most of these opportunities.


I am excited about the possibilities and achievements that the second quarter will bring. Together, we will make it a period of growth, exploration, and accomplishment. Thank you for being part of our wonderful school community.


Kindly,


Stacia Winfree

Principal – Challenger Middle

Picture Day Retakes πŸ“Έ

Yearbook picture retakes will be on Wednesday, November 1st.


You can purchase pictures you've already taken easily online by going to mylifetouch.com and entering your portrait ID and access code which can be found in your Picture Day Packets!


If you haven't taken pictures yet and would like to purchase your retake photos, also visit mylifetouch.com and enter the Picture Day ID: EVTXGZFJP

23-24 Yearbook πŸ“š

Yearbooks are officially on sale now! Lock in your yearbook for the price of $30! After January 1st, the price will increase. Don't miss out on preserving those middle school memories!


To purchase a yearbook please visit: ybpay.lifetouch.com and enter our school code: 14294624

All County Dance Auditions

All County Dance Auditions are on Tuesday, November 28th from 8:00 am - 9:15 am

Location: Ms. Leonard's room (2-116)


For the audition, advanced dancers that are proficient in the styles of ballet and jazz, need to come in movable clothing. Students will learn a jazz dance choreographed by Mrs. Leonard.


If selected, scheduled rehearsals are in the mornings on Tues/Thursdays from 8:00 am - 9:15 am starting Nov 30th, 2023, and ending Feb 13th, 2024.


The All County Dance Concert is scheduled for Thursday, February 15th.

December Movie Night πŸ“½οΈ

Big picture

We will be hosting our first Movie Night of the year on Wednesday, December 13th from

4:30 pm - 6:30 pm in the Cafeteria!

Our movie night will be featuring "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".

Tickets are $10 and include 1 slice of pizza, a drink, and popcorn.


Students must have BOTH signed permission slips turned in BEFORE they can purchase a ticket. Forms will be available outside of Mrs. Wilke's room (1-325) starting November 27th!

Tickets will be on sale November 27th - December 8th.

Big picture

IN ORDER FOR ANY STUDENT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLUB OR AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY, THEY WILL NEED THIS FORM FILLED OUT AND SIGNED BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN.

Jr. Thespians

Attention all Jr. Thespian Drama Club students and families!!!


There are several Jr. Thespian events scheduled for the month of November, please find the information for these events below:

Jr. Thespian District Individual Event Showcase

Parents of students competing in the District 6 Jr Thespian Festival are invited to come to Ms. Leonard's classroom and see our troupe's theatre individual events.


The Individual Event Showcase will take place on Friday, November 3rd

from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Location: Ms. Leonard's room (2-116)

Jr. Thespian One Act Festival

The Jr. Thespian One Act Festival will take place on Friday, November 10th at North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts.


Students from Challenger Middle will be critiqued at the district level in the one-act play festival. Contact Ms. Leonard for further details.

Thespys Individual Event Festival

Students from Challenger Middle School will be critiqued at the District 6 level in performing and technical theatre individual events.


The Thespys Individual Event Festival will take place on Saturday, November 11th

from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Location: North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts


Only students and chaperones registered may attend.

Jr. Thespian Theatre Fundraiser

Jr Thespian Annual Fundraiser! Theatre students are invited to attend theatre workshops taught by theatre professionals in the community.


The fundraiser will take place on Thursday, November 16th from 4:15 pm - 7:30 pm

Location: Challenger Middle Gymnasium

Big picture

SPORTS UPDATE!

ATTENTION!


Starting this school year (2023-2024), all middle school students participating in any sport are required to receive a health exam (also known as a physical) from their healthcare provider and submit a completed medical evaluation form to the school before the tryouts of whichever sport they are participating in.

Click the link below for the form you will need to have completed. YOU MUST USE THIS SPECIFIC FORM. NO OTHER FORM WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Volleyball 🏐

Big picture
Big picture

BOTH OF THE FORMS LINKED BELOW NEED TO BE COMPLETED IN ORDER FOR STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY SPORT.

Big picture

Unity Day 🧑

On Wednesday, October 18th, Challenger celebrated Unity Day, which is an Anti-Bullying Campaign that is held NATIONWIDE on the third Wednesday in October each year. As a school we decorate, make posters, and wear ORANGE for the occasion.

Big picture
Big picture

Class Pet of the Month

Milk the Guinea Pig

Milk the Guinea Pig resides in Mr. Ernst's science classroom. He is 1 and a half years old and spends most of his day chilling, moving his house around, and watching the students work. His diet consists mostly of fruit, veggies, and hay! Milk also has a brother and a sister - named French Toast and Waffle. Students love getting to see Milk every day in class.

New Teacher Shout Out!

Ms. Otero

Ms. Otero has joined Challenger Middle this year as a 7th & 8th-grade Global Perspectives teacher. Ms. Otero may be new to Challenger, but she has been teaching for 5 years. She said that her favorite thing to do for fun or to relax is to go to the beach with her family. When asked what her favorite part about teaching is, she said she loves getting to know the student's interests outside of school.

Aidan Devitt

Aidan Devitt had the privilege to run at the FLYRA State Cross Country Championship on Saturday, October 28th in Lakeland, FL. Aidan ran in the Open category and made Challenger very proud with his grit and determination to run his very best race. We are so proud of you Aidan!

PTO/SAC Meeting

PTO/SAC Meetings occur on the second Thursday of every month. Our next meeting will take place on November 9, 2023.


PTO will start at 5:30 pm and run until 6:00 pm.

SAC will then begin at 6:00 pm and go until 6:30 pm.


All PTO/SAC Meetings will be held in person at Challenger Middle School in the Media Center.

Important Dates

Below are a list of dates for when both interims and report cards will be available to both students and parents. 😊


1st Quarter

Interim – Sept. 13th

Report Card – Oct. 19th


2nd Quarter

Interim – Nov. 15th

Report Card – Jan. 1st


3rd Quarter

Interim – Feb. 7th

Report Card – Mar. 20th


4th Quarter

Interim – Apr. 24th

Report Card – Jun. 7th

Big picture

Out of Field Teachers

Florida State Statute 1012.42 recognizes that teachers at times must be assigned duties in a class outside the field in which the teacher is certified. The following teachers at Challenger Middle School are engaged in training to add the required endorsements and certifications to their teaching certificate:


Subject Area:

Heather D'Archangel - ELA

Katrina Duys - History

Alejandra Matos - Science

Fortify FL

FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and schools.


To visit this website go to getfortifyfl.com

Per the Code of Federal Regulation we are required to put a notice out to students and parents stating the following:


EPA 40 CFR 763

This school has been recently inspected and certain asbestos-containing materials or assumed to be asbestos-containing materials such as: fire doors or roofing materials that are tested prior to repairs or removal as needed, have been located in the school buildings. Please be aware that the School District of Lee County has an active management plan designed to ensure that the building is maintained safely for all occupants. These materials are being controlled in accordance with the Asbestos Management Program for the School and following the limitations and procedures of the policies and requirements of the Asbestos O&M Program. The report lists the location, quantity, and condition of all known materials and contains the details of the control procedures, and is available at the school office for your inspection during normal school hours. Copies of the school’s asbestos file can be supplied to you at a cost upon submittal of request.

Lee County School Board

Armor Persons, District 5 (Chair)

Samuel Fisher, District 1 (Vice Chair)


Melisa W. Giovannelli, District 2

Chris N. Patricca, District 3

Debbie Jordan, District 4

Jada Langford-Fleming, District 6

Cathleen O'Daniel Morgan, District 7


Kathy Dupuy-Bruno, Esq., Board Attorney


Dr. Christopher Bernier

Superintendent