Annual School Report

Challenger has a warm and friendly atmosphere. We strive to be a central part of the local Klahanie neighborhood community and aim to be a place of learning and growth for all students and families. It is through this partnership that we can best serve our students. We provide opportunities to honor and celebrate people in our community with special celebrations for Veterans’ Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

We are proud of our continued strong partnership with our parents and the community. Families are actively involved in the life of the school as they volunteer countless hours to support student learning. The power of our volunteers directly benefits student learning.  We were excited to have VOICE Mentor and Art Docent programs again this year.   We also implemented the Dads of Great Students Watch D.O.G.S. program.  This volunteer opportunity helps to provide positive male role models for the students in and out of the classroom.

Challenger celebrates a strong tradition of before and after school enrichment programs. Our teachers provide enrichment by leading a number of clubs such as Student Council, Kindness Club, Comet Choir, After the Bell Enrichment, Math Club, Fly Fishing, and Ukulele Club.

Our teachers and students are enthusiastically engaged in the integration of technology into all aspects of learning.  Lessons are enhanced with computers, document cameras, online programs, coding bots, and new interactive televisions. In addition, online programs are available for students to practice the skills they are learning in class independently.  This year, we were able to provide 1:1 technology in the classroom for our 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th graders.

Challenger students are expected to be safe, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. Students are taught about, and rewarded for, showing these expected behaviors with classroom and school-wide positive behavior recognition celebrations.  Pajama Day, school-wide Bingo, reading parties with forts and school-wide dance parties are some of the ways we celebrate when students reach their Comet Coin goals. 

Our PTA works closely with the school to provide both academic enrichment opportunities and social opportunities for our students. These include assemblies, teacher and school grant opportunities, Art Reflections, Family Bingo Night, a Glow Dance Party, Family Movie Night, Eager Reader, Color Run, Art Walk and a summer writing program.

We are in the first year of our new School Improvement Plan (SIP) which focuses on providing strong instruction in math to all students. Professional development is designed to support teachers in the instruction of math through collaboration and implementation.  In addition to math, we implement Success Blocks four days a week to provide high levels of support to students in the area of reading.

Challenger houses one of the District’s Learning Resource Center II (LRC II) programs: a special education program for students in grades K-5.  Students who receive services in LRC II are included in general education grade-level activities as much as possible. The LRC II program is a vital part of our diverse community. 

This year, Challenger was able to provide extra support to students who need it the most in reading and math since we received additional Title I funds.  This additional support was provided by the part-time Title I teacher.

Challenger implements Second Step, a social-emotional learning curriculum, in all grades.  Challenger also utilizes ideas from Kelso’s choice which teaches students how to problem solve on their own.  Challenger staff continues their work as a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports) school and are enthusiastic about the District PBSES (Positive Behavior and Social-Emotional Support) work. PBIS is based on principles of applied behavioral analysis and the proactive approach to positive behavior support for students. Classroom morning meetings is one way students and their teacher come together to address problems and create a stronger community. The school has worked together to adopt and organize behavioral expectations that enhance academic and social outcomes for all students.    We have also developed expected behaviors for shared locations around the building (i.e. in the lunchroom, hallways, playground and restrooms) and recognizing students who demonstrate expected behaviors with “Comet Coins”. These are special coins that celebrate these behaviors. 

The Challenger staff works with parents, the school district and outside experts in the area of Cultural Competency to grow awareness and skills in supporting our diverse population. Challenger staff is committed to being respectful and responsive to the beliefs and needs of all of our students and their families.