May 2025 Challenger School Newsletter
The Importance of Completing the School Year
Every day at Challenger is structured to contribute to your child’s development and success. It is important to recognize the invaluable lessons and growth that the full academic term offers, especially as we approach our enriching year-end activities.
These events are not mere formalities. Rather, they are celebrations that solidify the progress each student has made. They offer unique avenues for students to showcase their learning and character development achieved through the year.
One important year-end event is our merit assembly, where we offer public recognition for students who have achieved in various competitions throughout the year. As valuable as the recognition is, we remind students that it is through their hard work and achievement, rather than the award given, that they find the rewards of joy and self-worth. This principle helps students realize how acquired knowledge and skills can help them learn to live and think independently long after a certificate or trophy is forgotten.
Completing the academic year also teaches important life lessons about commitment and the benefits of finishing what one starts; it provides an opportunity for your child to practice dedication to the investment you have made in his or her academic and personal success.
This Month
Important Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 5–9 | Spring Programs (PS) |
| May 12–16 | Spring Programs and Art Fair (K–G8) |
| May 12–16 | Computer Programming Fair (G1–G8) |
| May 19–23 | Math Contest (K–G8) |
| May 23 | Memorial and D-Day Assembly (K–G8) |
| May 26 | Memorial Day—No School |
| May 30 | Graduation Dance/Social (G6–G8) |
| June 3–4 | Middle School Graduations |
Spring Programs and Fairs
Spring Programs are an exciting opportunity for students to culminate their year of learning with an impressive presentation for their families. Each preschool through fifth-grade class performs a program filled with songs, dances, and recitations, and our middle school students display their developing abilities with theatrical presentations.
While on campus, take note of the Young Author student books on display, and peruse the Computer Programming Fair projects and Art Fair winners.
It’s an exciting time to be on campus and witness the amazing abilities of Challenger students!
Math Contest (K–G8)
Students will participate in our annual math contest that begins May 19. Throughout the year, students study math by building one concept upon the previous in logical sequence. Students practice what they have learned by solving problems that require extending their knowledge to higher levels. This event offers students the opportunity to apply their math skills in an enjoyable, quick-paced contest.
Memorial Day
On May 23, kindergarten–grade 8 students will participate in an assembly and hear selections from speeches to help students understand and appreciate the price millions of Americans have paid to preserve freedom and individual rights. There will be no school on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26.
Middle School Graduations
Eighth-grade students and their families are looking forward to Challenger graduation ceremonies. Watch for an invitation to be mailed in May.
Announcements
Eighth Graders Return from the American History Tour
Last month, over 200 Challenger eighth-grade students toured American historic landmarks and sites in Boston, Philadelphia, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
It can be very inspiring for students to personally connect themselves to significant events in America’s history that fueled man’s quest for freedom. Traveling with informed Challenger chaperones helps bring to life some of the knowledge, ideals, and values learned in the classroom.
In addition, by traveling across the country unaccompanied by parents, students practice independence and the joy of self-management. This trip was a wonderful learning experience for many of our soon-to-be graduates!
Student Achievements
In the May and June issues of Challenger News, we highlight some of the recent, top student achievements. We simply cannot acknowledge every student’s achievements, but we readily congratulate the students listed, as well as all students who continue to strive to attain worthwhile goals. Some events and awards are still being finalized, so check back in June for additional announcements.
Mighty Mathematicians
Fifth- through eighth-grade students participated in the American Mathematics Competition 8 (AMC 8) test this spring, and the following students received the Honor Roll of Distinction commendation for scoring in the top 1% of all AMC 8 test takers nation-wide.
| Aariv D. (Sunnyvale, CA) | James Z. (Salt Lake, UT) |
| Annabelle M. (Berryessa, CA) | Joshua F. (Traverse Mountain, UT) |
| Bokai Y. (Middlefield, CA) | Nina L. (Ardenwood, CA) |
| Daniel J. (Middlefield, CA) | Runxian M. (Almaden, CA) |
| Dylan H. (Berryessa, CA) | Sidharth M. (Berryessa, CA) |
| Eason L. (Middlefield, CA) | Terence W. (Strawberry Park, CA) |
The following students received the Honor Roll commendation by scoring in the top 5% of all AMC 8 test takers nationwide.
| Aarnav S. (Ardenwood, CA) | Marshall H. (Strawberry Park, CA) |
| Abhimanyu M. (Shawnee, CA) | Matt L. (Almaden, CA) |
| Aden L. (Shawnee, CA) | Matt X. (Avery Ranch, TX) |
| Andrew D. (Berryessa, CA) | Max L. (Avery Ranch, TX) |
| Aoife M. (Almaden, CA) | Melody G. (Berryessa, CA) |
| Apoorva K. (Ardenwood, CA) | Mia F. (Shawnee, CA) |
| Arit K. (Middlefield, CA) | Michael G. (Strawberry Park, CA) |
| Ashley Z. (Strawberry Park, CA) | Nikhil B. (Strawberry Park, CA) |
| Benjamin F. (Sunnyvale, CA) | Pranav B. (Sandy, UT) |
| Brandon Z. (Sunnyvale, CA) | Pratham P. (Berryessa, CA) |
| Bryan L. (Sunnyvale, CA) | Rajit P. (Sunnyvale, CA) |
| Caroline Z. (Ardenwood, CA) | Ray Z. (Ardenwood, CA) |
| Claire G. (Strawberry Park, CA) | Raymond L. (Sunnyvale, CA) |
| Cynthia L. (Ardenwood, CA) | Riddhi V. (Middlefield, CA) |
| Dev R. (Strawberry Park, CA) | Rohan D. (Traverse Mountain, UT) |
| Dhruva A. (Almaden, CA) | Roland W. (Sunnyvale, CA) |
| Eason Z. (Almaden, CA) | Sejal A. (Sunnyvale, CA) |
| Eric F. (Middlefield, CA) | Shashank A. (Berryessa, CA) |
| Ethan P. (Berryessa, CA) | Shreya V. (Sunnyvale, CA) |
| Gabby Z. (Middlefield, CA) | Siddhi J. (Berryessa, CA) |
| Heran Z. (Berryessa, CA) | Tanmay K. (Sunnyvale, CA) |
| Ivy G. (Sunnyvale, CA) | Tianshu W. (Ardenwood, CA) |
| Jason Z. (Strawberry Park, CA) | Tong W. (Avery Ranch, TX) |
| Jingwen Z. (Strawberry Park, CA) | Valerie J. (Middlefield, CA) |
| Joy W. (Ardenwood, CA) | Vidhi W. (Ardenwood, CA) |
| Kavya R. (Ardenwood, CA) | Vishnu P. (Berryessa, CA) |
| Kethan R. (Sandy, UT) | William C. (Strawberry Park, CA) |
| Leo P. (Berryessa, CA) | Winston L. (Avery Ranch, TX) |
| Leon S. (Almaden, CA) | Yu Z. (Middlefield, CA) |
Honorary Historians
This year, Challenger fifth- through eighth-grade students had the option to participate in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) American History Contest, which now includes a video category in addition to the traditional essay format. Submissions are judged on historical accuracy, adherence to topic, interest, and originality. Essay submissions are additionally evaluated on organization of materials, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness.
Charlotte R. and Olivia K. from the Lone Mountain (NV) campus won first place in the state video contest and took the overall first-place prize for all seventh graders nationwide!
The following students won their chapter and advanced to win at the DAR state and/or region levels!
| Aanshi C. Grade 5 Region Video Contest (Shawnee, CA) | Marina C. Grade 7 State Video Contest (Salt Lake, UT) |
| Aaradhana I. Grade 8 District (Sunnyvale, CA) | Olivia E. Grade 7 State Video Contest (Salt Lake, UT) |
| Alison W. Grade 7 State (Salt Lake, UT) | Pranav B. Grade 8 State (Sandy, UT) |
| Anaya J. Grade 5 Region Video Contest (Shawnee, CA) | Ritha R. Grade 6 State (Traverse Mountain, UT) |
| Anika B. Grade 5 Region (Sandy, UT) | Shreya V. Grade 5 State (Sunnyvale, CA) |
| Elena D. Grade 6 State Video Contest (Farmington, UT) | Varin A. Grade 6 Region (Berryessa, CA) |
| Jaedi G. Grade 8 State (Silverado, NV) | |
The following students are the DAR winners from their respective chapters.
| Ameya J. (Ardenwood, CA) | Matt L. (Almaden, CA) |
| Anaya S. (Shawnee, CA) | Muriel W. (Middlefield, CA) |
| Ankita J. (Avery Ranch, TX) | Pranati P. (Sunnyvale, CA) |
| Arin N. (Avery Ranch, TX) | Pranav B. (Sandy, UT) |
| Dalia H. (Salt Lake, UT) | Raewen Y. (Middlefield, CA) |
| Eleanor L. (Ardenwood, CA) | Rushan J. (Middlefield, CA) |
| Emma H. (Salt Lake, UT) | Shlok P. (Ardenwood, CA) |
| Hongshan L. (Ardenwood, CA) | Vihaan K. (Ardenwood, CA) |
| Iyra M. (Avery Ranch, TX) | Viyona K. (Middlefield, CA) |
| Kethan R. (Sandy, UT) | Weimo Y. (Almaden, CA) |
Freedom Fans
Challenger students enjoy submitting art and essay projects to America’s Freedom Festival. Student work for this optional contest occurs at home. Freedom Festival is one of America’s largest patriotic celebrations and is sponsored by a private, non-profit, non-political foundation whose mission is to celebrate, teach, honor, and strengthen the traditional American values of God, family, freedom, and country.
The following students won awards for their Freedom Festival essay submissions.
| Anvay P., Grade 4–6 Patriot Award (Sandy, UT) | Sanvi K., Grade7–9 Liberty Award (Sunnyvale, CA) |
| Dana L., Grade 4–6 Liberty Award (Middlefield, CA) | |
The following students won awards for their Freedom Festival video submissions.
| Alison W., Grades 7–9 Freedom Award (Salt Lake, UT) | Olivia E., Grades 7–9 Freedom Award (Salt Lake, UT) |
| Marina C., Grades 7–9 Freedom Award (Salt Lake, UT) | Vihaan S., Grade 7–9 Patriot Award (Berryessa, CA) |
Super Scientists
This year, Challenger students continued the tradition of achievement in the field of science.
The following students were nominated to compete at the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovator Challenge. Nomination to the Thermo Fisher JIC is a great honor as it designates the top 10% of middle school science fair projects from nearly 275 fairs in the United States. Entries are judged during the summer, and the top 300 projects are announced in the fall. We congratulate the nominees and wish them the best in the upcoming competition.
| Aaryan B. (Ardenwood, CA) | Lucian T. (Silverado, NV) |
| Abby R. (Lone Mountain, NV) | Mary F. (Sandy, UT) |
| Aidan B. (Lone Mountain, NV) | Max L. (Avery Ranch, TX) |
| Aiden N. (Salt Lake, UT) | Michelle Z. (Ardenwood, CA) |
| Alisha C. (Sandy, UT) | Penelope B. (Traverse Mountain, UT) |
| Alonso A. (Sandy, UT) | Pranav B. (Sandy, UT) |
| Ankita J. (Avery Ranch, TX) | Ritha R. (Traverse Mountain, UT) |
| Arin N. (Avery Ranch, TX) | Rohan D. (Traverse Mountain, UT) |
| Atiksh J. (Avery Ranch, TX) | Roshan K. (Traverse Mountain, UT) |
| Avi G. (Ardenwood, CA) | Samaira U. (Ardenwood, CA) |
| Caitlyn S. (Avery Ranch, TX) | Savannah W. (Ardenwood, CA) |
| Carson R. (Silverado, NV) | Srivalli K. (Traverse Mountain, UT) |
| Cynthia L. (Ardenwood, CA) | Syona N. (Salt Lake, UT) |
| Dalia H. (Salt Lake, UT) | Talia C. (Farmington, UT) |
| Diya S. (Sandy, UT) | Vaani M. (Avery Ranch, TX) |
| Iris P. (Ardenwood, CA) | Vivian L. (Salt Lake, UT) |
| Jack E. (Avery Ranch, TX) | Vladimir T. (Avery Ranch, TX) |
| Kethan R. (Sandy, UT) | Winston T. (Farmington, UT) |
| Kyla R. (Traverse Mountain, UT) | Zoe D. (Silverado, NV) |
| Lily C. (Salt Lake, UT) | Zoey S. (Sandy, UT) |
Congratulations to the following first-place winners in their various regional Science Fair events.
| Aaryan B. (Ardenwood, CA) | Mary F. (Sandy, UT) |
| Aiden B. (Lone Mountain, NV) | Max L. (Avery Ranch, TX) |
| Alisha C. (Sandy, UT) | Michelle Z. (Ardenwood, CA) |
| Atiksh J. (Avery Ranch, TX) | Pranav B. (Sandy, UT) |
| Avi G. (Ardenwood, CA) | Riddhiman D. (Sunnyvale, CA) |
| Boston S. (Traverse Mountain, UT) | Ritha R. (Traverse Mountain, CA) |
| Carson R. (Silverado, NV) | Roshan K. (Traverse Mountain, CA) |
| CJ G. (Farmington, UT) | Safia H. (Farmington, UT) |
| Cynthia L. (Ardenwood, CA) | Saksham S. (Middlefield, CA) |
| Hannah S. (Farmington, UT) | Samaira U. (Ardenwood, CA) |
| Harrison E. (Farmington, UT) | Savannah W. (Ardenwood, CA) |
| Iris P. (Ardenwood, CA) | Shreyan B. (Middlefield, CA) |
| Jase T. (Traverse Mountain, UT) | Shrinidhi V. (Strawberry Park, CA) |
| Kethan R. (Sandy, UT) | Siri G. (Strawberry Park, CA) |
| Kyla R. (Traverse Mountain, UT) | Srivalli K. (Traverse Mountain, UT) |
| Laya J. (Avery Ranch, TX) | Vidhan K. (Sandy, UT) |
| Leo L. (Ardenwood, CA) | Vihaan S. (Berryessa, CA) |
| Lucian T. (Silverado, NV) | Zoe D. (Silverado, NV) |
Spectacular Speakers
Each year, Challenger hosts Speech Festivals at the classroom, campus, and region levels to test students’ oratorical abilities.
The following students are the 2025 California Region Speech Festival winners.
- Vihaan S., 1st Place (Berryessa, CA)
- Sanskriti V., 2nd Place (Ardenwood, CA)
- Bhavish J., 3rd Place (Shawnee, CA)
The following students are the 2025 Nevada Region Speech Festival winners.
- Riley R., 1st Place (Lone Mountain, NV)
- Aanya A., 2nd Place (Silverado, NV)
- Aarav T., 3rd Place (Silverado, NV)
The following students are the 2025 Utah Region Speech Festival winners.
- Rohan D., 1st Place (Traverse Mountain, UT)
- Isabella D., 2nd Place (Sandy, UT)
- Tanya R., 3rd Place (Salt Lake, UT)
Stellar Speller
Congratulations to Roshan K. (Traverse Mountain, UT), who placed first at his regional spelling bee!
Looking Ahead
Summer Program
Challenger’s summer program is designed to review academic concepts while offering meaningful interaction with teachers and other students.
Half-day and all-day programs are available, and classes begin June 16 and 17. Students will engage in unique learning exercises, drills, and activities using methods that have proven successful for six decades—it’s the perfect way to enrich your child’s summer days!
If you have not yet enrolled your child in a summer program and would still like to do so, follow the steps below. A $25 application fee will be assessed.
- Log in to PowerSchool via the parent portal.
- Click Forms from the side menu.
- Under Registration, click Summer Program Application.
- In the application form, enter the desired date of enrollment and then select the campus, grade, and program.
- Click Submit.
It’s that simple! Click here to see the payment schedule, and contact your campus office with any questions. We look forward to a summer of fun and learning with your child.
Important Dates for 2025–2026
Mark your calendars now for our two main breaks during next school year.
Challenger will not be in session during the dates listed below:
| Dec 22, 2025–Jan 2, 2026 | Winter Break—All Campuses |
| March 16–20, 2026 | Spring Break—Idaho, Nevada, Texas |
| April 6–April 10, 2026 | Spring Break—California, Utah |
