Keeping Parents and Campuses Connected
April 2011
At Challenger, we are committed to empowering children with an understanding of the values necessary for
true happiness. Our sixth essential value is justice.
Challenger Value: Justice
Justice is granting to others and taking for ourselves only that which has been earned.
Throughout life we must choose. Life is better when we choose wisely and justly.
In order to be just, a person must learn to perceive reality correctly, evaluate facts in
context, and then pronounce a rational value judgment on the matter in question. We
give and take all that is earned, but only that which is earned.
We teach our students to treat others as independent equals and to recognize a
person’s character through his repeated actions. We teach our students to recognize
that at the core of every relationship is a trade of value.
Justice is when life is enhanced through a trade that is voluntary and mutually
beneficial. For example:
• A teacher who has Challenger’s vision wants to work with students, and Challenger
hires her.
• A couple in love agrees to marry and work together to raise a family.
• A shopper pays the grocer money in exchange for a gallon of milk.
April at a Glance
• April 4–8 (ID, UT)
Spring Break
• April 11–15 (CA)
Spring Break
• April 18–22 (NV)
Spring Break
• April 27–28 (PS–K)
Teddy Bear Picnics
Injustice is when a trade is not voluntary, as in taking another’s life, liberty, or
property. It is when one uses leverage, compulsion, or deprivation in making a trade.
Whether in property or in relationships, whether committed individually or by using
force of government agencies or other powers, one must recognize and avoid unjust
actions. For example:
• A teacher grants Julian an extension on an
assignment but not his classmates.
• While burglarizing Mr. Jones’s house, a
robber falls through the ceiling and then
sues for damages.
• Even though Jan throws a tantrum in the store,
Mom gives both her children a treat for
good behavior.
“. . .with
Liberty
and
Justice
for All.”
Making the best choice requires us to judge,
even when the required action is difficult or
unpopular. Founding Father John Adams, for example, demonstrated his commitment
to justice when he chose to defend British Captain Preston and his soldiers after
the Boston Massacre. Public sentiment was against the British, but attorney Adams
defended their rights in court. They were found not guilty.
At Challenger, we teach students not only to act justly toward others, but also to
speak out against injustice whenever they encounter it.
© 2011, Barbara B. Baker
ChallengerSchool.com
17-50.08-11
Young Author (K–8)
Students are in the process of creating their Young
Author projects. They are writing short stories as
they concentrate on enhancing their creative writing.
Both students and teachers are excited to be working
on this rewarding project.
President’s
Challenge (1–8)
The test for the national
President’s Challenge
physical fitness program for
first through eighth graders
is this month. The results
of these tests will be sent
home with your child’s final
achievement report. We will
recognize those students
who achieve national and
presidential standards in
physical fitness during the
merit assembly at the end of
the year.
Fitness testing occurs this month.
In the Spotlight—Ardenwood (CA) Scientists
A team of fifteen enthusiastic students from Challenger’s
Ardenwood (CA) campus won top honors in the 2011 Bay Area
Regional Science Olympiad on February 19. They competed
against hundreds of other middle school students in challenges
and experiments ranging from designing turbines to examining
forensic evidence.
The team placed in 21 of the 23 events, including achieving
seven first place medals, on their way to capturing the
championship trophy.
Challenger students exercise their creativity by composing and
illustrating books for the Young Author Project.
This team will represent Challenger School at the California state
competition in Fresno on April 9.
Patriots’ Day (K–8)
In class this month, elementary and middle school
students will commemorate the Revolutionary War
holiday Patriots’ Day.
This day marks the anniversary of the Battles
of Lexington and Concord, the first military
engagements of the war, fought on April 19, 1775.
Science Olympiad winners from Challenger Ardenwood (CA)
earned a bid to the state competition.
ChallengerSchool.com
Rehearsals are underway for next month’s Spring Programs. Each class will perform an entertaining
program showcasing their singing, dancing, and dramatic talents.
Spring Programs and
Art Fairs (PS–8)
Challenger’s 2011 Spring Programs
are coming in May!
Exemplary art work will be on
display, too. Students are encouraged
to participate in the Art Fair and
take advantage of the opportunity to
showcase their creativity.
Schedules will be available on our
website at challengerschool.com
later this month. You won’t want to
miss it!
Spring Break
Don’t forget to make arrangements
for your child’s care during Spring
Break. The dates are:
ID/UT
CA
NV
Tax Number
April 4–8
April 11–15
April 18–22
For those who need it for their tax returns,
Challenger’s tax ID is 94-1709563.
ChallengerSchool.com
Preschool
Teddy Bear Picnic (PS–K)
At the end of this month, we will
celebrate the arrival of spring with our
Teddy Bear Picnic. Each student may
bring a favorite stuffed animal guest to
the picnic.
Heard It in the Halls
Everest (ID) campus—“Mom, did
you know that you are a noun?” asked
Matthew, a first grader.
His mother replied, “But Matthew, a noun
is a part of speech.”
“Yes, Mom,” he explained, “a noun
is a person, place, or thing, so you are
a noun.”
Nice connection, Matthew!
Challenger students learn to make
connections between new concepts
and things they already know.
Strawberry Park (CA) campus—The Program Director was working
through the 4-year-old concept assessment with little Amanda when the
girl leaned in and whispered, “Pssst! Miss Jacquie, I’m pretty good at this!
Traverse Mountain (UT) campus—Preschooler Carter climbed into his
car seat after a great day at Challenger. His mother greeted him and then
asked him to sit down so she could buckle his seat belt. Carter replied, “I
can do it, Mom. I need to be independent.”
Summer School
Have you heard about Challenger
Adventureland? During our summer
school program, children will go on
imaginary trips each week as they learn
phonics, numbers, and so much more.
Classes begin June 20. See your school
office for details.
Challenger’s philosophy and methods teach children to love learning,
value independence, and embrace achievement.
ChallengerSchool.com