Principal's Update to Families

Dear Challenger Families,

Welcome to an exciting new school year at Challenger Elementary School. Guided by our mission, Do Everything With P.R.I.D.E., we are committed to creating a school community where students feel cared for, inspired to grow academically, and encouraged to take on leadership roles both inside and outside the classroom.

As you read through this newsletter, I encourage you to take a moment to review important updates. You will find information on Open House, which plays an essential role in building strong connections between home and school. There is also upcoming events like Picture Day and Peter Piper Pizza Night Fundraiser. In addition, we have outlined our plans for weekly reading achievement, monthly Student of the Month and quarterly honors celebrations so you can help us celebrate student success throughout the year.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we can make this year one of meaningful learning, joyful celebrations, and leadership growth for every Rocket. Let us keep the momentum going by loving ourselves and others, learning with passion, and leading with integrity.

With Challenger Pride,
Christina Valdez
Challenger Elementary School

At Challenger Elementary School, our mission—

Positive attitude.

Responsible citizen, we come to school prepared.

Individual, we all look different, think differently and like different things.

Dignity, we respect ourselves and other,

Excellence, always do you best and Never Give Up!

We do everything with P.R.I.D.E.!

Our monthly awards are a way to bring that mission to life by recognizing and celebrating students who embody these values in meaningful ways. We believe it is important to honor not only high academic achievement, but also the character, effort, and leadership that help make our school community strong.

Weekly: Reading is our Super Power Award! 🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♂️

Each week, Challenger will host a morning ceremony where every teacher selects one student to receive an award for reading achievement, which is our school wide Instructional Focus of Reading Comprehension.

Monthly:

Student of the Month: Awarded to those students who exhibit Challenger P.R.I.D.E.

High academic achievement will continue to be honored. Students achieving honor roll status will receive a signed certificate:

• Distinguished Honor Roll – GPA of 3.5 or higher

• Principal’s Award – GPA of 4.0 (Straight A’s)

At the end of the school year, 5th Grade Presidential Academic Awards will be presented to qualifying students. By recognizing personal growth and academic accomplishments, we aim to highlight how our students contribute to a vibrant, thriving school community.

Open House will be for Kinder - 5th grade students and parents/guardian.

Kinder- 1st grade - Monday, Aug. 18.

2nd - 3rd - Tuesday, Aug. 19

4th - 5th - Thursday, Aug. 21.

This is a chance for you to meet with the principal to learn about Challenger's school wide data and action plan to increase academic achievement. It will give you a chance to meet your students' teacher and learn about their daily schedule, classroom expectations, ...etc. Teachers will be in their classrooms ready to share a formal presentation. It will also be time to meet with Ms. Lupita if you need support with ROOMS /apptegy. Your one place for school messages, updates, and more.

You may also find ROOMS support on the NUSD website.

Parents/Guardians who attend Open House: Student Incentives: Dress Down Day and Popcorn Friday, Aug. 22, 2025.

Challenger Elementary School

Principal: Ms. Christina Valdez

Main Office: 520-377-0544

Website: https://www.nusd.k12.az.us/o/ces
Location: 901 E. Calle Mayer