What is the Academic Challenge?

The Academic Challenge is a free enrichment program for all students in K-5 at Puesta del Sol. This is an optional, non-competitive program for students to challenge themselves, and foster a love of learning and exploration beyond the classroom.  Activities can be completed in Spanish or English.  Each student can earn an Academic Challenge Trophy and/or the Principal's Medal depending on what activities are completed.  Awards will be granted at a school-wide assembly in June.

How do I earn an Academic Challenge Award?

In order to earn an Academic Challenge Award, each student must complete 5 out of the 7 Challenge Activities listed below and submit a Final Submission Form which is mandatory.

In order to earn an Academic Challenge Award and the Principal's Medal, each student must complete all 7 Challenge Activities listed below and submit a Final Submission Form which is mandatory.

Submission Rules and Deadlines

Challenge Activities - Detailed Guidelines and Forms   

1. Reflections: Complete and submit an entry in the national PTA’s Reflections contest in one of the following areas: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Musical Composition, Dance, or Movie. Reflections entries must follow Reflections guidelines to count towards Academic Challenge.  The Reflections team will certify each entry and send the Academic Challenge team a list of qualifying students.  If you have any question regarding Reflections, please contact the team via email at [email protected].
2. Science Fair:  Complete a science project and presentation for the school Science Fair. You will use the scientific process to explore a topic of your choice and create a display to be shared.  The Science Fair team will certify each entry and send the Academic Challenge team a list of qualifying students.  Due to school closures, the Science Fair is going digital!!  Please check out the Science Fair page for more information.  If you have any questions, or if you are unable to submit your child's work digitally, please contact the Science Fair team at [email protected].  
3. a) Multi-Cultural Project:  Projects may be displayed at school or during International Festival. OR
   b) Passport Club:  Complete Levels 1-5 and 9 Special Itineraries for the months of September - April.  The Passport team will send the Academic Challenge team a list of qualifying students.  If you have any question regarding Passport Club, please contact the team via email at [email protected].
4. Math: Complete at least 10 additional hours of math outside regularly assigned classwork and homework to earn credit.  Some suggestions are KhanAcademy.org (free), Math Olympiad, tutoring, workbooks, online programs, etc. 
   * Please note: DreamBox will NOT be accepted.  
   
   Print the official Math Timesheet 
5. Book Reviews: Read 5 books at your reading level and complete a book review for each book.  Remember to use the correct grade-level form.
   -Kindergarten and First Grade Book Review Form
   -Second and Third Grade Book Review Form
   -Fourth and Fifth Grade Book Review Form
6. Computer Programming: Complete at least 5 hours of programming in any computer language (e.g. Java, Python, etc.). Students can use books, online tutorials, after-school classes, etc. to earn credit. Students who participated in Robotics may count 2 hours towards their 5 hour computer programming requirement.
   -Code.org - http://www.code.org
   -Khan Academy - http://www.khanacademy.org(free)
   -Kodu Game Lab - http://www.kodugamelab.com
   
   Print the official Computer Programming Timesheet
7. Keyboarding: Practice for at least 5 hours with any program of your choice.  Typing Quest is the keyboarding program recommended by BSD. Other keyboarding programs are fine too. Just get typing!
   -Typing Tutor - typingweb.com (free)
   -Dance Mat Typing – bbc.co.uk/bitesize (free)
   -All the Right Type – ingenuityworks.com
   
   Print the official Keyboarding Timehseet
   
   

Questions? Contact Academic Challenge at [email protected]