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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 Award 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 4 out of the 6 Challenge Activities listed below and submit a Final Submission Form which is mandatory.

Currently (As of January 2024), we are accepting online submission forms only for completed items below.  Email academicchallenge@puestadelsolpta.org with your completed items.

  • Multicultural Project Doll
  • Book Reviews
  • Timesheets for keyboarding, computer programming, or math


In order to earn an Academic Challenge Award and the Principal's Medal, each student must complete all 6 Challenge Activities listed below and submit a Final Submission Form which is mandatory.

There will be a box in the school main office to turn in forms, time logs, and book reviews (stapled together and in an envelope please) during the week of April 29 to May 3, 2024.  Due no later than 3:30pm on May 3, 2024. ABSOLUTELY NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED

 

Submission Rules and Deadlines

CHALLENGE ACTIVITY CHALLENGE CATEGORY DUE DATES
1.  STEM Fair Project Science  N/A
2.  Multi-Cultural Project, OR
     Passport Club 
     (Levels 1-5 + 6 Special Itineraries for the months of Nov-April)              		 Social Studies N/A
3.  Math (10+ hours of extra math)

 Math N/A
4.  Five (5) Book Reviews 

 Literature  N/A 
5.  Computer Programing (5+hours) 

 Technology  N/A
6.  Keyboarding (5+hours)

 Business N/A

 

Challenge Activities - Detailed Guidelines and Forms   

  1. STEM Fair:  Complete a STEM project and presentation for the school STEM Fair. You will use the scientific process to explore a topic of your choice and create a display to be shared.  The STEM Fair team will certify each entry and send the Academic Challenge team a list of qualifying students.    
  2. 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].
  3. 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 in Action, Math Olympiad, tutoring, workbooks, online programs, etc. 
    * Please note: DreamBox will NOT be accepted.  

    Print the official Math Timesheet 
  4. 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
  5. 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 (including robotics), etc. to earn credit. 
    -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
  6. 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 Timesheet

Questions? Contact Academic Challenge at [email protected]