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. To keep things fresh and interesting, some requirements have changed! 

How Do I Earn an Academic Challenge Trophy?

To earn a trophy, students must complete 5 Challenge Activities, each one from a different Challenge Category, and submit a Final Submission Form (mandatory).

How Do I Earn an Academic Challenge Principal’s Medal and a Trophy?

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To earn the Principal’s Medal in addition to a trophy, students must complete 7 Challenge Activities, one from each different Challenge Category, and submit a Final Submission Form; Final submission form is mandatory.

Awards will be granted at a school-wide assembly in June.

Challenge Activities - Detailed Guidelines and Forms  

Book Reviews and time sheets for math, keyboarding, and computer programming may be turned in to the office in the box labeled Academic Challenge between April 29 and May 3, 2019. Papers should be stapled together or sealed in an envelope.  You must include the Final Submission Form.  Please remember to include an email address in case the Academic Challenge Coordinators need to contact you.

Absolutely no late work will be accepted. 

1. Reflections Project: 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.  

2. a) Multi-Cultural Project:  Projects may be displayed at school or during International Festival.  
   
   OR  b) Passport Club:  Complete levels 1-5 for Passport Club and 7 Special Itineraries for months September - March.  

3. Science Fair Presentation: 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. 

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. 
   1. Kindergarten/First 
   2. Second/Third 
   3. Fourth/Fifth 
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, etc. to earn credit.  
   Special note: The school-offered Robotics class can count for up to 2 hours of programming time.
   
   
   1. Code.org - http://www.code.org
   2. Khan Academy - http://www.khanacademy.org (free)
   3. Kodu Game Lab - http://www.kodugamelab.com
   
   Print the official Computer programming time sheet
   
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!
   
   1. Typing Tutor - www.typingweb.com (free)
   2. Dance Mat Typing – www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/ (free)
   3. All the Right Type – www.ingenuityworks.com
   
   Print the official Keyboarding timesheet

7. 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
   
   

** Specific guidelines, forms, timesheets, and the final submission form can also be found in the school office in April.

Scholarship Information: Financial Aid

Questions or support needed? Contact Melissa and Pauline at AcademicChallenge@puestadelsolpta.org