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 Trophy and Principal's Medal?

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

Challenge Activities - Detailed Guidelines and Forms  

Multi-Cultural doll projects, book reviews and timesheets for math, keyboarding, and computer programming must be turned into the office in the box labeled Academic Challenge during the week of April 27, 2020 - May 1, 2020.  All work must be turned in by 3:30pm on Friday, May 1, 2020.  Absolutely no late work will be accepted.  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 Co-Chairs need to contact you. 

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.
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. 
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.
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.
   -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 academicchallenge@puestadelsolpta.org