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 5 out of the 7 Challenge Activities listed below and submit a Final Submission Form which is mandatory.

Currently (As of November 2024), we are NOT accepting online submission forms.  Please turn everything in the during the week of April 28 to May 2, 2025.

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.

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 28 to May 2, 2025.  Due no later than 3:30pm on May 2, 2025.

ABSOLUTELY NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED

Submission Rules and Deadlines

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 passport@puestadelsolpta.org.
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 4 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. Service: Choose 1 of the following

   1. 1. 1. Show your appreciation by writing a thank you letter or creating a drawing

      1. 1. 1. Show your appreciation by presenting a thank you letter or drawing to community helpers such as trash collectors, firefighters, police officers, medical workers, or mail carriers

            2. Submit a photo of the letter or drawingb.

         2. Create a service project

            Write about it and document with pictures

            Examples: collect food & supplies from neighbors for the food bank, pick up trash in community/neighborhood 10 times, Helping prepare a meal and delivering to someone who is sick

7. Student Choice
   1. Family Walks
      1.  Go on 3 long (30 min or more) walks with your family
      2. Write about where you walked and what you saw or learned on your walks
   2. Physical Challenge
      1.  Examples:
         1. 30 pushups in a row
         2. Play basketball for 20 minutes a day
      2. Write about the new skill you learned
         1.  Why did you choose this skill?
         2. What motivated you?
         3. What was the most challenging part of learning this new skill?
   3.  Gratitude Challenge
      1. Write a list of things you’re thankful for.
      2. Recognize the nice things people do to help you each day and practice saying “Thank you”. Look for ways to give sincere compliments and thanks
      3. Write three things you’re thankful for each day(minimum 14 days), and try to pay attention and look for blessings you may not normally notice.

Questions? Contact Academic Challenge at academicchallenge@puestadelsolpta.org