Greeting CES,
We hope you had a joyful and restful holiday.
We’ve officially entered the final stretch—just five weeks remain in the 2025–2026 school year! As we prepare to close out, we have many exciting events and activities on the horizon.
Please be sure to stay informed of all upcoming dates and events. There’s so much happening, and we don’t want you or your scholar to miss a thing!
Now more than ever, it’s crucial that your scholar is present, on time, and fully engaged each day to ensure a strong and successful finish to the school year.
Let’s finish strong—we’ve got this!
Important News & Upcoming Dates:
Celebrate 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Week! CES is proud to celebrate National Volunteer Week from April 19–25. This week, we proudly celebrate our outstanding volunteers at Challenger Elementary School. Thank you to our dedicated PTA members, room parents, Grand Eagles and community supporters for your time and commitment. Your efforts help us continue striving for excellence every day.
Earth Day: April 22nd - Grade-level teachers will share engaging and age-appropriate activities that scholars will participate in to promote environmental awareness and sustainability.
Purple Up Day: April 22 - This special day recognizes and honors the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of our military-connected students. The color purple represents all branches of the military, we show our unified support and appreciation for these students and their families. Purple Up! Day is an opportunity for our entire school community to stand together in recognition of their unique experiences. We encourage everyone to participate and help us create a visible show of support throughout our school.
Kite Day 2026: April 23. Parents are invited/encouraged to attend. If they are unable to attend, they must ensure kites are FULLY ASSEMBLED. Please note: There will be no makeup day or rain date for this event. See flyer below.
ACAP Testing 2026: is officially complete and we are proud of our students’ effort and dedication! Our scholars showed up each day prepared and ready to do their best—thank you for your support throughout the testing window. Please note: 3rd Grade ELA scores will be released in May. All other scores will be released in Summer/Fall 2026.
Safety Alert: Coyote Sighting
A coyote has been spotted in/near the Branscomb Neighborhood and surrounding areas. Please remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when walking &/or playing outdoors.
Absence Excuses:
Please remember to submit absence excuses as soon as your scholar returns to school. You are allowed up to eight (8) parent-written excuses and an unlimited number of doctor’s excuses.
Attendance Goal:
Our attendance goal this year is 95% or better. You can help us meet this goal by ensuring your child attends school each day and is in class by 8:00 AM.
Let's continue making 2026 a year of creating magic, growing, collaborating, and achieving! We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of everyone in our school community and look forward to celebrating the successes of our scholars and partners in the months ahead. Together, we’ll inspire, challenge, and support each other to create a lasting impact on education and beyond.
Important Reminders:
Independent Arrival: We kindly ask that parents no longer walk or escort scholars to class. Our dedicated staff will be stationed in the hallways to guide and support scholars to their classrooms.
Morning Arrival: School opens at 7:30 a.m. For safety reasons, please do not drop off students before this time, as supervision is not available prior to 7:30 a.m.
Start of Instruction: Learning begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. Please ensure your scholar arrives on time each day so they can start the day ready to learn and succeed.
Here's to learning, growing, and Aiming High at Challenger Elementary!
Thank you for helping make Challenger Elementary the BEST place to learn and grow!
Let’s Create Magic 2025 - 2026!
Love yall,
Sherita Joiner
Principal, Challenger Elementary School
Go Eagles!
#CESMAGIC2025
#AIMHIGH
Upcoming Dates & Events:
April
Autism Awareness Month, National Paraprofessional Day, Arbor Day, National School Librarian's Day, National Assistant Principals Week, Earth Day, Administrative Professionals Week
19th - 25th - National Library Week
19th - 25th - National Public School Volunteer Week
20th - 22nd - Penmanship Assessment for K-3rd Grade
22nd - Administrative Professionals Day
22nd - Earth Day
22nd - Parent Advisory Meeting 8:30 AM or 1:30 PM
22nd - Purple Up Day - Wear Purple in support of our Military Connected Families
23rd - Kite Day
24th - Weather Day - No School
27th - Progress Reports
27th - 30th - DIBELS Testing
28th - School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
28th - Special Olympics
29th - K for a Day
30th - PTA Meeting - Art Show & Picnic @ 6 pm
May
Asian Pacific American Heritage, Field Day, Armed Forces Day, Cinco de Dayo, Mental Health Awareness Month, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, K – 5th Awards Day Activities, Teacher Appreciation Week
1st - Field Day (Rain Date - May 8th)
1st - School Principal’s Day
1st - School Lunch Hero Day – Celebrate CES Cafeteria Staff
4th - 6th - iReady Testing
4th - 8th - Teacher Appreciation Week
6th - School Nurse Day
13th – Kindergarten & PreK Awards Day
14th – Awards Day – 1st -4th Grade
15th – PBIS Water Day
18th - High School Senior Clap Out
18th – Speech Pathologist Day
19th – 5th Grade Eagle Up Awards Ceremony (Graduation) & Clap Out
20th - Kona Ice Day
21st - Last Day of School