Challenger Intermediate School

Challenger Intermediate School's VEX Robotics Team, comprised of 5th and 6th graders, is thriving in its third year. This extracurricular program provides valuable hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) experience. However, the high cost of quality VEX robotics kits presents a significant financial challenge. To overcome this, team coach and Project Lead the Way teacher, Mr. Mann, applied for and received an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation. "These VEX Robotics Generation 2 Kits will be transformative for our students," Mr. Mann explained. "They'll prepare them for state and potentially national competitions, while also cultivating crucial career skills like problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and coding." The funding directly enhances students' learning and provides the tools they need to succeed. The team's success is remarkable. Of Challenger Intermediate's eight teams, four have qualified for the state competition, earning four of the 24 available elementary-level spots. They hope to finish in the top three and advance to the World Robotics Competition in Dallas, Texas this spring. But the program's impact goes beyond competition. The students' enthusiasm and collaborative spirit as they design and build their robots clearly demonstrate its positive effect on their education. Team Charlie, one of Challenger's robotics teams, shared what the program means to them: "I like seeing all our hard work come together." - Gabby "Being on the team and helping build, seeing how we can all work together to make something great." - Annabelle "I like building the robot because it reminds me of building Legos, and I love it!" - Finley "I like seeing that we can do hard things." - Isabel Thanks to the Goddard Education Foundation, innovative programs like the VEX Robotics Competition are possible at Challenger Intermediate. To learn how you or your business can support programs like VEX Robotics at Challenger Intermediate, visit https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/partners. See VEX Robotics in action at Challenger Intermediate https://www.facebook.com/profile/100068121284933/search/?q=vex%20robotics

It’s Scholastic Book Fair time! During Parent-Teacher conferences, come experience the excitement all over again with your kids. Remember, what starts at the Book Fair stays with you forever. Every purchase benefits our school. https://www.scholastic.com/bf/challengerintermediateschool

Need a plan for dinner? Come to Chick - Fil - A (Maple & Ridge) 3pm-10pm for Challenger's Spirit Night Fundraiser! See info below for more information.

Attached is the schedule for Parent Teacher Conferences for Wednesday, February 26th and Thursday, February 27th for Challenger Intermediate. These are come and go style conference. No appointment needed. There will be no school Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.

Want more Book Fair? No problem! Keep the party going at our Book Fair online. All book purchases over $25 ship free and every purchase benefits our school! https://www.scholastic.com/bf/challengerintermediateschool #ScholasticBookFairs

GHS KAY is hosting the annual Mother/Son Nerf Battle on Sunday, March 9th from 2:00pm - 4:00pm. There will be pizza, snacks, obstacles courses for nerf battles, dodgeball and games. All pre-K through 6th grade boys and their moms are invited to come have a blast! KAY will provide the nerf darts and safety glasses. Please bring your own nerf dart launchers. Purchase your tickets for fun at: https://gofan.co/event/3223343?schoolId=KS25135

Goddard Public Schools Families, Due to ongoing dangerously low wind chill temperatures and the challenges this creates with our buses, there will be NO SCHOOL on Thursday, February 20, 2025, for students. Thank you for your continued support. Dane Baxa

Gaga ball and handball are hugely popular games in Goddard District PE classes. At Challenger Intermediate, however, Stephanie Ryan's PE classes lacked the equipment to make these games truly accessible. Thanks to an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation, Mrs. Ryan was able to purchase a Gaga ball pit and multi-purpose goals for handball, soccer, and other activities. "It's always better to have the right equipment," Mrs. Ryan explained. "Teachers are creative with what they have, but having the correct tools is crucial for effectively and safely teaching skills." Challenger Intermediate students are thrilled with the new additions, giving them the chance to learn new techniques, build confidence, and participate more fully. With the district growing and resource needs increasing, Goddard Education Foundation Innovative Teacher Grants help bridge the gap, ensuring USD 265 educators have what they need to expand opportunities for the #265Family. Learn more about past Innovative Teacher Grants and how you can support future grants at: https://goddardpsks.sites.thrillshare.com/o/gef/page/teacher-grants

This year's Book Fair is going to be epic! More Books. More Choices. More Fun. Start exploring together on our school's Book Fair homepage: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/challengerintermediateschool

Due to ongoing severe winter weather conditions, there will be NO SCHOOL on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, for students.  USD 265 Educators will have a Virtual Professional Development Day on Feb. 19, 2025. Thank you for your continued support. Dane Baxa

Goddard Public Schools Staff and Families, Due to the forecasted severe winter weather conditions, there will be NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming! SAVE THE DATE for Wednesday, February 19th and get ready to empower your reader with book choice. Start exploring together: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/challengerintermediateschool #ScholasticBookFairs

Happy School Resource Officer Appreciation Day!

Goddard Public Schools Staff and Families, There will be NO SCHOOL on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, due to severe winter weather and hazardous driving conditions. Please be safe, and thank you for your continued support. Dane Baxa

The lunch menu for Challenger has changed for this week. Wednesday and Friday will switch. Please see the attached flyer for the new lunch menu.

This slipper was found this morning outside during drop off. Please contact the office if this is yours.

Don't forget spring pictures are Tuesday, February 11th. Individual and class panoramic pictures. Order forms are attached to order online.

Monday, February 10th - No School, Offices Closed

Challenger Families, A few juniors at Goddard High were nominated to be Student Visionary of the Year Candidates for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)! The funds we are raising for LLS will go into the research for finding a cure for blood cancers, and we could use all the help we can get! Student may bring change in starting Tuesday February 11, 2025! Our campaign runs until March 8, 2025. We are so excited to be doing a penny wars with Challenger! Thank you for your support!

Join us on Friday, February 7th from 6pm-9pm for PTO Skate night at Carousel! See the attached flyer for detail.