Greetings Challenger Elementary Family,
The safety and well-being of our scholars remain our top priority. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and secure environment for our scholars, parents, and staff.
On Thursday, February 6, at approximately 2:45 p.m., a firearm accidentally discharged inside a 2nd-grade student’s backpack in the main hallway. The bullet struck another student’s backpack, damaging their laptop. As a result, that student experienced ringing in their ears. No additional injuries have been reported at this time.
The student involved will face strict disciplinary action in accordance with board policies and the HCS Code of Conduct.
We take this matter very seriously and remain dedicated to preventing school violence. We encourage everyone to recognize warning signs, report concerning behavior or social media posts, and stay vigilant—"If You See Something, Say Something."
To support our students and reinforce safety, the following measures have been implemented:
Enhanced Safety Measures
Increased Security: Additional security personnel will be on-site.
Emotional Support: Our school counselor will be available for students needing to talk.
Enhanced Screening: Students will pass through an Evolv weapon detection system upon entry.
advanced weapon detection systems, to provide an additional layer of security to promote the safety of students and staff members.
Please speak with your scholar(s) about the updates below to our arrival procedures View video.
Drop Off and School Start Times
Drop-off times and school start times will not change.
Drop off will begin at 7:30 a.m.
School will start at 8 a.m.
We encourage families to drop off their students slightly earlier to provide them with a few extra minutes to get through the system.
Guests will continue to report to the front office.
Where to Enter:
Car Riders: Enter through the front doors of the school.
Bus Riders: Enter through the front doors of the school.
ALL scholars will enter the building utilizing the front entrance.
When Entering the Building:
Staff members will be on-hand to greet students as they enter and request them to remove any laptops and water bottles from their bookbags.
Students will walk through the Evolv system one at a time in the lobby.
While walking through the system, students should hold up their device and water bottle in each hand.
We thank you for your support, and we appreciate your partnership in promoting the safety of our scholars, parents, and staff members. If you have any questions, please reach out by phone, email, or in person. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our school safe.
Sick/Illnesses:
We are currently seeing several illnesses, such as the flu, strep throat, Norovirus, and more, going around the school. We are working diligently to keep our campus sanitized to prevent the spread of germs. Please remember that students must be symptom-free (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) without medication for at least 24 hours before returning to school. If you’d like, you may send disinfecting wipes and Kleenex to your scholar's teacher—we greatly appreciate your support!
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.
Important Reminders and Upcoming Events:
February Activities:
Black History Month
School Theme: Celebrating Black History—Present, Past & Future
Schoolwide Activities:Scholars will participate in classroom lessons and enrichment activities.
Daily Trivia from Administration during announcements.
Local Black History Scavenger Hunt: Details will be shared - see below. Students will receive a list of locations and are encouraged to visit at least four with their family.
Return your completed Scavenger Hunt form to your teacher by February 28th to be entered into a drawing to win special treats!
Share your visits - post pictures of your visits on our school’s Facebook page and add #CESCELEBRATESBLACKHISTORY2025
National School Counseling Week - February 3 - 7
We are excited to celebrate Ms. Watson as she dedicates her time and effort to supporting our scholars' unique needs and helping them thrive. Show her some appreciation! Families are encouraged to send in sweet notes and/or small treats to express gratitude.Valentine’s Day Classroom Celebrations - February 13 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM. Teachers will provide more details. See Classroom Celebration Expectations below.
School Resource Officer's Appreciation Day - February 14 - We are excited to acknowledge the officers that are assigned to Challenger's Campus: Officer Coleman, Mr. Daniel, Mr. Madden, Mr. Riche and Mr. Walter
Student 1/2 Day - February 14 - School will dismiss at 11:30 am
Presidents’ Day (Feb 17)
No SchoolRandom Acts of Kindness Day (Feb 17)
Scholars are encouraged to spread love, compassion, and positivity through small, unexpected acts of kindness. #RandomActsOfKindnessDay
Important Info:
Middle of the Year (MOY) Assessments Results were sent home in Wednesday Folders (January 26) - Parents please ask your scholar(s) to discuss their data results with you.
2nd Semester Parent Conferences - will be held in February
. Stay tuned—more details will be shared soon!
PreK Registration for 2025 - 2026 is currently open - Visit Huntsville City Schools - School Readiness 2025-26 Pre-K Application.
Check
for Pre-Registration Information sessions, where you can get application assistance. In-person and virtual sessions are available!
Let's continue making 2025 a year of growth, collaboration, and achievement! 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.
Here’s to a year filled with learning, growth, academic progress, and positive change. Happy New Year from Challenger Elementary School!
Don't hesitate to contact me or the school with any questions or concerns; we are more than willing to help!
Here's to a great week of learning and growing at CES!
Love ya'll!
Go Eagles!