Challand Middle School
September 1 - No School - Labor Day
September 3 - 2:00 Dismissal
September 4 - Picture Day
September 5 - Warrior Way Preview 6th Grade
September 10 - 2:00 Dismissal
September 12 - Warrior Way Preview 7th Grade
September 17 - 2:00 Dismissal
September 19 - Warrior Way Preview 8th Grade
September 22 - Open Advisory for 8th Grade Begins
September 24 - 11:25 Dismissal (Half Day)
September 26 - Warrior Way 6-8
October 1 - 2:00 Dismissal
October 3 - SHS Homecoming and Parade
Dear CMS Families,
We are so proud of our students for quickly settling into the routines of school. Their focus on academics and positive behavior has been impressive. We’re also excited to see so many students involved in athletics, music, and other activities—because active students are engaged students, and engaged students are achieving students!
As we kick off a new school year, I want to take a moment to talk about something that makes a huge difference in your child’s success: showing up. Every single day in class matters. When kids are here, they’re not only learning academics—they’re making friends, building routines, and gaining the confidence that comes with being part of our school community.
Here are a few things research tells us about attendance:
Missing just 2 days a month (about 18 in a year) adds up to being “chronically absent”—that’s nearly 10% of the school year.
By middle school, chronic absence is one of the strongest predictors of dropping out later.
Students who come regularly are more likely to read on grade level by the end of 3rd grade and graduate on time.
At Challand Middle School, we know kids get sick and life happens. But whenever possible, please make attendance and being on time a top priority. No matter how hard our teachers work, they can’t fully recreate what your child misses when they’re absent.
Let’s partner together to build strong attendance habits this year. When kids are here, they’re learning, growing, and thriving—and that’s exactly what we want for them.
Thank you for making every day count!
Sincerely,
Liz Engstrom, Principal
Picture day is coming and we’re getting excited for it!
With picture day quickly approaching, we wanted to give you some helpful reminder tools to share with your families over the next couple of weeks.
Below is a link to a series of picture day reminders that can be downloaded and shared in emails, on social media, newsletters, school website, parent square, etc.
Let our team know if you have any questions or need any additional assistance prior to picture day. You may reach out to us scheduling@geskusphoto.com.
Your GPI Team
Scheduled Picture Dates:
9/4/2025
10/9/2025
At Challand Middle School, we are excited to introduce Warrior Way, a special opportunity for students who are maintaining success in the classroom. Students with A, B, or C grades in all their classes are eligible to participate. During Warrior Way, students may spend time in the athletic center playing games or simply enjoy socializing with friends. Concessions will also be available for purchase with cash.
Students who are not currently passing all classes will remain in advisory during this time. This gives them the chance to focus on improving their grades with additional support.
For 8th grade students only, there is also the option of Open Advisory. Families must complete the online permission form in Skyward for their child to participate. Eighth graders with A, B, or C grades in all classes will be eligible. Grade reports will be printed on September 19, and grades will be reexamined every six weeks to determine ongoing eligibility.
Families of qualifying 8th graders may choose for their student to:
Stay at CMS and participate in Warrior Way in the athletic center.
Leave campus with parent permission.
Students who are granted Open Advisory and choose to stay with a teacher during advisory must commit to staying for that full period on that day.
We are proud to offer Warrior Way and Open Advisory as ways to celebrate our students’ hard work, promote accountability, and encourage continued academic success!
As always, feel free to call the office at (815) 626-3030 or email with questions, comments, or concerns.
6th grade - Shelley Atilano, counselor - satilano@sps5.org
7th grade - Elisa Hippen, counselor - elisa.hippen@sps5.org
8th grade - Amy Hoffman, counselor - ahoffman@sps5.org
6th grade - Emily Duncan, assistant principal - eduncan@sps5.org
7th grade - Jason Fargher, assistant principal/activities/athletic director - jfargher@sps5.org
8th grade - Liz Engstrom, principal - lengstrom@sps5.org
Our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a welcoming group of families and staff who work together to make Challand Middle School even better. PTO plans student events, leads fundraising efforts that directly benefit our kids, and supports teachers and staff throughout the year.
Whether you can help once in a while or want to get more involved, we’d love to have you. To learn more and receive notifications about upcoming meetings, please contact Jennifer Tompkins, PTO President, at Jennieann32@gmail.com.
Students have been given their iPads, which include keyboards this year. Please charge the iPad in the port pictured below. It is recommended that families pay the insurance fee ($20) on Skyward to cover any damage to the iPad. This fee is in addition to normal school tuition, but covers any accidental damage to ipads. iPads, Charging Blocks, cords and cases will all be returned to the school at the end of the year.
You need to "opt in" to this fee. You can do so by navigating in Skyward to the billing section and adding this fee to your account. You may pay this fee online, or by paying at our SPS District Office. You must pay the fee (not just add it) to be covered by insurance.
7:30 - Doors Open - students may enter the building through Doors 1, 6, and 18 and go to the cafeteria for breakfast or the athletic center
7:40 - Students released (6th first) to go to lockers and then 1st period
7:50 - School Day Begins (students arriving after 7:50 will be counted as tardy and must check in at the kiosk near the front door)
2:45 - 6th Graders are Dismissed
2:50 - 7th and 8th Graders are Dismissed
If your family is in need of assistance with school supplies, please reach out to your student's counselor or administrator.
PE uniforms can be purchased at Sterling High School at Door 1 (cash, check, credit card). PE uniforms must be worn for PE at CMS, and will be kept in a PE locker. PE uniforms are $24.
Students need gym shoes for gym (crocs will not be acceptable this year!).
If you need assistance with footwear, please contact our nurse, Amber Espinoza.