The CPES BobChat
November 15, 2020
Does Gratitude Make a Difference...Really?
"We're in a pandemic. The economy is in a downturn. I don't even need to mention politics and the election. And, you want me to be grateful? Grateful for what?" I understand completely...and our children do, too. We've noticed lots of anxiety in our children at school and we know that they model what they see us do. When circumstances are difficult and challenging, it is so hard to genuinely express appreciation. Ironically, it is during these times when it is the very best choice we can make to lower the stress for big and little people. Here's why. 1. Gratitude changes others. At any given moment, for any number of legitimate reasons, we can have a bad day. 2020 has not been a bad day, it has been a bad day after bad day. When others point out the good that I'm doing, I realize that maybe, just maybe, it is not so bad after all. You see something good that I've done or you see something good in me. When you highlight that for me, I gain perspective, clarity, and a little more perseverance to try again. Appreciating others shakes them up and changes a mindset. It encourages them to do a u-turn on the road of desperation or it encourages them to continue staying on track. Either of those options are good. It tells the "other" that he or she is important, significant and valuable at a time when it is so easy to doubt that. A gift of gratitude during this season of life (and not just in November and December) can change the whole trajectory for someone else. It makes a difference in them. 2. Gratitude changes me. When I take the time to say "thank you" or highlight the effort of others, it reminds me that life is not about me. I remember that I got here not on my own effort but because of what so many others did with and for me. I stop looking for what is wrong and look for what is right. My mindset changes from being a taker to a giver only to realize that I'm the one who received the blessing the most. My heart switches from being heavy and burdened to being light and lifted. Giving thanks ignites the fire of hope instead of putting it out. I see the world in full color and not just in boring grays. Gratitude not only changes others, it changes me. Can we be grateful during difficult times? The answer is not only "yes," but it is probably one of our best weapons right now in the war of negatively and despair. I wonder what our children see in the big people in their lives right now. Hopefully, we can model for them (and maybe they are already showing us) how we can "make it" through this time by expressing appreciation and valuing others. It truly makes a difference when we do that together.
Strength and Blessings,
Mr. Maness, Principal
School News
Thanksgiving Holidays--Are November 25-27. As we watch COVID numbers increase around the nation, please be careful and thoughtful about your activities. We want everyone to enjoy the holiday season as much as possible but we also want to keep everyone as safe and as healthy as possible when we return. We all need to think how our actions can affect others during this time.
Report Cards--Will go home by the end of this week.
Breakfast--If your child is eating breakfast at school, he needs to arrive by 7:20 so he can have time to get to the cafeteria, eat and then head to class. Students miss so much if they are not in their seats by 7:40.
Mondays in November--For 3rd-5th, Monday, November 16 is an A Day and Monday, November 23 is a B Day. All 3rd-5th graders in face to face (not virtual) classes return every day on Monday, November 30. Over the past few weeks, we have discussed ways to prepare your K-2nd grader for returning full time. Please do the same for our upper grades children too.
Thanksgiving Meals--Our Cafeteria staff will serve Thanksgiving lunch on November 19 and 20.
Parent Help for SeeSaw (K-2nd) and Canvas (3rd-5th)--Our teachers are using these two learning management systems with students to help them access the curriculum both in face to face and virtual settings. Please click on the following link (or the button below) if you need help in assisting your child with these programs: https://sites.google.com/rhschools.org/rhsprofessionallearning/instructional-technology-support/learning-management-systems
Informing the School on Medical Issues--When your child has a medical issue, please be sure to include Nurse Love when you inform your child's teacher if your child will be out due to illness. She will be our lead person for helping with any illness for our school family. You can always reach her at jlove@rhmail.org. Thanks so much for your help with this.
November Teacher Appreciation
We LOVE our Cherry Park Teachers!
Food Drive--Let’s show our teachers how much we appreciate them! This year has brought many changes, and our teachers need to know more than ever that we are behind them! It is the month of giving thanks! This month we plan to do a food drive by sending nonperishable food items in with your student. Collection boxes will be on each hall and beside the Media Center. Please include your teachers name on donations of food items. The class with the most food donations will win their teacher a gift basket full of goodies! Food items will be donated to Pilgrims’ Inn!
Gift of Gratitude--We are asking that each child give a “Gift of Gratitude” to their teachers and support staff members. Please help your child send an email or do a short video or take a picture of a card with kind words of encouragement and thankfulness. You can send these to your child’s teacher or staff member by November 24 via email or See Saw or Canvas or Padlet (or other electronic means.) Staff emails can be found here: https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/domain/2306
Gift Basket Items--Please see the sign up below to help purchase items for our winning teacher’s goody basket! This month will be sponsored by 2nd and 3rd grade parents, but if you would like to contribute please feel free! Don’t worry if you do not have a child in 2nd or 3rd Grade…there will be plenty of opportunities to help out with donations throughout the year! We ask that all donations for the gift basket be put in the largest black bin with the yellow top outside the front office by Friday, November 20th. See the tentative schedule below:
October: Kindergarten and 1st Grade Families
November: 2nd and 3rd Grade Families
December: 4th and 5th Grade Families
January: All Grade level Families
February: Kindergarten and 1st Grade Families
March: 2nd and 3rd Grade Families
April: 4th and 5th Grade Families
May: All Grade Level Families
June: All Grade Level Families
SIGN UP AT THE LINK BELOW:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49A4A923AAFBC70-cherry1
For questions or concerns reach out to:
Stephanie Greer 423-215-9155
Anitra Meeks 803-389-7202
Need Tech Support? Call 803-324-8324
PTO and SIC Information
Parent Teacher Organization and School Improvement Council Update
The PTO serves to raise funds, coordinate volunteers and encourage teachers through appreciation activities. Click on the PTO Newsletter button below if you wish to receive the PTO Newsletter: PTO and SIC are tentatively planning to meet on the second Monday of each month this year. School Improvement Council meets at 5:30 (in the Fish Bowl) and our Parent Teacher Organization meets at 6:30 (in the Media Center.) Elections were held in the spring for these organizations but all parents are welcome to attend to help provide input and volunteer.
School Calendar
November 16--A Day for Grades 3-5
November 20--All Report Cards will go home by then.
November 23--B Day for Grades 3-5
November 25-27--Thanksgiving Holidays
November 30--All Grades 3-5 Face to Face Students Return; Choice Application Window opens through February 28