The CPES BobChat
January 24, 2021
How Do We Shift from Urgent to Important for Valentine's Day?
Over the past ten months, we've been told over and over again what we can't do. We can't be closer than six feet. We can't come into school (or work or a grocery store) without a mask. We can't touch this or that without washing our hands. We can't have large gatherings of people. The list is endless. Those directives have "urgently" been given to help us stay safe and healthy. It is for our own good and the greater good. But, they are definitely not fun. It is so easy to stay stuck focusing on "can't do" requirements but there is a different, better, and more productive way. It is what we used to do before all the urgent restrictions. It is asking ourselves "what is most important?" Here's a timely example: What do we do for Valentine's Day (a.k.a the most sanctioned "party day" of the elementary year calendar)? No, we can't have valentine cards coming from home. No, parents can't send in treats. No, we can't allow parents to come into the school and volunteer that day. (We must continue to reduce exposures.) So, what can we do? What's most important to us about that day? We want our kids to know they're loved. We want them to have fun. We want to celebrate caring about each other. Here's what we can do. Kids can make their own cards at school. We can dress up and wear red. We have pizza for lunch, ice cream for dessert, and a prepared cookie for a snack (which is plenty of sugar for a child before sending them home to you.) Teachers are planning fun activities. And, there are a few other surprises that might happen as well. It will be a good day because we've determined what's important first which then lead us to decide what we can do second. Our important values always drive our decisions and actions. This is what we did before COVID and it is what can help us lead our children during difficult times. It models for them how to be resilient when life is challenging. There will always be urgent "no's" in life. We want our children to understand and move beyond them to find important "yes's." Valentine's Day can be a great example of that both at school and at home.
Strength and Blessings,
Mr. Maness, Principal
Parents, remember that Monday, January 25 will be an Early Dismissal Day for Teacher Professional Development. Students will be dismissed at 11:00 AM. Friday, February 5 will be a Teacher Workday and a Student Holiday.
School News
Officer Zessin--We wanted everyone to know that our School Security Officer, Corey Zessin, will be leaving us. He will be transitioning to a new position with the City of Rock Hill's Fire Department as an investigator and inspector. We wish Officer Z all the best and we will certainly miss him. This was a very difficult decision for him because he cares so much for our children and school. His last day with us will be this Friday, January 29. We will have a new officer assigned to us.
Keeping Everyone Safe and Healthy--Let Nurse Love know if you or your child is sick before sending them to school. Please reduce all exposures you can at school by limiting dropping off nonessential items such as computers, backpacks, water bottles and even lunches. (We can provide most anything a child needs at school for a day except for medication. All students can even eat lunch at school for zero cost for the rest of the year.) Because of your effort and our effort, most of our positive contacts of COVID come from home and not school. We appreciate your vigilance in helping keep our students and faculty safe each day.
School of Choice Update--(See button below.) The application window opened on Tuesday, December 1 and closes on February 28. Siblings of current immersion program students receive priority for acceptance but parents must still fill out the Choice application. You can go to the School of Choice website for more information: https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/Page/5064 We will have Virtual Parent Information Sessions on Wednesday, January 27 at 8:00 AM and on Tuesday, February 9 at 6:00 PM. Go to the link above (or the button below) to sign up to attend. Please let other families know about this so they can stay informed.
January Teacher Appreciation--Let’s kick off 2021 with a picnic lunch for our teachers! This month will be sponsored by all families! In consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are asking for store bought items and gifts cards to help purchase items. Please drop items and gift cards off to the front office no later than January 26th. Thank you for contributing and giving back to our very deserving teachers and staff!
Click on the Sign Up Genius below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49A4A923AAFBC70-january
Valentine's Day Parties--Yes, we are looking forward to having them on Friday, February 12. No, we will not be able to allow any items (food or cards or goodies) to come from families. We will take care of providing snacks and activities for our children. We want that time to still be fun for our kids but we also want to keep things as safe and as healthy as possible. We don't want you to needlessly spend money so please know that if you send items in backpacks or drop them off, we will have to send that back home to you. This is a districtwide decision for all our schools.
Opportunity from RHSD Education Foundation--We have launched our "Love Our Teachers" yard sign campaign and are pleased with the excitement that we've seen thus far.
Make a donation of $24 at rhsdfoundation.org and receive a yard sign to display at your home, school or business. Sign distribution will take place beginning February 12th.
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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 via Zoom and our Parent Teacher Organization meets at 6:30 via Zoom. The link for January's PTO Meeting is:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83166646886 Elections were held in the spring for these organizations but all parents are welcome to attend to help provide input and volunteer. School Improvement Council members for this year are Carl Thompson, Elizabeth Lowery, Leigh Threatt, Amber Hinson, Kim Crean, Brooke Nies and Phyllis Faircloth. You can contact them at mailto:cherryparksic@gmail.com.
School Calendar
January 25--Early Release Day for Professional Development (Students dismissed at 11:00)
January 27--Virtual Parent Information Session for Prospective Parents at 8:00 AM
February 5--Teacher Workday (End of First Semester)
February 9--Virtual Parent Information Session for Prospective Parents at 6:00 PM
February 14--Valentine's Day
February 16--Report Cards Go Home
February 28--Choice Application Window Closes