The CPES BobChat
August 18, 2019
What Should We Think About as We Start This Year?
All of us have task lists in our heads (or on paper) to be sure to do today so we can start tomorrow. (I've listed items in the next section for you to consider.) More importantly, what mindset should we (staff members, parents and students) have so we can enjoy the best start to the year? 1. Establish good routines. Systems, habits, and routines crush rushed and frantic decision making. When we make clear decisions in advance about how we will do things, we keep ourselves from being stressed and frustrated. Do you have an evening routine to get everyone (and yourself) to bed in a timely fashion so you get the sleep you need? Is everyone on the same page about what they do from the time they wake up to the time they get out the door? Make the list and post it so everyone can see the expectations. Be sure to include a little margin in the routine for true emergencies. 2. Seek to understand before being understood. There may be new ways of doing things with us. You may think, "I never had to do that in a previous school." Know that we have tried to do better than staying at the Holiday Inn last night. Most always, there is a reason the procedure or policy is in place. You are always free to ask for our "why." We certainly may have missed something and may need to rethink it. "Help me to understand...." is a great sentence starter. 3. Encourage independence. Tomorrow is the next appropriate developmental step for your child and for you as a parent. I generally find that our kids can do way more (and way better) than what I expect. Know that if they cry when you leave (or when they get out of the car), it usually lasts a minute or two and then they are off to the next adventure. Change always brings growth. We all need encouragement to see the next challenge and then strive to meet it. (I would encourage you to wait a few days before coming to eat lunch with your child. He/she needs a few days to get to know other kids and learn the procedures for lunch.) 4. Ask, "what if every parent/staff member did that?" What if every parent parked in the wrong place? What if every staff member was late? What if every parent sent an email every day? What if every staff member had that particular need? There are times (i.e. emergencies, safety situations, or significant health issues) when we need to ask for an exception. I understand that. On the other hand, remember that whatever we put in place is for our greater good so that teachers can effectively teach and so that children can effectively learn. 5. "It" will get better. Know that arrival and dismissal will be a little hectic and crazy tomorrow. Tuesday will be better. Wednesday will be better than that. All of us will be learning how to help each other turn average into good and good into better and better into best. Whatever "it" is, I promise "it" will get better. Let's all be patient with each other in the process. I want to thank you ahead of time for all that you have done, are doing, and will do to help Cherry Park have a good start. For those of you who are new, welcome to our Cherry Park family and for those who have been with us, welcome back. I know it will be the best year ever.
Mr. Maness, Principal
Parking Tomorrow
School News
Checklist for Starting School (Tomorrow)
1. Have you completed your online registration and turned in proof of residence? Has all immunization paperwork been turned in to the office?
2. Did you let both of your child's teachers know how he/she will go home tomorrow? (Car rider? Bus or van rider? Challenger After-School Program?) If he/she is a car rider, did you tell them which car loop (Caswell Loop or Cherry Road Loop) for pickup?
3. Do you have your Caswell Loop or Cherry Road Loop car pickup tag? Are your student(s) name(s) and grade level(s) clearly printed on it?
4. Does your child know what kind of car you drive and who is picking him or her up? (He/she will walk down the line until they see your car. It helps so much if they know what it looks like.)
5. Does your child know how to help unbuckle or buckle himself up so the car line can move quickly? (There is no problem if you need to assist your child with this, but it goes much faster if little ones can do this.)
6.. If your child takes medicine or has medical needs, have you informed our nurse and your child's teachers?
7. Have you checked routes and times if your child will ride a bus? Be sure they are at the bus stop 15 minutes early this week until you realistically see what time the bus picks up and drops off. (See Bus Info button below.)
8. For first timers, do you have a plan for tomorrow to walk in, drop off and quickly leave? Be excited and encouraging for their first day (even if you are grieving.) Don't drag things out. It is not helpful.
9. Check the resources below that may help answer any other questions.
Opportunity to Play Football
Cherry Park students will play on the same team as Richmond Drive students. David Bell will be the head coach and he is a wonderful guy who models great expectations for students. For more information, please click on the flyer below. You can reach Coach Bell at 803-412-2475 or wvdawgs@comporium.net.
PTO and SIC Information
Box Tops For Education
The Box Tops program has gone digital! Please download the new Box Tops app and scan your receipts to help us earn money for Cherry Park Elementary. (Grandparents and neighbors are welcome to help, too.) You can also still clip and send traditional Box Tops with a valid expiration date. The first due date for clipped Box Tops will be Friday, October 18th, but you can send Box Tops to your child’s teacher at any time during the school year. For more information, please go to http://www.btfe.com. Thanks for supporting our school!
Girls on the Run and Let Me Run Volunteers Needed
Girls on the Run--At this time, we are still in need of coaches at Cherry Park Elementary for a 2nd team. Volunteers are the heart of our program! If you, or someone you know, is interested in joining the fun, please let Program Director Jen Thorsell know ASAP. We would love to have you join GOTR for another fantastic fall season! (You can reach Jen at jennifer.thorsell@girlsontherun.org or 803-620-3036.
Important GOTR season dates:
· New Coach Training Class: August 24th and/or September 7th (8am-12:30pm) in Rock Hill
· Registration opens: August 26th
· Season: September 23rd– December 6th
· Reindeer Romp (downtown Rock Hill) 5k: December 7th at 8am
· Kickoff Meeting (lead coach attends): September 17th
· Mid-Season Meeting (lead coach attends): October 23rd
Let Me Run (Boys)
Let Me Run is a running program for 4th - 5th grade boys, but it’s more about the boy than the run. Counteracting the negative pressures society places on boys, the program uses running as the vehicle to inspire, teach, and reach them. Combining exercise with fun activities and lessons, Let Me Run inspire boys to be courageous enough to be themselves, build healthy relationships, and live an active lifestyle.
Let Me Run meets for 1 hour 15 minutes after school for 7 weeks on two non-consecutive days beginning mid-September. The season will end with the inaugural Upper Palmetto Let Me Run 5K To be held at the Winthrop Coliseum /Winthrop Lake area.
For information contact:
Don Rice, Program Director
704-743-8755
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 next 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. Meetings will be held on September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9 (if needed), January 13, February 10, March 9, April 13, and May 11 (if needed.)
Calendar of Events
August 19--First Day for Students
September 2--Labor Day Holiday
September 9--First School Improvement Council Meeting (5:30 PM) and Parent Teacher Organization Meeting (6:30 PM) (All parents are welcome to attend.)
Monday, October 21--Parent Conference Day
Monday-Friday, October 27-November1--Red Ribbon Week
Friday, November 1--Bobcat Dash (This is our Fall Fundraiser and more information will be sent home at a later time.)