The CPES BobChat
December 18, 2022
What "R" You Going to Do During the Holidays?
The holidays are almost here. It is time for a break for some holiday "R and R" for both the big and little people. What are your plans? Travel? Celebrations? Watching big games? Visiting relatives? Here "R" some other things I hope we all will do these next few weeks. 1. Rest. Electronics have batteries that regularly need recharging. Our bodies and minds work the same way. We all need time to sleep in or take a nap or go to bed early. Can we be courageous enough to turn the phone off and put it in a drawer for awhile? For me, holiday breaks feel like letting the drumbeats of work and life become more and more quiet. We all need time away from the stresses of life to renew our bodies and minds to recapture our energy and perspective. 2. Recreate. Look at that word closely by separating the "re" from "create." We want to "create again" by doing activities we enjoy that take us away from the draining parts of life. Maybe it is reading for you. Maybe it is picking up that old instrument you used to play. Maybe it is getting in the workshop or yard. Maybe it is cooking for fun and not because it is required. For our family, it usually involves working a large puzzle. What activity nurtures your heart and soul and gives you joy? What do you love to do "just for fun?" Our children need to see how we "re-create" so they can know how they can do that, too. 3. Reflect and Remember. This season of the year gives such great opportunities to pause and reflect and remember. What are your blessings? Who do you miss getting to see? What is going well for you right now and what do you wish you could improve? What is "off target" in you and with you right now? We tend to ask others "How are you doing?" all the time. Are we willing to ask ourselves the same question and honestly answer it? The holidays also allow us time and space to remember those people and events and places that have shaped us into the people we are. This is a good time to share those memories with our children so they can know more about their past as well. I hope you will encourage your kids to also rest, recreate, reflect and remember. One of the best gifts we can give ourselves this season is time to do some self-care. When we do that well now and throughout the year, we have greater capacity to care for others (like our children) who need us. Enjoy some "R and R."
Strength and Blessings to You,
Mr. Maness
We hope you enjoy the best of this special season of the year. Please remember the first day back for students will be Thursday, January 5.
Notes and Reminders
School of Choice Application Window--Opens on January 5 and you can go to the following website to apply: https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/Page/6855 Remember that rising kindergarten students who currently have siblings in the program have first priority to secure a slot at Cherry Park but parents must complete the Choice Application. The application window closes on February 28. There will be a School of Choice Fair on Thursday, January 5 from 6:00-7:30 PM at the District Office. We will have CPES Parent Information Meetings for Choice on the following days and times:
January 18 at 8:00 AM
January 31 at 6:00 PM
February 8 at 12:00 PM
February 16 at 6:00 PM
Book Fair--It's the most wonderful time of the year! The Book Fair is coming to Cherry Park this December!
The Scholastic Book Fair will be held on Wednesday, December 14-Tuesday December 20. Students will be able to visit the fair with their teachers or during their Related Arts Media time. In addition, students may shop at the fair daily between 10:30-1:30. Parents are also welcome to come shop with students between 10:30-1:30 each day the fair is open. There will be a special late afternoon shopping time on Thursday, December 15 from 3-6. As always, parents must sign in at the front office before coming in.
The Cherry Park Scholastic homepage is where you can find information about how to sign up for the eWallet option. This is the safest, easiest way for your child to purchase books.
Here is a link to our Scholastic Book Fair homepage:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/cherryparkelementary1
Visit our school's homepage to get the latest Book Fair news, shop our Online Fair, and more!
Thanks so much for all your support!
December Teacher Appreciation Event--Let's make December extra SWEET for our CPES teachers and staff with a Holiday Cookie Walk. The Teacher Appreciation Committee will help coordinate a luncheon and Cookie Walk on Tuesday, December 20th and we need your help to send each staff member home with at least a dozen cookies and or treats. Please sign up below to donate homemade (preferred) sweet treats.
Some ideas for goodies: cookies, cookies, cookies, fudge, holiday candy, cake squares, etc.
Please send in your treats to the front office by Monday, December 19th - marked "Teacher Appreciation". https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d49a4a923aafbc70-december2
Battle of the Books Information for Fourth and Fifth Grade Students and Parents
- Students should read as many of the books as possible by January 5, 2023…If a student needs to borrow a paperback over the break, please see your teacher or Mrs. Austin.
- Students need to fill out an official application and have a parent or guardian sign the form and return it by January 12. Applications are on the table by the door in the Media Center. These can be returned any time before January 12 to the same location. These are different from the interest surveys completed earlier in the year and must be signed by a parent or guardian.
- The selection process will be a quiz on all the books. A numerical score will be given to determine the top 6 scorers (plus 2 alternates).
- The quizzes will be given during the week of January 9. Quizzes must be completed without help from anyone. Teachers can send students to take a BOB quiz anytime during the week. Students will take the quizzes in the Media Center. All quizzes are due to have been completed in the Media Center by January 13.
- The team of 6 (plus 2 alternates) will be selected and announced by January 17, 2023. In the event of a numerical tie on the quizzes, tiebreaker questions will be asked to come up with the top 6 plus 2 alternates.
- The team (including the alternates) will check in weekly with Mrs. Austin for a review of each book by means of completing a story map. Dates and times for these check-ins will be announced and held during school hours.
- Formal practice dates will be announced and held during school hours. There is no before school or after school commitment.
- More details about the final competition will be forthcoming as these arrangements from the district are still in the planning process.
BOB TIMELINE
Read as many of the books as possible.--January 5
Parental Permission Due--January 12
Quizzes Given--January 9-13
Team Selected and Announced--January 17
Check-ins and Practices--TBA
District Competition--TBA
Yearbooks--Yearbooks are now on sale. All sales are online only and this year there will not be an additional order after April 7, 2023. You will need to use the Order Number 24915. Click here to order a yearbook: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/?event=general.displayLanding&jobnumber=24915
Information about the Flu
Parents and Guardians,
We currently have a large number of students absent with influenza, “the flu” and influenza-like illness at Cherry Park this past week. As you may know, the flu is spread easily from person to person and school-age children are among the groups most affected. Flu symptoms include fever (over 100 degrees F), body aches, headaches, sore throat, cough, and fatigue and typically lasts from 5-7 days.
If you suspect your child is getting sick, please do not send them to school. Students who are experiencing the symptoms listed above need complete the following steps:
- Stay home from school
- Call the COVID Call Center to report your child’s symptoms 803-980-2016
- The COVID Call Center staff will provide additional information about flu and COVID testing
- The COVID Call Center will also ensure absences are coded correctly
- The COVID Call Center will work with the Nursing Services department to determine classrooms that have an increase in student illness.
Our school staff are working closely with the RH Schools Nursing Services department and SC DHEC to monitor flu conditions in our school, make decisions about the best steps to take and ensure disinfecting practices are being followed. Custodial staff will continue to disinfect classrooms and common areas regularly. Classrooms with an increased number of sick students will be disinfected nightly.
Here are a few things parents can do to help our school reduce the spread of illness:
- Teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and water.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or upper sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
- Take time to get a flu vaccine. Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu. DHEC strongly recommends all South Carolina residents older than 6 months old get the flu vaccine as soon as possible to prevent the flu, unless they have a medical reason not to be vaccinated.
- Teach your children not to share personal items like drinks, food or unwashed utensils.
- Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. Symptoms of the flu include fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37.8 degrees Celsius or greater), cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired. Some people may also vomit or have diarrhea.
- Don’t send children to school if they are sick. Any children who are sick at school will be sent home. Staying home when sick will allow your children to rest and allows you to monitor their health closely.
Mr. Maness and Nurse Love
Need Tech Support? Call 803-324-TECH
School Calendar
December 19--Baked Goods/Desserts to be Dropped Off for Staff Luncheon
December 21--Early Dismissal Day before Winter Holidays
December 22-January 4--Winter Holidays for Students; (January 3-4 Teacher Days)
January 5--First Day Back for Students; School of Choice Application Window Opens
January 9--5:30 SIC Meeting; 6:30 PTO Meeting
January 16--Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
January 18--8:00 AM CPES Parent Information Meeting for Choice
January 31--6:00 PM CPES Parent Information Meeting for Choice
February 8--12:00 PM CPES Parent Information Meeting for Choice
February 16--6:00 PM CPES Parent Information Meeting for Choice
February 28--School of Choice Application Window Closes
Parent Organizations
Parent Teacher Organization--This group has three main goals: Raising funds for the school, appreciating the staff and securing volunteers as needed. The Cherry Park PTO is a 501c3 tax deductible organization. Officers for 22-23 are Stephanie Greer (President), Amanda Winters (Vice-President), Liz Lowery (Secretary), and Erica Smith (Treasurer). Meetings are held at Cherry Park on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 PM (right after the SIC meetings.) All parents are invited to attend. All financial records are distributed and updated at each month's meeting.
Previous Newsletters for 22-23 School Year
"How Can We Reduce Holiday Stress?" December 11, 2022 https://www.smore.com/vmx8s
"Why Do We Clap and Cheer for Our Children?" December 4, 2022 https://www.smore.com/jegnm
"When Is the Best Time to Express Gratitude?" November 20, 2022 https://www.smore.com/b2xmt
"What Do You Need to Know about the World Cup 2022?) November 13, 2022 https://www.smore.com/d8c4x
"What's Happening in November at CPES?" November 6, 2022 https://www.smore.com/zyuje
"Who Showed Up for the Bobcat Dash?" October 30, 2022 https://www.smore.com/gjsm8
"How Do We Make Time Slow Down?" October 23, 2022 https://www.smore.com/c19u8
"Could PLCs Work for All of Us?" October 16, 2022 https://www.smore.com/6edtw
"What Is the Latest on the Bobcat"w Dash and Does It Make a Difference?" October 9, 2022 https://www.smore.com/2bf4k
"What is 'Nattering' and Is It Effective?" October 2, 2022 https://www.smore.com/gmrac
"What Do Parents Need to Know about Student Attendance?" September 25, 2022 https://www.smore.com/7rnbq
"What Do We Control?" September 18, 2022 https://www.smore.com/qv3hb
"What's the Goal for Our Children?" September 11, 2022 https://www.smore.com/q8k0b
"What Do You Do If You Want to Visit for Lunch?" September 4, 2022 https://www.smore.com/2ha8b
"How Was the First Week?" August 21, 2022 https://www.smore.com/t65yv
"What Do We Need to Remember as We Start Back?" August 14, 2022 https://www.smore.com/qjucf
"Open House Reminders" August 11, 2022 https://www.smore.com/35c6a
"Remind Me, Who's New at Cherry Park?" August 7, 2022 https://www.smore.com/b71ef
"Where Are the Pinch Points?" July 31, 2022 https://www.smore.com/csh32
"How Can You Help Us Keep Our Children Safe and Secure?" July 24, 2022 https://www.smore.com/6bweq
"How Can We Get Ready for the Fall?" July 17, 2022 https://www.smore.com/hcp2q"What Do We Need to Know" July 10, 2022 https://www.smore.com/y35p6