The CPES BobChat
July 25, 2021
How Do We Begin to Shift Back into School Mode?
Summer is such a great time to rest, renew and relax. As the days click by, we recognize it is time to shift our mindset to begin a new school year. Students' first day of school is August 16 which is three weeks away. How can we best help transition our children and ourselves to school mode? 1. Enjoy the best of the rest of summer... No question, be sure to have fun these next few weeks. Do those things that make summer fun. Get in those last visits to family and spend time with those you love. We encourage you to make great memories. 2. ...but begin to get back into a schedule. Summertime is great for letting go and being less structured. Soon, though, kids will need to be in their classes by 7:40 at the latest. There will be schedules for learning, recess, and lunch. We will dismiss at 2:25 and sadly, we won't have our vacation naps. That can be a difficult shock to the system. Beginning to shift schedules now will help everyone transition well. 3. Think about your plan and your backup plan and your backup plan to your backup plan. Who will get everyone up? How will he get to school? How will she get home? If there is an early release day (which will probably happen), what is plan? If he gets sick, who will stay home with him? (We will still follow quarantine and isolation guidelines from DHEC and CDC so please think about who will care for your child if she has to be out for 14-21 days.) Will they eat breakfast and lunch at school? Do you have medicines you can leave with us if your child needs them each day? Who did you put on your emergency pickup list (because we will only release him to who is on that list)? Bill Hobbs, one of our retired maintenance guys, told me a long time ago, "Prior planning prevents poor performance." I have found that to be so true. Now, not later, is the time to develop a great plan. 4. Help little ones remember they will not be the only one. There are two perspectives of this. If he is nervous about starting with a new teacher or class, he won't be the only one. If she doesn't know what to do or where to go, she won't be the only one. If he has to make new friends, he won't be the only one. If she forgot what to do, she won't be the only one. We will help all our children succeed and transition well. On the other hand, he won't be the only one in line. She won't be the only one who needs help. We won't be able to give directions 25 times to each child in class. She will need to learn how to come in, put away her things, and get what she needs for class without being reminded after those first few weeks. Most likely, your child is used to having lots of attention from the adults in his life (which is a good thing.) When school begins, she will need to share the spotlight and attention of the adults with 20 or more other little ones. Help us help your child take that next logical step of independence to open his own lunch items, tie her own shoes, and be responsible for keeping up with his coat. Help your child think about the question, "What if your teacher had to tell every child in the class to _______? He or she would not be able to teach." Know that we will do lots to help our children effectively transition back to school. We will be patient and understanding for sure. Also know that when you do the same at home, that transition will be more effective. Thanks for all that you are doing and will do to support your child and our school. Enjoy the best of the rest of your summer. We will see you soon.
Strength and Blessings,
Mr. Maness, Principal
P.S. I hope that the information below will help you stay organized and provide clarity as we start the school year. We will keep this information in our newsletters for the next few weeks for your reference. We recognize there is lots of information so please take it bit by bit so you and your child can be prepared.
Parent Checklist for Returning to School
2. Complete Your Child's Registration Online--If your child has not attended at Rock Hill school, you will complete the New Student Enrollment (see button below.) If your child attended a Rock Hill school last year (including if they were in a 4K program with us), you will complete the Returning Student Registration (see button below). Be sure to be thoughtful about this because all our communication programs pull information directly from what you input and update in this system. Check to be sure all contact information is correct. Also, be sure you are thoughtful about all the people that might pick up your child. If they are not listed on the emergency contact list, they will not be able to pick up your child. Don't rush through this process. Please check and recheck what you put on the registration. All families will need to update their proof of residence and you should be able to upload it with your online application.
3. Bus Transportation Registration--If you need bus transportation, click on the buttons below for the 21-22 Transportation Request Form (English and Spanish).
4. Challenger After-School Registration--If you need after-school care, please register your child using the button below as soon as possible. Challenger cares for students after the school day ends and it is housed at each elementary school. Click on the button below for more information about Challenger as well. If you have a financial need for reduced rates for Challenger, please be sure to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch application on our district website.
5. School Supply Lists--Click on the button below for the 21-22 CPES School Supply List for each grade level. If you need any help securing school supplies for your child, please reach out to our guidance counselors for help. As always, children will need a bookbag. If at all possible, we prefer that students not use rolling bookbags because they become safety hazards when used in the building.
6. Volunteer Screening Application--We want to encourage all parents to complete a new screening application in order to be a volunteer. If you think at any time you might want to chaperone a field trip or volunteer with us, this application must be completed and updated. Again, please click on the button below for more information and to apply.
(Parents, please check back to this list in the weeks ahead. There will be a couple of items that will be added.)
School News
1. Breakfast and Lunch This Year--All meals for this year will again be at no cost for families.
2. Masks--Students and staff will have the option to wear masks this school year. If a parents do not want their child to wear a mask, they will need to complete the Opt Out form before school starts. Even if you completed one last year, you will need to complete a new one for this year. This will be sent out soon.
3. Mobile Computing Guide and Technology Protection Plan--These are being updated currently and will soon be available. All parents will need to complete these forms and pay the $35 technology protection fee in order for your child to receive a device to use. Financial assistance is available as needed for the fee. This year, all student devices will be in protective cases and should always stay in them.
4. Attendance--We want to encourage all families to prioritize their children's attendance at school each day. (A child's achievement is directly tied to their attendance. They can't learn what they need to learn if they are not present.) For students who miss excessive time in school, attendance conferences will be held with parents and attendance plans will be developed to improve attendance. This is a state requirement. After three consecutive unlawful absences or a total of five unlawful absences, an attendance conference will be scheduled. Please click on the button below for our District Guidelines for Attendance for Elementary Students. Please note that we do not dismiss students after 2:00 PM.
5. Transportation Changes for Dismissal--Per district policy, parents need to know that all changes in transportation need to be made by a written note sent at the beginning of the day or parents can come in person to the office to make the change. We cannot accept transportation changes by email or by phone. These policies are in place to ensure the safety and security of your child.
Need Tech Support? Call 803-324-TECH
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 and our Parent Teacher Organization meets at 6:30. We are looking for volunteers to help in PTO this year. Let us know if you are interested. Elections were held last spring for PTO officers but all parents are welcome to attend to help provide input and volunteer. You can contact our PTO at mailto:cherryparkelementarypto@gmail.com School Improvement Council members for last year were Carl Thompson, Elizabeth Lowery, Leigh Threatt, Amber Hinson, Kim Crean, Brooke Nies and Phyllis Faircloth. We will hold SIC elections this fall. You can contact SIC members at mailto:cherryparksic@gmail.com.
School Calendar
August 5--Student Classroom Assignments Will Be Sent Out
August 12--5:00-7:00 PM Open House
August 19--First Day for Students
September 6--Labor Day Holiday