The CPES BobChat
July 28, 2019
How Do We Do Something New?
"What's that smell, Dad?" That was the question Whitney, my daughter, asked as we drove back from an errand. Once we parked, I quickly opened the hood and saw smoke rising from this "thing" that I later learned was the alternator. That was not good news as dollar signs rang up in my head of the anticipated costs of having the car towed to a mechanic to have it fixed. The next day, I saw a friend, Steve Adams, and lamented about my current auto problems. He listened patiently and said, "Oh, that's an easy fix. Sounds like you have a bad alternator and you can do that yourself." The gauntlet was laid. Maybe I could fix it. Maybe I don't have to suffer the shame of calling the tow truck (and admit I don't have a clue). Maybe I don't have to spend hundreds of dollars. So, I started watching a few YouTube videos. They made sense. I had another conversation with Steve (who assured me he'd come and help if I was stuck.) I looked at a few diagrams. I followed the directions and removed the alternator. Then, I took a trip to the parts store to verify the alternator was dead and purchased a new one. While holding my mouth just right, I got the new one back on. Now, if I could only get the belt back in place. I tried....and tried...and tried. No luck. So, I phoned my friend, Steve, who came over. With the right combination of ingenuity, luck, and pulling on a strap, we put the belt on and won the day. Man versus Alternator and Man won!! I did something I've never done before because I took a risk, did some homework, talked with the experts, and asked for help. All of us are starting something new in three weeks. We are starting a new school year: maybe in a new grade, maybe in a new school or maybe with a whole new set of students. That can be so difficult and our anxiety can be high. In order to be successful, each of us will need to take a risk, do our homework, talk to the experts and ask for help when needed. If we do that, we will have the best year ever.
Mr. Maness, Principal
P.S. This is a picture of Steve and me working under the Jeep. (Thanks so much, Steve!!)
School News
Checklist for Starting School
1. Read, read, read. That's the best way to be ready to start school. See opportunities below.
2. Complete your online registration. (Information is below.)
3. Complete the Mobile Computing Guide Parent Orientation and forms to secure a device for third through twelfth graders. Parents need to do three things: View the orientation video, Review the Mobile Computing Guide and Use of Internet/Student Assurance, and Complete the Technology Protection Plan form. (There is a $35 Device Protection Payment that can be paid at Open House in the Media Center. Mr. Bartless will collect these.)
4. Plan for after school care if needed. (Information about our Challenger After School Program is below.)
5. Purchase school supplies. (List is below. Let us know if you need any assistance with securing them.)
6. Complete Lunch Application if needed. Link is below.
7. Contact Transportation at 980-2022 if you need your child to ride a School of Choice Bus in the morning or afternoon.
8. Sign up for the District App and under Settings, you can select Cherry Park Elementary. This is your best way to received up to date notifications from the district. You can also select social media choices @CPESBobcat.
9. Attend Open House on Thursday, August 15 from 5:30-7:30 PM. Come meet your child's teacher, ask questions and tour the school. We will have representatives from Food Service, Challenger, Transportation, Nursing, PTO and Technology available to help answer questions.
Reading Opportunities This Summer (and Next Fall)
All Students--Our schoolwide reading program is called READO. Click on the file below to see our READO card and see the incentives for our kids if they read over the summer.
Rising Fourth and Fifth Graders (Elementary Battle of the Books)--Titles are below for books that students will read to compete in next year's Battle of the Books competition. Students can read them starting this summer. Just click on the file for Elementary Battle of the Books.
Online Registration for Students
The convenient, online process will allow parents to update information from the comfort of their home before attending orientation sessions at their child’s school. The district is pleased to offer this service to its families as a way to speed up the registration process.
By completing the registration in advance, parents and guardians will be able to quickly move through the orientation and course/class schedule pickup dates to be held later at each school.
We are happy to inform you that the document upload feature is now available for both new and returning students. Please note that the documents must be in a file format accepted by the online registration system. Please see the Document Upload Feature section of the help page, listed below, for more information.
Online Registration Help webpage: https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/Page/7818 If you experience trouble with the document upload feature, or would rather deliver your documents in-person, please do not hesitate to visit the school after completing the online registration. Steps for registration:
- Register online as either a new or returning student by following the appropriate link on our homepage https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/default.aspx?PageID=1
- If you did not upload documents while registering, take any needed documents to the school your student will attend, such as proof of residency documentation.
NOTE: Please make sure to register before taking documentation to the school.
Parents/guardians will need to provide proof of residency documentation to their child’s school. Accepted documents include: Electric Bill, Gas Bill, or Rental or Lease Agreement. The document you choose to submit must include the student's parent(s) or legal guardian and the address being confirmed.
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 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 1--Class assignments will be sent out for all students who have completed online registration and verified proof of residency.
August 6-9--Learning to Rock at CPES (This is training for all new teachers to Rock Hill Schools)
August 12--District Professional Learning Community Conference at CPES (District staff development for all elementary teachers will be at CPES.) This is the first day back for teachers.
August 15--Open House (5:30-7:30 PM)
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)
Monday, October 21--Parent Conference Day