The CPES BobChat
October 30, 2022
Who "Showed Up" on Friday for the Bobcat Dash?
There are so many who "showed up" on Friday to make a difference at the Bobcat Dash. Here's who came and the impact they had. 1. Our PTO Leadership and Volunteers--We appreciate Amanda Winters, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Smith, Stephanie Greer and Liz Lowery who planned and coordinated the Dash. Alongside of them were so many of you who helped set up, secure sponsorships, pass out snacks, distributed t-shirts, and cleaned up. So much was accomplished because you came and volunteered. 2. Our Sponsors and Donors (See Sponsor Graphic Below)--We want to say "thank you" to all our business, community and family sponsors who contributed financial resources to the event. Our giving is always a reflection of our priorities and we know you care for our children and want the best for them. We appreciate all of you who will contribute further as our children secure donations for their pledges for their laps run. 3. Our Children---They came and danced and ran and high-fived and laughed and played. I was so impressed with how our kids kept running and walking and moving. It was a great time for our children to know they can help make a difference in our school. 4. Our Staff--We appreciate Mrs. Anderson setting up the course and organizing our students and teachers. Mr. Bratton was a great DJ and Dr. Austin kept our Zoom link open online. Our office staff prepared well for greeting our visitors and transitioning our children. Our teachers marked shirts, ran and walked, and gave up planning time so we could have the Dash. We thank them for getting the kids ready and helping them recover after they ran. Our staff looked for the gaps and readily filled them. (They do this daily and that's a big reason CPES is such a great school.) 5. Our Mascots--We had Bobby the Bobcat, the Northwestern Trojan, Rocky the Bearcat, Daniel from Founders, Cotton from Williams and Fudge and Homer from Miracle Park who came to cheer on our children. Their hands were worn out from all the "high fives" they gave children. They hugged, danced, and walked with them. We appreciate our Winthrop athletes who came as well. 6. Our Parents and Families--You made the biggest difference. You cheered and ran and walked with our children. You took precious time out of your busy schedules to come and support your child. (We know many of you visited online as well.) You have the greatest impact in your child's life each and every day, not just on Bobcat Dash days. Our kids do what they see us do. They say what we say. They act how we act. We should never forget the significant influence we have on our little ones. Thank you for your investment in their lives daily. Thank you for "showing up" for them on the good and the bad days. You make a difference.
Strength and Blessings,
Mr. Maness, Principal
Pledge forms and donations are due by Friday, November 4.
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
Notes and Reminders
Halloween Day on Monday, October 31--We ask that students not wear costumes that day. We will have lots of fun dressing up during Red Ribbon Week and we want costumes saved for activities at home and in the community. We also don't want them to get damaged while at school.
Bobcat Dash Pledges and Donations--Are due Friday, November 4. If you need a form, click on the button below.
Makeup Picture Day--Class pictures will be taken on our Picture Makeup Day on Friday, November 18.
Carolina Clemson Day--Will be Monday, November 21. We will kick off our Thanksgiving Week getting ready for the big game Saturday, November 26. Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite team colors.
SIC Election Results--The following parents were elected to SIC this year: Celia Kerr, Ashley Petit, Latisha Givens, and Scott Kennedy. They will join Paloma Fernandez Sanchez, Brittany Jensen, and Anitra Meeks who were elected last year. We appreciate their willingness to serve.
Need Tech Support? Call 803-324-TECH
School Calendar
November 4--Bobcat Dash Pledges and Donations Due
November 8--Election Day (School Holiday)
November 14--5:30 PM School Improvement Council Meeting; 6:30 PM Parent Teacher Organization Meeting
November 18--Makeup Pictures and Class Pictures Day
November 21--Carolina Clemson Day (Wear your favorite team colors)
November 23-27--Thanksgiving Holidays
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
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 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 Dash and Does It Make a Difference?" October 9, 2022 https://www.smore.com/2bf4k
"What is 'Nattering' and Is It Effectiv"e?" 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