The CPES BobChat
January 15, 2023
Can We Lose a Little Bit of Ourselves?
Last week, we began a series about losing bad habits and establishing new ones with the new year. I wrote that losing always allows us to win, small steps beat big intentions and we need others to help us succeed. When parents and teachers make changes, it models for our children how they can do the same to become better people. As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s life this weekend, I am reminded of his quote that "Everyone can be great because everyone can serve." How can we instill in our children the habit of being a little less selfish and a little more mindful of the needs of others? 1. Start with empathy. I have to admit I can easily get frustrated with others. If they would only think my thoughts, believe my beliefs, and act like I want them to act, then their lives (and mine) would be better. Inevitably, when I understand the facts of their situation and step into their shoes, I get knocked off my high horse again. Quickly, I realize they are probably doing the best they can and in fact, they may be functioning better in those circumstances than I could. It takes intentionality and maturity to "seek to understand before being understood." This is an easy say and a hard do. 2. Think about your pinch points. When do you feel most frustrated and impatient around others? Is it in traffic or the car line? Is it in the grocery store when the person won't move out your way? Is it when you are on the phone with customer service? Is it at your child's ball games when it is easy to get mad at the referees or the coaches? Is it when someone has to tell you "no" because he is following the policy or simply doing her job? Help your child to see those situations when he or she is impatient as well. Be honest and realistic with your child and yourself. When you know where that aggravation or agitation comes from, then you can do something about it. 3. Decide on a productive, alternate reaction. Is there a better choice you can make ahead of time when you know you will be in that situation? Could you listen to music or a book or a podcast when you know you have to wait? Could you ask for more information about a procedure or policy that can help you understand the why behind the what that irritates you? Could you get to know the person who rubs you the wrong way and at least know his name and maybe even ask her how her day is going? Could you generate possibilities for that situation that gives the other person the benefit of the doubt? On our bad days, we always want others to judge us by our intentions while we judge others by their actions. 4. Remember that life is not all about us. We are part of a larger community that will survive based on our interdependence and not just our independence. Dr. King said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" Our children do what they see the big people doing. None of us want our kids to be selfish and self-centered. Part of the goal of language immersion is to develop children who can deeply understand other cultures because they they can communicate with them. In addition to French and Spanish, we want them to speak with kindness and care for others. Let's show them the best way they can do that.
Strength and Blessings to You,
Mr. Maness
Parents, remember we will observe Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday on tomorrow, Monday, January 16.
Notes and Reminders
School of Choice Application Window (Updated Information)--Opens on January 5 and you can go to the following website to apply: https://rockhill-registration.hosted.src-solutions.com/login (This is the updated link where you will complete your New Student Registration and you School of Choice Application.) 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 New Student Registration/Choice Application. We will also accept new students in first grade French. We have a few slots available in upper grades for students who apply and have appropriate language skills in French and Spanish. The application window closes on February 28. Please share this information with your friends and family. We want all families in Rock Hill to know about this opportunity for their children. 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
Battle of the Books Update from Dr. Austin
Battle of the Books Update (For fourth and fifth students and parents).
All tryout forms have been collected as of Friday, January 12. We are currently in the process of administering/scoring the tryout quizzes. Students qualifying for the 8 spots (6 team members and 2 alternates) will be announced on Friday, January 20.
Thanks to all who have participated!
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
Need Tech Support? Call 803-324-TECH
School Calendar
January 16--Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
January 18--8:00 AM CPES Parent Information Meeting for Choice
January 23--6:30 PTO Meeting
January 24-25--MAP Testing for Grades 1-5
January 31--6:00 PM CPES Parent Information Meeting for Choice
February 8--12:00 PM CPES Parent Information Meeting for Choice
February 13--5:30 School Improvement Council; 6:30 Parent Teacher Organization
February 14--Valentine's Day
February 16--6:00 PM CPES Parent Information Meeting for Choice
February 17--Early Release Day for Staff Development (Dismissal is at 11:00)
February 20--Presidents' Day Holiday
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
"What Can We Lose?" January 8, 2023 https://www.smore.com/j3spt
"What's Happening in the New Year?" January 1, 2023 https://www.smore.com/zcthu
"What 'R' You Going to Do during the Holidays?" December 18, 2022 https://www.smore.com/8c6u49
"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