The CPES BobChat
March 14, 2021
How Can We Be Grateful One Year Later? (Part 2)
One year ago, our worlds turned upside down as we shifted from face to face learning to virtual learning due to COVID. In last week's BobChat, I discussed how grateful I am for the incredible efforts of our children, parents, staff, and central office leadership this past year. While we can all acknowledge how difficult it has been, I believe there has been good that has come from this pandemic experience. I am grateful for how we've grown from it in the following ways. 1. We learned new skills. There is no question that we are much more tech savvy. We discovered new resources and new methodologies to teach effectively. We figured out what worked and what didn't work. Video conferencing became the norm rather than the isolated experience. That initial steep learning curve has flattened due to hard work and perseverance. 2. We don't take the simple things for granted anymore. A year ago, we were not worried much about our health. Seeing our extended family was a right. We could go where we wanted to go and do what we wanted to do. Freedom and choice were expected. Today, we say, "not so fast." I've never seen so many people relieved to receive a vaccine or to test negative for COVID. Last weekend, I saw my father and mother in law at their home for the first time since Christmas 2019. Businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues are beginning to open up a little more. It was not too long ago that we wondered if we would have enough toilet paper at home. We've come a long way and we don't need to forget it. 3. We realized (again) that there is a greater good. When we look back in history, there have always been times when people sacrificed for each other. I think about the Great Depression and World War II as examples. Pre-COVID, I know I found myself mostly being concerned about what I wanted to do. I could do that without having a negative impact on others. This past year, wearing a mask, staying six feet apart and constantly washing hands not only kept me healthy but it served a greater purpose of protecting others. It reminded me once again that this life is not all about me. I need to always remember that there is a greater good to consider. 4. More than ever, we know that family and friends matter. I don't know about you, but I would not have made it through this without the support of those around me. We were so fortunate that our "togetherness" never became "to-bother-ness" with close family and friends. I have heard so many of you tell stories about the people in your bubble who supported you as well. As we begin shifting back into our "old" routines, I hope we hold dearly our lessons learned. We want our children to know that there was good that happened this past year and we can be better people as a result of those difficult experiences. That mindset can help all of us face our future challenges in a meaningful way.
Strength and Blessings,
Mr. Maness, Principal
Parents, don't forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Savings Time.
School News
Winthrop Day on Friday--Winthrop Men's Basketball has always been such a support for Cherry Park Elementary. We are excited about their bid to the NCAA Tournament. They are projected to play on Friday or Saturday. Let's plan to wear our garnet and gold on Friday to support them.
Testing Schedules--We have begun determining tentative test dates. Most likely, we will be doing MAP testing for Grades 1-5 the last two weeks of May (5/17-28). We will have SC READY testing for Grades 3-5 June 1-18. As soon as we have determined the exact dates, we will be sure to notify you. Kindergarten students will assessed on Fast Bridge during those final weeks of school as well. We need all students present for them to do their best on these assessments.
Safety and Spring Break--Please be thoughtful about your plans for Spring Break. We ask that you continue to focus on health and safety and limit your exposure to those who could possibly be positive for COVID. Our COVID numbers have dramatically decreased and we want to keep them as low as possible as we return from this break.
March Teacher Appreciation--It’s the month of “Luck” and we are so lucky to have such an amazing staff at Cherry Park! Let’s host a “pot of soup, at the end of the rainbow” lunch for our staff! Soup will be delivered by Publix deli featuring chicken noodle, broccoli cheddar, and chili! Please sign up in the link below. Thank you all!!
This month will be sponsored by our 2nd and 3rd grade families! All treats and gift cards should be brought to the main office by 9am on March 16th.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49A4A923AAFBC70-march
Caps for Recycled Bench at Miracle Park--GT students are leading a schoolwide and community wide project collecting plastic bottle caps and lids to be recycled and made into park benches for Miracle Park. This is a program started by school children in 2010 and in partnership with GreenTree Plastics out of Indiana. Donations can be dropped off at any of the three locations: CPES, Knowledge Perk, or Boyd Hill Rec Center. They can contact me with questions. Students will be sorting and weighing donations in June to prepare for delivery to the location. We will be looking for a driver to deliver the caps to Evansville, IN in late June and bring back our benches for installation in Miracle Park. See flyer below for more info.
Book Fair, Read Across America and Early Learning Partnership Fundraiser--Thank you so much for your participation in our Read Across America activities. Please continue to encourage your child to read every day and in every way. It makes such a difference in their achievement in all their academics.
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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 via Zoom and our Parent Teacher Organization meets at 6:30 via Zoom. The link for March's PTO Meeting is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82419024222 Elections were held in the spring for these organizations but all parents are welcome to attend to help provide input and volunteer. School Improvement Council members for this year are Carl Thompson, Elizabeth Lowery, Leigh Threatt, Amber Hinson, Kim Crean, Brooke Nies and Phyllis Faircloth. You can contact them at mailto:cherryparksic@gmail.com.
School Calendar
March 14--Daylight Savings (Turn clocks ahead one hour)
March 22--All Middle and High School students return to school five days a week
April 5-9 Spring Break