The CPES BobChat
September 12, 2021
How Do "You Do You?"
Our son, Joey, interviewed this week for a leadership program in college. As we talked with him about the process, we reminded him "you do you" and to simply be himself as he interacted with others. We, as teachers and parents, want our children to be responsible, hard working and trustworthy. We also want them to be the best version of themselves. How can we foster a healthy sense of individuality in our children? 1. Encourage "tryouts" and taking risks even if there is a chance of failure. Our son came home one day and told us that he was going to be in the high school talent show and perform magic. Honestly, my wife and I cringed at the thought because we wondered how this would work out for him. We put on our game faces and told him that this was a great idea and that we were proud of him for trying out (which was true.) To our utter shock and amazement (and delight), he practiced and prepared and he won the competition. More often than not, our children have learned so much from taking good risks whether it was a win or a loss for them. 2. Allow for differences. I love running. Neither of my children like it. My wife was a gymnast. Neither of our children were interested. Whitney loved art and volleyball (which were like foreign languages to her parents.) Joey is a "band kid" through and through and we had no idea what was involved. Beyond their interests, we are amazed how there are parts of their personalities that are totally different from ours. In those areas, we have tried (even when it was hard at times) to separate our preferences from theirs. 3. Notice and affirm the good. Honey always attracts more bees. When we see good character traits in our children, we want to be intentional to praise and encourage them. Joey has the gift of helping like I have seldom seen. Whitney takes initiative like a general during wartime. Our children have often set an example for us as parents as they exercise the strengths of their character. As teachers and parents, we want to affirm that as much as we can in them. 4. Model what matters. As much as we need to acknowledge the innate differences and preferences of our children, we should never underestimate the fact that they are watching our every move. Our actions (and reactions) serve to guide them how they should respond. It surprises me every time when former students or my own children refer to a time when I said or did something that was a game changer for them. I am humbled when that happens. It serves as a huge reminder of the impact we have on our children. Our influence really does matter and we need to constantly challenge ourselves to be the best version of ourselves. It is always easier for them to follow what "to do" as opposed to learning what "not to do." Children grow and thrive when they have a healthy sense of their own uniqueness. This is balanced by an appropriate respect for others as well. Life can't all be about me and my desires especially when that negatively impacts others. We want our children to hear "you do you" within the context of "it's not all about you."
Strength and Blessings,
Mr. Maness, Principal
School News
COVID Questions--We know that you often have lots of questions about COVID and our processes and procedures. Our district website now offers lots and lots of information and answers common questions that you might have. Please check out our "COVID-19 Information Page" and the three additional tabs with our "COVID-19 Dashboard," "COVID-19 Close Contact Scenarios," and "COVID-19 Additional Resources." If possible, please consult these pages before contacting Nurse Love. (You will probably find a quicker answer there.) Here is the site and we have included it as a button below: https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=8343
First PTO Meeting--Will be tomorrow evening at 6:30 via Zoom at the following link: https://rockhillschools.zoom.us/j/6332364998?pwd=UTlkSkpPKzBUVG9Gd0hwbVRrVWFTQT09 Our PTO has three main functions: 1. To fundraise for needs for the school. 2. To encourage and appreciate all staff members. 3. To help secure volunteers as needed. We welcome all parents to attend who are willing to help in any of these three areas. Our PTO is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Technology Help--If you run into a problem with your child's computer, you can get help by clicking on the "Get Help" tab in Launchpad (which comes up when you click on the Google icon) or your can call 803-324-8324. (803-324-TECH)
Classroom Libraries--If you have gently used children's books that you'd like to donate to our classroom libraries, please feel free to drop those books off in the office. We want to boost the collections in all our classrooms and especially support our new teachers. Thank you to the families who have sent books already. This has been a big help. It is still OK to send more.
Device Access--Remember that in order for your child to take his/her computer home, your child's registration should be completed and the $35 Technology Protection Fee has been paid (or you indicated on your registration that a waiver is needed.) Fees can be paid online. See details below.
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
September 13--5:30 School Improvement Council Meeting; 6:30 Parent Teacher Organization Meeting (Please see link above under "School News" for more information.)
September 17--Progress Reports Will Go Home
Friday, October 15 and Monday, October 19--Teacher Workdays