The CPES BobChat
August 21, 2022
How Was the First Week?
We had such a great week starting back. So many of our staff believe this was the best opening ever. Here are a few reasons why we think things are going well. 1. Families are willing to follow our lead. We appreciate you reading the information sent and cooperating with us. You trusted the plan we put into place and each day got better and better. By Friday, our pickup lines were done in about 25 minutes. That is incredible. Thank you for your support. 2. Teachers are establishing great relationships with children. We will spend 175 more days together. That is a long time and we want to do all we can to get to know your child (and you, too) so he/she can be successful. Already, I see our Related Arts teachers remembering names of our new students and learning about them. It all starts with the heart before we can get to the head. 3. Procedures are working. It will still take us another week or two to tweak and tune but our children know what is expected and are following our guidance. Structure, routine and consistency win the day. Students (and adults) thrive in predictable environments. It is a source of comfort for all of us. Our staff is working to help little ones know exactly what to do all throughout the day wherever they go. This yields a sense of calm and peace for the school. 4. There is so much support. Especially during this time of year, no one lives within a narrow job description. It takes all hands on deck doing whatever is needed to ensure our children are safe and secure. Our district office staff also came to pitch in during this to be help out. (Thank you Dr. Schmolze, Dr. Wilks, Dr. Dickey, Dr. Barber, Dr. Turner, Ms. Machak, Ms. Ceballos, Mrs. Del Vecchio, Ms. Morales, Mrs. Greenwood, Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. Grimsley, Mrs. Bridges, Mr. Jones, Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Wilson, Mr. Bridges and Mr. Outlaw.) We know we never do our work alone. Making a difference in children depends on school staff working hand in hand with parents and families. It takes all of us in every role to care for our students and help them thrive and grow. I look forward to working together all year long to establish a #RockSolid foundation for our children.
Strength and Blessings,
Mr. Maness
Parents, as we work to get routines and procedures established, we ask that you wait until after Labor Day to visit for lunch. This gives your child time to get to know expectations and time to make new friends during lunch. Just like our homes, meal times help us connect with each other.
Notes and Reminders
Fast Bridge Assessment--During the testing window of August 22 - September 23, 2022 , students in grades K and 1 will participate in an assessment using FastBridge , a curriculum based, computer adaptive assessment.
FastBridge is used to inform teachers of each student’s ability in multiple areas and to
help us monitor student growth over time. The data provided by FastBridge
assessments also gives our teachers important information that is used for planning
lessons to meet the unique instructional needs of each student. Teachers will work with K and 1st grade students one on one to complete the assessment. See parent letter below for more information.
Interested in Helping Coach Girls on the Run? Girls on the Run is a fun after school program for 3rd-5th grade girls that promotes their physical, mental, emotional and social growth. If you are interested in the program for your child or are interested in volunteering, go to their website: https://www.gotrtricountysc.org/ We are already thinking we will have enough girls for two teams.
Car Tags--If you need these, please bring your ID and pick them up in the office.
New Staff Members--We want to welcome M s. JahLisha Thompson and Ms. Rita Hines as tutors who will work with our children. Ms. Thompson has worked with us in Challenger for a long time and Ms. Hines has a great background working with students from a variety of backgrounds. In addition, Mr. Billy Watson and Ms. Emma Mobley will help during lunch with cafeteria supervision and they have also been working with our students in Challenger.
Student Devices--Will be given to students to take home after the following criteria have been met:a. Parents have completed the technology forms that were a part of new student and returning student registration.
b. Payment of the $35 Technology Protection Plan Fee (or a waiver was completed). See note below about fees and charges. The TPP can be paid at school (during Open House) or online at https://rockhillsc.csiepay.com/Views/Payment/Pay.aspx
c. Students complete their Digital Citizenship lessons with their teacher.
d. Teachers have shown students how to use their devices.
This process will take a few weeks to work through and your child's teacher will keep you informed when the devices will come home. Parents can opt to have their child's device stay at school.
Device Fees for 22-23 School Year (District Guidelines)
- $35 – Technology Protection Plan covers one damage in the 22-23 school year. Additional damages after the first will be charged and paid to CPES.
- $40 – Replacement charger. If students need a charger, families will be charged by CPES. The $35 TPP DOES NOT COVER the cost of a replacement charger.
- $18 – Laptop Case replacement. All devices are expected to be in cases AT ALL TIMES. If students need a replacement case, CPES will charge the student $18.
Safety Volunteers--We would like to have some additional help with arrival and dismissal on the Cherry Road Car Loop in the mornings and afternoons. Volunteers would help walk with little ones and help monitor kids outside during this time. If you (or someone you know) might be interested, please complete the following form. Know you can volunteer in whatever way that suits your schedule. We especially need help at the beginning of the year. We will also provide training to know what to do. https://forms.gle/bBZQhSQ8ViCT6eRp9
Need Tech Support? Call 803-324-TECH
School Calendar
August 24--6:30 PM Scout Recruitment Night (CPES Media Center)
September 5--Labor Day Holiday
September 6--First Day Parents Can Visit for Lunch
Previous Newsletters for 22-23 School Year
"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