The CPES BobChat
November 17, 2019
Where Are We?
"I'm in my first year again as a principal." Yes, that's what I told my staff on Tuesday afternoon. Let me explain. Just like my first year as a principal was a big transition, this is still our first year as a school and we are still responding to change. We have definitely figured some things out. Arrival and dismissal procedures are going well. We know what to do in various safety situations. We know each other's names. We even know where everything is now. But, when we think about the deeper level of organizational transition, we are not quite steady on our feet. And, that is OK. That's how it is supposed to be. William Bridges reminds us that successful change takes time. As we think about his model of transition (see above), we know we've had some meaningful "Endings" and some exciting "Beginnings." Truthfully, we are right in the "Neutral Zone" where there is instability, curiosity, uncertainty and highs and lows. Some of our old systems work for us while others don't. We've tried some new systems and some are more successful than others. We are still figuring it out. We are still developing trust. We are still learning and we believe that is a great model for our kids. Because of our age or experience or education, we mislead ourselves at times to think we should have it all figured out. Whether it is a big or little change, we become unsettled and doubt ourselves. We must remember that change is like buying a new pair of shoes. It takes walking in them awhile until they fit "just right." That is what we are doing. It is a privilege and a blessing to get to walk with each of you each day as we create Cherry Park Elementary School of Language Immersion. We are better than we were but not nearly as good as we are going to be. Working together as #One Team One Mission One Rock Hill enables us to make a difference in our children.
Mr. Maness, Principal
School News
College Game Day--In honor of the Carolina/Clemson game on Saturday, November 30, we encourage everyone to wear their Carolina or Clemson wear (or fan wear from any college team they want.)
Thanksgiving Lunch--You and your family are invited to come and eat with your child at lunch on Tuesday, November 26 during your child's lunch time. We will have a traditional Thanksgiving luncheon. Adult meals are $4.00 and student meals are $2.20 and you can pay on November 26 when you come. (Our cafeteria staff will have a fantastic meal!!) Please RSVP with your child's name and how many adults are coming by Wednesday, November 20. (We want to be sure to prepare well for all our visitors. We will have extra seating and will open up the wall of our Gym for visitor tables. RSVP notices were sent home already or you can just send in a note with that information on it. Please RSVP to Mrs. McCrorey, our Cafeteria Manager. You can also email her your RSVP at SDMcCror@rhmail.org.)
PE News from Dr. Beard
This past week all grade levels have participated in speed stacking activities. Speed stacking has both physical and academic benefits. Physically, it helps develop motor skills, patterning, sequencing, focus and concentration. Academically, students that sport stack on a regular basis have shown increases in test scores and levels of concentration. This is achieved by students using both their right and left sides of their brain. When students sport stack they are crossing the "midline" of their bodies and developing new connections in their brains. These new connections help to spur brain growth which in turn promotes greater academic achievement.
On Monday, your student will receive a flyer explaining the steps for ordering their own set of speed stacks. Using our school’s online group order, you will receive discount on the cups. You simply order online, send the receipt with your student to school and we will send the cups home that same day. If this is a gift for your student, please forward the receipt to Christi Beard (cabeard@rhmail). I will bag, label and place your order in a box located in the front office to be picked up at your convenience.
School of Choice Information
If you have a rising kindergarten student who has a sibling in our immersion program, please be sure to complete your School of Choice application between December 2 and February 28. If your child is already in our immersion program at Cherry Park, you do not have to apply again. Please help spread the word about opportunities to come and take a tour and the Choice Fairs below.
School of Choice Tours at Cherry Park--You can click on https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080b4bacac29a31-spanish2 to sign up for a tour.
Tuesday, November 19 at 6:00 PM
Tuesday, December 10 at 8:00 AM
Tuesday, January 14 at 8:00 AM
Tuesday, February 18 at 6:00 PM
Fall Choice Programs Fair--Will be Monday, December 2 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Kenneth Monroe Transformation Center on Saluda Streeet.
Rock Hill Schools Programs EXPO--Will be Saturday, January 25 from 10:00-12:00 (Location TBD). Both of these events will be places where we highlight our immersion program for prospective parents.
Reminder from Nurse Love--The flu season is upon us. Please do not send your child to school sick. If they have vomiting, diarrhea or fever, please do not send them to school. They are to be fever free for 24 hours before sending them back to school. Flu signs and symptoms include: fever, chills, muscle and/or body aches, congestion, sore throat, and cough. Please consult your child's physician if you suspect your child may have the flu.
Challenger Update--We are happy to announce that Challenger enrollment at CPES is now open again with limited spaces available each grade level EXCEPT 3rd grade. At this time, our 3rd grade Challenger classes are at capacity. For all other grades (K, 1, 2, 4, and 5) parents may enroll their children to begin Challenger on December 2nd. The deadline for registering students for December 2nd is Wednesday, NOVEMBER 20th. Registration packets should be turned in to the Central Office on Black Street. (If you are applying for the free or reduced lunch rate, please include your notification letter from Food Service in your packet.) Challenger staff will notify parents that the forms have been received and will confirm the start date with them.
PTO and SIC Information
Thank You Note and Canned Food Drive--November Teacher Appreciation
Thank You Note--For our November Teacher Appreciation, let’s show our GRATITUDE to the amazing teachers at Cherry Park by sharing with them all of the reasons we love them.
These wonderful teachers spend so much time and energy making sure our children are cared for each day. Now is the chance to really show the LOVE by telling them just how much they mean to us!
Below you will find a “Coloring & Compliment” sheet that can be designed and filled out by your child. Color the turkey in a fun and creative way… anything goes! Then, use the space below the turkey to share a few words or sentences that will let YOUR teacher know how THANKFUL you are for them!
Please return completed sheets to the Front Office Box (labeled “Thank a Teacher”) no later than Friday, November 22nd. Each completed entry will be displayed and a winner from each grade will be selected. Prizes will be given to the grateful student AND their awesome teacher!
Canned Food Drive--Please join us in honoring our teachers in a way that will also impact our community. We are holding a canned food drive that will benefit Pilgrims Inn Food Pantry. For each donation you contribute, your child may make the donation in honor of a teacher or staff member of their choice. We would love to shower them with these cards at the end of the month to let them know how grateful we are for them!
Beginning Monday, November 18- Friday, November 22nd, you may send in non-perishable food items (dry goods like pasta and rice are great!) with your child. There will be a collection box for the food items in the main lobby along with a special box for the donation cards. If you need more donation cards, please feel free to have your child make them or pick up extras from the office. (See below for note cards.)
Bobcat Dash Pledge Receipt--Similar to the kind of receipts given at other non-profits, we want to provide a form for you to fill out as a receipt for any pledge donations you made. Parents, feel free to pass this on to family members or neighbors who donated as well. You can find the form below. All contributions to PTO are tax deductible given that our PTO is a 501c3.
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 next year. School Improvement Council meets at 5:30 (in the Fish Bowl) and our Parent Teacher Organization meets at 6:30 (in the Media Center.) Elections were held in the spring for these organizations but all parents are welcome to attend to help provide input and volunteer. Meetings will be held on January 13, February 10, March 9, April 13, and May 11 (if needed.)
Calendar of Events
Tuesday--6:00 PM School of Choice Tour at CPES
Wednesday--New Challenger Registrations for Dec. 2 are Due to Central Office; Thanksgiving Lunch Reservations are Due to Office; RSVP Due for Thanksgiving Lunch (Send to Mrs. McCrorey, our Cafeteria Manager)
Friday--Thank a Teacher Sheets are Due (Please send to the Office); College Game Day (In honor of the Carolina v. Clemson Game on November 30, everyone can wear their favorite college fan wear.)
November 26--Thanksgiving Lunch (You are invited to come for a special Thanksgiving meal with our school family.)
December 2--6:00-8:00 PM Fall Choice Programs Fair at Kenneth Monroe Transformation Center on Saluda Street
December 10--8:00 AM School of Choice Tour at CPES
December 19--Cherry Park Holiday Concert 6:00 PM in the Sullivan Auditorium (First, Third and Fifth Grades will perform in it. Kindergarten, Second and Fourth will perform in the spring.)
January 14--8:00 AM School of Choice Tour at CPES
February 18--6:00 PM School of Choice Tour at CPES