The CPES BobChat
November 21 and 28, 2021
For What Am I Thankful?
I deeply appreciate our students, parents and staff each day. Each of you work so hard to make a difference in others. We are fortunate that you choose to be at Cherry Park and engage in our mission of developing future global leaders. I am blessed to know you and be with you every day. There are some additional groups for whom I also want to extend a big "thank you." 1. Our teachers from other countries. Very few of them have seen their families over the past two years. Many normally travel during the summer or winter breaks but COVID closed travel options for them. I appreciate their dedication to our school and students despite missing holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions with their families. We are so fortunate they are with us. 2. Staff members who joined us last year or this year (and our staff who stayed with us, too). The past two years have been so crazy and unusual and stressful. Staying the course in any profession has been challenging and I cannot imagine starting a career during the last year. There has been one curve ball after another and our staff has gone to bat and hit home runs every day. Your dedication and service despite difficult circumstances is valued and appreciated. 3. Those who seek to understand before being understood. It seems that our tempers are shorter than ever in our culture. It is all too easy to jump to conclusions without having the facts of what happened. I appreciate those who assume best and extend a little grace from the start and then are willing to have a meaningful conversation about the concern. When that happens, I know we have a better chance of moving quickly to a good resolution. Blessed are the patient. 4. Parents who stay the course. Thank you for your commitment to the immersion process, even when there are bumps along the way. We are now in our tenth year of immersion and we've learned so much. When a learning problem comes, it takes courage to remember that it would be the same issue if a child was in any other school. The benefits of second language acquisition are greater the longer a child is in the program. In years to come, we are going to be amazed by what our immersion children accomplish. Staying the course now gives them incredible opportunities in the future. Thank you for all you do to make a difference in our kids, in our staff, and in me. I appreciate the privilege of being the principal at Cherry Park. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving with your family.
Strength and Blessings,
Mr. Maness, Principal
Thanksgiving Holidays will be Wednesday, November 24 through Friday, November 26. Please note that Wednesday, December 22 is now a half-day for students and is the last day before Winter Holidays.
Given that this will be a short week, this same newsletter will be sent again on Sunday, November 28. Happy Thanksgiving!!
School News
Carolina v. Clemson Day--Will be this Tuesday, November 23. We encourage our children, faculty and staff to wear their orange and crimson to support their favorite team.
Lost and Found--We have over 100 articles of clothing that have not been claimed. Please have your child check Lost and Found because the items left will be donated on Tuesday. Also, remember to put your child's name on all their items they bring to school. That increases the chance it can get back to them.
#Giving Tuesday--There is Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Tuesday, Novembert 30 will be Giving Tuesday. One present that is always in season and always fits is a gift to a nonprofit that makes a difference in the lives of others. Next Tuesday is a great time to consider giving to organizations that have so many needs.
November Teacher Appreciation--We are so thankful for our Cherry Park staff! This month we plan to do a food drive by sending nonperishable food items in with your student. We will also have a food drop box out front for convenient drop off. We will be donating items to a local food panty in need. We will also be sending home a “thankful flyer” with students to give their teachers. Please help your child fill these out with kind words of encouragement and thankfulness. You can send these in with your child. Mr. Maness is also going to fire up the grill for a Clemson/Carolina Tailgate to treat our staff this month! Let’s help out by providing food items for the cookout! This month will be sponsored by 4th and 5th grade parents. (Canned food donations are encouraged from all grades) THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT! We ask that all donations for the staff tailgate be brought to the main office by Monday, November 22nd. SIGN UP AT THE FOLLOWING LINK: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49A4A923AAFBC70-november
For questions or more information, reach out to: Stephanie Greer 423-215-9155.
Bobcat Dash--Here is a video of the Bobcat Dash: https://youtu.be/4S7O9yAZx9o
Scholastic Book Fair Information--DEC 13-20 during school.
It’s back! This year the book fair will be in person and online. K-2 students will shop during their Media Related Arts time. 3-5 teachers will have options for signing up for a class time during the week. You can click on the following link for more information: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/cherryparkelementary2
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 are Amanda Campbell, Paloma Fernandez Sanchez, Brittany Jensen, Anitra Meeks Amber Hinson, Kim Crean, Brooke Nies, and Phyllis Faircloth. You can contact SIC members at mailto:cherryparksic@gmail.com.
School Calendar
November 23--Carolina v. Clemson Day (Wear your favorite team colors); Teacher Appreciation Event (Staff Cookout for Carolina Clemson Game)
November 24-26--Thanksgiving Holidays
December 13-20--Scholastic Book Fair
December 22--Half-Day/Last Student Day before Holidays (End of First Semester); Students are dismissed at 11:00 AM
December 23-January 4--Winter Holidays
January 5--First Day Back for Students