Welcome to Cherry Park Elementary

We are honored that you are considering Cherry Park School of Language Immersion for your child. We want to provide as much information as possible so you can make the best decision for your child. Know that you can always contact us for further questions and support. Here are some considerations as you navigate this process and consider giving the gift of a second language to your child.

1. Language Immersion Program Goals--a. Academic Achievement--Your child will learn all that he is supposed to learn in elementary school. Math, science and literacy in French and Spanish are taught by our world language teachers while language arts, social studies and math reinforcement are taught by our English teachers each day. Our students achieve at high levels and we think language immersion is an accelerator for them. b. Bilingualism and Biliteracy--Our children become more and more proficient each year in their speaking, listening, reading and writing in French and Spanish. Brain research tells us that the easiest time for students to learn a second language is before age twelve. Students will think and process in their second language because they are immersed in it each day. c. Cultural Competence--It is amazing to see how our students learn how to navigate socially and culturally because they are acquiring a second language. They see life through a different perspective because our teachers come from places all around the world. They learn that a different culture is not bad or good, it is simply different from their own. It also makes them appreciate their own culture more.

2. The Application Process for New Families--The Program Options window for new applications opens on January 6 and ends on January 31. New families must enroll in Rock Hill Schools using our New Student Registration and then complete the Program Options Application. Please note both must be completed to be placed in the lottery. You cannot apply before January 6. If the student is currently enrolled in a school within our district and NOT currently in a Program Option, you will fill out the Program Options Application for existing students.

3. Language Assessments for Grades 1-5 Students--We will have slots open in French and Spanish in upper grades. Students who are in Grades 1-5 (new to Rock Hill and who are already in Rock Hill Schools) will also have a language assessment after receiving notification of receiving a slot. This ensures that new students in upper grades have enough French and Spanish to be able to learn the math and science and second language literacy at that grade level.

4. Resources with New Families--Please help pass on this information to other families you know. a. Attend an Information Session--We will host information sessions for new families on Friday, January 10 at 8:00 AM, on Monday, January 13 at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and Tuesday, January 21 at 6:00 PM. b. Consider Language Immersion Information--Click on the following link for articles, presentations and frequently asked questions: https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/domain/2337 Our district site for world languages is below as well. c. View Videos--Here are couple of videos that help explain our school and program: https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/domain/2334

Thank you for considering the precious gift of learning a second language to your child. We believe we are developing global leaders who will make a difference throughout our world.

Strength and Blessings,

Mr. Maness, Principal

Monday, January 6--Registration Opens (Parents must first enroll in Rock Hill Schools before completing a Program Options Application)

Friday, January 10--8:00 AM Parent Information Session

Monday, January 13--12:00 PM Parent Information Session; 6:00 PM Parent Information Session

Tuesday, January 21--6:00 PM Parent Information Session

Friday, January 31--Registration Closes for Program Options

Monday, February 3--Program Options Lottery for the 25-26 school year. Families notified on the same day if they were given a seat in a Program Options school or are on a Wait list.

Friday, February 14--Parents MUST indicate by this date if they have accepted a seat or not. Families that do not accept a seat move to the Wait List for that program.