The CPES BobChat
April 30, 2023
How Can We Help Our Children Do Well on "Big Tests?"
Tests are a reality of school and life. All of us have to take "big tests" to qualify us for jobs and opportunities. Thursday begins our statewide tests for third, fourth and fifth graders. The scores provide information about how well a child has learned SC Standards in English Language Arts, Math, and Science (for fourth graders.) They are also used to designate grades for school report cards. As with all assessments, we want our children to do their best to demonstrate what they know. How can we assist them in doing that? 1. Help them have the right mindset. We want them to know that these tests matter, however, we don't want them to obsess about them nor be anxious and worried. They are not the "end all" and "be all." Like playing a sport or performing at a recital, we simply want them to take their time and do their best. We want them to understand that this is their opportunity to show what they know. 2. Make sure they are present and on time. Children (and adults) do their best work when they are in their normal environments. When they take a test with their teacher in their own classroom, their anxiety is reduced because they are doing a task they've done many times in a comfortable setting. If they have to do makeups, the place and person and conditions change and that can be unsettling. 3. Be sure they have energy in their tanks. These assessments are difficult and require perseverance and attention to details. They need to be well rested by having a good night's sleep. They need to eat breakfast that morning. As is possible, help them to be in a good mood and ready to go to start the day. Obviously, if they are sick, please keep them home. We want them to be at their physical, mental, and emotional best to complete the tasks needed. 4. Give them perspective. This is the first of many tests they will take. Working through these assessments will help them in the future as they take the tests for their driver's license and to become certified in a job. No test score defines who they are but it does potentially impact the opportunities they will have. This is an area where there is a tension to manage. We know that taking tests are not high on the fun meter. They are a necessary part of life. Let's help our children know what is the best way to handle taking them now that enables them to be the most successful in the future.
Strength and Blessings to You,
Mr. Maness
P.S. SC READY Testing for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders will be on the following days:
Thursday, May 4--ELA Writing
Tuesday, May 9--ELA Reading
Thursday, May 11--Science (for 4th Grade Only) and 3rd Grade MAP Reading
Tuesday, May 16--Math
Parents, please help our arrival go as well as possible by arriving early for school. Traffic starts backing up at 7:30 and cars dropping off before then move easily through the line. Thanks for your help.
Fifth Grade Wax Museum
Cookie Treats for Teacher Appreciation
Fifth Grade Wax Museium
Virtual Art Show April 17-May 1
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 1-5 (See Details Below)
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon is May 12
Notes and Reminders
CPES Virtual Art Show April 17-May 1--Support CPES and our art program by participating in the virtual art show. Every frame purchased contributes funds to your child's art education program. If frames are not purchased, artwork will come home with student by the end of the year. Every student Kindergarten through 5th grade will have their own masterpiece framed and displayed on the gallery virtual website. Frames will be $28. Click on the following link to view your child's artwork: https://artomestore.com/collections/cherryparkelemschooloflanguageimmersion29730
Dates for Fifth Graders--The Color Run has been rescheduled for Friday, May 12. Fifth Grade graduation will be May 19 at 9:00 in the Sullivan Auditorium.
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 1-5--We hope you will take a moment to let your child's teachers know how much they mean to you. See section below about all activities and signups.
Welcome to the Family Drop-In for Rising Kindergarten Families May 10 from 5:30-6:30 PM--This is a time to come and visit kindergarten classes for our new families of kindergarten children starting this fall. More information will be sent this week about this event.
Volunteer Luncheon Friday, May 12 (11:00-1:00)--We want you to know how much we appreciate you. We are having a luncheon in honor of all our CPES family members who have volunteered (or will volunteer) with us this year. We will have grilled chicken, baked potatoes and dessert. Just check in at the office and we will give you directions to the luncheon. We hope to see you there. Pleases click on the following link to RSVP by May 4: https://forms.gle/Uc4cPmcqzX6FRuTG8
Field Day Volunteer Signups--K, 1st and 2nd grade will have Field Day on Monday, May 22 from 8:30-11:30. 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade will be on Tuesday, May 23 from 8:30-12:00. We will use the fields at Cherry Park (The Park). All volunteers will need to have an updated background screening. For safety and security reasons, only those parents who are volunteers and have been screened will be allowed at Field Day. (Parents will not be able to visit students during this time. Parents are welcome to visit at lunch as always.) See below for the screening application. Please use the links below if you would like to volunteer at field day.
K-2nd Field Day Signups: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4eacac22ab9-k2field3
3rd-5th Field Day Signup--https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4eacac22ab9-35field2
Student Placement Information--Please use this form if you wish to give us information about your child that you would like considered as we make placement decisions this fall. Please submit one form per child. This needs to be completed by Friday, May 26. Click on the this link to complete the form: https://forms.gle/vSbzeU8UYjsMvR7G8
Summer Challenger--Registration is now open for Summer Challenger for current Kindergarten through Fourth Grade students. (Rising Kindergarten students can attend, too.) You can go to this website for more information and to register: https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/Page/8320
Teacher Appreciation Week May 1-5
Hello Parents!
We are excited to celebrate and honor our teachers and staff for a full week, May 1-5. The week's theme is "Around the World" and will be filled with daily events and activities to show our gratitude for all they do. But we need your help to make it happen! Take a look at the sign up for options available and carefully consider making a contribution of time, money or resources that make sense for you and your family.
We ask that all items be dropped off on Friday, April 28th by the end of day. If you sign up to bring an item or to be a volunteer, please let us know if you are then unable to fulfill your commitment so we can make the appropriate arrangements.
Click on the following link to Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d49a4a923aafbc70-teacher#/
Below you will find the schedule of events for the week.
Monday: France
Merci beaucoup for all that you do! Say oui and meet us for a Bistro Brunch
Tuesday: In-Flight Service
Light refreshments will be delivered to teachers and staff as we continue our journey around the world
Wednesday: Mahalo!
Welcome to Hawaii...enjoy a cold, fruity treat from the Kona Ice truck.
Thursday: China
We are so fortune-ate to have you! Receive a box of good fortune.
Friday: Mexico
It’s Cinco de Mayo and we tip our sombrero to you! Join us for a Mexican Fiesta so we can Taco-bout all that you do.
Should you have any questions, contact the Teacher Appreciation Committee at cherryparkelementarypto@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your help in making this special week happen!
Click on the buttons below for Teacher Appreciation Signups, Activities, and a Postcard that can be used for sending a thank you note to staff members. Our school website can give you a list of staff members.
Sincerely,
Teacher Appreciation Committee
Need Tech Support? Call 803-324-TECH
School Calendar
May 1-5--Teacher Appreciation Week
May 4--SC READY English Language Arts Testing Writing (Grades 3-5)
May 9--SC READY English Language Arts Testing Reading (Grades 3-5)
May 10--5:30-6:30 PM Welcome to the Family Drop-In for Rising Kindergarten Families
May 11--MAP Reading Testing for 3rd Grade; SC PASS Science Testing for 4th Grade
May 12--11:00-1:00 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
May 14--Mother's Day
May 15--Kindergarten Programs (8:00 Pope/Lopes; 9:00 Doyle/Kiker; 10:00 Smith/Notaro)
May 16--SC READY Math Testing (Grades 3-5)
May 19--9:00 Fifth Grade Graduation (Sullivan Middle Auditorium)
May 22--Kindergarten, First and Second Grade Field Day
May 23--Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade Field Day
May 25--Last Day of School (Dismissal is at 11:00)
Parent Organizations
Parent Teacher Organization--This group has three main goals: Raising funds for the school, appreciating the staff and securing volunteers as needed. The Cherry Park PTO is a 501c3 tax deductible organization. Officers for 22-23 are Stephanie Greer (President), Amanda Winters (Vice-President), Liz Lowery (Secretary), and Erica Smith (Treasurer). Meetings are held at Cherry Park on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 PM (right after the SIC meetings.) All parents are invited to attend. All financial records are distributed and updated at each month's meeting.
Previous Newsletters for 22-23 School Year
"How Can We Keep Our Children Safe Online?" April 23, 2023 https://www.smore.com/pv71w
"How Do We Help Our Children Responsibly Use Technology?" April 16, 2023 https://www.smore.com/wgyk0
"What Do Great Trainers and Cheerleaders Do?" April 9, 2023 https://www.smore.com/y3t47
"What Do Great Referees Do?" March 26, 2023 https://www.smore.com/ps3q6
"What Do Great Coaches Do?" March 19, 2023 https://www.smore.com/pgbu8v
"What Role Do We Play in Our Children's Lives?" March 12, 2023 https://www.smore.com/4f1dp
"How Can We Help Our Children 'See' the World?" March 5, 2023 https://www.smore.com/ba6u18
"How Can You Share the Love of Reading with Your Child?" February 26, 2023 https://www.smore.com/8b6pm
"How Can We Share the Love...with our Children?" February 19, 2023 https://www.smore.com/3se17
"How Can We Share the Love...with People Different From Us?" February 12, 2023 https://www.smore.com/ck5xp
"How Can We Share the Love...about Cherry Park?" February 5, 2023 https://www.smore.com/mfjbh
"Can We Lose a Bad Health Habit?" January 29, 2023 https://www.smore.com/7e10cf
"Can We Lose Some of Our Stuff?" January 22, 2023 https://www.smore.com/vqz19
"Can We Lose a Little of Ourselves?" January 15, 2023 https://www.smore.com/kydtr
"What Can We Lose?" January 8, 2023 https://www.smore.com/j3spt
"What's Happening in the New Year?" January 1, 2023 https://www.smore.com/zcthu
"What 'R' You Going to Do during the Holidays?" December 18, 2022 https://www.smore.com/8c6u49
"How Can We Reduce Holiday Stress?" December 11, 2022 https://www.smore.com/vmx8s
"Why Do We Clap and Cheer for Our Children?" December 4, 2022 https://www.smore.com/jegnm
"When Is the Best Time to Express Gratitude?" November 20, 2022 https://www.smore.com/b2xmt
"What Do You Need to Know about the World Cup 2022?) November 13, 2022 https://www.smore.com/d8c4x
"What's Happening in November at CPES?" November 6, 2022 https://www.smore.com/zyuje
"Who Showed Up for the Bobcat Dash?" October 30, 2022 https://www.smore.com/gjsm8
"How Do We Make Time Slow Down?" October 23, 2022 https://www.smore.com/c19u8
"Could PLCs Work for All of Us?" October 16, 2022 https://www.smore.com/6edtw
"What Is the Latest on the Bobcat Dash and Does It Make a Difference?" October 9, 2022 https://www.smore.com/2bf4k
"What is 'Nattering' and Is It Effective?" October 2, 2022 https://www.smore.com/gmrac
"What Do Parents Need to Know about Student Attendance?" September 25, 2022 https://www.smore.com/7rnbq
"What Do We Control?" September 18, 2022 https://www.smore.com/qv3hb
"What's the Goal for Our Children?" September 11, 2022 https://www.smore.com/q8k0b
"What Do You Do If You Want to Visit for Lunch?" September 4, 2022 https://www.smore.com/2ha8b
"How Was the First Week?" August 21, 2022 https://www.smore.com/t65yv
"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