The CPES BobChat

All this month, we have provided information to help you prepare for a great school year. If you've missed information, please see the checklist below and at the bottom of this newsletter, you can click on prior newsletters for greater explanations about items on that checklist. Here are some next steps concerning technology. 1. Device Use at School and Home--This year, our kindergarten students will use iPads instead of laptops in their classes. Also, for all elementary schools in our district, devices will stay at school unless teachers need students to use them for homework or projects. (This helps greatly reduce our damages.) Parents can decide if they want their child's device to come home daily. If so, please complete the "Parent Request for Home Use of Device Form" https://rock-hill.jotform.com/241983560912966 As a school, we've found that for most of our students, taking devices home back and forth can be quite cumbersome and unnecessary. In addition, we don't want our children being on screens more than necessary. Our upper grades use them more as their "backpack" and for daily reinforcement as homework. If teachers want students to take them home daily, a parent does not need to complete the above form. 2. Technology Fee Agreement (TFA) Found under "Forms" in Parent Portal--To help sustain the technology investment and offset repair costs, Rock Hill Schools has implemented a Technology Fee Agreement [TFA]. The annual TFA payment of $20 entitles your student to the use of district technology. This does not cover damage to the device or lost chargers and cases. For additional information see the MOBILE COMPUTING GUIDE or visit the District Website. You can pay the fee online or at Open House (in the Media Center). If you would like to pay the $20 TFA fee online, please visit the eSchools Payment Site and choose your student's school. **Please do not pay the $20 TFA fee for multiple students at different schools without logging out first. Otherwise, each school WILL NOT receive your payment.

If you are paying for students at multiple schools, you will need to visit each school's section on the eSchool home page and pay for each student separately. After completing each transaction, click the "Payment Home" button at the top of the page to return to the main menu.

For multiple students at the same school, you can pay for them in one transaction. Please just enter all the student names in the "Student First Name" box and select the appropriate quantity for each item or separate items as needed

Please note, you only need to pay a one-time $4 convenience fee, PER SCHOOL, regardless of how many fees you are paying at that school. To pay online, click on the following link: https://rockhillsc.csiepay.com/Views/Payment/Pay.aspx

For specific questions related to the Technology Fee Agreement, please contact Lisa Segona at lsagona@rhmail.org 3. Mobile Computing Guide in The Technology Fee Agreement (TFA) in Parent Portal--We want parents and students to understand their responsibilities for using technology. Please review the Mobile Computing Guide with your child. This can be accessed in Parent Portal in the TFA or you can click on the following link to access it: https://www.canva.com/design/DAEaWJV42GA/YlKHJ6-alHk4QJ4pg6z-lQ/view?utm_content=DAEaWJV42GA&utm_campaign=celebratory_first_publish&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor_celebratory_first_publish#11 All of your signatures for technology can be completed in Parent Portal in the TFA. If you complete them there, you do not need to print the last two pages of the Mobile Computing Guide (as it says to do).

We hope this information is helpful so you don't have "all those forms" to fill out at the beginning of the year. I encourage you to start now working through the checklist below so you don't stress at the beginning of the year.

Strength and Blessings,

Mr. Maness

P.S. Note that Technology Forms and Fees as well as Transportation Forms should be completed in Parent Portal under "Forms."

Here is a checklist of items that need to be done before the beginning of the school year.

1. Returning Student Verification--Update all contact information and emergency contact list in Parent Portal. Only students who were in Rock Hill Schools last year need to do this. If you haven't created a Parent Portal account, go to the following link: https://rock-hill.powerschool.com/public/home.html

2. Submit Proof of Residency--Electric or Gas Bill or Lease Agreement sent to our SIS Clerk, Mrs. Janelle Miskelly: mailto:jmiskelly@rhmail.org. You can also drop off a copy in our main office.

3. Purchase School Supplies--See button below.

4. New School Year Calendar--Please go ahead and note important dates from our District Calendar on your personal calendar. See button below.

5. Be Great Academy After School Program--Complete registration if needed for the program. See information below.

6. School of Choice Bus Transportation--Complete registration in Parent Portal if your child needs bus transportation before or after school. https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/Page/587 You need to complete the Transportation Request in Parent Portal under "Forms."

7. Medical Needs--Secure any medications and doctors' orders that need to be housed with Nurse Love. After August 1, complete any forms needed for their distribution. Also, be sure to inform her and your child's teachers of any medical needs your child may have.

8. Parent Request of Home Use of Device Form--Needs to be completed only if parents want their child's device to come home. Click on the following link: https://rock-hill.jotform.com/241983560912966 (This does not have to be completed if the teachers need the devices to go home for homework, assignments and projects.)

9. Technology Fee Agreement (TFA) in Parent Portal--In order to pay the $20 Technology Fee, it can be paid by following the links in Parent Portal or paid in person at Open House (in the Media Center). To access Parent Portal, go to this link: https://rock-hill.powerschool.com/public/home.html

10. Review the Mobile Computing Guide--Please review it with your child as a part of the TFA in Parent Portal so you can know your responsibilities with technology. Click on the following link to access it: https://www.canva.com/design/DAEaWJV42GA/YlKHJ6-alHk4QJ4pg6z-lQ/view?utm_content=DAEaWJV42GA&utm_campaign=celebratory_first_publish&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor_celebratory_first_publish#11 If you complete it in Parent Portal, do not print the last two pages.

1. Open Slots for Kindergarten--We have a few slots open for Kindergarten French for this fall. If you know of any families who may be interested, please have them contact our Main Office at 803-985-2255.

2. Open House--Open House will be Monday, August 5 from 5:00-7:00 PM. This is a time to come and meet your child's teacher and ask questions. Please mark your calendars.

3. Staggered Start for Kindergarten--All students with last names starting with A-H will attend August 8-9 (and will not attend August 12-13). All students with last names starting with I-Z will attend August 12-13 (and will not attend August 8-9). All kindergarten students come August 14. The purpose of this staggered start is for your child to be in a smaller class and have time to transition easily to school.

4. First Day of School for 1st through 5th Grade--Will be Thursday, August 8 for all 1st through 5th Grade students.

5. Student Meals--Districtwide, students can eat breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria at no cost to families. Children need to be at school by 7:20 to have time to eat breakfast and be on time for class. Menus for each day can be found on our RHSD App.

August 1--First Day Back for Teachers

August 8--First Day for Grades 1-5

August 8-9--Staggered Start for Kindergarten Students with Names Beginning with A-H (and the other I-Z group starting on August 12-13 will not come.)

August 12-13--Staggered Start for Kindergarten Students with Names Beginning with I-Z (and the other A-H group who went on August 8-9 will not come.)

August 14--All Kindergarten Students Are In School

School Improvement Council--This group seeks to determine how Cherry Park Elementary can be the best school it can be. It is a sounding board and feedback group for the school and district. Members are elected for two year terms. Members of this year's Council include Celia Kerr, Ashley Petit, Latisha Givens, Scott Kennedy, Chelsea Eichorn, Jennifer Hutchinson and Matthew Query. Ex-Officio Members are Mr. Maness (Principal) and Mrs. Futrelle (Assistant Principal). Meetings are held at Cherry Park on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 PM. All parents are invited to attend.

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. 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. Officers this year are Amanda Winters (President), Emmanuel Daniel (Vice-President), Celia Kerr (Secretary) and Shannon Martin/Caroline Stubbs (Co-Treasurers). We appreciate all of our sponsors (above) who contributed to our Bobcat Dash this year.

"How Can We Start Getting Ready for School?" (Part 2) July 14, 2024 https://secure.smore.com/n/x5hed

"How Can We Start Getting Ready for School?" July 7, 2024 https://secure.smore.com/n/6x9vk

"Who's and What's New at Cherry Park? (Part 3) June 30, 2024 https://secure.smore.com/n/ksd0u

"Who's New at Cherry Park? (Part 2) June 2, 2024 https://secure.smore.com/n/8cuf1g

"Who's New at Cherry Park? (Part 1)" May 26, 2024 https://secure.smore.com/n/c0pnvt