The CPES BobChat

Lynn Fulton is the state coordinator for dual language immersion in Delaware and has spent time with us providing professional development to our staff this year. We were blessed to spend time with her this past Thursday and Friday. She clarified the three purposes of our children learning a second language. She calls them the ABC's of Immersion. 1. Academic Achievement--Our students learn all they are supposed to learn in the South Carolina Standards and they deeply acquire a second language. From what we see in our results, our children learn at high levels and we believe that happens because they are constantly problem solving in English as well as French or Spanish. It is a challenge learning a second language. It is a greater challenge learning math, science and literacy in a second language. Our children and teachers rise to that academic challenge every day. 2. Bilingualism and Biliteracy--We expect our students to excel in listening, speaking, reading and writing in both languages they are learning. Even in kindergarten, we want them to know they are bilingual and biliterate. Their proficiency in that process grows every year they continue in the program. Learning a second language always deepens the understanding of one's first language. 3. Cross/Sociocultural Competence--This refers to the awareness of and sensitivity to other cultures around us. Language is always the doorway to new relationships and perspectives and understandings. It also helps us clarify our own culture. A second language allows our minds to think about words like "and" rather than "but." We think about "also" and "your" and "different." It allows us to view "another way" in light of "our way." It does not diminish nor negate our own values but helps us see that there may be others to consider as well. After spending a summer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I will never forget how little they worried about the pressures of time and schedules. For them, things happen when they happen and there is no need to be stressed and worried about time constraints. That perspective makes me wonder if there are times when I should take off my watch and enjoy the moment. A second language allows us to connect with others to see a different world.

These "ABC's" are three reasons we love language immersion. As parents, we hope you will seek opportunities to affirm these purposes with your children. Look for opportunities to engage in other cultures of any kind. Point out when you hear others using a different language. Listen to French or Spanish music or watch a beloved movie in one of those languages. We need your continued support in helping your child know how important it is to learn a second language.

Strength and Blessings,

Mr. Maness

(In the picture above, our staff had the chance to learn more about others' cultures at an International Potluck Luncheon on Friday where our staff prepared their favorite dish to share with others.)

1. School of Choice Information

a. Choice Application Window is open through February 23. All rising kindergarten students who currently have siblings in the program will need to complete the Choice application to secure a spot for next year. Currently enrolled students at Cherry Park do not have to reapply for next year (unless you are in the fifth grade. See Fifth Grade Parent Information below.) Here is the link for the Choice Application: https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/Page/6855

b. District Choice Site--Here is the link for the District School of Choice Site for more information: https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=8539

2. Valentine's Day Parties--Thank you for all the ways you supported this special time for our children. Our children had a great time and enjoyed the day because of you.

3. Birthday Book Club Volunteers--It is time to celebrate with the Birthday Book Club again. This month we are celebrating the February birthdays. Our celebration will be on Wednesday, February 28. Each child receives a free book of their choosing for their birthday! We need volunteers to help distribute the books during each students lunch time. You will find the sign up time slots on the sign up genius linked. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE AN APPROVED VOLUNTEER THROUGH THE DISTRICT! It is district policy that all volunteers have been approved. Thank you so much for your help! If you'd like to volunteer to help, please click on the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49A4A923AAFBC70-47993499-february#/

4. "READING IS A GAME CHANGER"--Read Across America Week and Book Fair at Cherry Park

March 4-8

Book Fair DATES AND HOURS:

MARCH 4-7 8:00-1:30

MARCH 8 8:00-11:00

MARCH 6 AFTER SCHOOL 3:00-5:00

(with a parent).

Cash will be accepted only on Wednesday.

eWallet and cards accepted all week.

No checks.

“READING IS A GAME CHANGER” DRESS UP DAYS:

Monday--Sports is a Game Changer--Wear a team shirt or jersey!

Tuesday--People are Game Changers--Dress as your future career!

Wednesday--Animals are Game Changers--Wear animals prints or shirt with an animal!

Thursday--Arts are Game Changers--Wear as many colors and patterns as you can!

Friday--Books are Game Changers--Dress as your favorite Book Character!

Book Fair Volunteer Signups--We need volunteers to help our students with choosing books and purchasing them during the Book Fair. Please click on the following link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49A4A923AAFBC70-47842271-spring

5. 5th Grade Parent Information--Here is the link to the presentation from December about the Middle (and High) School Immersion Program. At the end of the presentation, there is a QR code for the Letter of Intent to continue in the program at Sullivan Middle. There is also a button below for the Letter of Intent. This is due on February 24, 2024 but we wanted you to have this now.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1oOWWAqum-RZXHnDtno3W__HXVpZND7xm/edit#slide=id.p6

6. CPES Art Show--Every student Kindergarten through fifth grade will have their own masterpiece framed and on display on April 30th from 5-7pm. Virtual Show will be from April 29-May 6th. Frames will be $28.

Support your school art program by participating in the virtual show or at the arts evening. If frames are not purchased, artwork will come home with student at the end of the school year. See more information here: CPES Art Show Flyer

7. Yearbook Orders and 5th Grade Dedications--Orders for yearbooks are due by April 21, 2024. Also, if you want to do a dedication for a fifth grader, that is due on April 21 as well. Click on the Yearbook button below for more information.

8. Middle School Orientation for Rising Sixth Graders--Attention parents of 5th grader students! Our district middle schools are hosting a face to face orientation event for rising 6th grade students on March 5, 2024 at 6pm at the middle school your child will attend next year!

Please mark your calendars to learn more about your child’s middle school and meet their administrators and counselors. If you are unsure about your child’s zoned middle school, visit the Zone Locator here: https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/domain/1728

This will be an important event for you and your child to attend as you and your family begin preparing your child for middle school. If you plan for your child to continue in the immersion program, you should attend the Sullivan Orientation.

February 19--President's Day Holiday (Bad Weather Makeup Day)

February 23--School of Choice Application Window Closes

March 4-8--Read Across America Week and Book Fair

March 5--6:00 PM Rising Sixth Grade Orientation (at the Middle School your child will attend next year.)

March 11--5:30 SIC; 6:30 PTO

March 22--District Professional Learning Day (Student Holiday)

April 21--Last Day to Order a Yearbook or Do a Fifth Grade Dedication

April 30--5:00-7:00 PM CPES Art Show

May 31--9:00 AM 5th Grade Recognition at Sullivan Auditorium

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 Michelle Dawkins (Treasurer). We appreciate all of our sponsors (above) who contributed to our Bobcat Dash this year.

"What Do We Love about Language Immersion?" (Part 2) February 11, 2024 https://www.smore.com/tqjb1

"Why Do We Love Language Immersion?" (Part 1) February 4, 2024 https://www.smore.com/x4dpg

"How Can We Inform Other Parents about Immersion?" January 28, 2024 https://www.smore.com/yswvf

"How Do We Help Children Do Hard Things?" January 21, 2024 https://www.smore.com/574bh

"What Did Martin Luther King, Jr. Say?" January 14, 2024 https://www.smore.com/1c2ze

"Can One Word Make a Difference This Year?" January 7, 2024 https://www.smore.com/p9n3v5

"How Can We Manage Expectations during the Holidays?" December 17, 2023 https://www.smore.com/ceswg

"How Can We Give the "Best Gift Ever?" December 10, 2023 https://www.smore.com/1p0kd

"How Can We Find a Silent Night?" December 3, 2023 https://www.smore.com/n/p2zes

"What Reminds Me to Be Grateful?" November 12, 2023 https://www.smore.com/pvds3

"Is It about the Grade or the Learning?" November 5, 2023 https://www.smore.com/4hkq0

"Who Made a Difference at the Bobcat Dash?" October 29, 2023 https://www.smore.com/wcqun

"What Do You Need to Know about Bobcat Dash?" October 22, 2023 https://www.smore.com/f19ry

"What Special Events are Coming Up?" October 15, 2023 https://www.smore.com/brvz5

"What's It Really Like at CPES?" October 8, 2023 https://www.smore.com/a7chr

"How Do We Respond to Safety Situations? Part 2" October 1, 2023 https://www.smore.com/k9uet

"How Do We Respond to Safety Situations? Part 1" September 24, 2023 https://www.smore.com/n4c67

"How Can I Volunteer at CPES?" September 17, 2023 https://www.smore.com/7v8ky

"What CRAzy Model Do We Use for Math Instruction?" September 10, 2023 https://www.smore.com/kfbg7

"What Do We Need to Know about Arrival?" September 3, 2023 https://www.smore.com/fc0kd

"Did You Know that a Bobcat 'ROARS?"' August 27, 2023 https://www.smore.com/0g7qv

"What Do We Need to Remember as We Start Back" August 20, 2023 https://www.smore.com/yrt38

"Techno

logy Forms and Fees"--August 25, 2023 https://www.smore.com/72qcg

"How Can We Work Together to Keep Everyone Safe?" August 13, 2023 https://www.smore.com/6cbtm

"How Can Checklists Help You Start a New Year?" August 6, 2023 https://www.smore.com/0jyx61

"Who Are the Newest Hires and What Are the Latest Changes with Technology?" July 30, 2023 https://www.smore.com/z6qnp

"What's the Latest News at Cherry Park" July 16, 2023 https://www.smore.com/w9pth

"Challenger Be Great Academy Update" June 23, 2023 https://www.smore.com/8hqka

"What Staffing Changes Have Been Made at CPES?" June 18, 2023 https://www.smore.com/e0vr2