The CPES BobChat

This is the time of year when we express love. It is also when parents are making decisions about what school they want their child to attend. We love language learning and believe that Dual Language Immersion (DLI) is a great choice for families. Here are a couple of research studies that show why immersion makes a difference in student achievement. 1. A 2017 Portland study shows that students randomly assigned to DLI programs outperformed students in traditional programs in reading by fifth grade and even more by eighth grade. The study also revealed that language immersion students did as well or better in math on tests. All students in the study were from families who applied to be in language immersion programs. In other words, they came from the same backgrounds with the same supports. The only difference in the children was that some students received slots in the DLI program based on the lottery and some didn't. The study tracked the achievement of the students over six years and language immersion students had great results. 2. A 2014 North Carolina study shows that students in DLI programs from all kinds of backgrounds outperform students in similar categories in reading and math on statewide tests. This research focused on comparing scores from students from the same ethnic backgrounds (i.e. African American, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic) who were in language immersion and traditional programs. They also examined students from the same income levels and students who had the same learning challenges (i.e. English as a second language learners and children with learning disabilities.) "In each case, all of these groups attending dual language classes outperformed their peers not in dual language." (Thomas and Collier, ARAL 2017) African American students from low income (in DLI classes) were nearly two grade levels above students in the same categories by middle school. English language learners also had better academic achievement compared to their peers in traditional programs. All students benefit from learning a second language.

These findings of two studies are consistent with results of many other studies of DLI programs. Results do vary based on the quality of program implementation and fidelity to best practices in the school. At Cherry Park, our students are succeeding at high levels in their achievement. We hope this information gives you additional reasons for "loving language immersion" and helping other families understand the benefit of language learning for all children. We want every parent in Rock Hill to know that Cherry Park can be a great choice for their child. We value and appreciate the choice you've made and the support you have for our school and your child.

Strength and Blessings,

Mr. Maness

1. School of Choice Information

a. Parent Information Sessions--We will have two sessions on the same day. On Thursday, February 8 at 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, we will have a time for parents to meet other immersion parents, see demonstration lessons and tour the school. We will also respond to any questions as well.

b. 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

c. 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. February Teacher Appreciation--We have the BERRY best staff and teachers at CPES! For this month's staff appreciation event on February 9th we are putting together a Valentine theme breakfast. Please review the sign up slots below and drop off any items to the front office with your name and PTO by Wednesday February 7th. Thank you for your continued support with these events, we couldn't pull them off without YOU!

If you have any questions you can email me at brittanirayfield@gmail.com

Thank you,

The Teacher Appreciation Committee"

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49A4A923AAFBC70-47119465-february

3. FUTURE CHEFS Culinary Competition--Looking for a way to highlight the gifts and talents of your students? Invite them to submit their favorite breakfast recipe to compete in the FUTURE CHEFS competition at the Applied Technology Center on February 14. The deadline is quickly approaching - the deadline for submission is January 31. Please see flyer below in English and Spanish.

4. Valentine's Day Parties--Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Our Valentine's parties are the one time when we can have additional options that are not on the District Snack List. We still need to be mindful of food allergy issues in our homerooms. Our teachers know best what is the right balance of fun, food and activities for that day. They will communicate what they may need to celebrate "The Day of Love." If you have questions, let them know. Here are additional district reminders about Valentine's Day parties.

• Valentine’s Day is the only day exempt from the approved snack list as indicated in Policy ADF.

• All food must be store bought with a food ingredient label. No homemade treats are allowed. If snack/individual size candy is provided in goodie bags, the food ingredient label must also be available to review for allergens.

• There will be a process in place to check food ingredient labels prior to giving food/candy to students. Nurses can double check a label if the teacher/staff has a question but cannot be responsible for checking all food that comes into the school for Valentine’s Day.

• Be mindful - the Brach’s conversation hearts are manufactured in a plant also processing peanuts/tree nuts and dairy. These are NOT safe for our peanut/tree nut/dairy allergy kids. Teachers should not use these in classroom activities related to Valentine’s Day if they have students with these allergies.

5. Boys' Running Club--Cherry Park Elementary School Boys Running Club is an after school running program for boys in 4th and 5th grade. Goals: Conditioning (being able to endure physical activity for an extended time); Coordination (build strength and agility through exercise); Character (focus on character traits each week). Please reach out to Mrs. Anderson, our PE teacher, for any questions or concerns (eanderson@rhmail.org) Here is the application form to complete to participate: https://forms.gle/eh1mPKcsFqiTLiU1A

6. 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

7. 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

February 8--8:00 AM and 6:00 PM Parent Information Sessions for School of Choice at CPES (Media Center)

February 12--5:30 PM SIC Meeting; 6:30 PM PTO Meeting

February 14--Valentine's Day

February 15--Student Holiday and Teacher Professional Development Day

February 16--Student Holiday and Teacher Workday

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

February 23--School of Choice Application Window Closes

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.

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