It is a sad day in our house because the Olympics are over. We've enjoyed seeing "the thrill of victory" and are heartbroken over "the agony of defeat." Here are a few lessons from the games and athletes that can help us lead our children this year. 1. Practice Makes a Difference--Over and over, Olympians talked about the hours of difficult practice that shaped their performance in the limelight. We desperately need our children at school daily and on time so they can practice all that they learn. One of the highest correlations to student achievement is time at school. We ask you to think through how much your child is out of school. How much were they late last year? How many times did they leave early? How many unnecessary absences did they have? You may not see it, but kids are anxious when they know they are missing instruction. They feel behind when they come in late or when they have to catch up from being absent. Simply put, we can't replicate what a child has missed when he is out. Daily practice at school leads to great performances. 2. Great Athletes Take Care of Their Bodies--The same is true for our children. It is so hard to learn if you are sleepy or tired or hungry. As parents, you know how much sleep and nutrition affect your child's mood. Consider how busy your weekly schedule is. Think through what you pack in your child's lunch. Please know that when your child is sick, we would not want your little one to come to school if he has vomited or had fever in the last 24 hours. We want him to stay home and rest and get better. Our children need our influence to help them know how best to care for their physical selves. 3. Know the Backup Plans--Olympians prepare for what they expect to happen but they also prepare for the unexpected. As parents, have you thought through your backup plan if you can't pick up your child at the end of the day? Who can keep your little one when he or she is sick or when we have teacher workdays or half-days? Does your child know who is on your emergency contact list who could pick him up? It is always helpful to talk with our children about the plan and the backup plan so they will worry less when the unexpected happens. This is especially true for safety situations. In fact, we always mix up our school safety drills throughout the year to stay prepared for anything that can happen. We want to model for our students how to stay flexible in our thinking to solve the problems that come our way.

There are so many more lessons we can learn from the Olympics. I hope you've taken the opportunity to talk with your child about these amazing people and all they've accomplished in Paris. Let's constantly model for our children what it takes to be successful at high levels.

Strength and Blessings,

Mr. Maness

P.S. Thanks for such a good start of school (despite the weather). Looking forward to a great year.

1. Staggered Start for Kindergarten--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. Kindergarten Parents (only) can walk their child into school on tomorrow and Wednesday (if needed). After Wednesday, all students need to come into the building by themselves.

2. Three Reminders

a. Snack List--The only items that can be sent to school for treats for a whole class must be on the District Snack List. This is in place because of the number of food allergies that students have. Always coordinate with your child's teacher if you'd like to send snacks to the class. (See Snack Letter below.)

b. Changes in Dismissal--Must be done as a handwritten note and should be sent at the beginning of the day. Parents can also come into the office to notify the school of a change that needs to be made. This is a district policy to ensure that the custodial parent is making that decision. It is a safety issue.

c. Visiting during Lunch--Can begin after Labor Day. Our children need a few weeks to get adjusted to schedules and expectations in the cafeteria.

3. 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.

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.

11. Review the CPES Family Handbooks--Please click on the button for the CPES Family Handbook. Please verify in the Parent Portal by completing the eCollect Handbook Verification in Form that you have read and understand student expectations.

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.); 7:45 Kindergarten Parent Orientation

August 14--All Kindergarten Students Are In School; 6:00-8:00 PM Girl Scout Recruitment Night (Media Center)

August 21--6:00-7:30 Scouting Recruitment Night at CPES (Media Center)

August 30--11:15 Early Dismissal Day (Parents should pick up students at 11:15. Be sure you have your pickup cards.)

September 2--Labor Day Holiday

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 'Be' Ready for the First Day of School? (Final Reminders) August 4, 2024 https://secure.smore.com/n/0wvx9

"What Do Families Need to Know about Open House" August 3, 2024 https://secure.smore.com/n/3wx9d

"How Can We Start Getting Ready for School?" (Part 4) July 28, 2024 https://secure.smore.com/n/59pwv

"How Can We Start Getting Ready for School?" (Part 3) July 21, 2024 https://secure.smore.com/n/y0w1e

"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