What to Know
A list of frequently-asked questions, short answers, and where to find the last word in the Parent Handbook.
PLEASE READ YOUR PARENT HANDBOOK! It comes to every family in our June Mailing. If it’s gone astray, download the Parent Handbook here.
When does the school day begin and end?
School starts at 8:30am SHARP. Staff will be outside between 8 and 8:30 am. When no staff are outside, you must park and walk your child into school.
On 2-hour-delay days, car-line dropoff begins at 10:00am and school starts at 10:30 SHARP.*
Dismissal is at 3:15pm. Our car line operates until 3:45pm. Children not picked up by that time will be sent to After School and a late pickup charge will apply.
On Early Dismissal days (one Wednesday a month), dismissal is at 1:30 pm and the car line operates until 2:00 pm. After-school care is available; see the After School Program page for more info.*
See our Parent Handbook, section 1 (School Hours) and section 6 for complete details. (NOTE: Starred items are not mentioned in the Parent Handbook.)
Is there before- and after-school care?
FREE before-school care begins at 7:45am. Taking advantage of this helps reduce car-line congestion! Our After School Program operates until 6pm. See our Parent Handbook, section 1 "School Hours" and "After School Program".
More transportation-related questions:
See our Parent Handbook, section 6 for complete details about transportation, dropoff/pickup, and Car Line. Our Car Line Safety page offers quick highlights.
CPSC does not operate school buses. Transportation options include walking (including "walking school buses" in which adults take turns walking with children), bicycling, public transportation (we are closest to bus Route 4) and carpools. Confidential help with transportation can be arranged.
Interested in carpooling? See our Carpooling page! Speak with Tonya in the office, who may be able to put you in touch with other families who have expressed interest. Or, look in your School Directory for other families who live near you.
How does CPSC communicate with parents?
Each Tuesday, families receive an update from the school. This typically includes John’s Weekly Update, Paula’s Parent Page, and perhaps announcements or other news. Our virtual Take Home Folder keeps those updates archived. Many teachers also send newsletters home with their students, and some have class websites too.
See our Parent Handbook, section 3 "Staying Informed" for complete details.
Can I get school communications via email?
Ask Tonya in the office to put you on the electronic distribution list. Environmentally friendly, and no paper to lose!
Does CPSC have a listserv?
The school does not, but CPSC parents have organized a Google Group mailing list for parent-to-parent communications. Note that this is a completely separate mailing list from official school announcements, and is not affiliated with the school.
What dates should I be aware of?
First, check our Academic Calendar for monthly Early Dismissal days, school holidays and intersessions. Parent-teacher conferences take place during the first two days of each intersession.
Our Events Calendar lists All-School Workdays, quarterly Socials, and other events. Teacher Appreciation Luncheons take place on the last Tuesday of each quarter. The Strawberry Festival is always the first Saturday in May.
Where do I find a school supplies list?
CPSC will provide school supplies, including a Take Home Folder. Some teachers prefer a "bubble-ope" (about 11" x 14"). Your child may want to have a lunchbox/bag, and a carryall or backpack large enough to carry lunch and folder. We do not ask families to purchase school supplies, but donations do help the teachers stretch their classroom budgets. If you wish to help out, ask your Class Parent or your child’s teacher what is needed.
Our students go outside in all kinds of weather and they do get muddy — sturdy play clothes and rugged, mudproof shoes are best.
My child has special needs. Where do I start?
CPSC does provide services for children with special needs. Please discuss your concerns with your child’s teacher, with our school counselor, Natalie Dunn, or with our Exceptional Children Coordinator, Nancy Spencer.
See our Parent Handbook, section 1 "Exceptional Education Services" for more information.
Does CPSC serve school lunches?
CPSC offers catered lunch options for families who qualify for free or reduced rate lunches.
Does the school have a school governance structure (such as a PTA or PTO) that includes parents?
CPSC has many active parent/teacher committees and projects, with central coordination provided by our School Council. Parents are warmly invited (indeed, expected) to volunteer in whatever capacity they can. Paula Januzzi-Godfrey, our Assistant Director, helps coordinate parent involvement.
How can I help out at school? What if I’m working full-time?
Whatever your talents or interests, we can use them! Talk with Paula and with your child’s teacher, and be sure to return the Parent Participation survey included in our June Mailing (with your child’s class assignment).
While we welcome volunteers in the classroom, we recognize that not everyone has that flexibility. There are many other ways to fill the four hours a month we ask of all families.
How does the CPSC admissions lottery work?
If there are more applications than spaces for the school year, the available spaces will be awarded by public lottery to be held during the spring. Siblings of currently enrolled students and children of teachers receive priority placement. For more information, visit the How to Apply page.
Do CPSC students take EOGs?
CPSC administers End-of-Grade tests for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders each May, as required by the NC Department of Public Instruction. For more information, visit the Assessment page.
Does CPSC have an academically or intellectually gifted (AIG) program?
CPSC strives to provide a supportive and engaging learning environment for all students, including AIG students. CPSC’s daily schedule provides differentiated learning opportunities to meet each student's academic and intellectual needs. Through our project-based learning approach, students engage in class projects that challenge all students on an individual level based on their academic abilities and interests. We believe that all of our students should have differentiated educational services throughout the day, within all instructional areas, and within their classroom.