Welcome to CPA!
We are so glad that you have joined our community here at the Academy, and we look forward to getting to know you, your student and your family in the days ahead. We recently developed and distributed a handy guide featuring hints and tips that we hope will help new families to thrive at CPA. Those same Q&As are included below.
A full explanation of the information shared here — and much more — will be available in our Parent Handbook and Directory (a vital resource that contains not only our family and faculty/staff directory, but also our policies and procedures). We encourage all Academy families to read the handbook carefully when you receive it at Registration in August, and to keep it close by throughout the school year.
Again, welcome...and have a great year.
Questions and Answers
Why do I have to attend REGISTRATION if my child is already enrolled?
Everyone attends registration each year. In order to make sure personal/medical information is current, an official registration time is needed. The school calendar and handbook are distributed at this time. Registration also gives parents a chance to purchase season passes for both athletics and fine arts events as well as CPA merchandise.
Do I have to buy BOOKS?
Only high school students must purchase books. Elementary and middle school textbooks are provided by the school with the accompanying fees added to your tuition bill. You may purchase your high school textbooks through the Follett Virtual Bookstore, which will open to CPA families in early July. By entering a username and password, you will see a screen showing the books specific to your student’s schedule. You’ll have the option to choose New, Used, Rental and eBooks. It is also possible to order via phone with a Follett customer service representative. Credit card, check or money order will be accepted as payment. Follett offers free ground shipping all year. For more information on the Follett Virtual Bookstore, visit the Bookroom page on the website.
Parents may also purchase books online with other companies or buy/trade books among families. You may also find books online through websites such as Amazon or half.com, but make sure you have the exact ISBN to purchase the correct edition. Note: Textbook ISNB numbers are listed on the Bookroom page of the website.
How does CARPOOL work?
This year, our carpool plan has changed with the addition of our new high school building. You will receive an email with links to carpool maps prior to the start of the school year. For the most current information, please check the website under Student Life for carpool maps and traffic patterns.
Where can I buy UNIFORMS?
You may purchase new uniforms at Educational Outfitters in Cool Springs. The third annual PSF Uniform Consignment sale will be held Monday, August 1, in the E/MS Gym. More details, including time and instructions, will be mailed in the coming months.
Does my child need lunch money each day? What if he/she brings lunch from home?
Each student has a personal lunch account, but students are welcome to bring both lunch and a drink from home. Siblings do not share an account. At CPA Registration, you will have the opportunity to put money into that account. Some parents put enough funds for several months, while others pay a monthly amount. Your child will be told when his/her account is getting close to empty. Parents may also email Lila Dobbins, Director of Food Services, () to find out their account balance. To view the current month's Lunch Menu, visit Student Life on the website.
Is it OK to come to lunch and eat with my child?
You are always welcome to join your child for lunch; however, be advised that this mainly seems to be enjoyed by elementary students. If you plan to have the hot lunch when joining your student, please call the Academy that morning before 8:30 a.m. to order. The salad bar is always available to visitors.
What Season Pass options are there for athletics and fine arts events?
The Athletic Department offers either an individual season pass for $75, a student pass for $55, a family season pass for $225 or a grandparent pass for $50.
A card will be issued, but a list will also be kept at the gate so that children don’t have to keep up with a card. Note: These passes do not cover postseason, tournament or most “away” games.
The Fine Arts Department offers an individual season pass for middle school performances and high school performances. The season pass offers several benefits beyond general admission. Families will receive a brochure announcing the fine arts season offerings and details of the season pass in August.
Passes for both Athletics and Fine Arts can be purchased at registration.
How will the school communicate with parents?
CPA’s Office of Communications manages the website (www.cpalions.org) and sends timely communications to our community at large. This Week at CPA (Fridays) lets you know what’s coming up, and CPA Roundup (Mondays) lets you know the highlights from the previous week in all areas such as academics, athletics and the arts. Other updates are emailed as needed. All parents are included in the email distribution list. If you are not receiving emails from CPA Communications, please let the office know. Text alerts will be used during 2011-12 in the event of emergencies, such as severe weather.
How can parents get involved at CPA?
We believe there is no better way to be engaged in the fellowship of CPA than to volunteer. Opportunities to serve provide you with connecting points within the school and create a stronger partnership between school and family. There are more than 500 volunteer opportunities from K-12 each year, including the uniform consignment sale, school-wide prayer walks, high school Career Day, senior class service week, special grade-level events, room parents, field trips, new-parent desserts, celebrating faculty/staff birthdays…and more! All of these events are coordinated and staffed with parent volunteers via PSF.
Parent Support Fellowship is CPA's unique version of the PTA. PSF exists to support not only the faculty and staff of CPA, but also the families, through prayer, encouragement and involvement in school activities and concerns. All parents (or grandparents) of a student are automatically members of PSF, which is structured for families to lead families—so that all parents may support, encourage and pray for the faculty, staff and families of the Academy.
PSF Officers and their contact information are listed in the CPA Parent Handbook.
Is it important to attend the Parent Coffee after school starts?
Yes, the parent coffees for each grade's families are a great way for you to glean insights about how things work at CPA. The principal and other members of the Administration team will share insights and thoughts about the school year. Check the calendar for September to see when the parent coffee for your student's grade is scheduled.
Quick Reference Contacts
CPA Main telephone number.................................................................. 373-9550
High School: Sallie Wallace, Administrative Assistant................................... 301-3551
Middle School: Megan Blalock, Administrative Assistant............................... 301-3521
Elementary School: Mary Bess Smith, Administrative Assistant.................... 301-3655
School Nurse: Sarah Poston, B.S.N........................................................... 373-3517
TOP-SECRET UNIFORM TIPS
It is certainly up to your discretion, but it might be prudent to buy a minimum amount of attire to start the school year, and buy more pieces only as needed.
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Belts, socks and shoes do not have to be purchased at the Education Outfitters. Guidelines for each can be found on the website.
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There is no requirement to buy five full outfits. Four to five shirts would probably be plenty, but two to three pants/shorts/skirts are often enough for many families.
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There will be periodic “jeans” days throughout the year, so you will need at least one pair that fits. A CPA T-shirt of some kind may be required on Spirit Days and may be purchased through the Roar Store or at certain special events.
Elementary:
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Your child can choose from all available uniform items for that age range.
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There is no chapel-specific dress code in elementary.
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Many boys will be seen in shorts year round—no kidding!—so don’t buy several pairs of pants initially.
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Very few girls wear the pants; don’t buy them to start unless your daughter refuses to wear a skirt. Many pants have gone unworn as girls realize no one else is wearing them.
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Many girls no longer wear jumpers after kindergarten or first grade.
Middle School:
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All middle school students are required to have an oxford shirt (and tie for boys) for chapel days.
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Many girls survive on one or two skirts and no one is the wiser.
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Be sure your daughter’s skirt is long enough to pass the “index-card test” (and it’s a good idea to buy a bit long to start the year).
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Very few girls wear the pants, and it seems contagious. Wait to purchase pants until after your child asks for them specifically.
High School:
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All high school students are required to have an oxford shirt (and tie for boys) for chapel days.
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Senior boys have an optional, unique tie for chapel days.