CPE1: Central Park East 1 Elementary School

Traditions play an important part in the building of community life at CPE1. They are ever-evolving, but following are those that have been part of the school for many years.

Open House

The first event of the school year is the Open House, when parents come to CPE1 for an assembly and then visit their child's classroom to hear about plans for the year to come and meet parents of other students in the class.

Fall Festival

The CPE1 Fall Festivaltakes place on a Saturday in late October in the 106th Streetschoolyard. Each class prepares a craft to sell and there is a large rummagesale, an international food table and a variety of entertainment. Familiespitch in by working with the organizing committee, soliciting raffle prizes,donating items for the rummage sale, bringing food and helping with the set up,manning of the booths and clean up.

Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights,held in early winter, brings together families and staff to share the varied winter celebratory rituals that make the CPE community diverse. While each year the evening is unique, there is usually a potluck dinner, singing, stories and related activities.

At CPE we recognize that sharing the variety of family rituals adds to the education of children and strengthens the wider community. We learn more about each other and have an experience of other cultures that brings us each a better understanding of our own ways as well as more tolerance for those who choose different paths.

This celebration of light and song is not a religious celebration, although families may share stories that are of a religious nature. Families who do not observe a specific holiday at this time of year are welcome to share any family ritual or experience or come and enjoy those shared by other families.

Winter Concert

While the Winter Concert may look like a typical performance by children to entertain their families, at Central Park East 1, the Winter Concert is actually an opportunity for serious sharing. The children have the opportunity to share their hard-won accomplishments in music with the entire community. The evening gives families a chance to show support by making sure their child is present and prepared and respecting the work done by all.

Book Fair

The Scholastic Book Fair is held for one week during December to coincide with the Winter Concert (before and after which the Book Fair is open). The Book Fair encourages a love of reading as well as raises funds for the school. Your child will visit the Fair with his or her class and students will have the opportunity to purchase books at that time. A preview list is sent home for parents to pre-select items and the Fair is also open to family and friends.

Parents sign up for shifts to work at the Book Fair during the day and on the evening of the concert. During the event visitors can help build individual classroom libraries through the Classroom Wish List program.

All School Sing

All School Sing is heldevery Monday morning for the entire school and community. Parents and other adults are welcome to watch and/or participate in this weekly ritual that helps start the week off with joy.

Family Sing

Staff and parents lead all families in an evening celebrating the CPE1 Songbook. Usually held in February, families have the opportunity to experience the music the children learn and enjoy in a wonderful, traditional evening of song. Extended families and friends are welcome as well as older and younger children.

Spring Concert and Art Show

The Spring Concert,similar to the Winter Concert, allows the choruses and instrumental groups to share the work they have done in their music classes. In addition, an Art Show exhibit is prepared with student work showing the outstanding creations of the children.

Staff Appreciation Luncheon

In mid-June, parents are asked to contribute a salad, main course or dessert to the Staff Appreciation Luncheon, typically scheduled on a day in June when school is dismissed at noon. This is the parents' opportunity to thank the CPE1 staff for their work throughout the year. Volunteers help create the theme, decorate, set the buffet table, bring food, serve, and clean up.

Graduation

The entire school is invited to attend graduation, marking the formal end of fifth grade students' time at CPE1. Fourth grade parents prepare and staff the graduation reception after the ceremony.

Family Picnic

The CPE1 Family Picnic takes place in Central Park West and 100th Street the last Friday before the end of school. New families are invited to join old for a picnic lunch and play.