Cheboygan Area Schools

Dear Cheboygan Area Schools Community,

Good Sunday Evening,

Thank you to the COPESD Summer Work-Study Program for inviting us to the STEM Career Exploration Media Day at the Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the important work being done and the expanding career pathways available to students throughout our region. It was also great to see some of our own students in action!

More than 200 K–12 students in our area are participating in these programs. In Cheboygan alone, 37 students took part this summer—up from 24 last year. We’re proud of this growth and have set a goal to send 50 students next summer.

Summer Facility Updates

Several key projects are underway this summer:

• Classroom Relocations:
  2nd grade to Intermediate, 7th grade to High School, and PreK to Elementary. Target completion date is August 1.

• Gym Floor Repainting:
  Completed—and it looks fantastic!

• Track Replacement Project:
  Bid was approved on July 17; construction will begin this summer.

• Thunder Bay Expansion:
  This grant-funded project extends into the parking lot and will allow for the addition of another nurse practitioner in the 2025–26 school year.

• New Tennis and Pickleball Courts:
  The original bid was not approved. A revised scope is under consideration and, if approved, the project will go out for rebid soon.

• High School Courtyard:
  The “dots” have been repainted dark brown. This space will serve as an outdoor learning lab in the coming school year.

PreK Enrollment – Open Now

We are currently accepting applications for our new PreK program.

• Total Seats: 32

• Filled: 30

• Remaining: 2 seats available for fall

Apply today through the COPESD PreK Portal:
https://miearlychildhood.org/index.php?county=16&p=3

K–6 Summer Jumpstart Academy

• Dates: August 4–7 and August 11–14
  This program offers targeted support in math and English based on student assessment data.

For Enrollment Inquiries:

• Grades K–1: Deanna Duffton (dufftond@chebschools.com)

• Grades 2–6: Ben Schley (schleyb@chebschools.com)

Kindergarten Camp

• Dates: August 18–22
  This camp supports a smooth transition into kindergarten, focusing on confidence, connection, and comfort.

To register, contact Deanna Duffton at dufftond@chebschools.com.

District AI Team Launch (2025–26)

We are excited to launch our new District AI Team, with members from each school building. In partnership with COPESD and surrounding districts, the team will explore meaningful applications of artificial intelligence in education.

Meeting Schedule:

• August 14 – Kickoff Meeting (In Person)

• November 13 – Final Review Session (In Person)
  Between these meetings, virtual collaboration will support the team’s efforts, with findings presented during our winter professional development day.

Important Dates – July 2025

• July 22

  • Curriculum Committee – 8:30 AM

  • Finance Committee – 10:00 AM

• July 23

  • East Elementary Design Review (Zoom – 95% Completion)

• July 24

  • Safety Committee Tour – Intermediate School – 10:00 AM

• July 28

  • Cabinet Meeting – 1:00 PM

  • Board of Education Meeting – 6:30 PM

Important Dates – August 2025

• August 4

  • Jumpstart Academy Begins

  • Cabinet Meeting – 1:00 PM (Lunch at 12:30 PM)

  • Building Principals Return

• August 5

  • Custodial Appreciation Cookout – Noon (HS Courtyard)

• August 6–7

  • COPESD Superintendent Retreat

• August 7

  • Kids Day at the Fair – 10:00 AM (Community Service Opportunity)

• August 11

  • Principal Meeting – 10:00 AM

  • Jumpstart Academy Week 2

  • Fall Athletics Begin

• August 12

  • Policy Review Meeting – 10:00 AM (Required for Building Principals)

• August 14

  • AI CAS Team Training @ COPESD – 9:00 AM

  • Athletic Committee Meeting – 6:30 PM

• August 16

  • Football Black & Orange Scrimmage – 10:15 AM

• August 19

  • Curriculum Committee – 8:30 AM

  • Finance Committee – 10:00 AM

• August 22

  • Cabinet Meeting – 1:00 PM (Friday)

• August 25

  • New Teacher Orientation

  • Board of Education Meeting – 6:30 PM

  • Orientation facilitated by Deanna with support from Building Principals

• August 26

  • District Welcome Back – Intermediate Cafeteria

    • Breakfast: 7:30 AM

    • Program: 8:15 AM

    • Return to buildings: 11:30 AM

• August 27

  • Teacher Professional Development Day

• August 28–29

  • Teachers Off – Enjoy the long weekend

• August 29

  • First Football Game – Home vs. Sault Ste. Marie

• September 2

  • First Day of School for Students

Quote of the Week
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”
— Pelé

Pelé is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. His legacy includes:

• Winning three FIFA World Cups with Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970), more than any other player in history

• Scoring over 1,000 career goals, a rare and remarkable achievement

• Helping to globalize soccer as an ambassador of the sport

• Playing for Santos FC in Brazil and the New York Cosmos, promoting the growth of soccer in the United States

He is affectionately known around the world as The King of Football.

Wishing you continued rest, productivity, and summer fun.

Sincerely,
Spencer S. Byrd
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools

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