Cheboygan Area Schools Community Newsletter
From the Office of the Superintendent
Week of August 4–8, 2025
Good Sunday Evening,
Welcome to August! As we approach the start of a new school year, many exciting things are happening across our district. Thank you for staying connected and engaged with Cheboygan Area Schools. Here's what you need to know this week:
K–6 Summer Jumpstart Academy
Dates: August 5–8 and August 12–15
Our Summer Jumpstart Academy is filling up quickly! This program offers targeted academic support in reading and math, using student assessment data to meet individual needs. It's also a great way to help young learners ease back into a school routine.
Location:
Grades K–1: East Elementary (ELE)
Grades 2–6: Intermediate School (INT)
Schedule:
Breakfast: 8:00 AM
Learning Activities: Morning sessions focused on reading and math
Lunch: 11:30 AM
Pickup: 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Contacts for Enrollment:
Grades K–1: Deanna Duffton – dufftond@chebschools.com
Grades 2–6: Ben Schley – schleyb@chebschools.com
If you haven’t registered your child yet, we encourage you to do so on Monday!
This Week’s Highlights
Monday, August 4
K–6 Summer Jumpstart Academy Begins – 8:00 AM to Noon
Superintendent Walkthroughs:
ELE: 10:00 AM
INT: 11:00 AM
Building Principal Meeting – 1:00 PM (Lunch at 12:30, Board Room)
Topics include:
Thrun Student Handbook review
Truancy checklist update
EMC start-up plans
Additional planning items
Tuesday, August 5
Custodial Appreciation Cookout – 11:30 AM (HS Courtyard)
Food provided by Food Service
We'll eat in the cafeteria or outside (weather permitting)
Principals, please be prepared to share a few words recognizing your custodial team’s outstanding summer work!
August 6–7 (Wednesday–Thursday)
COPESD Superintendent Retreat
I’ll be off-site with area superintendents and Jamie Huber
Please be prepared to provide classroom readiness updates upon my return
Wednesday, August 7
Kids Day at the Fair – 10:00 AM
A fun opportunity to serve and connect with our community
Thursday, August 8
Tennis Court Project Bid Opening – 11:00 AM (Board Room)
Potential Principal Meeting – 1:00 PM
Location TBD (Board Room or possibly… the boat!)
Project Updates
Track Replacement Project
Approved by the School Board on July 17
Construction begins this summer
Final rubber surface to be added in summer 2026
Full completion: Fall 2026
Practices will be allowed, but we may not host meets in Spring 2026
Tennis & Pickleball Courts
Interested bidders should contact Steve Fleming: flemings@chebschools.com
Bid Opening: Friday, August 8 at 11:00 AM (Board Room)
Renovations planned for late summer/early fall 2025
East Elementary Renovation / Inverness Project
Bid documents available September 4
Contractor walkthrough: September 11 at 1:00 PM (East Elementary)
Bid Opening: October 2
Construction to begin Spring 2026
PreK Enrollment – Spots Are Nearly Full
We are close to full enrollment in our new PreK program. If you have not yet submitted an application, we encourage you to do so right away. We are forming a waiting list that may support expansion next year.
Current enrollment: Two sections of 16 students (32 total)
Anticipated expansion: One or two additional sections for the 2026–2027 school year
To apply, visit the COPESD PreK Portal
Kindergarten Camp
Dates: August 18–22
This camp helps incoming Kindergarten students transition smoothly into school with a focus on confidence, connection, and comfort.
To Register or Inquire: Contact Deanna Duffton – dufftond@chebschools.com
Important Dates to Remember
August 11
Jumpstart Academy (Week 2)
Fall Athletics Begin
August 12
Policy Review Meeting – 10:00 AM
Admin CPI Refresher – 8:00 AM @ COPESD
August 14
AI CAS Team Training – 9:00 AM @ COPESD
Athletic Committee Meeting – 6:30 PM
August 16
Football Black & Orange Scrimmage – 10:15 AM
August 18–19
Summer Curriculum Camp for Teachers
August 19
Curriculum Committee Meeting – 8:30 AM
Finance Committee Meeting – 10:00 AM
August 22
Cabinet Meeting – 1:00 PM
August 25
BOE Meeting – 6:30 PM
New Teacher Orientation (led by Deanna, with principal support)
August 26
District Welcome Back @ INT 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
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
— William Arthur Ward
Wishing you continued rest, productivity, and a little more summer fun as we prepare for an exciting year ahead.
Spencer S. Byrd
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools