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Sunday Soup...08.11.2025

Spencer Byrd

August 10, 2025

Cheboygan Area Schools Community Newsletter
From the Office of the Superintendent
Week of August 11–15, 2025

Good Sunday evening,

Welcome to August! As we approach the start of the new school year, many exciting developments are underway across our district. Thank you for staying connected and engaged with Cheboygan Area Schools. Here's what you need to know this week:

Fall Athletics Begin Tomorrow!

We’re hoping for a strong turnout for the first day of fall athletics this year. Our athletic and activity participation rates have steadily increased since COVID. The more students engage in after‑school programs, the better their chances of academic success during the school day.

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with the varsity head coach directly:

Fall Sports – Head Coaches

Don’t forget to update your physical if you haven’t already. Go Chiefs!

Radio Interviews

To improve communication, we’ve partnered with Mike Grisdale to showcase some of the most notable developments coming this school year. Tune in for:

  • Monday – 7:30 AM: Marty Mix discusses improvements in high school culture, moving 7th grade into the high school, and facility upgrades.

  • Tuesday: Jason Friday shares updates on athletic facilities, including the fitness center, bleachers, locker rooms, gym floor, and upcoming track and tennis/pickleball courts this fall.

  • Wednesday: Kris Jewell explores the growth of our online school, enrollment strategies, and post‑COVID changes in alternative education.

  • Thursday: Deanna Duffton shares news on the new Pre-K program and the $10.5 million elementary school renovation project starting in 2026.

  • Friday: Ben Schley discusses middle school developments, including second grade moving to the intermediate building and the addition of a covered walkway this fall.

K–6 Summer Jumpstart Academy – Final Week

Dates: August 12–15
This program provides targeted enrichment for students preparing for the upcoming school year. It’s 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 (reading and math)

    • Lunch: 11:30 AM

    • Pickup: 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Enrollment Contacts:

Next Week @ a Glance

  • August 11 – Monday

    • Jumpstart Academy (Week 2)

    • Fall Athletics Begin

    • BP Meeting with Mr. Byrd - 1:00 PM

  • August 12

    • Policy Review Meeting – 10:00 AM

    • Admin CPI Refresher – 8:00 AM @ COPESD

  • August 13

    • Horizons Superintendent Leadership Academy

  • August 14

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

    • Athletic Committee Meeting – 6:30 PM

  • August 15

    • Curriculum Zoom Team Meeting with Molly and Kapeka – 10:00 AM

Facility Project Updates

  • Track Replacement Project

    • Construction begins this summer

    • Rubber surface added in summer 2026

    • Full completion by Fall 2026

    • Practices allowed in spring; meets resume Spring 2026

  • Tennis & Pickleball Courts

    • Bids were collected last Friday and are now under review

    • 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 begins in Spring 2026

Pre‑K Enrollment – Spots Available

As we gear up for the new school year, a few spots remain in our new Pre‑K program for the 2025–2026 school year. Please apply ASAP. Once filled, a waiting list will guide sectioning for 2026–2027.

  • Enrollment Max (current year): Two sections of 16 students (32 total)

  • Anticipated expansion: One or two additional sections for 2026–2027

  • Apply via: COPESD Pre‑K Portal

Kindergarten Boot Camp

Dates: August 18–22
This camp supports incoming Kindergartners with a focus on confidence, connection, and comfort—essentially teaching them how to “do school.”

A Look into August

  • August 18 – Monday

    • Fall Athletic Parent & Player Meeting – 5:30 PM

      • Both players and parents must attend

      • Athletic Expectations will be discussed

  • August 18–19: Summer Curriculum Camp for Teachers

  • August 19: Curriculum Committee (8:30 AM); Finance Committee (10:00 AM)

  • August 22: Cabinet Meeting – 1:00 PM

  • August 25 – Monday: BOE Meeting – 6:30 PM; New Teacher Orientation (led by Deanna with principals)

  • 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!

  • September 2 – Tuesday: First Day of School for Students

Quote of the Week

“Effort is one of those things that gives meaning to life. Effort means you care about something so much that you are willing to work for it. We like to think of our champions and idols as superheroes who were born different from us. We don’t like to think of them as relatively ordinary people who made themselves extraordinary.” – Carol Dweck

Dr. Dweck, author of Mindset, has shown how our beliefs about intelligence shape success. Her growth mindset framework inspires educators and learners to view challenges as opportunities, not barriers.

Continue to stretch the summer a little longer—getting in some fun can go a long way as we prepare for an exciting year ahead.

Spencer S. Byrd
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools

PS - A big thank you to Tim Tarjeft for painting "Chiefs" on our new outdoor learning area wall this past week! Well done, Tim!