From the Office of the Superintendent
Week of September/October 29–03, 2025
Spencer S. Byrd, Ed.S., CAA, CSBO
Superintendent, Cheboygan Area Schools
Cybersecurity Alert – Phishing is REEL!?
Phishing continues to be a major cybersecurity threat, especially in public institutions like school districts. Last week, our Technology Director, Jordan Anderson, conducted a simulated phishing test to evaluate our staff awareness, and here are the results:
· 206 staff targeted
· 183 received the email
· 177 opened it
· 28 clicked the phishing link
· 36 reported it in the email to the Technology Director
If this had been a real attack, over 15% of our staff would’ve been compromised.
What can we do in the future to better protect ourselves?
· Use the Gmail phishing report tools (report button or orange fishhook)
· Don’t click unfamiliar or unexpected links, even from known contacts
· Watch for red flags: urgency, typos, odd sender addresses
Cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. Let’s stay alert and protect our district from real threats.
Back-to-School Safety Reminders for Drivers:
With the school year underway, please remember to drive with extra caution, especially during pick-up and drop-off times. Our students’ safety depends on all of us.
· Slo Slow Down in School Zones - Speed limits are lower for a reason; kids can be unpredictable. Stay alert and obey all posted signs.
· Watch for Buses - When a school bus has its stop arm extended and red lights flashing, you must STOP—in both directions. Never try to pass a bus while it is loading or unloading students.
· Expect Pedestrians - Children may dart out between cars or cross at unexpected places. Always yield at crosswalks and watch for crossing guards.
· Avoid Distractions - Put your phone down and stay focused. A few seconds of distraction can change lives.
· Follow School Drop-off/Pick-up Rules - Each school has specific procedures; please follow them carefully to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow.
· Be Patient - Give yourself extra time in the mornings and afternoons. A few extra minutes can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.
October 8th – ½ Day for Students – Afternoon PD for Teachers:
11:15 - Students Released – INV, CIS, HS
11:30 - Students Released from the ELE
11:30 - Lunch Available in the CIS Cafeteria – (Taco Bar)
12:15 - Welcome and Announcements – Byrd
12:30 - District PD Begins - Artificial Intelligence
1:45- Break
2:00 - Resume
3:15 - Adjourn
CTE Millage Reminder – November 4th:
A regional CTE millage will appear on the ballot on November 4th. If passed, it will generate over $4 million annually to support and sustain CTE programs across all 10 school districts in our region. Thank you for supporting the future of our students and the strength of our local workforce.
Reminders – CAS Student Expectations for 25-26:
· Student Parking - Please continue to follow your assigned parking locations.
· Cell Phone Use - Cell phones are NOT to be used during instructional time. Please keep them put away and out of sight during class time.
· Attendance Matters - Students who accumulate 20 or more unexcused or non-medical absences WILL be issued a truancy ticket.
· Zero Tolerance for Bullying - Repeated incidents will result in disciplinary action in accordance with school policy.
· Zero Tolerance for Vaping - Vaping is illegal on school grounds, and students found in possession of or using a vape at school will receive a ticket.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment at Cheboygan Area Schools.
Facility Projects – Updates & Timelines:
Track Replacement Project:
The construction contract is currently under renegotiation.
Soccer games will continue until construction begins.
Tennis & Pickleball Court Renovation:
Project scheduled to begin next week.
East Elementary Renovation & Inverness Project:
Bid Opening MOVED: October 9th, 2025, BR @ 1PM
Construction Begins: Spring 2026
Estimated Duration: 2 years
Looking Ahead – September/October Calendar:
September
29 – Bus Driver Meeting – 9:30 AM
30 – Thrun Legal Webinar – Student Discipline Group @ 12:00 PM (Board Room)
30 – MEMSCA Webinar – 1:00 PM
October
1 – Michigan Negotiations Association Conference Begins - TC
7 – BP Meeting @ 9:00 AM – Student Handbook Review
8 – Half Day for Students
8 – Thrun Survival Webinar for Superintendents @ 8:00 AM
8 – PD Afternoon for Teachers: Artificial Intelligence Presentation
9 – MICIP Training @ COPESD with Building Principals @ 8:30 to 11:45
9 – East ELE Bid Opening in BR @ 1:00 PM
10 – BP Meeting @ COPESD @ 8:30 AM (Make sure you have Coverage)
16 – Superintendent Coaching Training with MASB @ 9:00 AM
16 – Athletic Committee Meeting @ 6:30 PM
21 – Finance Committee Meeting @ 10:00 AM
21 – Curriculum Committee Meeting @ 3:45 PM
22 – Parent-Teacher Conferences in the Evening @ 4:00-6:30
23 – Parent-Teacher Conference Afternoon & Evening
@ 12:00 to 3:00 PM
@ 4:00 to 6:00 PM (7.5 Hours Total)
23–24 – MASB Annual Conference (Compass Presentation on the 24th)
24 – No School for Students and Teachers
27 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1:00 PM
27 – Board of Education Meeting @ 6:00 PM
28 – CTE Advisory Committee Meeting at the Drift Inn @ 5:30 PM
30 – Presentation at the MTA Meeting @ 7:00 PM
31 – End of the First Marking Period – 44 Days Completed
31 – Halloween
Quote of the Week:
“Don’t speak negatively about yourself, even as a joke. Your body doesn’t know the difference. Words have energy, negative or positive energy. What you think is what you become. Change the way you speak about yourself and you can change your life.” – Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee is best known for being a legendary martial artist, actor, and cultural icon who brought martial arts into the global mainstream and is considered the father of today’s MMA. Lee, also known as a deep thinker and writer, is known for his philosophical insights on life and self-expression. His most famous quote is “Be Like Water”. Bruce Lee passed away on July 20, 1973, at the young age of 32.
Have a great Sunday evening!
Spencer S. Byrd, Ed.S., CAA, CSBO
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools
P.S. Reminder to Teachers: M&K will be joining us this week to support our PLC groupings in each building.
Monday: They will be at CIS from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM for Power Hour meetings, where the focus will be on sharing successes, identifying barriers, and collaboratively planning how to best utilize the new Power Hour. This PLC time is critical for student success and should be used intentionally and effectively.
Tuesday:
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: M&K will be working with East teachers, focusing on formative assessments. Now that the East ELE District Math curriculum is fully implemented and we're entering year three, it's time to begin developing formative assessments. These tools will support more meaningful PLC collaboration as we analyze and compare assessment data to drive instruction.
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM: M&K will be at the High School, working on GVC calibration and analyzing formative assessment data. They’ll also begin early discussions around planning for the upcoming and continued ELA curriculum work.
Thank you for your continued collaboration and commitment to implementing our curriculum work with fidelity. Curriculum development is a continuous process, always evolving and always improving.