Dear Cheboygan Area Schools Community,
It’s hard to believe we are already entering Week 7 of the school year! As we move further into the academic year, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of our students, families, and staff. It’s energizing to see our classrooms and hallways filled with curiosity, learning, and a shared commitment to student success.
This year, we are placing a strong emphasis on fostering a school culture that is safe, inclusive, and supportive for all. Whether you're a returning member of our school family or joining us for the first time, we are dedicated to making Cheboygan Area Schools a place where everyone feels valued, connected, and empowered.
Looking ahead, we remain focused on advancing our district’s strategic plan. Our priorities center on five key areas:
Safety
Academics and Culture
Athletics and Activities
Finance and Operations
Communication
From enhancing building security to expanding intervention supports, our initiatives are designed to strengthen the student experience at every level. We’re also investing in the future through curriculum updates, staff recruitment and retention, and significant facility improvements, including renovations at East Elementary and Inverness Academy starting in the spring of 2026, and the reconstruction of a new track and tennis courts, which is happening now.
As always, your partnership is essential. Strong schools are built on strong communities, and we are incredibly grateful for your continued support of our mission and our students. I encourage you to stay engaged through our weekly newsletters, upcoming community events, and open communication with school leadership.
On behalf of the entire district team, thank you for choosing Cheboygan Area Schools. Let’s make it a great year. Go Chiefs!
Sincerely,
Spencer S. Byrd, Ed.S, CAA, CSBO
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools
CTE Millage Reminder – November 4
A regional Career and Technical Education (CTE) millage will appear on the ballot on November 4. 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 investing in the future of our students and the strength of our local workforce.
CAS Student Expectations for 2025–26
Student Parking: Please continue to follow assigned parking locations at the HS.
Cell Phone Use: Cell phones must remain off and out of sight during instructional time.
Attendance Matters: Students with 20 or more unexcused or non-medical absences will receive a truancy ticket.
Zero Tolerance for Bullying: Repeated incidents will lead to disciplinary action in line with school policy.
Zero Tolerance for Vaping: Vaping is illegal on school grounds. Students found in possession of, or using, a vape at school will be ticketed.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment at Cheboygan Area Schools.
Facility Projects – Updates & Timelines
Track Replacement Project
Reconstruction is underway.
Expected completion: October 31
Note: Only practice use will be allowed in spring 2026—no meets scheduled.
Spring soccer games are expected to proceed as planned.
Tennis & Pickleball Court Renovation
Asphalt has been laid.
Fence installation is scheduled for this week.
Spring 2026: Windscreens and landscaping will be added.
East Elementary & Inverness Academy Renovation
Excellent turnout for the Bid Opening on October 9.
Early indications suggest we have multiple bids at, or below, budget.
Construction begins: Spring 2026
Estimated duration: 2 years
Looking Ahead – October Calendar
Oct. 14 – Student Hearing @ 9:00 AM
Oct. 14 – IA Cohort Virtual Meeting @ 4:30 PM
Oct. 15 – Zoom Meeting with SL – Review ELE and IA Bids @ 11:00 AM
Oct. 16 – Superintendent Coaching Training (MASB) @ 9:00 AM
Oct. 16 – IA Cohort Virtual Meeting @ 11:30 AM
Oct. 16 – Athletic Committee Meeting @ 6:30 PM
Oct. 21 – Finance Committee @ 10:00 AM
Oct. 21 – Negotiation Team @ 11:00 AM
Oct. 21 – Policy Committee @ 2:00 PM
Oct. 21 – Curriculum Committee @ 3:45 PM
Oct. 22 – Parent-Teacher Conferences (Evening) @ 4:00–6:30 PM
Oct. 23 – Parent-Teacher Conferences (Afternoon & Evening) @ 12:00–3:00 PM and 4:00–6:00 PM (7.5 total hours)
Oct. 23–24 – MASB Annual Conference (Compass presentation on Oct. 24)
Oct. 24 – No School for Students and Teachers
Oct. 27 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1:00 PM
Oct. 27 – Board of Education Meeting @ 6:30 PM
Oct. 28 – CTE Advisory Committee @ Drift Inn @ 5:30 PM
Oct. 30 – MTA Meeting Presentation @ 7:00 PM
Oct. 31 – End of First Marking Period (44 days completed)
Oct. 31 – Halloween
Quote of the Week
"Nobody stands taller than someone willing to be corrected."
— William Safire, Pulitzer Prize-winning political columnist and language expert
Bo’s Life Lessons – Page 303 – Short Story
Kenny Root played for Bo Schembechler in 1968, five seasons, at Miami of Ohio. In Bo’s book Life Lessons, Kenny recalls a powerful moment that occurred 20 years after his playing days.
Kenny had taken his young son, Ryan, to a Michigan football game. After a big win, he tried to show Ryan the Michigan team’s locker room, which was buzzing with reporters all shouting questions at Bo. The room was loud and chaotic until Bo spotted Kenny and his son standing quietly in the back of the locker room.
Without hesitation, Bo silenced the room, walked over to them, and invited Ryan to come and sit with him in the front of the room. As the media stood silently, Bo knelt beside Ryan and began a conversation that lasted nearly ten minutes. He asked Ryan if he knew what a great football player his father had been. Then he asked Ryan about school, his brother, and his mother, taking a genuine interest in Ryan for over ten minutes. It was just Bo and Ryan, talking, in the middle of a room full of reporters, all waiting in silence.
As Kenny watched his son talk with his former coach, he thought to himself, “This is why I love that man.”
Sincerely,
Spencer S. Byrd, Ed.S, CAA, CSBO
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area School