Cheboygan Area Schools – Sunday Soup Newsletter
From the Desk of Spencer S. Byrd, Superintendent
Starting Date: 10.20.2025 - Week 8
Reminder – Parent/Teacher Conferences this Week!
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)
Congratulations to the HS students, staff, and administrators for recently being recognized as one of the “Best High Schools” by U.S. News & World Report! Go Chiefs!
Improving Student Behavior on School Buses:
This year, our building administrators and bus drivers have met several times to discuss improving student behavior on school buses. Our first goal is to improve student behavior on the bus by educating and training students on appropriate conduct. Simply put, behavior expectations on a bus are no different than in the classroom.
Following our most recent meeting, the following Bus Rules & Expectations were developed collaboratively by administration, drivers, and our Director of Transportation:
Cheboygan Area Schools – Bus Rules & Expectations for 2025–2026:
Riding the school bus is a privilege, not a right. All students must follow the rules below to help ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers.
I. Respectful Behavior
Use appropriate language and gestures. Swearing, name-calling, and inappropriate behavior are not allowed.
Treat others with kindness. Bullying in any form will not be tolerated.
Keep noise to a reasonable level. Disruptive behavior is not permitted.
Show respect for the driver and fellow passengers. Follow directions the first time they are given.
II. Prohibited Items & Behaviors
No food, beverages, or gum are allowed on the bus.
Possession or use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or vaping devices is strictly prohibited.
Weapons or other dangerous objects are not allowed.
Vandalism or destruction of bus property will result in disciplinary action.
Physical aggression, including hitting, fighting, or horseplay, is not allowed.
All body parts and personal items must remain inside the bus.
III. Safe Riding Practices
Students must stay seated, facing forward at all times.
No standing, changing seats, or walking while the bus is moving.
Drivers may assign seats.
Keep the bus clean. No littering.
IV. Use of Electronic Devices
Devices must be in Night Mode before sunrise and after sunset.
Volume must be kept low. Use headphones when appropriate.
V. Bus Stops & Transportation Changes
Students are allowed one authorized pick-up/drop-off location per guardian.
Transportation changes must be submitted by 11:59 AM on full days. No changes accepted on half days.
Buses will only stop at district-approved locations.
If a student misses their stop three consecutive times, transportation will be suspended until a parent contacts the bus garage.
VI. Discipline & Safety
Accumulating three conduct reports may result in suspension from bus privileges.
Repeated unsafe or disrespectful behavior may lead to the loss of riding privileges.
It is illegal for unauthorized adults to enter a school bus without the driver’s permission. (Per MCL 257.682)
Updated Enrollment Numbers as of 10-16
· HS - Grades 7-12 = 641
· CIS – Grades 2-6 = 563
· ELE – Grades PreK-1 = 197
· INV – Grades 9-12 = 83
· Total = 1484
· (Last February "Count Day" in 2025 = 1458)
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Millage – November 4:
A regional CTE millage will appear on the ballot on November 4. If approved, it will generate over $4 million annually to support CTE programs across all 10 districts in our region. This is a major investment in our students' futures and the strength of our local workforce. Please Vote!
CAS Student Expectations for 2025–26:
Student Parking: Thank you, students, for continuing to park in assigned student lots.
Cell Phone Use: Devices must remain off and out of sight during instructional time.
Attendance: Students with 20+ unexcused/non-medical absences will receive a ticket.
Bullying: Zero tolerance. Repeated incidents will lead to disciplinary action.
Vaping: Vaping is illegal on school grounds. Students caught vaping will be ticketed.
Facility Project Updates:
Track Replacement Project
Reconstruction is underway.
Estimated completion: October 31
Spring 2026: Practice use only—no meets scheduled.
Spring soccer games will proceed as planned.
Tennis & Pickleball Court Renovation
Asphalt is in place.
Fence installation is scheduled this week.
Spring 2026: Windscreens and landscaping to follow.
East Elementary & Inverness Academy Renovations
Strong turnout for bid opening on October 9.
Early signs indicate multiple bids within or below budget.
Construction begins in Spring 2026 and is expected to take two years.
Wrapping Up October:
Oct. 20 – Meeting with School Board President @ 10:00 AM
Oct. 20 – CIS Choir Concert @ the HS @ 2:00 PM
Oct. 21 – Finance Committee @ 10:00 AM
Oct. 21 – Negotiation Team @ 11:00 AM
Oct. 21 – CTE Steering Committee Meeting via Zoom @ 1:00 PM
Oct. 21 – Policy Committee @ 2:00 PM
Oct. 21 – Curriculum Committee @ 3:45 PM
Oct. 22 – Horizon Leadership Meeting w/Stephanie via Zoom @ 8:00 AM
Oct. 22 – HS Admin Meeting @ HS @ 2:00 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. 23–25 – MASB Annual Conference (Compass presentation on Oct. 24)
Oct. 24 – No School (Students & 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. 28 – Rocket – Interactive Board - Zoom Meeting @ 1:50 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:
“When our bodies come to rest, what will matter most are not the big trophies, but the living ones, the ones who felt seen, heard, loved, and valued because we lived. The ones who found their light again because we believed in them and offered hope.”
—Jay Wright
Jay Wright is best known for leading Villanova University to two NCAA basketball championships and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Article Summary: The Keys to Teacher Retention by Bryan Goodwin:
By Bryan Goodwin, President of McREL International. According to Bryan Goodwin, the most important factor in teacher retention is support and encouragement from building leadership. Key practices include:
Clearly communicating vision, procedures, and expectations
Maintaining a safe and orderly environment
Listening and responding to teacher concerns
Offering relevant professional development
Fostering a sense of professional belonging
Reinforcing teachers’ belief in their impact
Using evaluations to appreciate strengths and coach for improvement
As always, thank you for your partnership and commitment to the success of Cheboygan Area Schools.
Spencer S. Byrd, Ed.S, CAA, CSBO
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools