Cheboygan Area Schools – Sunday Soup Newsletter
Week of November 17, 2025 – Week 12 of 18
Thank You, Veterans, for Attending Last Week!
Wow—the Veterans Day Celebration last week exceeded all expectations. First, I want to thank all the Veterans who were able to attend in person. Thank you as well to all the students, staff, administrators, Student Council, Brenna, and Macey for organizing and offering such an amazing event.
This event was one of the best K–12 celebrations I have ever had the good fortune to participate in. The organization and student behavior were excellent! With almost 1,500 students in the HS gym, all of our students were very respectful and attentive. Well done!
K9 Dog Search Training This Week @ the HS – Wednesday, November 19th
Each school year, we focus on improving student safety within the district. We continually review and strengthen our practices and partnerships to ensure preparedness for all types of emergencies.
The K9 drill will take place on Wednesday, November 19th, serving as a joint training opportunity for both local law enforcement and staff. Teams will meet before the drill to coordinate and again afterward to review lessons learned.
This is a planned and staged training event at the HS. Students will be placed in a lockdown scenario and remain in classrooms while dogs search the hallways. Students will not come into contact with the dogs. Time permitting, the search may include vehicles in the parking lots. Once the building is cleared, classes will resume as normal.
Please note: After this exercise, the district may conduct unannounced searches throughout the school year, including lockers, classrooms, hallways, and vehicles. For questions, contact your building principal.
November – Thanksgiving Holiday Season Is Right Around the Corner!
· 17 – Board President Meeting @ 10 AM
· 18 – Finance Committee Meeting @ 10 AM – Auditor Zoom Report
· 18 – Negotiation Team Meeting @ 11:30 AM
· 18 – Policy Committee Meeting @ 2 PM – Admin Coaching Governance/AI Policy
· 18 – Curriculum Committee Meeting @ 3:45 PM
· 19 – K9 Dog Search Training @ HS @ 9 AM
· 21 – MASA Region 2 Meeting @ 9:30 AM (JoBurg)
· 24 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1 PM
· 24 – BOE Meeting @ 6:30 PM
· 25 – Thanksgiving Food Box Pickup @ 10 AM @ Bus Barn
· 26 – ½ Day for Students and Staff
· 27–28 – Thanksgiving Break
CHANGE: Thanksgiving Food Box Pickup Has Been Moved to November 25th
Due to delivery and logistical concerns, the Thanksgiving Food Box Program pickup date has been moved from the 24th to the 25th. Please make note of the change. Each box contains enough food for a small family dinner, ensuring every family enjoys a special holiday meal. To participate in this program, please contact your child’s school office directly to reserve a box.
· Date: Tuesday, November 25th
· Time: Starting at 10:00 AM
· Location: Bus Barn (same as previous years)
Administrators and high school student volunteers will check registrations and load vehicles. There will be no need for participants to exit their cars. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with Kris Jewell this week at jewellk@chebschools.com.
Friday Backpack Food Program – Are You Signed Up?
Our free Friday Backpack Food Program is ongoing at every school in the district. These backpacks provide supplemental food for the weekend. To participate, contact your school’s main office or Cris Nesbitt at the District Office to be added to the list. nesbittc@chebschools.com
Special thanks to Inverness Academy Principal Kris Jewell and the IA student volunteers who pack the bags each week. Your efforts make a real difference for our students.
Additional Food Assistance Resources: If you need more food assistance in Northeast Michigan, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.211nemichigan.org for free, confidential support.
Looking Forward to December… Ho, Ho, Ho:
· 1 – COPESD Superintendent Meeting @ 10 AM
· 2 – Monthly BP Only Meeting @ 9 AM
· 2 – COPESD CTE Steering Committee Meeting @ 1 PM
· 5 – Administrator/BOE Christmas Party at Mulligan’s @ 5 PM
· 9 – Finance Committee Meeting @ 10 AM
· 9 – Negotiation Team Meeting @ 11:30 AM
· 9 – Policy Committee Meeting @ 2 PM
· 9 – Curriculum Committee Meeting @ 3:45 PM
· 9 – HS Gym Floor Dedication – Scott Hancock
· 15 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1 PM
· 15 – BOE Meeting @ 6:30 PM
· 19 – Region 2 Meeting in Alpena @ 9:30 AM
· 22 – Winter Break Begins – Two Weeks
o Return to school on Monday, January 5th
Quote of the Week:
“Be thankful for what you do have this holiday season. And, if you do, you’ll end up with more. However, if you concentrate only on what you do not have… You will never have enough.”
— Oprah Winfrey
CHIEF Challenge Coin:
C – Collaboration – Working together across teams, departments, and stakeholders.
H – Honesty – Maintaining transparency and integrity in all decisions.
I – Inspiration – Motivating staff and students to reach their full potential.
E – Excellence – Striving for the highest standards of leadership and education.
F – Fairness – Ensuring equitable treatment and decision-making for all.
As always, thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to the success of Cheboygan Area Schools.
Spencer S. Byrd, Ed.S, CSBO, CAA
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools