Cheboygan Area Schools – Sunday Soup Newsletter
Week of January 12, 2026 | Welcome Back!
Another State Bans Cell Phone Use!
It appears that banning cell phones statewide is becoming more and more popular. If you recall, Michigan considered this a few months ago, but there was not enough political support for it to pass. However, as more states adopt this type of legislation, pressure continues to rise on those states that have not taken action, such as Michigan.
I prefer local control for this type of expectation, but it has become increasingly apparent that it is more difficult for local school districts to monitor and supervise the growth and use of cell phones in schools. As of the 2025–2026 school year, 19 states have enacted statewide bans on student cell phone use during the school day in public schools. These bans generally prohibit students from using personal mobile devices during instructional hours or throughout the school day and are required and governed under state law.
We will continue to strengthen our own local policies while keeping an eye on how other states are handling and governing cell phone use, and how those decisions may impact governance and leadership in Michigan as well.
School of Choice Window Is Now Open!
Cheboygan Area Schools is accepting School of Choice applications for the second semester of the 2025–2026 school year. The district offers rigorous academics, CTE programs, and services for students with special talents and needs, with openings available at all grade levels.
Applications will be accepted from January 5 through January 23, 2026. Families can apply online at www.chebschools.org or contact Crystal Pilon during regular business hours (8-4) for more information at pilonc@chebschools.com.
Transportation is not provided for students living outside district boundaries, and students enrolled in the Alternative Program through School of Choice may not transfer into regular grades 9–12 programs.
HS Final Exams Are Around the Corner…
· Wednesday, January 21 – Periods 5 and 6
· Thursday, January 22 – Periods 3 and 4
· Friday, January 23 – Periods 1 and 2
A detailed exam schedule will be posted next week on the district website.
I strongly encourage all students to complete and submit any makeup work this week (January 12–16) while there is still time. Please remember that once the semester ends, there is no going back to change grades. The first semester officially ends on Friday, January 23. Teachers will have a few days to complete final grading after the 23rd, and final grades will be released shortly after exams conclude.
If you are a student unsure of your current grade or whether you have any outstanding makeup work, please check with your teacher directly this week. I am confident they will work with you to help you finish the first semester as strongly as possible. Don’t wait.
Looking Ahead…
· January 12 – COPESD Superintendent Meeting @ 10:00 AM
· January 12 – CTE Meeting / 61v Competitive Grant (Board Room)
· January 13 – BP-Only Meeting @ 9:00 AM (Board Room)
· January 14 – SL Weekly Zoom Meeting @ 11:00 AM
· January 14 – Union Meeting @ 3:30 PM (Board Room)
· January 15 – Athletic Committee Meeting @ 6:30 PM
· January 20 – Finance Committee Meeting @ 10:00 AM
· January 20 – Negotiation Team Meeting @ 11:30 AM
· January 20 – Policy Committee Meeting @ 2:30 PM
· January 20 – Curriculum Committee Meeting @ 3:45 PM
· January 21 – MASA Winter Superintendent Conference
· January 22 – Half Day for Student Exams / Teacher Work Afternoon
· January 23 – Half Day for Student Exams / Teacher Work Afternoon
· January 23 – Official End of First Semester
· January 26 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1:00 PM
· January 26 – Board of Education Meeting @ 6:30 PM (Reorganization)
· January 27–28 – SL Prep Work (All Day, Board Room)
Quote of the Week…
"When you drink water from a cup, it becomes part of you. When water falls on you like rain, it drips off and evaporates a few minutes later.
Similarly, thoughts can be consumed or dismissed. You must first ask: Is this thought nourishing? Is this feeling something you should drink? Or is it more like getting caught in the rain?
You’ll always feel the rain, but you don’t have to drink it. You can let the thought pass, and in a few moments, the sun will return. You don’t have to claim everything you feel."
— James Clear
James Clear is best known for Atomic Habits, his best-selling book on habit formation, behavior change, and continuous improvement. He is renowned for popularizing the idea that small, consistent changes lead to remarkable long-term results and is also the creator of the widely read “3-2-1” weekly newsletter, which focuses on habits, mindset, and personal growth.
Thank you again for your continued support; it is greatly appreciated.
Spencer S. Byrd, EdS, CSBO, CAA
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools