Cheboygan Area Schools – Sunday Soup Newsletter
Week of January 19, 2026 | Welcome Back!
Michigan Moves Closer to a Statewide Cell Phone Ban in Classrooms
The Michigan House has passed House Bill 4141, legislation that would require public K–12 schools to ban smartphone use during instructional time. The goal is to reduce classroom distractions and improve student focus and well-being. The bill allows exceptions for emergencies, medical needs, educational purposes, and basic non-internet-capable phones, and it would permit phone use between classes and during lunch. Supporters say the legislation creates a consistent statewide standard, as districts have struggled with uneven local enforcement.
Lawmakers cite increased distractions, concerns about student mental health and cyberbullying, and the challenges teachers face in enforcing cell phone rules as key reasons for the proposal. The bill passed the House with strong bipartisan support (99–10) and now moves to the Michigan Senate for consideration. If approved, it will be sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is expected to sign it into law.
To learn more: https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/what-school-cellphone-ban-in-michigan-would-mean-for-students/
“School of Choice” Window Closes Friday, the 23rd!
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 through January 23, 2026. Families can apply online at www.chebschools.org or contact Crystal Pilon during regular business hours (8 to 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 This Week!
· 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 is attached and/or pictured.
Reminder: Para-Educator Professional Development Dates
· January 22
· February 4
· A make-up session is scheduled for March 4, if you miss one of the first two sessions
· All training sessions will be conducted at the HS from 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Wrapping Up January…
· 20 – Finance Committee Meeting @ 10:00 AM
· 20 – Negotiation Team Meeting @ 11:30 AM
· 20 – Policy Committee Meeting @ 2:30 PM
· 20 – Curriculum Committee Meeting @ 3:45 PM
· 21 – MASA Winter Superintendent Conference Begins
· 22 – Half Day for Student Exams / Teacher Work Afternoon
· 23 – HS Exams Continue
· 23 – Half Day for Student Exams / Teacher Work Afternoon
· 23 – Official End of First Semester
· 26 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1:00 PM
· 26 – Board of Education Meeting @ 6:30 PM (Reorganization)
· 27/28 – SL Prep Work (All Day, Board Room)
Quote of the Week…
“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth was best known as one of the greatest baseball players in history and for revolutionizing the game with his power hitting. Ruth held the single-season home run record (60) for 34 years, from 1927 to 1961. Roger Maris broke the record with 61 home runs in 1961. The current record holder is Barry Bonds, with 73 home runs, set in 2001.
Thank you again for your continued support; it is greatly appreciated.
Spencer S. Byrd, EdS, CSBO, CAA
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools