Cheboygan Area Schools – Sunday Soup Newsletter
Week of January 26, 2026
Once Again, Michigan Moves Closer to a Statewide Cell Phone Ban…
A bill aimed at banning student cellphone use in K–12 classrooms has advanced through both chambers of the Michigan Legislature. The Michigan Senate recently approved House Bill 4141 by a 34–1 vote, after the Michigan House passed it by a 99–10 margin. This action sends the bill to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for consideration. Rumor is, the Governor plans to sign it into law for the next school year, 26-27.
Under the proposed legislation:
· Public school districts and charter schools would be required to adopt policies prohibiting student use of smartphones during instructional time.
· The ban targets smartphones and other online-capable devices; however, basic feature phones (e.g., flip phones) would generally be exempt.
· Exemptions include medically necessary purposes, emergency use, teacher-directed instructional activities, and accommodations required under disability laws.
The bill reflects a bipartisan effort to address concerns related to classroom distractions, student engagement, and academic focus. Its passage aligns with priorities previously articulated by Governor Whitmer. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature. If signed, the ban would likely take effect in the 2026–2027 academic year and would require implementation by local districts.
Cold Temps continue Next Week...
As with this past Friday, it appears we are in for another cold week. Preliminary indicators suggest we should be in good shape at the start of the week; however, as the end of the week approaches, temperatures may once again drop.
Please dress appropriately this week and take extra precautions. Even a few minutes in a stalled vehicle can become very challenging, very quickly, for anyone not properly dressed for extreme cold.
If you need a new or warmer coat, please check with your BP. Due to the recent cold weather, we have received some clothing donations, and we encourage anyone in need to take advantage of this opportunity to find something warmer.
For awareness, we have used three emergency days so far this school year. We are permitted to use up to six. After six emergency days are exhausted, any additional closures must be added to the end of the school calendar, extending the current last day of school, which is June 5.
HS Final Exams Continue and Conclude on Monday:
Due to the frigid temperatures experienced on Friday, schools across Michigan were closed. Unfortunately, that day had been scheduled for exams. Therefore, tomorrow, Monday, will serve as the make-up exam day for the HS, following the adjusted schedule pictured and attached to this email.
Para-Educator Professional Development Continues in February:
· The next and last PD date for this school year: February 4
· A make-up session is scheduled for March 4 for anyone who misses one of the first sessions
· All training sessions will be conducted at the HS from 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Reminder: Wednesday, February 4, will be a ½ PD Afternoon for Teachers...
Below is our tentative schedule for next Wednesday’s PD afternoon. We will remain in our buildings and continue focusing on the curriculum goals we have been working on for the past three years. Each school will break into grade-level groups or departments to discuss ELA and Math instructional standards and how our resources align with state-assessed standards.
If you have any questions, please contact your BP and/or the Curriculum Director, Jessica Yearling, preferably via email. The tentative schedule is:
Student Dismissal (½ Day for Students):
· 11:15 a.m. – Student release at Inverness, CIS, and HS
· 11:30 a.m. – Student release at Elementary
Lunch Break:
· 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (open lunch)
Professional Development:
· 12:30 p.m. – Begin building-level curriculum work· 3:30 p.m. – End of contractual day
Remaining ½ PD Days for the School Year:
· March 4 – MTSS Day: What is your school’s Plan to implement MTSS with fidelity?
· April 8 – Safety Day with the County
· May 6 – Curriculum Day: What Are Your Summer Curriculum Plans?
Wrapping Up January…
· January 26 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1:00 p.m.
· January 26 – Board of Education Meeting @ 6:30 p.m. (Reorganization)
· January 27–28 – SL Prep Work (All Day, Board Room)
Quote of the Week…
“It is easy to believe in ‘Freedom of Speech’ for those with whom we Agree.”
— Leo McKern
Leo McKern (1920–2002) was an Australian-born British character actor, best known for his work in film and television. McKern was known for his authoritative voice and intellectual insights. He often portrayed judges, lawyers, clerics, or figures of institutional power, roles that align closely with his quotation on speech.
Thank you again for your continued support; it is greatly appreciated.
Spencer S. Byrd, EdS, CSBO, CAA
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools