Cheboygan Area Schools – Sunday Soup Newsletter
Week of February 2, 2026
We Survived the Arctic Blast!
Last week’s bitter temperatures were driven by a surge of Arctic air moving south into Michigan, creating dangerous wind chills well below zero. These events can occur when the polar vortex shifts or stretches, allowing very cold air that normally stays near the North Pole to spill into the Midwest and Great Lakes region. I hope everyone was able to stay warm last week, as we look and hope for warmer temperatures heading our way soon.
Next week looks cold, but much more typical for a northern Michigan winter. Daytime highs should mostly stay in the low to mid-20s, with overnight lows in the single digits. There is only a small chance of additional snow this week. Overall, it will still feel like winter, but not nearly as dangerous as the extreme cold we experienced recently.
Please continue to dress appropriately. Even a few minutes in a stalled vehicle can become very challenging, very quickly, for anyone who is not properly dressed for these temperatures.
Also, as a reminder, if you need winter gear, coats, gloves, scarves, etc., please check with your school’s main office. Each school maintains winter coat rooms dedicated to collecting and providing these items for families who may need a little extra help during the winter months. If you are in need, please contact your building principal.
For awareness, this past Friday marked our fourth emergency day used this school year. The State of Michigan permits each district six emergency days. If more than six are used, additional closure days may need to be added to the end of the school calendar, potentially extending the current last day of school, which is June 5.
½ PD Day for Teachers — February 4
This Wednesday will be a half day for students in the morning, followed by a half day of professional development for teachers in the afternoon. Teachers will remain in their buildings, and PD will be led by each building principal. The focus will be on our curriculum goals. Each school will break into grade-level teams or departments to discuss ELA and Math instructional standards and how our resources align with state-assessed standards.
If you recall, last year, we saw significant gains in our Math and ELA test scores via NWEA. Preliminary data this year again suggests we are making strong gains. Much of this improvement can be attributed to two key areas:
First, maintaining focus on what is being taught each day in our classrooms and prioritizing the most important standards, often referred to as Power Standards.
Second, the strength and passion of our grade-level and department teams. Strong teams lead to strong student outcomes.
Thank you for the outstanding work. We will be showcasing our data soon at an upcoming Board of Education meeting.
Student Dismissal (½ Day for Students)
• 11:15 a.m. — Inverness, CIS, and High School
• 11:30 a.m. — 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
• March 4 — MTSS Basics 101
• April 8 — Safety Day with the County
• May 6 — Curriculum Day: Summer Planning
Para-Educator Professional Development
Para-Educator Professional Development continues on Wednesday, February 4. The afternoon training session will be held at the High School, consistent with previous training sessions.
February
• 2 – COPESD Superintendent Meeting @ 10:00 AM
• 3 – CTE Meeting at the HS @ 2:30 PM
• 4 – SL Zoom Team Meeting @ 11:00 AM
• 4 – ½ Day for Students – AM
• 4 – ½ PD Afternoon for Teachers – PM
• 5 – East Elementary Construction Timeline Mtg @ 10 AM
• 6 – ½ Day for Students and Staff – Winter Break Begins
• 9 – No School – Winter Break
• 10 – BP Only Meeting in BR @ 10:00 AM
• 11 – SL Zoom Team Meeting @ 11:00 AM
• 12 – Athletic Committee Meeting @ 6:00 PM
• 14 – Valentine’s Day
• 16 – Presidents’ Day
• 17 – Finance Committee Meeting in BR @ 10:00 AM
• 17 – Negotiation Team Meeting @ 11:30 AM
• 17 – Policy Committee Meeting @ 2:30 PM
• 17 – Curriculum Committee Meeting @ 3:30 PM
• 18 – SL Zoom Team Meeting @ 11:00 AM
• 23 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1:00 PM
• 23 – BOE Meeting @ 6:30 PM
• 25 – SL Zoom Team Meeting @ 11:00 AM
• 26/27 – COPESD Superintendent Retreat
School Cell Phone Ban… Statewide?
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. The bill has now been sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for consideration.
To learn more:
https://michiganadvance.com/2026/01/22/michigan-senate-clears-school-cell-phone-ban-bill-shortly-a-week-after-house-approved-measure/
Quote of the Week
“The soul that gives thanks can find comfort in everything; the soul that complains can find comfort in nothing.” — Hannah Whitall Smith
Hannah Whitall Smith was born on February 7, 1832, and passed away in 1911. She was an American religious writer, speaker, and social reformer, and was a sought-after speaker in both the United States and England during the late 1800s. She helped found the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and was a strong supporter of women’s education and social reform.
I continue to be incredibly proud of our students, staff, and community. Cheboygan Area Schools is strong because of the people who support our kids every single day; in our classrooms, in our homes, and throughout our community. Whether it is helping a neighbor, supporting school events, volunteering time, or simply encouraging our students to do their best, it all matters. Thank you for being part of what makes Cheboygan Area Schools such a special place to learn, work, and grow together.
Spencer S. Byrd, EdS, CSBO, CAA
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools