Cheboygan Area Schools – Sunday Soup Newsletter
Week of February 23, 2026
Winter Wonderland…
This has been some winter! I want to thank everyone for being so accommodating last week. We have now used all six of our emergency days for the winter. Many other school districts have already exceeded their six days. So, what happens if we need another snow day, for goodness’ sake?
Once a school district has exhausted its six emergency days, it must apply for a waiver with MDE (the Michigan Department of Education). Typically, MDE will allow up to three additional emergency days if truly needed. However, please understand they are not guaranteed.
If MDE does not approve those additional emergency days, we would be required to make them up at the end of the year. Currently, our last day of school is scheduled for June 5th, a Friday, and at this time, there are no concerns.
I will admit that I enjoy the snow, and most folks who live in Northern Michigan enjoy it as well. You have to enjoy it, especially those of you who are avid snowmobilers, skiers, and snowboarders. You live for a Winter Wonderland that only Northern Michigan can provide.
And, for those of you who have had enough and are looking forward to long sunny days, spring break is right around the corner, March 30th through April 3rd! The last school day before break is Friday, March 27th, with an entire following week off. Then, we will return to school on Monday, April 6th. Book those vacation plans now!
Please Take Our Surveys!
CAS Staff Survey:
It’s that time of year again for our annual staff perception survey, and the survey is NOW open! These surveys support our grant funding, and your feedback is used to make programming, scheduling, and operational decisions at both the building and district levels. Please complete the survey by February 27 at 5:00 PM.
https://forms.gle/raCXSwxCtGFaLYro7
Parent/Family Surveys:
Also, we have an additional parent perception survey as well, and it is now open! Just like the staff survey, the parent survey supports our grant funding. Please complete the survey by February 27 at 5:00 PM.
https://forms.gle/AcKkPAhiGXWH6tqU9
Dual Credit Reminders…
Thursday, February 26: Dual Enrollment Informational Meeting
North Central Michigan College Dual Enrollment Zoom Informational Meeting for current 9th–11th grade students and parents will begin at 4:00 PM (see Thrillshare and Google Classroom for Zoom information).
Monday, March 9th: EMC Informational Meeting
Early Middle College Informational Parent Meeting for 9th/10th grade parents, 6:00 PM, High School Auditorium, with representatives from Alpena Community College present to answer any questions you may have.
Reminder – East Elementary Renovations Begin Over Spring Break
A 1.5-year renovation project at East Elementary will begin over spring break. The work includes classroom demolition, HVAC and electrical upgrades, air-quality improvements, interior renovations, and outdoor additions.
Safety is our top priority. A temporary wall will separate construction areas, first-grade drop-off/pick-up procedures will be adjusted, and much of the work will occur during evenings, weekends, and breaks. This summer, construction will run around the clock, and all East-based summer programs, including K-Camp, will relocate to the CIS building.
We anticipate the project being substantially complete by the start of the 2027–28 school year. Thank you for your continued support as we invest in East Elementary.
Finishing Up February…
23 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1:00 PM (Lunch @ 12:30 PM)
23 – BOE Member Appreciation Dinner @ 5:30 PM
23 – BOE Meeting @ 6:30 PM
24 – Negotiation Team Meeting @ 10:00 AM
24 – Capturing Kids’ Hearts Zoom Meeting @ 11:15 AM
25 – Negotiation Team Meeting @ 10:00 AM
25 – Weekly SL Zoom Team Meeting @ 11:00 AM
26 – Dual Enrollment Question & Answer Session via Zoom @ 4:00 PM
26–27 – COPESD Superintendent Retreat
March Madness – Is This the Year for Michigan?
4 – 1/2 Day for Students - PD for Teachers in the Afternoon - MTSS 101
8 – Daylight Saving Time Begins
9 – EMC Informational Meeting in the HS Auditorium @ 6:00 PM
11 – MTSS Admin Team Training @ COPESD @ 10:00 AM
11 – Weekly SL Zoom Team Meeting @ 11:00 AM
12 – Athletic Committee Meeting @ 6:00 PM
13 – Finance Committee Meeting @ 9:00 AM
13 – Negotiation Team Meeting @ 10:30 AM
13 – Policy Committee Meeting @ 2:30 PM
13 – Curriculum Committee Meeting @ 3:30 PM
17 – St. Patrick’s Day
17 – CTE Steering Committee Zoom Meeting @ 1:00 PM
17–18 – Capturing Kids’ Hearts Workshop
18 – Weekly SL Zoom Team Meeting @ 11:00 AM
20 – MASA Region II Meeting at Char-Em ISD @ 9:30 AM
23 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1:00 PM
23 – BOE Meeting @ 6:30 PM
25 – Weekly SL Zoom Team Meeting @ 11:00 AM
27 – Spring Break Begins & the End of the Third Quarter!
Quote of the Week
“People wait all day for 5:00 PM. All week for Friday. All summer for winter. All winter for summer. And all of life for happiness. Don’t let the pursuit of tomorrow diminish the joy of today.” – Anonymous
Spencer S. Byrd, EdS, CSBO, CAA
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools