Cheboygan Area Schools – Sunday Soup Newsletter
Week of March 16, 2026
Another Snow Day – Winter Isn’t Done Yet…
I am not sure about you, but sitting at home today and watching the white-out conditions, I am thinking to myself…I am ready for spring!
As you know by now, school is closed tomorrow, Monday, March 16. I have been in contact with most, if not all, of the other ten school districts in our region, and they are also making their closing announcements early today so families can begin planning for tomorrow.
It appears we will experience steady snowfall and drifting throughout the night. This will likely make it impossible for the road commission to clear many roads by tomorrow morning. In addition, snowfall is expected to continue throughout the day on Monday, making travel difficult, if not impossible, both tonight and tomorrow.
I hope you were able to stock up on your favorite foods and snacks and are ready to hunker down.
Tomorrow afternoon, we will reassess the situation. I will be working closely with our Transportation Director, who will remain in contact with the road commission throughout the day.
We are hopeful the snowfall will begin to taper off tomorrow evening so road crews can begin clearing routes and we can return to school on Tuesday.
Tomorrow will mark our 10th snow day of the school year. As a result, we will need to adjust our school calendar. We will explore some creative options, but at a minimum, we will likely need to add a makeup day to the end of the school year.
I will keep everyone posted as we finalize those adjustments.
The Countdown to Spring Break
The good news is that Spring Break continues to get closer. I am looking forward to seeing some sunny days soon and getting one last break before we make our final push toward the end of the school year.
Spring Break will run from March 30 through April 3.
The last school day before break will be Friday, March 27, which also marks the end of the 3rd Quarter. Students will return to school on Monday, April 6.
Once we return, we will be ready to make one final push to the finish line. Unlike the slow march through February and March, the weeks after Spring Break tend to move very quickly.
With so many activities planned, especially for our seniors, the remainder of the school year often seems to pass in the blink of an eye.
Major Improvements Coming to East Elementary
You may have noticed the staging of construction equipment as we prepare for the 1.5-year renovation project at East Elementary.
Work will begin over Spring Break and will include classroom demolition, HVAC and electrical upgrades, improved air quality systems, interior renovations, and new outdoor additions.
Safety remains our top priority. A temporary wall will separate construction areas from student spaces, and first-grade drop-off and pick-up procedures will be adjusted.
Whenever possible, work will be scheduled outside of the school day, including evenings, weekends, and summer months.
All East-based summer programs, including K-Camp, will be relocated to the CIS building, and East Elementary will essentially be off-limits this summer.
We anticipate substantial completion by the start of the 2027–2028 school year. We also anticipate 80% of the project to be completed by the end of this summer, 2026. Thank you for your continued support as we invest in the future of East Elementary.
Recruiting the Next Generation of CAS Educators
Cheboygan Area Schools has begun its search for the next generation of great CAS educators.
Our goal is to have 90% of our open positions filled before summer break.
If you are interested in applying, please scan the QR code on the image or visit our employment page:
https://cheboyganareaschoolsmi.sites.thrillshare.com/page/job-opportunities
March Madness – Upcoming Dates
• March 16 – COPESD CTE Steering Committee Zoom Meeting @ 1:00 PM
• March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
• March 18 – Weekly SL Zoom Team Meeting @ 11:00 AM
• March 19 – First Negotiation Meeting with Teacher Team @ 3:20 PM in BR
• March 20 – MASA Region II Meeting at Char-Em ISD @ 9:30 AM
• March 23 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1:00 PM
• March 23 – BOE Meeting @ 6:30 PM
• March 25 – Weekly SL Zoom Team Meeting @ 11:00 AM
• March 25 – Opioid County Steering Committee @ 2:00 PM (County Building)
• March 27 – Spring Break Begins & End of Third Quarter
Students return to school Monday, April 6
Important Dates in May for Seniors
• May 19 – Graduation Practice @ 1:00 PM
• May 20 – Senior Breakfast @ 7:15 AM
• May 21 – Inverness Academy Graduation
• May 22 – Graduation Ceremony @ 7:00 PM
Quote of the Week
“Winter in the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire…it is the time for home.”
— Edith Sitwell
Edith Sitwell (1887–1964) was an English poet and critic known for her distinctive literary style and contributions to modernist poetry.
Community Connection
As always, thank you for the continued support you show our students, staff, and schools. Even during long winters and unexpected snow days, our community continues to show what makes Cheboygan special, neighbors helping neighbors, families supporting our schools, and everyone working together to do what is best for kids.
Stay safe during the storm, enjoy the extra time with family, and we look forward to welcoming students back to school soon.
Spencer S. Byrd, EdS, CSBO, CAA, CO
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools