Cheboygan Area Schools – Sunday Soup Newsletter
Week of March 23, 2026
Wow…What a Week!
Last week was one of the most challenging weeks I have ever experienced. Each time it looked like we might be able to return to school, overnight conditions changed and forced us to reassess.
I want to sincerely thank Steve and his crew, the Road Commission team, and the many adult and student volunteers who came out with shovels on Wednesday morning in an effort to help us get back to school and restore some sense of normalcy. Students who volunteered, please be sure to check in with Mr. Mix this week so you receive your community service hours. I know some of you still need hours for NHS and EMC, so don’t forget.
Now for an important update. We have exceeded our allotted nine emergency waiver days and are currently at 14 missed days. As a result, we are required to add five instructional days to the end of the school calendar to remain in compliance with state requirements.
The last day of school, originally scheduled for June 5, will now be June 12.
Warmer weather appears to be on the horizon, and we are hopeful that we will not need to add any additional days from this point forward. Extending the school year further into June is something we would like to avoid. Some neighboring districts begin the school year before Labor Day to help prevent situations like this, and it may be worth having that conversation here in Cheboygan as well.
Reminder: Spring Break runs from March 30 through April 3. The final day of school before break is this Friday, March 27, which also marks the end of the third quarter. Students will return on Monday, April 6.
Here’s hoping for some sunshine ahead.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Set for Tuesday, April 14, at East Elementary
We are tentatively planning an official groundbreaking ceremony at 3:45 PM on Tuesday, April 14.
As you know, renovations at East Elementary will begin over Spring Break. When students and teachers return, construction will continue through the remainder of the school year and into the summer. The project is expected to take a total of 1.5 years.
Safety around the project is our top priority. A temporary wall will separate construction areas from student areas, and first-grade drop-off/pick-up procedures will be adjusted. Much of the work will be scheduled around the school day where possible. Evening, weekend, and summer work will continue, with all East-based summer programs relocated to the CIS building. Essentially, East Elementary will be off-limits this summer.
We anticipate substantial completion, 100%, by the start of the 2027–28 school year, with 90% completion by the end of the summer of 2026. Thank you for your continued support as we invest in East Elementary.
Cheboygan Area Schools is HIRING!
Cheboygan Area Schools has started its search for the next generation of outstanding CAS educators. If you are interested in applying, please visit our website: Job Opportunities
Finishing Up March…
23 – Meeting with Business Manager @ 10:00 AM
23 – Meeting with Board Member @ 11:00 AM
23 – Lunch in BR @ 12:30 PM
23 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1:00 PM
23 – Teachers' Negotiations Meeting @ 3:30 PM
23 – Board Meeting @ 6:30 PM
24 – DHHS Meeting in BR @ 10:00 AM
25 – City Hall Infrastructure Meeting @ 10:00 AM with Steve
25 – Opioid Steering Committee Meeting @ 2:00 PM with Jessica
27 – Spring Break Begins & End of Third Quarter
Students return to school on Monday, April 6
April… When We Return from Break…
5 – Easter Sunday
6 – Return from Spring Break - Monday
7 – BP Meeting in BR @ 10:00 AM
8 – Students ½ Day
8 – Safety Afternoon for Teachers and Staff in the HS @ 12:30 PM
14 – East Elementary Groundbreaking Ceremony @ 3:45 PM
15 – Students ½ Day – Afternoon Parent Teacher Conferences
16 – Athletic Committee Meeting @ 6:00 PM
21 – Finance Committee Meeting @ 10:00 AM
21 – Negotiation Team Meeting @ 11:30 AM
21 – Policy Committee Meeting @ 2:30 PM
21 – Curriculum Committee Meeting @ 3:45 PM
27 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1:00 PM
27 – Board Meeting @ 6:30 PM
28 – Bid Opening in BR @ Noon
Quote of the Week
“April hath put a Spirit of Youth in everything.” – William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare is best known as one of the greatest writers in the English language and world literature. He was a playwright, poet, and actor whose works have had a profound and lasting impact. Beyond his writings, Shakespeare significantly influenced the English language, contributing words, phrases, and storytelling techniques that continue to shape literature and drama today.
Spencer S. Byrd, EdS, CSBO, CAA, CO
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools