Sunday Soup

Good Sunday Evening,

Once Upon a Mattress

I had the good fortune of attending the play last night, Saturday night, with my family.  I truly enjoy attending school plays and watching students perform.  I can’t think of a better learning and social opportunity for our students and I personally admire their ability and courage to take the stage.  For many students, it is a difficult and a challenging proposition to put yourself out there, on the stage, night after night.  However, our student performers did a wonderful job, well done!  And, if engaging students is one of our most important educational goals, it is difficult to think of a better opportunity.  The Arts, as illustrated Saturday night, truly allows for an aesthetic experience where our senses are operating at their peak and everyone is fully present in the moment, fully alive.  I, and my family, thank you for a wonderful experience, much appreciated.  

Business Before Hours

A big thank you to all of the business and community members who attended the Chamber “Business Before Hours” event that was held this past Friday morning.  I was only expecting 8-10 folks to show up but we had over 25 participants, total, take the tour.  Cheboygan community members continue to surprise me and exceed my expectations.  Also, a quick shout-out to Officer Fenlon for bringing in some additional officers during the tour to ensure everyone’s safety, much appreciated.  

Horizons Leadership Academy sponsored by MASA

With the school boards support, I have enrolled in the Horizon Leadership Academy 2.0.  This Academy will focus on strengthening leadership skills and strategies that equip school leaders to become the very best and most effective leaders that they can be.  The Academy will meet two days a month for a little over one year.  For those that complete this program, they will be eligible for 18 articulated credit hours with Western Michigan University with the option to enter into, and complete, their Doctoral of Education Administration Degree.  Our first two classes are Monday and Tuesday this week, online.    

Athletic Committee Met Last Week

We conducted our second Athletic Committee meeting last week.  The meeting was extremely successful and we were able to discuss many topics informally and create a clearer vision for our programs.  This vision will help us to provide better services.  Topics we discussed included but were not limited to, spring sports and adding coaches, adopting the wrestling and cheerleading programs next school year, interviews for a new head football coach, building a new indoor practice facility that would be helpful during our long winters, and much, much more.  If you are interested in joining us for continued conversations, the next Athletic Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 11th, in the BR starting at 6pm.

FB Head Coach Interviews

A big thank you to our head FB coaching committee.  I appreciate all seven of you taking the time out of your busy day to help interview candidates this past Friday.  We had five individuals scheduled for an interview but unfortunately, one candidate declined at the last minute.  I thought all four candidates that were able to interview, interviewed well.  Our next step is to evaluate the candidates and determine who to invite back for additional inquiry.  I will continue to keep you posted as we move forward in this process.  

Book Study – “Drive” by Daniel H. Pink:

Chapter 2a Discussion Questions were sent out earlier today via our Book Study group email.  Reminder, we will schedule our first face-to-face meeting soon, once we finish Chapter 3.  The FTF meeting will last approximately 1.5 hours.  I think you will enjoy reading Chapter 2a.  I especially enjoyed the section of the chapter that discusses ways that building and teacher leaders can keep participants intrinsic motivation and creativity levels high.  Happy reading!

Bootcamp Update:

Continuing my new goals in March, I am adding a third day morning workout day to my routine.  And, continue to challenge myself to do some light cardio, walk/runs, outside to embrace the spring on my off days.  I wanted to thank those folks who have been checking up on me to help ensure I accomplish my goals.  Everyone needs a little help and encouragement from time to time.  How are your health and personal goals going? Remember, Spring Break starts March 25th and we be returning from break on Tuesday, April 2nd.

Week @ Glance:

Monday – 11th

  • 9am – Horizons Leadership Academy – Online

  • 4pm – Parent Meeting

Tuesday – 12th  

  • 6am – Bootcamp  

  • 9am – Horizon Leadership Academy - Online

Wednesday – 13th  

  • 6am – Bootcamp

  • Noon – Cheboygan Rotary Meeting

  • 3:45 – Curriculum Committee Meeting -

    CANCELED

  • 5:30 - Love & Logic Parent Training @ the MS Library  

    • Food and Babysitting will be Provided

Thursday – 14th

  • 6am – Bootcamp

Friday – 15th

  • 7:45 – Interview with Mike Grisdale – Diamond Broadcasting

  • 10am – EMC Meeting @ HS

  • Noon – Thrun District Admin Webinar

  • ERO Incentive Deadline

Thank you for your time and support, it is greatly appreciated.

Spencer S. Byrd, Ed.S – CAS Superintendent

Quote for the Week: “The definition of Insanity is to continue to do the same thing, over and over again, and expect different Results.” – Albert Einstein

Important Future Dates:

  • March 12th – Curriculum Committee Meeting – 3:45 -

    CANCELED

  • March 13th – Finance Committee Meeting – 1pm

  • March 14th – PQ Meeting with the State -

    CANCELED

  • March 18th – Regular BOE Meeting – 6:30

  • March 20th - Half Day for Students, Afternoon PD for Teachers

  • March 22nd – End of Third Quarter Marking Period

  • March 25th – Spring Break Begins – No School

  • April 2nd – Tuesday - Return to School

  • April 5th – PQ Meeting with the State rescheduled

  • April 10th - Half Day for Students, Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences

  • May 1st - Half Day for Students, Afternoon PD for Teachers

  • May 27th – No School – Memorial Day