Good Sunday Evening,
Wishing You a Wonderful Winter Break: A Time to Recharge and "Sharpen the Saw":
As we approach the winter break, I hope you have the opportunity to step away, spend quality time with loved ones, and take a well-deserved rest. These next two weeks are the perfect chance to recharge and refresh, and it’s essential that we fully embrace this time to rest and rejuvenate. After all, as we reach this point in the school year, we all deserve a moment to unwind and recharge.
For those familiar with Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, you may have encountered the concept of “Sharpening the Saw.” Covey emphasizes the importance of renewing and balancing the four dimensions of our well-being—physical, spiritual, mental, and social/emotional. By intentionally caring for ourselves in these areas, we can improve our effectiveness and be better equipped to face life’s challenges. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and making self-care a priority in our daily lives.
Governor Whitmer Announces Record PreK Enrollment in Michigan:
On December 10th, Governor Gretchen Whitmer shared exciting news regarding the continued growth of PreK education across Michigan. The Governor highlighted the following achievements:
Over 45,000 students have enrolled in PreK programs this year, marking an increase of 4,000 students compared to the previous year and setting a new record for enrollment.
Families benefiting from free public PreK programs save an average of $10,000 in childcare costs, contributing more than $450 million back into Michigan’s economy.
Governor Whitmer emphasized that "investing in Michigan’s kids is investing in our future." Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, Director of MiLEAP, also noted, “PreK helps children start ahead and stay ahead thanks to nurturing relationships and stimulating early childhood learning experiences, building a strong foundation for future growth, development, and success.”
To read the complete article, please click on: https://www.michigan.gov/mileap/press-releases/2024/12/10/governor-whitmer-mileap-announce-record-prek-enrollment#:~:text=LANSING%2C%20Mich.,4%2C000%20increase%20over%20last%20year.
To learn more about the state-led Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), click here: GSRP Program.
Michigan's commitment to expanding PreK access is having a significant impact on families, regardless of income level. The state is helping children develop essential skills such as math, reading, and writing while also supporting their social and emotional growth. Additionally, parents benefit by saving money on daycare and gaining opportunities to return to work.
MiLEAP is also collaborating with partners like Cheboygan Area Schools to expand early education opportunities. This fall, Cheboygan Area Schools will be expanding capacity in its Early Learning Environment (ELE) program in preparation for the 2025-2026 school year.
As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing early education, Cheboygan Area Schools plans to introduce two PreK sections for the 2025-2026 school year. We anticipate adding two to three more sections in 2026-2027 based on student and parent demand. Each section will accommodate up to 16 students. For more information about the CAS PreK program, please contact Deanna Duffton, Principal of East Elementary School, at dufftond@chebschools.com.
The CAS School Board strongly believes that expanding our PreK program is one of the most impactful steps we can take to promote student success. This expansion was unanimously approved by the Board of Education with a 7-0 vote during the November meeting and is a key component to our District Strategic Plan. Research consistently shows that PreK programs have a profound, positive effect on a child’s educational outcomes.
Professional Development ½ Day – Move to February 5th:
As you know, the Safety Professional Development ½ Day scheduled for last week was canceled due to the snow day. The session has been rescheduled for our next planned ½ PD Day on February 5th.
Spencer S. Byrd, Ed. S
Quote for the Week: “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln - 16th President of the United States, best known for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation that declared forever free those slaves within the Confederacy in 1863.
Coming in January:
2/3 – SiteLogic Onsite Visit
6 – Return to School
7 - SL Design Team Meeting via Zoom @ 11am
9 – Donavan Communications Webinar
15 – BP Grant Meeting - Jamie
15 – Superintendent Conference Begins
16 – Athletic Committee Meeting @ 6pm
16 – Final Exams – ½ Day for Students
17 – Final Exams – ½ Day for Students
21 – Finance Committee Meeting @ 10am
21 – Curriculum Committee Meeting @ 3:45
27 – BOE Meeting – Organizational @ 6:30