Roar

Good Sunday Evening,

Exciting News: DECA Team Advances to State Competition!

We are thrilled to share that 16 of our DECA students have qualified for the State Competition, which will be held in mid-March in Detroit!

Typically, advancement from District to State is determined by a combination of a pre-competition test score and a role-play scenario performed during the District competition. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather on the day of this year’s District event, our team was unable to attend. Despite this setback, we are proud to report that all 16 students still qualified for State based solely on their exceptional test scores—a remarkable accomplishment!

Our students are excited and motivated to begin their preparations for the competition, and Brenna Kane, our first-year Business Education teacher, is ready to lead the team to success. Go Chiefs!

CAS District says…Go Lions!

After 30 long years, the Detroit Lions are finally headed to the playoffs next weekend! Depending on this weekend’s matchups, they’ll play either Saturday or Sunday. CAS is encouraging all students and staff to join in the excitement by wearing Lions blue and silver next Friday. Let’s create a sea of Blue & Silver across our schools!

As many of you know, I’ve been a Lions fan since I was a young boy, watching games with my dad over 50 years ago. I have cherished memories of Billy Sims leaping through defenses, Gary Danielson throwing touchdowns, and Barry Sanders creating magic on Thanksgiving Day. Through all the ups and downs of the past five decades, this team has remained close to my heart.

This years' Lions team is something truly special. I know my dad would have loved watching this team play, and I can’t help but think he’d be as proud and hopeful as I am now. Go Lions!

PreK Parent Survey Coming Soon:

As previously shared in the December edition of Sunday Soup, we are excited to announce the district’s plans to expand educational opportunities for the 2025-2026 school year by adding two additional PreK sections at the East Elementary. 

To accommodate this expansion, some adjustments will be necessary. Specifically, 2nd grade will transition to the Intermediate School (INT), and 7th grade will move to the High School (HS) starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Each building principal has been working diligently to develop preliminary layouts for these changes, ensuring a smooth transition for students and staff.

As part of this process, we recognize the importance of involving the families most directly affected. A brief survey will soon be sent to the parents of current 1st and 6th-grade students, as these families will experience the transition firsthand.

Upcoming Book Study:

I am excited to announce that it is time for our second-semester book study! Building on the success of last year’s study of Drive by Daniel Pink, we aim to make this years’ experience equally engaging and rewarding.

If you’re interested in learning more about this opportunity, we will hold an informational meeting in the High School Media Center on Tuesday, the 14th, at 3:30 PM. During the meeting, we’ll share details about the book study, expectations.

The book selected for this year is the “Unfinished Teacher” by PJ Caposey. PJ will also be leading our PD 1/2 day on March 5th. Also, the March 5th PD afternoon will be hosted by the Opera House. 

We Need Your Input! Participate in Our Perception Surveys:

We are excited to announce the launch of our Perception Surveys for January! These surveys are an essential part of gathering feedback from our school community to help us identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth.

Survey Links and Deadlines
All surveys must be completed by January 31st at midnight.

Spencer S. Byrd, Ed. S

Quote for the Week: “Great teachers do not focus on student compliance but rather student connections and student relationships.” – PJ Caposey – Co-Author of Unfinished Teacher and PJ will be our Guest Speaker at our ½ PD day on March 5th.

Coming in January:

  • 13 – COPESD Superintendent Morning Meeting

  • 13/14 – Horizons Superintendent Leadership Academy

  • 14 – Consultant - Individual Meetings with BP’s throughout the Day

  • 14 – Book Study Informational Meeting – 3:30 @ HS Media Center

  • 15 – BP Grant Meeting - Jamie

  • 15 – Superintendent Conference Begins

  • 15 – HS Final Exams Begin

  • 16 – HS Final Exams – ½ Day for Students

  • 17 – HS Final Exams – ½ Day for Students/ End of First Semester

  • 17 – District Detroit Lions Day – wear your Blue & Silver

  • 20 – Safety Meeting @ 10:00am with the new Sheriff, Todd Ross

  • 20 – Athletic Committee Meeting @ 6pm in BR – (Rescheduled)

  • 21 – Finance Committee Meeting @ 10am (Consultant Prezi)

  • 21 – Curriculum Committee Meeting @ 3:45

  • 21 – BOE Training @ 5:30 in the BR

  • 27 – New NCMC Advisor Meeting with EMC Students @ 9:15am

  • 27 – Cabinet Meeting in BR @ 1:00 (lunch @ 12:30)