Red Hawk Monthly
December 2023
Dear Cedar Springs parents and staff,
As 2023 winds down, we find ourselves filled with appreciation for our Cedar Springs Public Schools community. This year has been marked by both challenges and accomplishments. As a district, our achievements reflect the enthusiasm of our students, the unwavering dedication of our staff and your invaluable support.
Michigan has yet to live up to its reputation of being a winter wonderland. With the temperatures forecast this week and next, I am not anticipating any weather cancellations for us through the end of December. However, we are all well aware of how quickly the weather can change for us living in West Michigan.
Please know a decision to close or to delay the start of school is taken very seriously. Our primary consideration when making the decision is for the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We are also mindful of the timing of the decision and want to make the call as early as possible for two reasons.
- We have students who leave the house as early as 5:30 a.m. to make connections with buses that take them to the Kent Career Technical Center.
- We want to give our families as much time as possible to make childcare arrangements.
The challenge we face on some mornings is that conditions may change dramatically from 4 a.m., when we start checking roads, and 5:30 a.m., when we hope to have a decision made.
To be clear, our decision-making process regarding school closings or delays is driven by three guiding principles:
- We put the safety and well-being of our students and staff above all else
- We want to have school if at all possible
- We want to make the decision as early as possible
If at any time you feel it is unsafe to send your child or children to school, you may call in an excused absence.
Our commitment to academic excellence and personal growth will continue as we transition into 2024. The achievements and smiles we see in our classrooms, on our playgrounds and in our community are testaments to our collective effort to put students first. Whether it's through academics, arts, sports, or community service, our Red Hawks are soaring!
As we approach the holiday season, let’s celebrate the warmth, kindness and spirit of giving that defines our community. Let's carry these values into the new year, continuing to support each other and strive for excellence.
Thank you for being a vital part of our journey. Your involvement makes a world of difference in the lives of our students. Here's to a fantastic end to 2023 and an even brighter 2024!
With heartfelt gratitude and Red Hawk pride,
Scott B. Smith
Superintendent of Schools
December 12
6/7/8 Holiday Band Concert
Cedar Springs High School Auditorium at 7 p.m.
Thursday, December 14, and Friday, December 15
Home for the Holidays Band/Choir Concert
Auditorium at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 15
Half Day for students
Week of December 19-21
First Semester Exams at the High School
December 22-Jan 5
Winter Break
January 8
Board of Education Meeting, Hilltop at 6:45 p.m.
The parent and community School Climate Survey is now open! Your ideas will help shape our new FLIGHT Plan 2.0, our guide for addressing the priorities of the district over the next three years.
Your voice is essential to making sure we are focused on the right things at the right times. Be assured that your answers will remain completely anonymous. Responses are only reported together in one form.
The School Climate Survey will close on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Be sure to fill it out today!
If you have any questions, please email cspstogether@csredhawks.org.
This holiday season, we extend a heartfelt invitation to you to be a part of our cherished tradition: Winter Wishes for Red Hawks. Together, we can bring smiles to our students' faces and fill their hearts with warmth and delight.
Your generous donations help us honor the legacy of Sandy Samsel in a beloved tradition that has brightened the holidays for Cedar Springs Public Schools since 1995. With your support, we can ensure that every Red Hawk receives a special gift this holiday season.
Visit our website to learn how you can give back to support our Red Hawks this holiday season!
Let's create magical moments and spread the spirit of giving! Your contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for joining us in this wonderful cause!
"It's the most wonderful time of the year...", or is it? Happiness, joy and STRESS!
The holiday season is upon us and that brings many wonderful things, but even joyful occasions can induce stress if we don't keep our mental health in check. Here are some suggestions to cope with (better yet, to PREVENT) holiday stress:
It's OK to say "no."
Take a break.
Get some fresh air and sunlight.
If you're in therapy, stay in therapy.
Honor your grief and loss.
Avoid financial stress.
Practice mindfulness and meditation.
