We are excited to welcome Camp Invention to Cedar Springs this summer! This hands-on STEM program is designed for students entering 1st–6th grade and brings learning to life through creativity, problem-solving, and fun.

At Camp Invention, students will explore new ideas and build confidence as they:

• Build billboard boats
• Launch rockets
• Terraform planets
• Take home their very own robotic capybara

Each experience is designed to engage students in thinking, creating, and working together in meaningful ways.

Camp Details

Location: Cedar Springs Early Childhood Center
Dates: June 22–26, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The cost is $285, with payment plans available through April 23. Sibling discounts are also available.

For a limited time, families can save $40 using code NEWCAMP40 (expires April 30).

Register Today

Spots are limited. Register today to secure your child’s place in this exciting summer experience.

For questions or to register by phone, call 800-968-4332.

We look forward to a summer full of learning, creativity, and discovery for our Red Hawks!

This month, we are honored to share, Christine Rypma, Physical Education Instructor at Cedar Trails Elementary School was selected at the Kids Heart Challenge Volunteer of the month! Chris is a powerhouse advocate for heart health, and her passion has led her school to an incredible milestone this year.

A Record-Breaking Year
Under Chris’s leadership, the Cedar Trails community showed up in a massive way. This year, the school raised a staggering $26,071.27, officially surpassing their ambitious goal of $25,000! These funds go directly toward lifesaving research and education—the very same research that once helped Chris’s own family.

A Personal Mission
For Chris, the Kids Heart Challenge isn’t just a school event; it’s personal. She has been involved with the program for four years, motivated by her eldest daughter’s journey.

"I love supporting the program because it is near and dear to my heart," Chris shares. Her daughter was born with an atrioventricular (AV) canal defect—a hole in her heart the size of a quarter. Thanks to research funded by the American Heart Association, she underwent successful surgery at just six months old. Today, that baby girl is a 29-year-old thriving medical professional who chose her career so she could help others, just as the surgeons once helped her.

Making Connections
Chris’s favorite part of the program is the "magical" moments of connection with her students. She recalls a time when, after sharing her daughter's story, a first-grader stood up to proudly share that he had a "new heart," too. "He even showed me his scar!" Chris says. "The students were so supportive. I was amazed!"

Words of Wisdom
When asked what keeps her going (besides the "threat" of students turning her into a human Ice Cream Sundae for hitting their goals!), Chris has one simple tip for other educators: "Always be compassionate and excited! It is a worthy cause, and excitement is contagious!"

Congratulations to Chris Rypma and the entire Cedar Trails Elementary community for your heart-hero efforts!
 

Over the past five years, Cedar Springs Public Schools has seen significant construction and improvements across every building. These targeted projects have created meaningful upgrades for our students and staff.

We invite you to join Superintendent Scott Smith for a virtual Bond & Facility Update to learn more about the progress and what these enhancements mean for our schools. Each session will share the same information, so choose the date that works best for you.

📅 Session Dates:

• Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 7 p.m. Zoom link
• Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 7 p.m. Zoom link
• Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Zoom link
• Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Zoom link
• Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Zoom link
• Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Zoom link

We hope you can join us to learn more and share your thoughts as we continue building our future together.

As we prepare for upcoming state assessments, it is important that families and staff are aware of testing expectations. Before each testing window, district and building assessment coordinators review and communicate guidelines regarding the use of electronic devices.

During state testing, the Michigan Department of Education does not allow students to have any electronic devices in their possession. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, Fitbits, Apple Watches, or any other wearable or electronic technology. These devices must be powered off and stored according to building procedures.

We encourage families to review the 2025–2026 Electronic Device Policy prior to testing to ensure students are fully prepared.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the policy, please contact the main office at your student’s school.