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.

Parents are invited to attend our Preschool Parent Information Night on Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 6-7 p.m. at the Cedar Springs Public Schools Early Childhood Center.

This event is a great chance for parents to learn more about the preschool programs we offer for 3- and 4-year-old learners. Our team will share program details and help answer questions. This night is designed for parents.

We will also host an open house for students and families later this spring.

Preschool enrollment will open in late February. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

We are excited to welcome the Class of 2030 to Cedar Springs High School. This event is for current 8th graders at Cedar Springs Middle School, students interested in choosing CSHS for 9th grade, and families exploring our homeschooling program. Join us to learn more about life at CSHS and what the future holds.

Event: Red Hawks Rising: Welcome Event for the Class of 2030
Date: Tuesday, January 27
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Location: Cedar Springs High School Auditorium, Enter through Door #13

Here’s What We’ve Planned:

Ease Your Worries: We’ll discuss the transition from middle to high school and address any concerns.
Student Panel Q&A: Hear firsthand experiences from our successful Red Hawk seniors across various fields like Band, Language, Early Middle College, and more.
High School Course Scheduling: Design your personalized path to success by planning your next four years around your interests.
Plan Your Future: Discover the range of freshman courses and opportunities in KCTC, Dual Enrollment, EMC, and work-based learning.
Tour Time: Get a sneak peek of your future high school and discover where your journey as a Red Hawk will begin.

Prepare for an exciting high school learning, growth, and success adventure. We can't wait to welcome you to the Red Hawk family!  Let’s soar together into this new chapter of your academic journey. See you Tuesday, Jan. 27. Stick around after for the Red Hawk boys basketball game— all future freshmen get in free.

Note: If needed, the makeup date due to weather will be Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026