Superintendent's Update

Dear Cedar Springs Parents and Staff,

As we close out the 2025 calendar year, we find ourselves filled with appreciation for our Cedar Springs Public Schools community. Both challenges and accomplishments have marked the past 12 months. As a district, our achievements reflect a commitment from our students and staff to do the hard work necessary to experience success in the classroom. We also recognize the dedication and continued support from the Cedar Springs community as an essential element of the success of our district.

Michigan has yet to live up to its reputation as a winter wonderland. However, we are all well aware of how quickly the weather can change for those of us living in West Michigan. Please know the decision to close or delay the start of school due to weather conditions is taken very seriously.

Our primary consideration when making the decision is for our students' and staff's safety and well-being. We are also mindful of the timing of the decision, and we 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 catch connecting buses to the Kent County 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, to 5:30 a.m., when we hope to decide whether to delay or cancel school for the day.

Three principles drive our decision-making process regarding school closings or delays:

• 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 round out the last month of 2025, and transition into January 2026. The achievements and smiles we see in our classrooms, playgrounds and 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 define our community. Let's carry these values into the new year, supporting each other and striving 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 2025, and an even brighter 2026!

We can. We will. We are. TOGETHER!
With respect and gratitude,
Scott B. Smith, Superintendent