Red Hawk Monthly
Sept 2024
A Message From Our Superintendent
Greetings!
It's hard to think we're only two weeks into the 2024–2025 school year! Despite a few minor weather and construction-related setbacks, our launch has been remarkably smooth. It's been wonderful to see our students into their routines and finding success. A round of applause to our students, parents, and staff for their commitment to a great start to the school year!
Construction at Beach Elementary School is moving forward, and we're making headway. Contractors are working diligently to stay on track and minimize disruptions. The improvements will greatly enhance the learning experiences for our 2nd and 3rd graders when the building is completed in July 2025. We'll continue to provide updates as the work progresses and appreciate everyone's patience and flexibility during this time.
Our elementary students are diving into their new learning journeys, particularly in reading and math. They’ll be exploring fascinating topics like farms, kings and queens, insects, early civilizations, the solar system, the Renaissance, and the human body—all while enhancing their reading skills!
At the Middle School, our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are experiencing the building together for the first time this fall. It's been an exciting transition, and the energy from our teachers is evident as they work hard to ensure every student feels positive about being back in school. Red Hawk, which houses our Early Childhood Center, is now also proudly home to our District Services teams.
Many of our high school students have been for over, a month dedicating the last weeks of their summer to band camp, workouts, and fall sports practices. As the fall seasons are now underway, their commitment and enthusiasm set a great tone for the year ahead.
Each day brings new challenges, but our dedication to providing the best possible education for our students remains unwavering. We’re excited to see where this year takes us and all that we’ll achieve together.
Here's to a fantastic school year!
With respect and appreciation,
Scott B. Smith
Superintendent of Cedar Springs Public Schools
Important Dates
Tuesday, Sept 3
Preschool/GRSP Open House 4-6 p.m.
Middle School Fall Athletics Meet the Team
Sept 16-20
Homecoming Week
Friday, Sept 20
Homecoming Game at 7 p.m.
FFA Alumni Association and Friends Annual Homecoming Tailgate Dinner
Friday, Sep 27
Walk-A-Thon
Tractor Parade
Middle School Choir Singing National Anthem at Football Game
Friday, Sept 27
Half Day for Students
- Elementary Dismissal at 12:05 p.m.
- Middle School Dismissal at 10:45 a.m.
- High School Dismissal at 10:55 a.m.
Meet SRO - Officer Jewell
We are excited to welcome Officer Jewell as our new School Resource Officer! He will join Officer Price in helping keep our campus safe. Originally from the east side of Michigan, Pete moved to Grand Rapids in 2015 to begin his career with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.
We continue to strongly partner with the Kent County Sheriff's Office to ensure a safe environment for our students, staff, and community.
Officer Jewell is enthusiastic about joining our community and looks forward to his new role. If you see him around, please say hello and introduce yourself—he’s eager to get to know our Red Hawks!
Media teacher talks 21st-century education
Justin Harnden, a dedicated teacher at Cedar Springs High School, lives by a simple rule: If he’s unhappy with his job for a week, it’s time to move on. But in his 24 years of teaching, he has yet to have a bad week. Harnden finds joy in the variety and impact of his work, whether it’s teaching media production and theater or coaching the girls’ varsity soccer team. He keeps a "rainy-day drawer" of thank-you notes from students to remind him of the positive impact he’s had.
Harnden is passionate about helping students find their voice through media and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and human connection, especially in the digital age. He encourages anyone considering teaching to enter the profession for the right reason: to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.
Read more about Justin Harnden’s inspiring journey and his insights on education in 2024 from School News Network.
Educational Benefits Form
We ask all parents and guardians to fill out the Education Benefits form to help our district secure state and federal funding for our programs, supporting instructional staff, teaching supplies, counselors, social workers, school nurses, professional learning, parent and community activities, and technology.
Exciting News: Free Meals for All Students in 2024-2025!
Cedar Springs Public Schools is thrilled to announce that all students will receive free breakfast and lunch for the '24-'25 school year, thanks to the Michigan Healthy School Meals Program!
Start Your Day Right With School Breakfast!
Did you know that students who eat breakfast perform better academically, are more attentive in class, visit the school nurse less frequently, and have better behavior? If mornings are hectic, let the School Breakfast Program lend a hand!
Breakfast Times:
- Elementary Schools: 8:45 a.m.
- Middle School: 7:15 a.m.
- High School: 7:20 a.m.
All students are welcome to enjoy a healthy breakfast every day!
FFA Alumni & Friends Tailgate Dinner
Join us for the FFA 2024 Homecoming Tailgate Dinner on Friday, Sept 20, at the CSHS cafeteria! Enjoy a delicious meal of a pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, chips, potato salad, dessert, and a soda or bottled water. Meals are $12 each, and all proceeds benefit the Cedar Springs Red Hawk FFA group.
Tickets are available at the Cedar Springs Mill & Supply (112 W Beech St NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319). You can choose to stay and eat or grab your meal to go! Come out and support our FFA students while enjoying a great meal!
Say Cheese! School Photo Day Is Coming! 📸
Get ready to smile, Red Hawks! It's almost time for School Photo Day! Here’s the schedule:
- Middle School: Tuesday, Sept. 10
- Beach and Cedar View: Wednesday, Sept. 11
- Cedar Trails: Tuesday, Sept. 17
Remember to bring your best smile and dress your best. We can’t wait to capture these memories with all our amazing students!
Media Opt Out Form
Parents and guardians may request that photographs, video and audio recordings, comments, and/or students' names not be used by completing this form and dropping it off at the district office or emailing it to communications@csredhawks.org.
What Is Red Hawks Care?
Red Hawks Care is a collaboration between Cedar Springs Public Schools and Pine Rest and is available to all students, their household members, and staff.
Red Hawks Care is a school assistance program that includes:
- 3 sessions of free, confidential* counseling per episode of care
- Psychiatric Urgent Care Center services for ages 18+
- 24/7 hotline for crisis calls
- Free 30-minute legal consultation
- Free 30-minute financial consultation
- Free elder care consultation
- Personal Advantage online library access
- All benefits are available to staff, students, and members of their household
*The school is NOT notified when SAP services are accessed and the school receives no identifying information.
Call 1-800-442-0809 x1, mention "I have an SAP with Cedar Springs Public Schools"
Setting Up Your Child for a Successful School Year
Check out these helpful tips to make the transition easier and support your child’s success all year long in the full article from Pine Rest.
If you need support for any life concern, call today to utilize the FREE counseling sessions provided by the Red Hawks Care School Assistance Program. Call 800-442-0809 and press 1 to schedule an appointment.
Community Resources in Cedar Springs
North Kent Connect (10075 Northland Drive NE, Rockford, MI 49341)
If you are a resident of northern Kent County, North Kent Connect may be a resource for you to receive food, housing assistance, job services and much more. It also has a thrift store and farm stand at its location open to the community!
Mobile Food Pantry (Cedar Springs Fire Department)
Taking place the third Monday of the month, the mobile food pantry brings free food and groceries to you. You can pick up prepacked grocery boxes full of healthy foods or shop farmers-market style and choose what you want. The pantry usually has meat, fruits and veggies, dairy, bread and ingredients for easy meals - all free!
Cedar Springs Public Library (107 N. Main St., Cedar Springs, MI 49319)
Visit the Cedar Springs Public Library for a world of books, engaging readings and exciting activities all year!