Red Hawk Monthly
January 2025
Greetings!
The start of a new calendar year welcomes renewed opportunities for celebration, self-reflection and growth. Please join us throughout January as we recognize and celebrate the efforts of the Cedar Springs Public Schools Board of Education! We are grateful to have a collection of board members who are both diverse and unified at the same time.
The Cedar Springs community wisely elected members to the board who think for themselves. While they don't always share the same position on issues, they remain focused on doing everything possible to support the students they serve. They find a middle ground when necessary to progress the district's work. This is a unique dynamic not shared by all school boards.
Our board members are deeply committed to the Red Hawk way as parents of students (past, present or future), community members, business leaders and, in some cases, even graduates of Cedar Springs Public Schools! Their commitment is unified in a shared desire to invest in the community in which they live. They believe strong communities build strong schools and strong schools build stronger communities.
Members of our Board of Education routinely invest 10 to 15 hours per month supporting the district's work. Preparing for and attending 12 monthly meetings and four quarterly work sessions each year is only one part of the work our board members do. Members are also required to invest a significant amount of time tending to district-related correspondence, reading educational materials and attending classes related to their role as a member of a board of education.
Please join us in recognizing the efforts of our Board of Education members:
Heidi Reed, President
Matt Shoffner, Vice President
Traci Slager, Secretary
Trent Gilmore, Treasurer
Jason Lund, Trustee
Mistie Bowser, Trustee
April Patin, Trustee
A strong Board of Education makes it possible for us to put our B.E.S.T. foot forward for our students in 2025.
For Cedar Springs Public Schools, B.E.S.T. is an acronym for Belonging, Equity, Success and Togetherness. These four values are embedded in our daily efforts to foster conditions in which each one of our students and staff members can thrive:
Belonging — Each individual is welcomed and included in our Red Hawk community
Equity — Fair treatment, access and opportunity
Success — Flourishing by expanding one's potential
Togetherness — Unified in our effort to foster conditions in which each Red Hawk can thrive
Staff and students are creating inclusive learning communities in our schools. In doing so, each person is connected and contributes to enhancing our Red Hawk experience regardless of their role.
We look forward to being the B.E.S.T. we can be throughout 2025!
With respect and appreciation,
Scott B. Smith
Superintendent of Cedar Springs Public Schools
Wednesday, Jan. 8
Blood Drive at the High School
Thursday, Jan. 16
B#4 Foundation Presentation on Mental Health Awareness
Presentation for High School Students (during the day)
Friday, Jan. 17
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.
Tuesday, Jan. 28
Rising Red Hawks: Welcome Event for the Class of 2029
6 p.m. in the High School Auditorium
Feb. 14-17
Mid-winter Break
This year, Winter Wishes for Red Hawks was a tremendous success thanks to the generosity of our community. Together, we made the holiday season brighter and provided much-needed support for our students and families.
💵 Total Contributions
- $5,718 in donations!
- $3,218 in cash donations, including donations from Room 12 at Cedar View Elementary
- $2,500 matched by Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial
🎁 Impactful Giving
- 120+ students received gifts
- 200+ Giving Tree tags filled
- Coordinated by the Curious Clovers 4-H Club
- 30+ sponsors
- Including Harvard Tavern, Shop With the Sheriff, Cedar Springs Public School staff, community members, Curious Clovers 4-H, Knights of Columbus, YMCA and more
❄️ Winter Essentials Provided
- 50+ winter coats
- 30+ snow pants
- 50+ pairs of boots
- Numerous mittens, hats and gloves
- 100+ packages of socks and underwear
Your kindness and generosity make a difference. Together, we continue to support our Red Hawks and show the true meaning of community.
At Cedar Springs Public Schools, we are proud to recognize the incredible dedication and service of our Board of Education during School Board Recognition Month. These community leaders play a vital role in shaping the future of education, working tirelessly to ensure every learner has the tools and opportunities to thrive.
Our board members wear many hats, volunteering their time to:
💡 Set the vision and goals for our schools
📚 Oversee the success of our education programs
🏫 Advocate for continuous improvement and student achievement
We are incredibly grateful for our Board of Education:
- Heidi Reed, President
- Matt Shoffner, Vice President
- Traci Slager, Secretary
- Trent Gilmore, Treasurer
- Jason Lund, Trustee
- Mistie Bowser, Trustee
- April Patin, Trustee
Their dedication to Cedar Springs is unmatched, and their decisions reflect their deep commitment to our students, staff and community.
Please join us in thanking these servant leaders for their efforts and their unwavering support of our mission to equip every learner to thrive.
In December, we shared a letter from the Kent County Health Department with important information regarding a significant increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases statewide, including in Kent County schools. Pertussis is highly contagious and can pose serious health risks, especially to infants and individuals with chronic conditions.
Please review the letter previously sent home for detailed information about symptoms, and prevention. If your child exhibits symptoms such as persistent coughing, please consider keeping them home from school and seeking medical evaluation.
Thank you for your attention to this important health matter. Together, we can help keep our school community safe and healthy.
Attention current eighth grade students and families! Join us for a special evening as we welcome you to Cedar Springs High School and help you prepare for your exciting journey as part of the Class of 2029.
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Location: Cedar Springs High School Auditorium
Bonus: Stay after to enjoy the basketball game!
Here’s what to expect:
- Plan Your Future: Explore opportunities like Kent Career Technical Center, dual enrollment, Early Middle College, and work-based learning.
- Smooth Transition: Learn how we’ll support you moving from middle to high school and scheduling your courses.
- Student Panel Q&A: Hear from current Red Hawk seniors about their high school experiences in 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.
- Tour the School: Take a guided tour of Cedar Springs High School to see where your Red Hawk adventure begins!
We are excited to welcome you to the next chapter of your Red Hawk educational journey. Let’s make this the beginning of an amazing high school experience together!
Note: If needed, the makeup date due to weather will be Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.
Mornings can be busy, and making sure kids eat a healthy breakfast isn’t always easy. That’s why the School Breakfast Program is a great option for families! A FREE breakfast is available to all students at school, helping kids start their day off right.
Research shows that students who eat breakfast perform better academically, are more alert in class, visit the school nurse less often and exhibit better behavior. If your mornings are hectic, let the School Breakfast Program help!
Breakfast Serving Times:
- Elementary Schools: 8:45 a.m. in the cafeteria
- Middle School: 7:15 a.m. in the cafeteria
- High School: 7:20 a.m. in the cafeteria
Life can become an endless "to-do" list, leaving little time for self-care and compassion. This blog explores how to stop striving for perfection, prioritize yourself and find joy in everyday moments. With practical advice on gratitude, balance and resilience, it offers actionable steps to help you take better care of yourself and reclaim your energy.
Discover how to embrace self-love and navigate life’s challenges with kindness toward yourself.
Mark your calendars! The annual North Kent Community Enrichment Daddy-Daughter Dance will be held on Thursday, February 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Cedar Springs Middle School.
Get ready for a night full of dancing, laughter, and memories! Highlights include:
Vanessa Kelly Photography to capture your special moments
Snacks and keepsakes to enjoy
Ticket Information
This year, tickets will be checked at the door—no E-tickets required. All tickets must be purchased online, and only one ticket is needed per family.
Pricing:
$30/$40 Dad and 1 Daughter
$35/$47 Dad and 2 Daughters
$40/$53 Dad and 3+ Daughters
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 on 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!
