Before our state test administration, district and building assessment coordinators must communicate a policy for using electronic devices by students and staff during testing.
During testing, the Michigan Department of Education does not allow students to have electronic devices with them (including wearable technology like FitBits, Apple watches, etc.). Please make sure you take the time to review our Electronic Device Policy for the 24-25 school year before testing.
If you have any questions or concerns about the policy, contact the main office in the building where your student attends.
Next week, from October 21-30, all Cedar Springs Public Schools (CSPS) buses will be conducting evacuation drills at a safe location on school property (weather permitting). These drills are essential to ensure that both our drivers and students are well-prepared in the event of a school bus emergency.
Please be aware that afternoon drop-offs may experience delays during this period. If your student has any time-sensitive activities or appointments scheduled on these dates, we recommend arranging alternate transportation.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we carry out these important safety measures. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Transportation Office at (616) 696-1450.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students safe!
As a school district, we are committed to improving our security efforts every day. In partnership with local law enforcement agencies, we are updating security protocols for all campus events, including those at Red Hawk Stadium. The following new protocols are effective immediately.
- No footballs, soccer balls, or sports balls will be allowed. These items can be distracting and potentially unsafe in crowded areas. If brought, they will be confiscated.
- Minors must sit in the stands to help everyone enjoy the game and stay safe.
- Students in grades PK-8 must be accompanied by an adult and have proper supervision throughout the event.
- Bags larger than 12" x 9" x 3" are not permitted, other than those required for medical or parenting needs. All bags may be screened by event personnel.
- No outside food or drink is permitted.
In addition to these changes, we are improving our security measures by increasing event staff as well as utilizing additional lighting and cameras to improve monitoring for events at Red Hawk Stadium. Ultimately, security measures are strongest when staff and attendees work together to make the event safer for all involved. If you see something out of the ordinary at an event, bring it to the attention of a staff member.
Thank you for your understanding and support. Together, we can continue to provide a safe and exciting atmosphere for our Red Hawk family to enjoy.
We look forward to supporting our Red Hawks with you!
We are excited to welcome back our students on Wednesday, August 21! We are committed to a safe learning environment using national standards, best practices, and student data to keep our district secure for all.
Proactive Approaches to Safety:
- Red Hawks Care provides students and their households with free, confidential counseling, 24/7 support, legal, financial, elder care consultations, and access to online wellness resources. Call 800-442-0809 and press 1 to schedule an appointment.
- Our partnership with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office is part of our proactive approach. CSPS is fortunate to have received grants to fund two School Resource Officers (SRO) on campus, ensuring a safe atmosphere for your children.
- Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) model is a threat assessment process that is fact-based and provable and endorsed by Michigan State Police. For every threat to harm, the BTAM/STAT team gathers facts about the student, the threat and their situation.
- Critical Incident Stress Management system that helps rebuild structure and order after a critical event.
- The district is trained in the I Love You Guys Standard Response Protocols (SRP) to handle any situation effectively. The SRP provides a proven and effective way to respond to emergencies, ensuring the safety of everyone on campus.
- Regular District Safety Team meetings to review issues, concerns and reflect and plan for future needs based on local, state and federal data regarding school safety.
- Schoolwide practice drills and debriefing.
- CSPS Mental Health Team is a trained team of professionals that help eliminate student barriers and build an inclusive place where all students can learn.
- Ok2Say as a fast, reliable and anonymous reporting mechanism for threats of harm and suicidal ideation.
Proactive Communication:
- We believe in proactive communication about our safety measures, covering everything from the physical environment to mental health support. You can learn more about our safety initiatives and ongoing training on our Campus Safety and Security page.
- In case of health emergencies or isolated incidents, information will be kept confidential to protect student privacy under FERPA and HIPAA. For any concerns, please contact the building or district office directly instead of commenting publicly.
Environmental Approaches to Safety:
- Secured entrances, locked classroom doors.
- The Bluepoint Alert System in all buildings provides a fast and effective way to alert the district and law enforcement of safety concerns.
- Emergency Protocol signage.
Parents and guardians play a crucial role in school safety. What Parents can do to help the district stay safe:
- Review the student handbook with your student. Ensure that your student has a clear understanding of prohibited behaviors and the consequences of those behaviors.
- Remember during a crisis: Official updates will be communicated directly via email and text messages after assessment and approval from law enforcement. The District will send communications in collaboration with local law enforcement and the National Weather Service.
- Please refrain from posting information on social media during emergencies to prevent the spread of misinformation. We request parents not call the school directly to keep our phone lines free as this is crucial during an emergency.
- Encourage your child to fully participate in every drill and to ask questions so that they have a clear understanding of what actions they need to take.
- To receive timely updates during emergencies, keep your contact information current. Contact the front desk of your student's building to update your information. To opt-in for text messages, text "Yes" to 79041. Ensure your number is listed as an emergency contact in our system to receive texts.
School safety is a shared responsibility. At Cedar Springs Public Schools, we believe a prepared school, is a safe school.
For any additional questions, please contact our district office at 616-696-1204.
Sincerely,
Cedar Springs Public Schools Safety Team
Become a Red Hawk today, and enroll at Cedar Springs Middle Level Schools!
Our middle level schools have fun and exciting events taking place every week! Stay up-to-date on big events, and visit our newsletter page to get more weekly details of what is happening in our schools.
In the middle level Grades (6-8), students are introduced to a wide variety of encore courses where the student is able to start exploring courses of interest specifically designed for them.
Our Middle Level Schools offer guidance counseling in both our buildings. Our team is available for students to have someone they feel comfortable talking to about school, course choice, career development, struggles with feelings, or friendships.
At the end of the school year, our 8th-Grade students have the opportunity to attend the East Coast Trip. Some highlights of the trip include visiting Niagara Falls, a stroll through the Big Apple (New York), learning at Gettysburg, and tours through Washington D.C.
Get ready for the best four years of your life, and enroll at Cedar Springs High School!
As students enter high school, they start taking on more responsibilities, one is getting ready for the workforce and their future careers. In some areas, this could be hands-on class work, in others, it may be the responsibility of an after-school job.
Senior year is an unforgettable experience but also filled with deadlines, important dates, special events, and so much more. Check out our senior section to stay up-to-date on everything for the Class of 2023!
Navigating high school can be challenging. Our district has counselors to help students with everything from scheduling their courses, to applying for college.
At Cedar Springs Elementary Schools we create a strong foundation for our youngest learners starting at our Elementary level. We focus primarily on Math, Literacy, Social Studies, and Science.
Cedar Springs Elementary Schools educate our preschool-5th grade students. Learn more about our three schools and our team of dedicated teachers!
Our elementary schools bring in a unique way of learning to our students. Having an outdoor classroom, learning from our high school FFA students, and more!
Social skills are important for development. Interactions with others and developing these skills are important from an early age. Through behavioral programs, community events, and extracurricular opportunities, our students can grow and develop their social skills with their peers.
Read Superintendent Scott Smith's most recent communication.
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Welcome to Cedar Springs Public Schools! We serve students from Preschool - 12th grade and are excited for the opportunities that await your student.
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The Cedar Springs Board of Education oversees the education of students in the community. Meet our Board of Education and learn more about our district.
The Red Hawk Monthly is Cedar Springs Public Schools' monthly digital newsletter. View the most recent online, and download previous newsletters for the current school year!
View the openings at Cedar Springs Public Schools.