Welcome Back!

Welcome Cedar Springs Middle School Students and Families to the 2026–2027 school year!

Middle school is a special time. It is a place where students discover who they are, develop new interests, build lasting friendships, and challenge themselves to grow academically and personally. Our commitment is to help create a school where every student feels welcomed, valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

At Cedar Springs Middle School, we believe that strong relationships are the foundation of a great school. The incredible staff at Cedar Springs Middle School is committed to making this a year filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences. We will work together to create a positive culture built on respect, responsibility, kindness, and high expectations. We want every student to know that they belong here and that every family is an important part of our school community.  

As we begin the school year, we encourage students to get involved, try something new, and make the most of every opportunity. Join a club, participate in activities, support your classmates, ask questions, and never be afraid to challenge yourself. Middle school is about learning, growing, and discovering what you're capable of.

To our families, thank you for entrusting us with your children each day. We value your partnership and know that the strongest schools are built when educators and families work together. We look forward to getting to know each of you and building relationships throughout the year.

Purpose. Potential. Pride.
Go Red Hawks!

Mr. Brian C. Michael
Principal
Cedar Springs Middle School

To Do's Before the First Day

Please complete the following before Wednesday, Aug. 26:

• Activate your ParentSquare account to receive district, school, and classroom communications.
• View the 2026-27 Academic Calendar.
• Review the District Handbooks.
• Complete your family's Education Benefits Form.
• If you do not want your student's name, photo, video, audio, or comments used in district communications Media Opt-Out Form.
• Set up or update your student's lunch account through the Family Portal (My Account) and add funds if needed. Any remaining balance from last school year will automatically carry over.
• Submit new medical consent form, if applicable. Medication consent forms and emergency action plans must be signed by a physician on or after July 1, 2026, for the 2026-27 school year.
  • Prescription medications must be current and not expired. Medications must be provided in the original container with a label that matches the medication consent form. 
  • Over-the-counter medications must be current and not expired, have parent/guardian authorization, and be brought to the school office. 
  • Students may not carry medication unless the school has a signed physician authorization allowing the student to carry it.
  • Make sure medications are not expired!

Middle School Open House

Join us for the Middle School Open House and school photos on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026.
Grade 6: 4-6 p.m.
Grades 7-8: 5-7 p.m.
Families will have the opportunity to meet teachers, tour the building, and prepare for a successful school year.

Student Schedules

Tentative student schedules for grades 6-8 will be available in PowerSchool beginning Friday, Aug. 21, 2026.

Please note that schedules are subject to change prior to the start of school.

Chromebooks

• Grades 6-7: Chromebooks will remain in classroom carts throughout the school year.
• Grade 8: Students may pick up their Chromebook from their locker during Middle School Open House.

Transportation

Transportation information for registered bus riders was mailed during the week of Aug. 3.

If you do not receive your transportation information by Wednesday, Aug. 12, please contact the Transportation Department at 616-696-1450, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please note that transportation changes cannot be made between 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, and 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, as we prepare for the start of the school year.

Middle School Athletics

Get ready for the fall season, Red Hawks! Please review the information below for upcoming Middle School athletics.

Students planning to participate in athletics during the 2026-27 school year must:

• Create a FinalForms account.
• Upload a current sports physical dated after April 15, 2026.
• Complete all required athletic forms.
• Submit any applicable pay-to-play fees.

Once registered in FinalForms, families will automatically receive athletic communications.

For questions, please contact MS Athletic Secretary Jodie Amell at 616-696-9100 x 6909 or jodie.amell@csredhawks.org

7th and 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Tryouts
Location: Middle School Gym
Dates: Aug. 19-21, 2026

7th Grade: 8-9:30 a.m. each day
8th Grade: 10 a.m.-noon each day

Students should arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign in, change shoes and prepare for tryouts. Please bring clean indoor athletic shoes, water, volleyball gear and a positive attitude.

Coaches will evaluate volleyball skills, coachability, teamwork and how students treat others. Based on current registration numbers, cuts will be necessary. Team placement will be shared at the end of each grade-level session on Friday, Aug. 21.

Students are expected to attend all three tryout sessions for their grade level.

6th-8th Grade Coed Cross Country
Schedule pending final confirmation from the coach.

Monday, Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. — Middle School
A required parent meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. while students run with the High School coach.

Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 8 a.m. — Middle School
Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 26, students will take the shuttle bus to the High School for practice. Practices will begin and end at the High School and conclude at 4 p.m.

7th and 8th Grade Coed Football
Additional information will be shared once details are confirmed with the coaching staff.

Contact Middle School Office Team

If you have any additional questions, please contact our Middle School front office team. Staff will return to the building on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, and resume normal business hours.

📧 msoffice@csredhawks.org
📞 616-696-9100
 

Cedar Springs Public Schools is excited to welcome students back for the 2026-27 school year!

The first day of school is Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, and we're looking forward to another great year of learning, growth, and success.

All school buildings reopen on Monday, Aug. 10, and will return to normal business hours. 

As we prepare for the start of the school year, your student's school will share additional building-specific information in the coming weeks, including open house dates and times, teacher communications, and other important back-to-school details. Be sure to watch your email and ParentSquare for these updates.

In the meantime, here are a few important reminders to help your family get ready for the new school year.

Watch for More Information From Your Student’s Building

Each school will share additional back-to-school information through ParentSquare, including:

• Open house Information
• Building-specific procedures
• Schedules and Classroom information
• Grade-level updates and reminders

Please watch your email and ParentSquare for these important communications as the first day of school approaches.

Back-to-School Checklist

Please take a few minutes to complete the following before the first day of school:

• Activate your ParentSquare account to receive district, school, and classroom communications.
• View the 2026-27 Academic Calendar.
• Review the District Handbooks.
• Complete your family's Education Benefits Form.
• If you do not want your student's name, photo, video, audio, or comments used in district communications Media Opt-Out Form.
• Set up or update your student's lunch account through the Family Portal (My Account) and add funds if needed. Any remaining balance from last school year will automatically carry over.
• Submit new medical consent form, if applicable.  Medication consent forms and emergency action plans must be signed by a physician on or after July 1, 2026, for the 2026-27 school year.
  • Prescription medications must be current and not expired. Medications must be provided in the original container with a label that matches the medication consent form. 
  • Over-the-counter medications must be current and not expired, have parent/guardian authorization, and be brought to the school office. 
  • Students may not carry medication unless the school has a signed physician authorization allowing the student to carry it.
  • Make sure medications are not expired!

Transportation Information

Transportation information for registered bus riders was mailed during the week of Aug. 3.

If you have not received your transportation information by Wednesday, Aug. 12, please contact the Transportation Department at 616-696-1450, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please note that transportation changes cannot be made between 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, and 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, as we prepare for the start of the school year.

District Office Information

The Cedar Springs Public Schools District Office is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Our team is available to assist families with:

• Student enrollment
• Updating contact information
• Address changes with required documentation
• General back-to-school questions

Need help? Contact us:
📧 cspstogether@csredhawks.org
📞 616-696-1204

We are excited to welcome our Red Hawks back and look forward to seeing students on Wednesday, Aug. 26, for the first day of school!

Cedar Springs Public Schools

To-Do's Before the First Day of School

Please complete the following before Wednesday, Aug. 26:

• Activate your ParentSquare account to receive district, school, and classroom communications.
• View the 2026-27 Academic Calendar.
• Review the District Handbooks.
• Complete your family's Education Benefits Form.
• If you do not want your student's name, photo, video, audio, or comments used in district communications Media Opt-Out Form.
• Set up or update your student's lunch account through the Family Portal (My Account) and add funds if needed. Any remaining balance from last school year will automatically carry over.
• Submit new medical consent form, if applicable.  Medication consent forms and emergency action plans must be signed by a physician on or after July 1, 2026, for the 2026-27 school year.
• Prescription medications must be current and not expired. Medications must be provided in the original container with a label that matches the medication consent form. 
• Over-the-counter medications must be current and not expired, have parent/guardian authorization, and be brought to the school office. 
• Students may not carry medication unless the school has a signed physician authorization allowing the student to carry it.
• Make sure medications are not expired!

Elementary Open Houses

Three smiling elementary school students in matching 'Red Hawks' t-shirts hold hands outdoors.
We look forward to welcoming our students and families at Open House on Monday, Aug. 24.

• Beach Elementary (Grades 2-3): 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Cedar Trails Elementary (Grades K-1): 5-6 p.m.
• Cedar View Elementary (Grades 4-5): 6-7 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to meet your student's teacher, visit the classroom, and prepare for a successful school year.
 

Welcome Letters & Teacher Assignments

Kindergarten through fifth-grade welcome letters and teacher assignments will be shared through ParentSquare during the week of Aug. 17.
 

Suggested Supply Lists

We are committed to ensuring every student has the materials they need for a successful school year. If families would like to purchase school supplies, TeacherLists provides suggested building supply lists for our K-5 students.

After homeroom teacher assignments are shared, some teachers may also post additional classroom-specific supply recommendations in TeacherLists. Please note that these lists are suggested, not required, and Cedar Springs Public Schools will ensure every student has the supplies they need to be successful.
 

Transportation

Transportation information for registered bus riders was mailed during the week of Aug. 3.

If you do not receive your transportation information by Wednesday, Aug. 12, please contact the Transportation Department at 616-696-1450, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
​
Please note that transportation changes cannot be made between 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, and 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, as we prepare for the start of the school year.
 

Student Chromebooks

Elementary students will be assigned a Chromebook to use during the school day. Devices remain in classroom carts throughout the school year.
 

Have Questions? We're Here to Help!

If you have additional questions, please contact the school your student will attend. Our elementary buildings will reopen on Monday, Aug. 10, and return to normal business hours.

Cedar Trails Elementary | Grades K-1
📧 ctoffice@csredhawks.org
📞 616-696-9884

Beach Elementary | Grades 2-3
📧 BEOffice@csredhawks.org
📞 616-696-0350

Cedar View Elementary | Grades 4-5
📧 CVOffice@csredhawks.org
📞 616-696-9102

We look forward to welcoming our Red Hawks back for a great school year!

To Do's Before the First Day of School

Please complete the following before Wednesday, Aug. 26:

• Activate your ParentSquare account to receive district, school, and classroom communications.
• View the 2026-27 Academic Calendar.
• Review the District Handbooks.
• Complete your family's Education Benefits Form.
• If you do not want your student's name, photo, video, audio, or comments used in district communications Media Opt-Out Form.
• Set up or update your student's lunch account through the Family Portal (My Account) and add funds if needed. Any remaining balance from last school year will automatically carry over.
• Submit new medical consent form, if applicable. Medication consent forms and emergency action plans must be signed by a physician on or after July 1, 2026, for the 2026-27 school year.
• Prescription medications must be current and not expired. Medications must be provided in the original container with a label that matches the medication consent form. 
• Over-the-counter medications must be current and not expired, have parent/guardian authorization, and be brought to the school office. 
• Students may not carry medication unless the school has a signed physician authorization allowing the student to carry it.
• Make sure medications are not expired!

Freshman & New Student Orientation BBQ

Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026 at 6 - 8 p.m. at Cedar Springs High School 

Incoming freshmen and students new to Cedar Springs High School are invited to attend our Freshman & New Student Orientation BBQ.

Your Chromebook will be waiting in your locker during this event.

Grades 10-12: Get Ready for the First Day

Before School Starts
There is no orientation for returning students in grades 10-12. Before the first day of school on Wednesday, Aug. 26, please complete the following:

• Check your schedule: View your class schedule in PowerSchool.
• Find your classrooms: Students are welcome to visit the High School during office hours before school begins to become familiar with the building and locate classrooms.
• Check your Chromebook: Continue using the Chromebook issued to you last school year. Make sure it is working properly before school begins. If repairs are needed, visit the High School Office, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Please complete repairs before the first day of school.
• Review technology expectations: New this year, students should review the updated technology expectations in the Student Handbook.
• Prepare for PE: Students enrolled in Physical Education should bring athletic shoes and appropriate clothing. Students are expected to dress and participate on the first day.
• Get a parking permit: Students planning to drive to school must obtain a student parking permit before parking on campus.

Student Schedules

High school schedules for grades 9-12 are available in PowerSchool beginning August 5, 2026

Please note that schedules are subject to change before the start of school.

Bus Transportation

Transportation information for registered bus riders was mailed during the week of Aug. 3.

If you do not receive your information by Wednesday, Aug. 12, please contact the Transportation Department at 616-696-1450, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Please note that transportation changes cannot be made between 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, and 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, as we prepare for the start of the school year.

Daily and Attendance Reminders

Every day matters! Please remember:

• High school doors open at 7:20 a.m. for students being dropped off in the designated drop-off loop.
• Bring your fully charged Chromebook every day—including the first day of school.
• Excused absences still count toward your total absences.
• The difference is that an excused absence allows students to make up missed work for credit, while an unexcused absence may not.

Get Involved

High school is more than academics! We encourage every student to get involved in:

• Athletics
• Clubs
• Performing Arts
• Volunteer Opportunities

Red Hawk Athletics

High school athletic tryouts begin Monday, Aug. 10

Students planning to participate in athletics during the 2026-27 school year must:

• Create a FinalForms account.
• Upload a current sports physical dated after April 15, 2026.
• Complete all required athletic forms.
• Submit any applicable pay-to-play fees.

Once registered in FinalForms, families will automatically receive athletic communications.

For questions, please contact the Athletic Department at 616-696-9080.

Need Help? Contact Us!

Not sure who to contact? Our High School team is here to help!

• Class schedules: Counselors
• Attendance: Main Office
• Technology: Academic Services Office
• Athletics: Main Office — ask for the Athletic Office
• Student fees: Academic Services Office
• Parking: Academic Services Office
• Medical: Academic Services Office

Still need help? Contact the Cedar Springs High School office, and our team will help connect you with the right person.
📧 HSOfficeTeam@csredhawks.org
📞 616-696-1200

The Cedar Springs Board of Education has begun the search for the next superintendent of Cedar Springs Public Schools and invites students, families, staff and community members to participate in the process.

Following eight years of dedicated leadership, Superintendent Scott Smith will retire at the end of December. The Board has partnered with the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) to facilitate the search and is committed to selecting a leader who will continue building on the district's strong tradition of supporting every learner.

There are two ways to share your feedback:

• Complete the online Superintendent Search Survey. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and will remain open through Friday, Aug. 14.
• Attend a community listening session with the MASB consultant on Wednesday, Aug. 19. A schedule of the listening sessions will be posted on the Cedar Springs Public Schools website.

Whether you are a student, parent, guardian, staff member, resident or local business owner, we encourage you to participate. Your feedback will help identify the qualities and priorities that are most important in the district's next superintendent.

Throughout the search process, updates, meeting schedules and additional information will be available on the Cedar Springs Public Schools website. Questions may also be directed to MASB consultant Mark Dobias at mrdobias@gmail.com.

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and support this important process. Your input will help guide the Board of Education as it selects the next leader of Cedar Springs Public Schools.

We want to make families aware of an important update. Due to a federal funding lapse, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been directed to temporarily pause the issuance of November SNAP (Food Assistance) benefits.

We understand this delay may create challenges for families who depend on these benefits for groceries and essentials. Please know our Red Hawk community cares deeply and is here to help. Below are local food and community assistance resources available to support families during this time.

Michigan 2-1-1
Dial 2-1-1 (available 24/7)
Connects individuals with local food pantries, meal programs, housing assistance, and other community services.

Feeding America West Michigan
Provides an up-to-date list of food pantries, mobile food distributions, and meal programs.

Hand2Hand
Provides meals and snacks for children on the weekend and extended school breaks, fill out the application here for K-8 Grades.

For high school support, contact Student Services Executive Assistant, Tina Tiethoff.

Lean On Me Outreach | 616-866-3999
Offers one-time food assistance to individuals and families in need.

North Kent Connect|616-866-3478
Visit North Kent Connect’s calendar online to view all food pantry events.