August 31, 2022

Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends,

We are back! Faculty and staff began meetings this week to dig into the year ahead, orienting new staff,  polishing what works, and strengthening programs and practices that merit improvement. Teachers spent eight intensive and important hours on Monday discussing equity, diversity, and inclusion. Today they meet with ISACS leadership, preparing to launch Leelanau's self-study for the renewal of school accreditation. Thursday, they will take a quick-fire refresher course on the school calendar, where to find the van keys, and how to get back on the wifi network. It HAS been a long summer after all!

These are the practical necessities behind a compassionate learning experience. Leelanau offers a better way to learn because these amazing mentors know a better way to teach. Even where there is messiness, they find wonder!

Students arrive early next week to unpack and repack for exploratory programs at the Leelanau Outdoor Center, Sand Lakes Quiet Area, and South Manitou Island. These days of exploration and bonding are a wonderful way to kick off the school year. The challenge and fun are guaranteed, but good weather and hot showers, not so much.

We invite you to follow our 2022-23 School year through social media posts, monthly e-newsletters, and the upcoming SPIRIT Magazine, due out in late September or early October. Alumni, if you have stories or updates to share, please do! As we move forward with these monthly communications, we hope to include more alumni news, stories, photos, and share losses in the Leelanau family. We need your help to gather and share this news.

We wish you discovery and good learning in the months ahead. If you need a little inspiration, look to Leelanau!

Warmly,

Kate Olson

Director of Alumni and Development