It’s that time of year when the crimson and gold leaves of northern Michigan have danced to the ground and lie damp on our paths. Pine needles carpet the grass, trails, and boardwalks. As we stroll the campus, our feet crunch acorns because there are so many we simply can’t escape them.

Many of these acorns will be devoured by chipmunks, blue jays, or squirrels. But don’t worry, those acorns left on the ground during the darkest months of winter will be busy with purpose and potential.

This fall, we rode mountain bikes, waded in the river, played with fire in metals class, created music, read books, and paddled upstream and down. We studied the stars, Spanish, read about the Trinity bomb testing, memorized mathematical equations, examined sustainable living practices, and so much more. 

But what we gained this semester cannot simply be measured in activities and classwork. We learned plenty in and out of the classroom. Above all, we started to understand more about ourselves and those around us. 

Curiosity was unleashed, giving students a safe space to take healthy risks. As a community, we helped each other get back up and applauded one another in times of triumph and resilience. Perspectives opened up, and new talents and skills sprouted. Together, we wiggled, writhed, and prevailed to grow up, into and out of this place we call home. We are grateful to belong to this hardworking and deep-feeling community.

Our human spirits have come alive and continue to thrive within the mission, magic, and marvel of our Leelanau family. We will grow from acorn to oak, just as we always have at The Leelanau School.