The administrators at Suttons Bay Public Schools (SBPS) have determined — based on both current data from the local health department and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the “open-and-close” pattern that is difficult to navigate — the best course of action is to continue remote instruction for the district (PreK through grade 12) until January 15.

But they have also zeroed in on another immediate action plan, Superintendent Casey Petz tells the Leelanau Ticker.

“Every day, from now until holiday break, we will be spreading some joy in the district,” he says.

He explains that bringing more joy to daily life was already identified as a district-wide goal at the beginning of the school year, but now it has become critical.

“People are exhausted with remote learning. They have been isolated and in crises. The focus in so many ways has been academics and if and how we getting left behind. Right now, we also need some fun, and we need a tremendous amount of gratitude for the work that’s been done.”

First up in the Spread Some Joy campaign: SBPS teachers had a socially distanced visit and small gifts dropped off by Andy Melius, middle and high school principal and Shelagh Fehrenbach, elementary principal (pictured).

“Next, we will deliver to and visit all support staff,” says Petz.

A “Norsemen Tree” in front of the school will also be decorated — socially distanced — by students, with a handmade ornament that represents their family. Petz says the intentional bonus is that Medilodge of Leelanau staff and residents will also be able to see the adorned tree.

Suttons Bay students and residents can also look forward to a surprise teacher-led costumed light parade through the village and surrounding neighborhoods sometime before December 23, when SBPS begins its winter break.