As a retired elementary teacher, I fancy anything to do with youngsters’ learning and school operations. Ever since I felt “the pure joy” of witnessing my little sister learn her ABC’s under my direction, I was hooked. I knew I wanted to be a teacher ever since I was four years old!

Mackinac Island school intrigues me. Set on an island with nearly 500 year round residents, it is the center of this close-knit community. The setting reminds me of the one room school house atmosphere I found this past summer on Bois Blanc Island, just southeast of Mackinac Island.

Mackinac Island is in Lake Huron east of the Mackinac Bridge, connecting the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan.

Without cars or busses permitted on the island, snowmobiles are the reliable source of transportation. Last Friday (February 5th, 2021) when most of the western Michigan schools had a ‘snow day,’ these kids were on their way to another regular day of learning.

This kindergarten through twelfth grade school has between 60-80 students, fourteen teachers and seven school board members. “The Lakers” learn in split grade-level classes where a multi-aged network provides an engaging learning environment.

Albert Mosley and his siblings drive to school on their snowmobiles. They tow their backpacks on a sled hooked behind their vehicle. At twelve years old one can earn their snowmobile driving permit. He is a fifth generation ‘local.’ A resident only earns the title of a ‘local’ if he/she was born and raised on the island. Others are referred to as ‘islanders.’

You may wonder about the educational opportunities for children on this remote island. Well they have great teachers, small class sizes and up to date technology.

Grace, an eleventh grader (2017) joined the robotic team planning to put her student pilot knowledge to use. That year the Robotic Team consisting of ten students (out of 67 pupils in the school) attended the World Competition in St. Louis. They scored in the top 2%. Are you impressed? I am! (I struggle assembling IKEA furniture.) David Wasso, the superintendent/principal, radiated pride in the 2017 news interview.

Sports? What about sports? Well, their distinct district rival is Beaver Island. They also play teams in the upper peninsula. It takes a little extra planning to organize the games. On a Friday night, for instance, the Beaver Island team flies over in several small planes and given a ride to the school in a horse drawn carriage. Starting at 6:00 pm all three rows of stands are filled. Both the girls’ and boys’ teams play that night. Afterward there’s a dance in the library. Then, the Beaver Island “Islanders” camp out in the gym, cafeteria or in a classroom.

On January 20, 2021, the Mackinac Island School’s Facebook post showed a picture of a small bus on the mainland which was purchased to help their sports teams travel together to competitions in the upper peninsula.

I spoke with Amy Peterson, the new Superintendent/Principal/Athletic Director earlier in January. (Most islanders hold multiple responsibilities.) She agreed to be interviewed through email. (With Covid restrictions in place I would not be permitted to visit in person.)

After 27 years as a teacher and principal in Houghton Lake, Amy Peterson was charmed by the idea of leading the Mackinac Island School. Seeing the posting she thought, “This would probably never happen, but why not!” With her family’s blessing, she applied.

Amy and her husband have three grown children. Her husband operates a small business in Houghton. At her job interview Amy impressed the Mackinac Island school board when presenting her action plan for the K-12 school. She was hired and started this position in August 2020. Her husband plans to move to the island soon.

“My first purchase was a new bike, with a large basket and back fender! I love riding my bike or walking to school and now I ride my snowmobile.” She lives about two miles from the school “in some new townhomes made possible by the Mackinac Island Community Foundation, a great supporter of our community!”

“The community really is all about ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ Everyone just does whatever it takes to support one another.” Amy wrote. Reading Facebook group posts within the island commonwealth, I could sense the bond within this multi-generational community. They really put forth effort toward helping each other out.

I complimented Amy on the school website. I was impressed with the school’s transparency. The policies, Title IX overview and having the Covid case numbers being clearly posted. I appreciated the easy-access links for at home learning opportunities. There’s a calendar along the bottom of the page which highlights the daily school events as well as the ever-important school lunch menu. Amy replied, “Communication with families was also a high priority for me.”

I inquired about how the students and staff are doing with the Covid guidelines. Amy stated, “We all just need to take one day at a time and be prepared to be flexible. We just don’t know what tomorrow will bring!” I appreciate her leadership, especially during this once-a-century pandemic.

I stand in awe of this community school. I admire their dedication, grit and tenacity! I am thankful that I am able to continue learning and ‘taking a peek behind the curtain of life’ as I enjoy retirement with my best friend, Da Viking, Chuck.

Here’s the video that Da Viking created about our weekend caper.

Resources:
Amy Peterson Superintendent/Principal/Athletic Director Mackinac Island School 2021
Mackinac Island School
WWTV / WWUP Corey Adkins
www.mackinacisland.org
www.mackinacparks.com
www.michigan.gov