Michigan School’s Hilarious Snow Day Announcement Wins Over the Internet
Winter is a time of icy roads, frosty mornings, and, for students in northern regions, the much-anticipated snow days. Traditionally, schools inform families of closures with straightforward notifications. However, in recent years, some schools have taken a more entertaining approach, creating humorous videos and songs to share the news. One such creative effort by Swartz Creek Community Schools in Michigan has captured the internet’s heart, garnering over a million views on YouTube.
Superintendent Ben Mainka and Principal Jim Kitchen decided to add their unique twist to the growing trend of comical snow day announcements. Dressed in their school’s team gear and standing confidently in front of the camera, they delivered a message that turned an otherwise routine announcement into an unforgettable performance.
The Announcement That Started It All
The video begins with Superintendent Mainka addressing students and families in a serious tone:
“I’d like to take a moment to share a brief video announcement,” he starts. He goes on to comment on a national trend where school administrators create “absurd songs, play music, don sunglasses, and make complete spectacles of themselves” to announce snow day closures.
Before he can finish, the soft melody of Leonard Cohen’s famous song “Hallelujah” begins to play in the background. The piano introduction catches both Mainka and Kitchen off guard, leaving them visibly puzzled.
Mainka tries to carry on, but soon, he’s swept up by the music, adapting his announcement into a rendition of the beloved tune. “I came across some news about a winter storm,” he sings, his voice blending seamlessly with the iconic melody.
From Reluctance to Harmonious Performance
Despite Mainka’s surprising musical turn, Principal Kitchen interjects, determined to stay professional. “Hold on!” he exclaims. “Allow me to emphasize once more—we will not subject ourselves to the embarrassment of singing a snow day song!”
However, the irresistible pull of the music proves too much. As the piano continues, Mainka—now donning sunglasses—succumbs fully to the melody, delivering an earnest yet amusing performance.
Kitchen, initially the voice of reason, soon joins in. With his own pair of sunglasses and a touch of dramatic flair, he steps into the spotlight, harmonizing with Mainka as they turn the snow day announcement into a delightful duet.
A Lighthearted Message for Students and Families
The song combines humor with practical advice. “It’s a snowy day, a chilly winter day,” the pair croon, encouraging students to enjoy the time off by relaxing at home and spending time with family.
Superintendent Mainka adds a thoughtful message for students, urging them to make good use of the extra time: “This winter storm will pass quickly; please try not to sleep ‘til noon. You ought to be putting in some effort for your parents.”
This playful encouragement strikes a perfect balance, offering students a fun day off while reminding them to contribute positively at home.
Why the Video Resonates
The video has resonated widely, not just for its humor but also for the sincerity and effort behind the performance. Mainka and Kitchen’s comedic timing, impressive vocal talents, and willingness to embrace the lighthearted spirit of the moment make it clear that Swartz Creek Community Schools is a special place.
The duo’s message also reflects a sense of community. By blending entertainment with practicality, they ensure that their announcement is not just memorable but also meaningful.
The Internet’s Reaction
Social media quickly embraced the video, with viewers praising the school’s creativity and the administrators’ boldness. Comments poured in from parents, students, and even viewers from outside the school district, applauding the duo’s ability to turn a simple snow day announcement into a viral sensation.
“Best snow day announcement ever!” one user wrote. “Can we elect these two for office?” joked another.
Beyond the humor, many appreciated the positivity the video brought during the winter season, a time often associated with challenges like hazardous weather and disrupted routines.
The Legacy of a Fun-Filled Announcement
This rendition of a snow day announcement has set a high bar for creativity in school communications. It’s more than just a funny video; it’s a testament to how a bit of effort and imagination can transform a mundane task into something that brings joy and connection.
As schools increasingly embrace creative ways to engage with their communities, Mainka and Kitchen’s performance serves as an inspiring example of how to infuse fun and warmth into everyday responsibilities.
A School That Cares
Swartz Creek Community Schools has shown that it’s not just about academics—it’s about building a community where students and families feel valued, supported, and entertained. Whether it’s through a thoughtful lesson plan or a snow day announcement turned viral hit, this Michigan school district is setting the standard for how to make education both impactful and enjoyable.
So, the next time snowflakes start to fall, students at Swartz Creek Community Schools will likely be eagerly awaiting their administrators’ next creative announcement—because at this school, even a snow day is something to sing about.
NO COPYRIGHT INTENDED (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED TO THE AUTHOR OF THE VIDEO) [Youtube/Ben Mainka]
