BackPack Press

Finding the right resources for a child or family can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to begin. Ingham ISD’s 11th Annual Fall Fun Fest brought 15 families and 16 community organizations together at Potter Park Zoo for a day designed to make those connections a little easier—and a lot more fun.

For students with autism, the right support can change far more than a school day. Through Ingham ISD’s ASD programming at Stockbridge Community Schools, students build communication, independence and confidence alongside peers and educators who understand what they need to succeed.

Heartwood School welcomed students and families back for an Open House filled with familiar faces, classroom visits, games and plenty of excitement for the year ahead.

At Heartwood School, there’s no expectation that learning should look the same for every student. Teacher Samantha Mulder takes us inside her classroom to show how communication tools, flexible spaces, movement and individualized supports help middle school students with severe cognitive impairments learn in ways that work for them.

There was no shortage of smiles at Heartwood School as students and staff came together for a summer foam party. Filled with music, laughter, and plenty of bubbles, the event celebrated the joy of being together while creating unforgettable end-of-summer memories.

When educational leaders have opportunities to learn from one another, the impact extends far beyond the meeting room. Ingham ISD leaders recently joined colleagues from across Michigan at a General Education Leadership Network gathering hosted by Bay-Arenac ISD to collaborate, share promising practices and strengthen systems that support students and educators statewide.

Ingham ISD staff came together for Opening Day with a question: “What if?” As the district begins year two of its "Power of What If?" theme, the focus is shifting to student voice—and creating meaningful learning experiences by listening to the students at the center of the work.

What happens when educators approach a classroom challenge like researchers? Ingham ISD Literacy Coaches partnered with Waverly Community Schools and Michigan Department of Education Professor Dr. Adrea Truckenmiller to study student writing—and use what they learned to help strengthen writing instruction and outcomes.

Thanks to a generous donation from the Sinas Dramis Law Firm's Lids for Kids initiative, children participating in Ingham ISD's Play & Learn Group at the Refugee Development Center will have new bicycle helmets to help them ride safely. The partnership highlights the power of community organizations working together to support children's health, safety, and well-being.

Learning doesn't stop when the school year ends. Discover free and low-cost summer opportunities available throughout the Ingham ISD service area, plus simple strategies families can use to prevent the "summer slide" and keep young minds engaged all season.