BackPack Press
Welcome to BackPack Press — your go-to source for uplifting stories from local schools. We’re here to celebrate education by sharing the voices of students, teachers, and staff, highlighting achievements, and connecting schools with the communities they serve. Through engaging storytelling, valuable resources, and a fresh perspective, BackPack Press shines a light on the great work happening in education every day.
Featured Stories
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Wilson Talent Center recently welcomed families and community members to its Year-End Student Showcase while also partnering with Lansing Community College to help seniors take the next steps toward their postsecondary education goals.
Wilson Talent Center recently celebrated Criminal Justice program graduate Kobe Rochester as he completed the Lansing Community College Mid-Michigan Police Academy and began his law enforcement career with the Eaton County Sheriff’s Department.
Wilson Talent Center students continue to showcase excellence both in and beyond the classroom, recently earning honors through statewide machining competitions and national scholarship recognition.
MORE TO EXPLORE
Early Childhood
EARLY CHILDHOOD STORIES
When educators, community leaders, and partners come together, the impact goes far beyond conversation. In Ingham County, collaboration is shaping how students—and families—experience support.
For the ninth year in a row, Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program has met every national quality benchmark. Behind that recognition? Real classrooms, real educators, and real impact for kids and families.
Early childhood leaders from across Ingham County gathered at Lansing Community College for a PreK Data Day focused on improving outcomes for young learners. The collaborative event explored strategies for strengthening family engagement, analyzing student data, and expanding access to high-quality preschool through Michigan’s growing PreK for All initiative.
Early On supports infants, toddlers, and their families with early evaluations, home-based coaching, and strategies that fit right into daily life. In Ingham County, it’s a quiet but powerful system of support that starts early and grows with each child.
With a room full of educators and a message full of meaning, Ingham ISD’s Early Childhood team inspired reflection and action at the 20th Annual MiMTSS Conference with a thoughtful session on using data to better serve young learners.
Special Education
SPECIAL EDUCATION STORIES
Students at Heartwood School recently welcomed the Exotic Zoo for a memorable hands-on learning experience featuring animals from around the world — giving learners the opportunity to explore wildlife, habitats and animal behaviors in an interactive environment.
This Teacher Appreciation Week, Ingham County residents delivered a powerful message: supporting students means supporting the educators and learning environments that help them thrive. Voters officially approved the Ingham ISD Special Education Bond Proposal, which will fund improvements to facilities serving learners across all 12 local districts.
For many students, learning experiences extend far beyond the classroom walls.
Recently, students from the Beekman Center spent a day at Jackson® Field™ for a Lansing Lugnuts School Day experience — creating memories filled with cheering crowds, ballpark snacks, mascot visits and smiles shared with classmates and staff.
What happens when students don’t just learn about the world—but practice it? At Heartwood School, a hands-on market experience is bringing learning to life in ways that stick.
For some students, learning isn’t about desks and worksheets—it’s about movement, connection, and environments designed with intention. As voters consider a May 2026 bond proposal, these spaces—and the students they serve—are at the center of the conversation.
General Education
GENERAL EDUCATION STORIES
Shalonda James-Garza recently appeared on FOX 47’s Morning Blend alongside community partners to discuss why accessible mental health support in schools is critical for helping students thrive both emotionally and academically.
A two-day literacy event hosted at Michigan State University brought together educators, literacy experts and family engagement professionals from across Michigan to share research-based strategies that support children’s literacy development from birth through age 10.
Secondary math educators from across Ingham County gathered earlier this month to share instructional strategies, discuss curriculum requirements and explore ways to strengthen student engagement in mathematics classrooms.
Ingham ISD recently recognized School Communicators Day by celebrating the professionals who work behind the scenes to share the stories, updates and information that connect schools with their communities.
An Ingham ISD staff member is receiving statewide recognition for her dedication to the field of school business administration.
Amanda Steele was recently selected as a recipient of the 2026 Wally Piper Scholarship through Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO), an honor awarded to professionals pursuing continued education and leadership development within school business services.
Career Prep
CAREER PREP STORIES
More Stories
With a theme focused on the power of asking “What If?”, the 2025–26 school year launched with messages of possibility, perseverance, and partnership—from keynote speakers to inspiring educators across the region.
For many students, learning experiences extend far beyond the classroom walls.
Recently, students from the Beekman Center spent a day at Jackson® Field™ for a Lansing Lugnuts School Day experience — creating memories filled with cheering crowds, ballpark snacks, mascot visits and smiles shared with classmates and staff.
What happens when business leaders step into the shoes of school leaders? At Waverly High School, “Principal for a Day” is more than just a title—it’s a powerful way to bridge classrooms and careers.
Students in Ms. Angela Wanger’s class put heart and hustle into every dish of their early Thanksgiving feast—chopping, baking, serving, and celebrating the joy of learning together.
