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.
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Wilson Talent Center Construction Trades instructor Jerry Johnson received the 2026 Workforce Development Advocate Award from the Home Builders Association of Michigan, recognizing his dedication to preparing students for careers in the skilled trades.
Spartan Project SEARCH interns are gaining valuable workplace experience across Michigan State University, developing practical skills, building confidence, and strengthening connections as they prepare for competitive employment.
Two Wilson Talent Center students earned 35th place out of 294 international teams in the CSCTF 2026: Total Warfare cybersecurity competition, demonstrating their skills in just their second capture the flag challenge.
MORE TO EXPLORE
Early Childhood
EARLY CHILDHOOD STORIES
Preschool helps young learners build confidence, independence and healthy habits through everyday experiences. From family-style meals to opportunities for social interaction, students practice important life skills in a caring environment.
The Michigan Department of Education's Resource for Blind/Low Vision and Resource for Deaf/Hard of Hearing programs are inviting families with children ages 0–5 to Little Explorers at Camp Tuhsmeheta. The event offers story time, music, crafts, movement, and hands-on activities designed to foster learning, confidence, and meaningful connections among families.
Families across Ingham County can take advantage of Ingham ISD’s free Play & Learn Groups this summer. The outdoor sessions are designed for children from birth to age 5 and feature stories, songs, play-based activities, and early learning opportunities. No registration is required.
At Ingham ISD Play & Learn Groups, learning looks a lot like fun. Through play, art, stories and shared experiences, young children and their caregivers are building important skills—and meaningful connections along the way.
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.
Special Education
SPECIAL EDUCATION STORIES
Spartan Project SEARCH interns are gaining valuable workplace experience across Michigan State University, developing practical skills, building confidence, and strengthening connections as they prepare for competitive employment.
Students and staff at Heartwood School and Wilson Talent Center embraced the Halloween spirit with celebrations that brought their school communities together. From trick-or-treating and dancing to a student-led door decorating contest, the festivities highlighted creativity, connection and school spirit across Ingham ISD.
Inspired by the teachers who shaped her own journey, Missy Lilje found her calling in education. Today, she brings that same passion and dedication to students in Heartwood School's SXI Transition Classroom.
From magic tricks and laughter to pumpkin picking and fall festivities, Beekman Center students enjoyed memorable experiences that brought their school community together. With help from dedicated staff and special guests, these activities created opportunities for connection, celebration and plenty of smiles.
Heartwood School students hit the lanes for Special Olympics bowling, joined by Wilson Talent Center Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation students who provided hands-on support, encouragement and plenty of team spirit.
General Education
GENERAL EDUCATION STORIES
Ingham ISD continued its annual Veterans Day Reverse Parade tradition, welcoming veterans and community members for a celebration featuring patriotic displays, opportunities to learn, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude.
Educators across the Ingham ISD service area come together to examine data, strengthen instruction and learn from one another—all with the shared goal of creating better outcomes for students.
What happens when educators from different schools and communities get in the same room? Ideas travel. Questions get bigger. Practice gets stronger. Recent professional learning opportunities in early childhood literacy and secondary mathematics show how collaboration helps knowledge move across classrooms, schools and communities throughout the Ingham ISD service area.
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.
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.
