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 students from Criminal Justice, Welding Technology, and Construction Trades earned top honors at the Region 1 SkillsUSA competition at Lansing Community College. Multiple first-, second-, and third-place finishes across programs mean a strong WTC presence at the state competition this April.
BioScience students from Wilson Talent Center toured the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, gaining an inside look at microbiology, DNA analysis, and nutrition and toxicology labs. The visit highlighted how classroom skills translate directly into careers in laboratory and diagnostic sciences.
Second-year student Tony offered a behind-the-scenes look at Wilson Talent Center’s Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics classroom, showcasing hands-on projects and real-world digital investigations. The two-year program equips students with practical skills and industry knowledge for careers in cybersecurity.
MORE TO EXPLORE
Early Childhood
EARLY CHILDHOOD STORIES
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.
A trip to the hospital just got more interactive for little ones, thanks to a creative partnership between Ingham ISD and McLaren Greater Lansing. The Talking is Teaching campaign now includes diaper-changing table stickers that turn everyday routines into early learning moments.
Haslett Public Schools’ Wilkshire Early Childhood Center is setting an example for what’s possible when a school team dedicates itself to building strong systems for students and families. Their staff has invested countless hours into this work, reviewing data, collaborating on goals, and engaging in professional development alongside Ingham ISD’s PBIS and School Improvement coaches. This partnership ensures Wilkshire’s efforts are intentional, sustainable, and always centered on student success. The result is a program worth celebrating and one we hope inspires other schools across the region.
Education, health, and community leaders gathered at Ingham ISD to focus on what matters most—our youngest learners. Together, they’re finding bold, collaborative solutions to build a better start for every child.
Special Education
SPECIAL EDUCATION STORIES
Assistive technology and robotics are opening new doors for students with disabilities across Ingham ISD. Through hands-on, accessible learning experiences, educators partner with families and local districts to ensure every student has the tools and support needed to thrive.
The Beekman Center marked Valentine’s Day with a joyful dance celebration that brought students and staff together for an afternoon of music, movement, and community. The event highlighted the power of connection, inclusion, and shared celebration.
Clear feedback isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative. At Ingham ISD, Project SEARCH interns build real-world readiness with support from caring mentors and workplace teams. This month, we’re celebrating the power of constructive feedback and the journey of 2024 graduate Jacob Reyes, now thriving in his role with the Lee Health Foundation.
Built in the 1960s as one of the first center-based special education buildings in the U.S., the Beekman Center has served generations of students with complex needs. But now, after more than 50 years, its age is showing. Ingham ISD is seeking a $100 million bond proposal to replace the Beekman Center and renovate Heartwood School—ensuring students and staff have safe, accessible, and modern learning environments for decades to come.
As a Teacher Consultant for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at Ingham ISD, Janet Mainz plays a critical role in helping students strengthen their hearing and communication skills—empowering them to participate fully in school, relationships, and everyday life.
General Education
GENERAL EDUCATION STORIES
Ingham ISD’s Safety Team hosted over 80 district leaders, law enforcement officers, and school personnel for emergency standard response protocol training led by The “I Love U Guys” Foundation. The session focused on using consistent language and coordinated action to improve safety preparedness across schools.
Ingham ISD hosted the first countywide meeting for School Social Workers, launching a new initiative designed to connect colleagues, share expertise, and strengthen collaboration. By building consistency and shared knowledge across districts, the network aims to enhance the support provided to students throughout Ingham County.
Ingham ISD’s regional approach brings together 12 local districts, community partners, and professional learning opportunities to ensure students have access to consistent support and diverse postsecondary pathways. From special education coordination across the service area to Military Professional Development for educators, collaboration remains at the center of student success.
Through a partnership with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ingham ISD welcomed local business leader Rocco Rucinski to Waverly High School as part of the “Principal for a Day” initiative. The experience strengthened connections between schools and the business community while highlighting opportunities for collaboration that support students and the future workforce.
Ingham ISD’s Secondary Math Teachers Network recently gathered at the Wilson Talent Center for a dynamic day of professional learning. Educators explored innovative instructional strategies, toured Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, and examined how real-world career pathways can enhance math instruction and student engagement across districts.
Career Prep
CAREER PREP STORIES
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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.
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.
When Ava crossed the graduation stage at East Lansing High School, she was met with a familiar face—WTC Welding Technology Assistant Craig Barnes, who had the honor of presenting her diploma.
