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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There’s a difference between learning about a career—and hearing from someone living it. For Wilson Talent Center students, that difference showed up in the classroom.
It started as a class. A hands-on course. Something new to try. And somewhere along the way, it became something more.
Sometimes learning shows up in a classroom. Other times, it shows up at the starting line. For Wilson Talent Center students, it looked like both—ending in a team win that reflects more than just speed.
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
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.
At Beekman Center, performance isn’t just about what you hear—it’s about what students feel, express, and discover about themselves along the way.
Sometimes the most meaningful learning doesn’t look like a lesson—it looks like laughter, music, and a room full of students simply being themselves.
From a glowing sendoff into spring break to a school-wide basketball celebration, Beekman Center students experienced the power of movement, inclusion, and joy—reminders of what’s possible when environments are designed for every learner to thrive.
General Education
GENERAL EDUCATION STORIES
In a world where screens are everywhere, this event isn’t about fear—it’s about understanding, balance, and giving families tools that actually help.
From handwriting to self-regulation, occupational therapy plays a vital role in helping students succeed in school and beyond—one meaningful skill at a time
Ingham ISD has partnered with local districts to launch the Improving Attendance and Engagement Initiative. Through shared resources, consistent messaging, and targeted strategies, the effort aims to ensure every student has the support they need to be present and thrive.
Students at Holt Public Schools’ Midway Early Learning Center welcomed Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II for a special Reading Month visit. Through shared stories and smiles, the visit reinforced the importance of early literacy and community connection.
The Michigan Department of Education is inviting families to participate in a Teacher Appreciation Month Video Project by submitting short videos of students recognizing impactful teachers. Selected videos may be featured statewide throughout May.
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.
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.
