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.

MORE TO EXPLORE

Early Childhood

EARLY CHILDHOOD STORIES

Parent Testimonial Highlights the Power of GSRP

When Abi Worthington enrolled her son in the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), she discovered more than a preschool—she found a place where her child could thrive.

Creative Parenting: Turning Recycled Materials into Fun for Kids

Parents are discovering innovative ways to entertain and educate children by transforming recycled materials into creative projects.

Connecting Children and Caregivers Through Engaging Activities

Play & Learn Groups offer free, hands-on learning sessions for young children and their caregivers—creating a nurturing space for early growth, discovery, and connection across Ingham County.

Early Learning for All: What Pre-K Expansion Means for Local Families

With the expansion of PreK for All, more local families now have access to high-quality preschool—giving young learners the tools they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

Ingham ISD Partners with McLaren Greater Lansing to Launch Book Nooks for Families

Ingham ISD and McLaren Greater Lansing have partnered to bring Book Nooks to waiting areas—providing families with comforting access to books, support, and lifelong literacy skills.

Special Education

SPECIAL EDUCATION STORIES

Bubbles, Parachutes, and Smiles: Beekman Center Hosts a Joyful Field Day

Students and staff at the Beekman Center ended the week on a high note with a playful field day full of bubbles, parachutes, and inclusive activities that highlighted community, creativity, and connection.

Heartwood’s Family Picnic Celebrates Connection and Community

The Annual Family Picnic at Heartwood was a joyful celebration of togetherness, bringing students, caregivers, and staff together to share food, fun, and meaningful connection.

Celebrating Growth and Goodbyes: SAIL Program Graduates 10 Students

Graduates of Ingham ISD’s SAIL program walked the stage with pride, confidence, and bright futures ahead. Their next chapters include jobs, internships, and continued growth in the community.

Talking Without Barriers

What if every student had the tools to connect, no matter how they communicated? At Waverly Community Schools, that vision is becoming a reality.

Welcome Night Launches a Year of Opportunity

The next chapter starts here. Spartan Project SEARCH kicked off the 2025–26 school year by welcoming new interns and their families at a special event on the campus of Michigan State University.

General Education

GENERAL EDUCATION STORIES

Art Inspired by Hamilton: Ingham Academy Students Take the Stage (Through Canvas)

What happens when young artists are invited to tell their stories—with total freedom of color, texture, and truth? Something powerful.

Talking Without Barriers

What if every student had the tools to connect, no matter how they communicated? At Waverly Community Schools, that vision is becoming a reality.

Strikes and Success: Avery Beach Earns Dream Team Bowling Honors

Avery Beach, a standout from Wilson Talent Center’s Educational Careers program, has been named to the LSJ Girls Bowling Dream Team and honored as Co-Bowler of the Year. Her dedication to both academics and athletics makes her a role model on and off the lanes.

Celebrating the Heart of School Health

On May 7, 2025, Ingham ISD celebrated School Nurse Day by recognizing the dedicated nurses and assistant nurses who make a difference in the lives of students each and every day.

Family Engagement Work Takes Center Stage at Statewide Conference

Colleen Rockafellow highlighted the work of MiFamily Engagement Centers at a statewide education conference, sharing how meaningful partnerships between schools and families can transform student success.

Career Prep

CAREER PREP STORIES

Summer Camps Spark Career Curiosity at WTC Hands-on learning gives students a glimpse into future career paths
WTC Celebrates 105 Years of Collective Service as Four Beloved Staff Retire Farewell to Deb, Mick, Rae, and Jorge—your impact will echo for years to come
From Apprentice to Master: 30 Years of Excellence WTC Construction alum celebrates three decades with The Meridian Company
Wheels, Wrenches, and Community Connections Wilson Talent Center’s Cruise-In Car Show brings together students, alumni, and local supporters
Strikes and Success: Avery Beach Earns Dream Team Bowling Honors Educational Careers student recognized for top athletic achievement

More Stories

Summer Camps Spark Career Curiosity at WTC
Content Categories: Buzz Programs: Career & Technical Education Region: Ingham ISD
Hands-on learning gives students a glimpse into future career paths

Students jumped into summer with Wilson Talent Center’s Healthcare Heroes and Intro to Automotive camps, exploring real-world skills and discovering exciting career possibilities.

Bubbles, Parachutes, and Smiles: Beekman Center Hosts a Joyful Field Day
Content Categories: Belonging Programs: Special Education Region: Ingham ISD
Scavenger hunts and gym fun bring students and staff together for a memorable celebration

Students and staff at the Beekman Center ended the week on a high note with a playful field day full of bubbles, parachutes, and inclusive activities that highlighted community, creativity, and connection.

WTC Celebrates 105 Years of Collective Service as Four Beloved Staff Retire
Content Categories: Buzz Programs: Career & Technical Education Region: Ingham ISD Spotlights: Teachers & Educators
Farewell to Deb, Mick, Rae, and Jorge—your impact will echo for years to come

The Wilson Talent Center community came together to honor four staff members whose combined service spans over a century. With heartfelt tributes and a custom farewell song, their legacy was celebrated in true WTC fashion.

From Apprentice to Master: 30 Years of Excellence
Content Categories: Buzz Programs: Career & Technical Education Region: Ingham ISD Spotlights: Emerging Leaders
WTC Construction alum celebrates three decades with The Meridian Company

Aaron V., a Wilson Talent Center graduate, marks 30 years with The Meridian Company—rising from student apprentice to Master Plumber and community role model.

Communities Served