Belonging
Delivering feel-good stories, highlighting joyful collaboration and sharing fun for all who seek good news!
For students with autism, the right support can change far more than a school day. Through Ingham ISD’s ASD programming at Stockbridge Community Schools, students build communication, independence and confidence alongside peers and educators who understand what they need to succeed.
At Heartwood School, there’s no expectation that learning should look the same for every student. Teacher Samantha Mulder takes us inside her classroom to show how communication tools, flexible spaces, movement and individualized supports help middle school students with severe cognitive impairments learn in ways that work for them.
Heartwood School's annual Family Picnic brought students, families, and staff together to celebrate the end of the school year and the start of summer. The event featured games, bubbles, bounce houses, food, and plenty of opportunities for connection, highlighting the strong partnerships that support student success.
At Heartwood School, celebration comes in many forms—sometimes with glowing accessories and dance music, other times with masquerade masks and formal attire. Recently, students across grade levels came together for special school dances that created opportunities for joy, connection, self-expression, and memories that will last long after the music faded.
Wilson Talent Center Educational Careers students recently volunteered at the Special Olympics Track & Field Day at Michigan State University, supporting athletes while gaining hands-on experience in leadership and service.
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.
During a recent monitoring visit, the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Special Education recognized the strength of Ingham County’s inclusive programs and the dedication of educators who support students with disabilities across the region.
Wilson Talent Center Medical Assisting students attended the 2026 Annual Community Event hosted by the Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties, where they explored local resources and learned how to support mental health awareness and reduce stigma.
