At the heart of the Ingham Intermediate School District is a belief that connection and community pave the way for student success. That belief was on full display at this year’s Fall Fun Fest—an annual event held at Potter Park Zoo to celebrate families of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Parents, staff, and community partners came together to learn, laugh, and lift each other up in an environment where every student—and every family—is celebrated.

Among those featured in this year’s event were Danielle Torres, mom of SAIL program student Melina, and Cathy Blatnik, a dedicated Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) member. Both shared personal stories about their journey through special education and how events like Fall Fun Fest help build critical relationships between families and school teams.

Whether it's swapping stories over snacks, exploring the zoo together, or just having time to connect face-to-face, the Fall Fun Fest reinforces one key message: no one navigates the IEP journey alone.

Thank you to the educators, support staff, and community members who make this beloved event possible year after year. Together, we are building the village that helps every student thrive.

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