Student success doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens when schools and families join forces. Research consistently shows that when families are actively engaged in education, students see improved grades, better attendance, and higher graduation rates.
Ingham ISD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sandee Donald is helping lead this conversation statewide. In a recent video, she and other Michigan education leaders underscored a critical truth: family engagement is not an add-on, it’s essential.
“When families are part of the equation, outcomes improve,” Dr. Donald shared. The challenge, she explained, is making sure family and community partnerships are deeply embedded in schools, not treated as just another initiative.
The message is clear — strong family-school connections benefit everyone. From early learning through graduation, authentic engagement creates a foundation where students feel supported, schools thrive, and communities grow stronger.
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When school leaders work together, student voices grow stronger. Representatives from Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Shiawassee Counties recently gathered through the CARES Collaborative to meet with legislative officials and discuss education priorities, school funding, and the future of public education across the region. The CARES Collaborative—Capital Area Regional Education Strategy—was formed to strengthen regional advocacy efforts and ensure schools have a stronger, more unified voice in policy conversations.
Graduation season is about more than ceremonies—it’s about preparing students for what comes next. Recently, Wilson Talent Center students in the Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics programs celebrated senior send-offs filled with recognition, encouragement, and lessons from professionals already working in the field. At Wilson Talent Center, students gain hands-on experience across 20 career-focused programs designed to help them build real-world skills and confidence for life after high school.
