Family engagement is a vital part of student achievement—and this spring, it got the spotlight it deserves. Colleen Rockafellow, Family Engagement Center Coordinator at Ingham ISD, presented the work of MiFamily Engagement Centers to more than 200 Title I Coordinators at the Michigan Association of State and Federal Program Specialists (MASFPS) conference in Lansing.
Her presentation showcased how the centers empower schools to create stronger relationships with families, offering tools and strategies that support both academic outcomes and community connection. The MiFamily initiative is part of a broader statewide effort to elevate family-school partnerships as essential components of equity and educational opportunity.
By giving families a seat at the table and schools the tools to welcome them fully, MiFamily Engagement Centers are helping districts across Michigan build stronger, more supportive learning communities.
Recent Stories:
Zander Bowles, a former student in Ingham ISD’s SAIL program, has become a passionate and persistent advocate for accessibility in local government—attending city council meetings, advising on public facility updates, and volunteering across the community.
Haslett Public Schools’ Wilkshire Early Childhood Center is setting an example for what’s possible when a school team dedicates itself to building strong systems for students and families. Their staff has invested countless hours into this work, reviewing data, collaborating on goals, and engaging in professional development alongside Ingham ISD’s PBIS and School Improvement coaches. This partnership ensures Wilkshire’s efforts are intentional, sustainable, and always centered on student success. The result is a program worth celebrating and one we hope inspires other schools across the region.
