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:
Ingham ISD staff came together for Opening Day with a question: “What if?” As the district begins year two of its "Power of What If?" theme, the focus is shifting to student voice—and creating meaningful learning experiences by listening to the students at the center of the work.
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.
