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’s regional approach brings together 12 local districts, community partners, and professional learning opportunities to ensure students have access to consistent support and diverse postsecondary pathways. From special education coordination across the service area to Military Professional Development for educators, collaboration remains at the center of student success.
Through a partnership with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ingham ISD welcomed local business leader Rocco Rucinski to Waverly High School as part of the “Principal for a Day” initiative. The experience strengthened connections between schools and the business community while highlighting opportunities for collaboration that support students and the future workforce.
