The Times Family Newsletter
The Ingham ISD Family Newsletter, The Times, is your source for important updates and information on what's happening in our schools and programs. We are dedicated to keeping families informed about the latest news and resources that support student success and safety. Explore current and past issues to stay connected with our efforts throughout the year.
May 1, 2025
Remembering Denise Lycos
In November, our school community experienced the loss of a remarkable educator and fierce advocate for students, Denise Lycos. For 47 years, Denise dedicated her career to serving our school community with unwavering compassion, commitment and care. Her impact on students, families and colleagues continues to be deeply felt.
At the March Ingham ISD Board of Education meeting, Representative Kara Hope’s Office honored Denise’s memory with a formal tribute recognizing her decades of service. Surrounded by her family and former colleagues, the moment served as a powerful reminder of the lasting difference one person can make.
Denise Lycos will be remembered not only for her years of service, but for the heart she brought to her work every single day. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the programs she helped shape. #InghamImpact
Ingham County Measles Update: What Parents Need to Know
The Ingham County Health Department (ICHD) has confirmed two cases of measles in our community. According to health officials, even a single case is considered a public health emergency due to the highly contagious nature of the disease. The good news is measles is preventable, and the best protection is vaccination. The following information was provided by the ICHD, we are also including a the full guidance for schools release.
What is Measles?
Measles is the most contagious vaccine-preventable disease. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can linger in the air for up to two hours. A person with measles can transmit the virus four days before and four days after the rash appears. If exposed, 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people will become infected.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Rash (appears 3–5 days after symptoms begin)
If your child shows symptoms, keep them home and call your healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility to prevent spreading the illness to others.
Measles Cases on the Rise
As of April 11, 2025, more than 700 measles cases have been reported across the country, with outbreaks tied primarily to unvaccinated children in states like Texas and New Mexico. The confirmed case in Ingham County highlights the importance of staying informed and protected.
Michigan School Immunization Requirements
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services requires all K–12 students to have two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.
If a measles case is confirmed in a school setting, any student without documentation of two properly administered MMR doses will be excluded from school, regardless of exemption status, until documentation is provided.
How You Can Help Protect Your Family and Community
- Check Your Child’s Vaccine Records
- Ensure your child has received both doses of the MMR vaccine.
- Know Where to Get Vaccinated
- MMR vaccines are available through:
- Your child’s pediatrician or primary care provider
- Urgent care centers (call ahead to confirm availability)
- Pharmacies (check for age restrictions)
- Ingham County Health Department (check website for clinic hours)
- MMR vaccines are available through:
- Practice Healthy Habits
- Teach proper handwashing and cough etiquette
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Keep sick children home
- 4. Recognize Symptoms and Act Quickly
- If measles is suspected, report it immediately to the Ingham County Health Department:
- 517.887.4308 (main)
- 517.342.9987 (after hours)
- 517.887.4379 (fax)
- If measles is suspected, report it immediately to the Ingham County Health Department:
MMR Vaccine: Safe, Effective, Lifesaving
The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective:
- One dose: ~93% effective
- Two doses: ~97% effective
Keeping vaccination rates high is essential to protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to age or medical reasons.
Wilson Talent Center Summer Camps Are Back!
The Wilson Talent Center will once again offer Summer Career Camps for students entering grades 5-8 in Fall 2025!
These camps will provide students with hands-on experiences in career fields such as digital arts, automotive, healthcare, cosmetology and sports medicine. Each camp will take place on select days within a three-week window, running from 8:30am to 12:30pm, with drop-off beginning at 8:15am. Space is limited, so register early! The cost is $80 per student per camp.
Summer Camp Schedule
Week 1: June 9-12, 2025
- Healthcare Heroes (grades 5-8)
- Intro to Automotive (grades 7-8)
Week 2: June 17-19, 2025
- Intro to the World of Beauty (grades 6-8) FULL
Week 3: June 23-26, 2025
- Digital Content Creation (grades 5-8) FULL
- Injury Prevention & Performance Improvement (grades 5-8)
Heartwood and Beekman Center Students Heading to Special Olympics Event
Students from Heartwood School and Beekman Center will be participating in the Special Olympics Track and Field events at Michigan State University on Thursday, May 15. Students will be participating in events such as the softball throw, 50-meter and 100-meter running events and bocce ball.
For our younger athletes, there is a 25-meter dash, ball throw, frisbee toss and bean bag toss. In addition, the students with severe multiple impairments will participate in modified track and field doing running events in their gait trainers (body-supporting walkers), wheelchair races and a ball toss.
We wish all of these student athletes the best of luck! #InghamImpact
WTC Students Headed to National/International Leadership Conferences
Students from various Wilson Talent Center programs participated in the SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference, April 11-13, 2025 in Grand Rapids. Eleven students placed in the top three in their respective categories with five students advancing to the National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in June. Congratulations to all of the students who attended states and special congratulations to Reagan O. (Criminal Justice), A.J. H. (Criminal Justice), Eli R. (Construction Trades), Eliana R. (Cosmetology) and Inaysia M. (Manicurist) for advancing to nationals.
In addition to the SkillsUSA competition, 23 WTC healthcare students attended the HOSA State Leadership Conference April 17-18 in Traverse City, Michigan. Students from our Health Foundations, Medical Assisting and Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation programs competed in a variety of categories. Congratulations to Tyler N. from our Medical Assisting program who finished second in the state and has earned the opportunity to advance to HOSA International Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee later in June. #InghamImpact
End of the School Year Graduations and Activities
With the end of the school year on the horizon, there are a number of year-end activities in our programs that we want to make families aware of.
Graduation Dates
- SAIL, May 28, Thorburn Education Center, 10am-12pm
- North Star School, End of Year Celebration, May 30, 11am
- Spartan Project SEARCH, June 4, 11am, Agriculture Hall (MSU)
- Heartwood School, June 19, 1pm
- Beekman Center, June 20, 1pm
- Ingham Academy, July 23, 2pm, Ingham Co. Family Center Assembly Hall
Other End of Year Activities
- WTC Year-End Student Showcase, May 8, 4-7pm, Open to the Public
- SAIL Talent Show, Thorburn Education Center, May 9, 12-2pm
- Special Olympics, Heartwood and Beekman Students, May 15, MSU
- Heartwood Family Picnic, May 28, 11am-1pm
- Beekman Prom, May 30, 5-8pm, Dean Transportation
- WTC Cruise-In, May 30, 4-7pm, WTC Parking Lot
- SAIL Cookout, June 2, Hawk Island Park, 10am
- Last Day of School for Most Programs – June 4
- Beekman Center Field Day, June 6,10am-1pm
- Heartwood Glow Dance, June 11, 1pm, HWS Gym
- Heartwood Prom, June 12, 1pm, HWS Gym
- Heartwood Elementary Field Day, June 23
- Heartwood Secondary Field Day, June 24
- Last Day of School for Beekman Center & Heartwood School, Half-Day, June 26
December 20, 2024
Holiday Events Recap
This past week has been filled with holiday spirit and joyful celebrations across our schools. Students and staff came together to make memories through a variety of festive events including talent showcases, sing-a-longs, cookie decorating, creative door designs, movie watching, shopping and winter parties. Here's what some of our programs have been up to:
- Beekman Center - Students and staff at the Beekman Center enjoyed a door decorating contest throughout the week and hosted a sing-a-long for families to enjoy some holiday music.
- Heartwood School - The Heartwood School students and staff hosted their annual Holiday Idol performance featuring a variety of holiday songs.
- North Star School - North Star School students and their family members enjoyed a holiday lunch together and participated in a variety of games and activities.
- Spartan Project SEARCH - Our Project SEARCH Interns did a little holiday shopping for the family they adopted and worked on their budgeting skills as they did so. In addition, they also took a tour of Rainbow Homes to learn more about independent living options.
- Skills for Adult Independent Living (SAIL) - Students from our SAIL classrooms in Mason, Waverly and the Foster Center came together on Friday, December 13 at the Thorburn Education Center for a Winter Dance. Students enjoyed music, dancing, treats and getting to know new friends.
- Wilson Talent Center - Wilson Talent Center National Technical Honor Society students planned an activity day for both the AM and PM sessions that included games such as musical chairs, playing Uno and pin the nose on Santa.
We are deeply grateful to our dedicated teachers and support staff for their hard work and enthusiasm in organizing these special moments for our students. Their efforts create lasting memories and embody the magic of the season.
Thank you, to our staff for making this week so memorable for everyone involved!
Post-Winter Break COVID-19 Testing
Ingham ISD will offer COVID-19 rapid/antigen testing for staff and students on Monday, January 6 from 7-8am at the Thorburn Education Center located at 2630 West Howell Road in Mason. Those wishing to be tested should pull up to Door 6 and remain in their vehicle. A staff member will perform the test, and you’ll need to remain in your vehicle until you receive your result.
As a reminder, individuals who feel sick or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, should stay home and seek testing at a healthcare facility. This service will be offered again after spring break in April.
Wilson Talent Center Hosts Successful Open House
The Wilson Talent Center (WTC) hosted their annual Open House on Wednesday, December 11 for prospective students and their families. Guests were able to visit programs, meet instructors, learn about curriculum and get their enrollment questions answered.
The application portal for the 2025-26 school year will be open through the end of January. Current WTC juniors who are interested in returning for Fall 2025 should not complete a new application. Instead, we will be meeting with those students in mid-January to present their options to them.
7th Annual Transition College Tour
Mark you calendars for the 7th Annual Transition College Tour on Friday, March 7 from 9:30am - 1:30pm! This exciting event will be held on the west campus of Lansing Community College. Geared towards high school juniors with an IEP or 504 plan, this event allows students the opportunity to explore careers in technical programs through hands-on experiences helping them discover pathways to post-secondary education and employment. This event is designed to inspire students and support them in planning for their future success. Districts are responsible for providing transportation and chaperones, and lunch will be provided for all participants.
Look for more information in 2025!
Making the Holiday's Brighter for Others
Ingham ISD students, staff and families participated in a number of giving opportunities to make the holiday's a little brighter for others this year. We teamed up with the Home Builders Association of Greater Lansing and participated in the Toys for Tots campaign, collecting new and unwrapped toys for children in our communities. In addition, multiple families were adopted and received needed personal items, fun surprises and food for holiday meals.
Students in the National Technical Honor Society at the Wilson Talent Center collected canned goods and non-perishable items for the City Rescue Mission Food Bank as well as hats and mittens to help keep their guests a little warmer during the winter months.
We want to thank the families, staff and students that helped make the holiday season a little brighter for others.
As we close out 2024, we want to wish all of our families a Happy Holiday and New Year. Thank you for entrusting us with your students as they continue to learn and grow. We hope you are able to make special memories this holiday season. We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, January 6, 2025.
October 10, 2024
PreK 4 All
PreK for All helps ensure every Michigan family seeking preschool can enroll in a Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) or Head Start. GSRP is a state-funded preschool for 4-year-olds that focuses on social, literacy and math skills in a play-based environment to prepare them for kindergarten. With the recent state expansion of GSRP, Ingham County can now serve 80% of all 4-year-olds by providing free preschool to nearly every family in need. Classrooms are staffed with highly qualified teachers and follow a developmentally appropriate curriculum to ensure school readiness.
Anyone interested in enrolling their four-year old into a preschool program or interested in finding support for their children prior to preschool entry, visit the early childhood website.
Honoring Our Veterans
By: Karen Keel, Teacher at North Star School
Last year, I was given permission to create an amazing opportunity for my class at North Star School to practice positive civic participation and honor the Veteran connections we have at Ingham ISD. We planted branch flags for all six branches of the U.S. Military in the green space between the parking lot and the 611 Hagadorn Road building. We were given the honor of celebrating 236 Veterans by placing small, individually-labeled American flags with their names and Ingham ISD connections next to the appropriate branch flag.
I know we have many more Veteran connections. We would like to celebrate as many as we are able. Please register your Veteran connections. We will use this information to label the individual flags.
Veteran's Day is on Monday, November 11. The large branch flags are scheduled to be placed on October 14. We plan to start placing the smaller flags on October 21. We will continue to take submissions through November 14 and plan to dismantle the display on November 18.
We look forward to learning all about your Veteran connections and the immense impact Veterans have created in the Ingham ISD community. Each of our Veteran connections matter, each of you matter, and it's time to share some hope while we honor these amazing individuals.
Wilson Talent Center Open House – December 11
The Wilson Talent Center (WTC) will host an Open House for prospective students and their families on Wednesday, December 11, from 4:30-7:30pm. This is an opportunity to meet our instructors, learn about the curriculum of our programs and see the facilities. The enrollment team will be on hand to answer any questions and computers will be available to complete an application for next fall. The WTC is located at 611 Hagadorn Road in Mason. Please share this information with anyone who may be interested in taking classes.
Assist MiLEAP by Completing their Statewide Literacy Survey
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) is seeking parents/guardians of children ages 0-10 to complete a short statewide survey about literacy skills and programs.
Those completing the survey have the option to sign up to win a $25 gift card at the end of the survey. One winner will be selected from every county in the state of Michigan. The survey is anonymous - if you choose to participate in the raffle for the gift card, your contact information will be collected (email or phone number). Note - your contact information will be deleted after the winners are drawn.
Heartwood Students Participate in a Touch a Truck Event
Heartwood School students had an exciting, interactive learning experience at the Touch-A-Truck event! They got up close with various trucks and vehicles. They learned about the different careers that operate them and explored how these vehicles help keep our community running smoothly. It was a fun-filled day of discovery and engagement. #InghamImpact
10th Annual Fall Fun Fest
On September 15, Ingham ISD held our 10th Annual Fall Fun Fest. The day offered families an opportunity to connect with community partners like WKAR and the Mid-Michigan Autism Association. Crystal Cutler, Executive Director of Student Support Services & Special Education, and Brian Hagler, Chair of the Ingham ISD Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, highlighted the importance of providing families with essential information to access the right support. Ingham ISD offers services for students with special needs from birth to age 26. To learn more, visit our website: Ingham ISD Special Education. Thank you to everyone who joined us! #InghamImpact
Attendance Matters
When students miss school, they miss an opportunity to learn. Students who miss more than 18 days of school are less proficient in reading, writing and math compared to their peers with good attendance. Attending school on a regular basis is essential to gaining the academic, social and emotional skills to thrive.
If your student is sick and cannot attend school, please make sure you call in their absence to your student's program. For Wilson Talent Center families, please contact the Wilson Talent Center attendance line as well as your home school at 517.244.1306.
COVID-19 Now a Common Respiratory Viral Illness
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), COVID-19 is now considered a common respiratory viral illness, just like the flu, RSV and the common cold. Respiratory viruses are microorganisms that cause illnesses in the respiratory system. These illnesses share similar symptoms, risk factors and prevention strategies. Symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache and vomiting to name a few.
Students are encouraged to stay home if they feel sick. If you test positive for COVID-19, you can return to normal activities after at least 24 hours when both are true:
- Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
- You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication)
When you go back to normal activities, take added precaution over the next five days with good hand-washing hygiene, wearing a mask and physical distancing. As in the past couple of years, Ingham ISD will offer antigen COVID-19 testing after Thanksgiving break, winter break and spring break early in the morning before school/work. More details on testing will be shared soon. In addition, the offices of each of our buildings have a supply of at-home COVID-19 tests should you need one.
MDHHS Pauses MI Backpack Home Test Program Amid High Demand
As the flu season begins, the demand for COVID-19 at-home test kits has increased. In response, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has ordered additional test kits which are expected to be available in November. Until the new supplies arrive, MDHHS has temporarily paused the MI Backpack Home Test Program.
During this time, there are still ways for families to access free COVID-19 testing resources. The U.S. government is offering four free at-home COVID-19 test kits per household which can be ordered online. Additionally, the State of Michigan’s Coronavirus website provides a list of community-based pop-up rapid antigen testing events across the state.
For more information or to order test kits, visit the following resources:
While we await the arrival of more test kits through MDHHS, families are encouraged to take advantage of these available resources to keep their homes and schools healthy. Any additional questions can be directed to MDHHS.
June 13, 2024
Heartwood Students Enjoy Glow Dance & Prom
Students at Heartwood School enjoyed either a glow dance or prom as the school year winds down for the summer. Elementary aged students had some glow in the dark fun at the Glow Dance on May 30, followed by a Prom celebration on May 31 for the older students. A prom king and queen were named and everyone had a wonderful time dancing and enjoying refreshments. #InghamImpact
Heartwood School Graduation
On June 13, Heartwood School celebrated its graduation ceremony, honoring the achievements of this year's graduates. Families and friends came together to share this special day. Congratulations Heartwood graduates! #InghamImpact
Post-Graduation Planning Resources
For those with a recent high school graduate, there are various post-graduation resources available to families. The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity in partnership with the Michigan Department of Education offer a variety of resources on Pathfinder, a custom roadmap to explore careers, schools and programs in Michigan. Check it out!
Spartan Project SEARCH Students Celebrate Graduation
Students enrolled in the Spartan Project SEARCH program on the campus of Michigan State University held a graduation ceremony on June 5. As part of the celebration, a graduation video was shared with the students and their families. The students also wrapped up their final work rotations this week, and we want to thank all of the locations who provided students a work experience. #InghamImpact
SAIL Students and Families Enjoy Talent Show
Students from all three of the Skills for Adult Independent Living (SAIL) classrooms had the opportunity to participate in a talent show on May 31. Students chose talents such as singing, dancing or playing an instrument. Family members of the students as well as staff from the Ingham ISD programs enjoyed the show and seeing the students express themselves. #InghamImpact
North Star School End of Year Celebration
On May 31, North Star School hosted the End of Year Celebration & Luncheon where they honored this year's graduates. Congratulations to all the graduates! #InghamImpact
Cruise-In Held to Honor Retiring Educator
On Wednesday, May 29, the Automotive Technology program at the Wilson Talent Center hosted a Cruise-In Car Show to honor retiring Automotive instructor, Scott Westenberg. Westenberg is retiring after 32 years of service to Ingham ISD. Former students and staff enjoyed a beautiful evening, thanking Scott for all he has done for students. #InghamImpact
Upcoming Events & Activities
June 27 – Last Day for Heartwood Students
July 24 – Ingham Academy Graduation
May 9, 2024
Heartwood Students Heading to Special Olympics Event
Thirty-four students from Heartwood School will be participating in the Special Olympics Track and Field events at Michigan State University on Friday, May 10,
beginning at 9:30am. Students will be participating in events such as the softball throw, 50-meter and 100-meter running events.
For our younger athletes, there is a 25-meter dash, ball throw, frisbee toss and bean bag toss. In addition, the students with severe multiple impairments will participate in modified track, doing running events in their PACERS, wheelchair races and a ball toss.
We wish all of these student athletes the best of luck tomorrow!
Summer Learning Opportunities for 2024
We have compiled a great list of summer learning and/or camp options for students. Research shows that engaging in summer learning activities can help prevent the summer slide, which is the loss of academic skills and knowledge over the summer months. We hope you are able to find something engaging for your student(s) this summer.
Transition Peers Park Day
Students enrolled in Ingham ISD's Skills for Adult Independent Living (SAIL) programs will take part in a Transition Peers Park Day on May 28, at Hawk Island Park. Students and staff will participate in outdoor activities including a walking trail and splash pad and will share a picnic lunch. They will also take time to celebrate a great school year with their peers and enjoy nature.
WTC Students Advance to National SkillsUSA Competition
Six students from the Wilson Talent Center took first place honors at the SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference earning them a trip to nationals 
in June. These students and their instructors will travel to Atlanta, GA, June 24-28, to represent Michigan in their respective categories:
- Zachary Fletcher (Stockbridge), Construction Trades (Plumbing)
- Brendan Trimmer (Holt), Criminal Justice (Job Skills Open)
- Olivia Quiroga (Holt), Elijah Straley (Holt), Jayden Rockwell (Dansville) and Katie Carr (Waverly), Criminal Justice (Crime Scene Investigation Team)
Congratulations and best of luck in Atlanta!
Upcoming Events & Activities
Graduation Dates:
- Heartwood School, June 13, 1:00-2:00pm
- Spartan Project SEARCH, June 5, 11:00am, Morrill Hall (MSU)
- North Star School, End of Year Celebration, May 31, 10:45am
- Ingham Academy, July 24, 2:00pm
Other end of the year details:
- WTC Year-End Student Showcase, May 9, 4-7pm
- SAIL Transition Peers Park Day, May 28
- WTC Cruise-In, May 29
- Heartwood Glow Dance, May 30
- Heartwood Prom, May 31
- SAIL Talent Show, May 31
- Heartwood Family Picnic, June 1
February 15, 2024
Transition Expo
Join us for a dynamic event designed for students in grades 6-12 with an IEP or 504 plan. Explore an array of valuable resources, engage in interactive activities, and gain insights from inspiring guest speakers in breakout rooms all while equipping students for a successful journey into adulthood.
Hosted by the Ingham ISD Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, this year's Transition Expo will take place at the North Star School gym on March 13, 2024, from 4pm - 6pm. The address is 611 Hagadorn Road, Mason, 48854. Registration is now open. #InghamImpact
Transition College to Career Tour
Join us Friday, March 15, 2024, from 9am-1pm at Lansing Community College West Campus for the 6th Annual Ingham ISD Transition College to Career Tour.
High School juniors with an IEP or 504 Plan from school districts in the Ingham ISD service area are invited to partipate. Students will have the opportunity to explore careers in technical programs through hands-on experiences. Registration is now open. If you have questions, please contact Amber Dale. #InghamImpact
February is CTE Month
During the month of February, the Association for Career & Technical Education runs a public awareness campaign, CTE Month, to celebrate the value and achievements of CTE programs across the country. We are very fortunate to offer twenty CTE programs at Wilson Talent Center.
Students enrolled in CTE programs are developing technical, academic and employability skills while engaging in work-based learning experiences. In addition, we offer seven early college programs through the Capital Region Technical Early College allowing students to earn up to an associate degree at no cost to the student. #InghamImpact #CTEMonth #MiACTE
Play & Learn Groups
Ingham ISD's Great Parents, Great Start program offers Play & Learn Groups for children from birth up to age 5. The groups provide activities for families to play alongside their children and explore many developmental domains including sensory experiences, motor skills and language skills. Activities can include story time, music, singing, movement, sensory table, exploration and peer interaction.
Information on topics related to young children and parenting is shared, as well as connections to family resources. Registration is required. Various locations are available throughout the Ingham ISD service area. #InghamImpact
School Messenger Email Update
Ingham ISD and our various programs use School Messenger, a school community notification system, to alert families of emergencies, closure days, absenteeism and other important information. School Messenger has recently made a change to their software that no longer allows Ingham ISD to customize the "from" email address. Email messages will now come from broadcasts@schoolmessengermail.com. This will not have any effect on phone or text alerts, just emails.
Please mark this email address as a safe sender to ensure you are receiving these important notifications. If you have questions, please email Ingham ISD Communications.
News from Heartwood School
On Wednesday this week, Heartwood School hosted a Valentine's Day dance. Students had the opportunity to listen to music, dance and celebrate this special day. Everyone had a great time.
On Thursday, February 22, Heartwood students will be partnering with Zot Artz, a Kalamazoo-based arts organization that provides art activities for children and adults with disabilities. Heartwood students will be painting a huge floor mural that will cover the gym floor with paper. Students will use art rollers, pogo paint sticks with stamp designs, bubble operated blowers and a twirling art tool. The art tools can be attached to wheelchairs and walkers for students who use this equipment. #InghamImpact
Upcoming Events
February
16 – No Students (select programs)
19 – President's Day, No students
20 – Board of Education Meeting
22 – Zot Artz, Heartwood School
March
13 – Transition Expo
15 – Transition College to Career Tour
19 – Board of Education Meeting
22 – No students (select programs)
25-29 – Spring Break
December 14, 2023
Ingham Preschool Openings
While the year is in full swing, there are still available spots in preschool classrooms across the region for the current school year. There's no beginning or end to learning, so there's no right or wrong time to enroll. Communities like Dansville, Holt, Lansing, Leslie, Haslett, Stockbridge and Webberville have openings available. Families shouldn't wait to enroll as spots fill up quickly. See the current openings and contact information here.
Spartan Project SEARCH Update
Students in the Spartan Project SEARCH program have recently started their second rotation jobs. Students have been working at Sparty's Café, Case Dining Hall, MSU Linen Services and 1855 Place just to name a few. They have been navigating getting to their new assignments and learning new skills.
Spartan Project SEARCH combines classroom instruction with a year-long unpaid internship at Michigan State University. The application for the 2024-25 school year is now available. Applications are due no later than February 16, 2024.
North Star School Honors Veterans
Karen Keel and her students at North Star School honored veterans with a flag display in the drive of the Wilson Talent Center/North Star Schools in November. There were large flags representing each branch of the military, and families of staff and students had the opportunity to pay tribute to a veteran by displaying a smaller flag featuring their name and years of service beneath the larger branch flags.
It was quite a display! Thank you Karen and students for remembering those who allow us to enjoy the freedoms we have today.
District's Safety Webpage
Student and staff safety are a top priority at Ingham ISD. As part of our continued efforts in the area of school safety, we have launched a school safety webpage to keep families up to date on our safety efforts. This page includes school safety terms, updates and announcements as well as information on our relations with local law enforcement. In addition, most Ingham ISD staff have recently attended a full ALICE training for active violent incidents. It takes the effort of all of us to provide a safe learning environment for our students and staff.
Wilson Talent Center Open House a Success
Yesterday, the Wilson Talent Center held its annual Open House. Thank you to the prospective students and parents who attended to learn more about our program offerings. As a reminder, students interested in attending the WTC next fall need to complete their online application as soon as possible. Current WTC students who are interested in returning next year do not need to complete another application. If you have questions about enrollment, please email WTC Student Outreach.
Heartwood School Hosts Holiday Idol
Heartwood School held their annual Holiday Idol show yesterday, and it was a great success. The students have been preparing their holiday medleys for quite some time and were very excited to perform. Thank you to those who were able to attend. We hope you enjoyed the show, and it gave you some holiday spirit! Kudos to the Heartwood staff who helped prepare the students for the show.
From all of us at Ingham ISD, Happy Holidays!
Upcoming Dates and Events
- December 19, 2023, Regular Board Meeting
- December 25, 2023-January 5, 2024, Winter/Holiday Break
- January 8, 2024, School Resumes
- January 15, 2024, No School, MLK Day
- January 16, 2024, Regular Board Meeting
- February 19, 2024, No School, President's Day
- February 20, 2024, Regular Board Meeting
- March 13, 2024, Spartan Project SEARCH Transitio Expo
- March 19, 2024, Regular Board Meeting
- March 25-March 29, 2024, Spring Break
September 15, 2023
As the school year begins, we wanted to provide some resources to help keep students safe both at home and at school. Student and staff safety is a top priority at Ingham ISD and in our programs and services.
September is Suicide Prevention Month
With September bringing awareness to suicide prevention, understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way we can all take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis and change the conversation about suicide. If you are thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one or would like emotional support, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week across the United States. The Lifeline network provides a variety of resources on how we can all help prevent suicide and partners with over 200 local crisis centers to provide local resources.
OK2SAY
OK2SAY is the student safety program that allows students to confidentially report tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at students, school employees and schools. It uses a comprehensive communication system to facilitate tip sharing among students, parents, school personnel, community mental health service programs, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and law enforcement officials about harmful behaviors that threaten to disrupt the learning environment. Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 8.555.OK2SAY, texting 652729 (OK2SAY) or by email to OK2SAY@mi.gov.
Secure Gun Storage Saves Lives
With firearms now being the leading cause of death among children in the United States, the Be SMART campaign was launched in 2015 by the Be Smart for Kids organization to promote responsible gun ownership to reduce the deaths, injuries and trauma that can result when a child or teen is able to access a gun. What does it mean to Be SMART? It means:
Secure (all guns and firearms in your home and vehicle),
Model (responsible behavior with firearms),
Ask (about the presence of unsecured firearms in others homes),
Recognize (the role of firearms in suicide), and
Tell (your peers to be smart about firearms).
The Be SMART campaign also offers some additional best practices adults can do to help keep kids safe and tips on talking to your children about guns.
Michigan 2-1-1 Help Available
Michigan 2-1-1 is a free service that connects Michigan residents with help and answers from thousands of health and human services agencies right in their communities – quickly, easily and confidentially. Whether you need assistance with food, housing, paying bills or support in a family crisis, they are here to help. Michigan 2-1-1 can be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year simply by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898211 or via their website. With seven regional contact centers across the state, they believe access to information and social services are the cornerstone to thriving communities.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
Since 2006, October has been a time to acknowledge that bullying can have devastating effects on children and families. Bullying happens in many ways, whether verbal, social, physical or through the use of technology. Over 8.2 million students face bullying each year. When students are bullied, they tend to want to avoid school, lose self-esteem, have increased anxiety and often experience depression. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers a variety of resources to raise public awareness and help families navigate the impact bullying can have on a child.
Fall Fun Fest
The Ingham ISD Special Education Parent Advisory Committee will host the Fall Fun Fest on Saturday, September 16, from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Hawk Island Park, Red Tail Shelter. The 8th annual event for families in the Ingham ISD service area will have community partners providing resources to families who have a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Students will have an opportunity to participate in several interactive activities.
