The Times Family Newsletter

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:

• Get Four Free At-⁠Home COVID-⁠19 Tests
• Community-Based Pop-Up Rapid Antigen Testing Events

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.

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 

Heartwood Students Heading to Special Olympics Event 

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 

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.