Ingham Insights January 2026
January 8, 2026
Welcome
This monthly newsletter has been created to share stories with our community. Please forward this newsletter to your colleagues, family, business partners, legislators and community members. Recipients interested in subscribing to future issues of Ingham Insights may contact us at Ingham ISD Communications.
Empowering 6,700 Students through Special Education
More than 6,700 students in the Ingham ISD service area receive special education services each year. These programs and services are made possible through collaboration between Ingham Intermediate School District and the 12 local school districts in the service area. Together, we host programs and provide services in school buildings and community sites across the county, ensuring that students of all abilities, wherever they reside, have a place to learn and thrive. Our programs include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Programs
- Build Up & Early On
- Center Based Programs - Beekman Center & Heartwood School
- Emotional Impairment Programs - North Star School
- Transition Programs - Spartan Project SEARCH, Skills for Adult Independent Living
- Services provided include: Adaptive Physical Education, Assistive Technology, Audiology/Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Occupational Therapy, Orientation & Mobility, Physical Therapy, School Psychology, School Social Work, Speech & Language Pathology, and Visually Impaired
8th Annual Transition College Tour
Juniors with an IEP or 504 Plan from any district in the Ingham ISD service area are invited to participate in the 8th Annual Transition College Tour, at Lansing Community College’s West Campus. This experience is designed to help students explore postsecondary options and future career pathways in a supportive, hands-on environment.
During the tour, students will take part in interactive, hands-on experiences within technical and career-focused programs. Students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of in-demand career fields, see real learning spaces, ask questions and gain a better understanding of the skills and training needed after high school as they begin planning for life beyond graduation.
Thursday, March 19
9:30AM - 1:00PM
Lansing Community College West Campus
5708 Cornerstone Drive, Lansing
Unpacking Good News with BackPack Press
Education Unpacked Podcast
In our latest podcast, host Micki O'Neil chats with Ryan Bushnell of Block Imaging, as he shares the importance of partnerships between schools and businesses from a business perspective. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when education, mentorship and industry align around one core belief: people matter.
Listen now to Episode 10: Ryan Bushnell - Service with Heart: How Block Imaging Builds Careers from High School to Healthcare
Wait... What is BackPack Press?
BackPack Press shares authentic stories that highlight the people, programs and partnerships strengthening public education across our region. Recent features highlight career learning and student experiences, including guest speakers from Ingham County 911, participation in Boss Mode Bootcamp and holiday celebrations.
Got a great idea? Submit a story suggestion today!
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Grant Writing Opportunity - Next Week
If your district needs grant writing support, the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a two-day grant writing workshop for school districts in Ingham County.
The workshop will take place in Mason and is open to both new and experienced grant writers. Participants will learn how to find grant opportunities and write strong, competitive grant proposals.
Special offer: Register two people for the price of one. Registration is $525 and includes two days of instruction, a Grant Writing USA workbook and lifetime access to the Alumni Resource Center.
Upcoming Events & Activities
January
January 19 - No School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 20 - Regular Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, Thorburn Education Center
February
February 16 - No Classes, Presidents' Day
February 17 - Regular Board Meeting, 6:00 pm, Thorburn Education Center