Ingham Insights January 2025
January 16, 2025
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.
January is School Board Recognition Month
School Board Recognition Month is an opportunity to acknowledge the vital contributions of individuals who serve on local school boards. These volunteers dedicate countless hours to ensuring the success of our public schools. They navigate complex issues, advocate for students' needs and make critical decisions that impact the entire community. Let's take a moment this month to thank a school board member for their tireless efforts.
On behalf of Ingham ISD, we extend our sincere gratitude to our dedicated Board of Education for their efforts in supporting our students and creating a thriving learning environment:
Lori Zajac, President
Michael Flowers, Vice President
Erin Schor, Treasurer
John Wolenberg, Secretary
Becky Ames, Trustee
Project SEARCH Application Open
This is a reminder that the application window for the 2025-2026 Project SEARCH program is now open! This unique program offers students with disabilities the opportunity to gain valuable workplace skills and experience through hands-on training at our host businesses.
How to Apply
To apply, the following documents must be completed and submitted:
- Completed Application
- Most recent Transition Individual Educational Program (IEP), including Transition Goals and Behavioral Intervention Plans
- MET or standardized grade-level assessments in reading and math completed within the past two years
- Most recent psychological report
- Attendance records for the current and previous school year
- Most recent vocational evaluation or career interest survey
- Teacher Input form (to be completed by referring teacher or school staff)
Recruitment Timeline
Mark your calendars with these important dates:
- February: Applications received are reviewed.
- March: Skills assessments and interviews are conducted for applicants at Ingham ISD.
- April: Acceptance letters (if applicable) are mailed to applicants' homes.
- April/May: Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) opens cases for accepted students.
- May/June: IEP meeting conducted and/or amendment completed.
- July/August: Required Summer Travel Training for Project SEARCH participants.
- August: Orientation at host businesses and travel training begins. The program follows Ingham ISD's traditional school year calendar.
Applications for the 2025-2026 program are due on February 21, 2025. For more information about the program or to access the application packet, visit the link below.
Ingham Play & Learn Groups
The Great Parents, Great Start Program offers free, interactive playgroups for children from birth up to age 5. These sessions offer a diverse range of activities, including story time, music and art, to support early childhood development and encourage socialization.
The Winter Session runs from January 13 to March 21, 2025, with various locations and times available. Learn more and register for Play & Learn Groups here.
7th Annual Transition College Tour
Juniors with an IEP or 504 Plan from school districts in the Ingham ISD service area are invited to the 7th Annual Transition College Tour. Students will have the opportunity to explore careers in technical programs through hands-on experiences.
Register by visiting, https://bit.ly/TransitionTour2025
Friday, March 7
9:30am - 1:00pm
LCC West Campus
5708 Cornerstone Drive, Lansing, MI
4-H Animal Science Career Quest
Join Michigan 4-H, the MSU Department of Animal Science, and the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine for the 4-H Animal Science Career Quest on February 15, 2025, at Michigan State University’s main campus in East Lansing. This immersive event is designed for youth ages 12-19, offering hands-on activities, career skill-building workshops, and an in-depth look at animal science education and career opportunities.
Participants will discover undergraduate and long-term career opportunities in animal science through engaging sessions led by MSU faculty and staff focusing on various species and disciplines. Registration is $35 and closes on February 3.
Upcoming Events & Activities
January
- January 20, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – District Closed
- January 21, Regular Board Meeting, 6:00pm – Thorburn Education Center
February
February 18, Regular Board Meeting, 6:00pm – Thorburn Education Center