This year, Santa’s elves were hard at work adapting a series of toys for kids with limited mobility. Our North Ed Assistive Technology department teamed up with Career Tech Electrical Occupations program instructors and students to adapt select toys purchased by community members. The Career Tech students converted the toys to incorporate electrical switches which allow a child to interact with the toy by pushing a large button or controlling a joystick. 25 North Ed families will receive a specially wrapped gift featuring a toy with custom adaptations for their child to make magical holiday memories.

As part of this special project, North Ed Career Tech students created switch adapted bead spinners for students from our New Horizons program. When loaded with clay beads, the spinners land the beads on a wire inserted into the tub of the spinner. The beads were then transferred to elastic string and wrapped around wire Christmas tree frames to make ornaments.
6 days ago, North Ed News
Career Tech and New Horizons students playing with adaptive toys.
Career Tech and New Horizons students playing with adaptive toys.
Christmas tree ornaments created with adaptive toys Career Tech students created.
Career Tech and New Horizons students playing with adaptive toys.
Career Tech and New Horizons students playing with adaptive toys.

If you’ve shopped at Tom’s Food Market recently, you may have been greeted by the friendly faces of our Adult Community Experience (ACE) students! They proudly volunteered as bell ringers for the Salvation Army—giving back and spreading cheer. Way to go, ACE!

6 days ago, North Ed News
Two smiling volunteers wearing red Salvation Army aprons stand inside the entrance of a grocery store next to a red Salvation Army donation kettle on a stand. Both volunteers stand side-by-side holding a small bell. Behind them are Salvation Army signs and store notices, with large windows showing a parking lot and winter scenery outside.
Two volunteers wearing red Salvation Army aprons and Santa hats stand inside a grocery store entrance next to a red Salvation Army donation kettle on a stand. Both volunteers hold a bell and smile toward the camera. Salvation Army signage is displayed above them, with additional store signs, large windows, and a snowy parking lot visible in the background.
Two volunteers wearing red Salvation Army aprons stand inside the entrance of a grocery store beside a red Salvation Army donation kettle on a stand. Both volunteers hold a bell. A Salvation Army sign reading “Doing the Most Good” is displayed above them, with store signage and large windows showing the parking lot and winter scenery in the background.

All Northwest Education Services programs will be closed Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions. No in-person or virtual instruction will take place. This closure includes all North Ed Special Education and Career Tech programs.
For more information, including staff guidelines for snow days, please see our School Closings & Alerts webpage:
https://www.northwested.org/page/school-closings-alerts

6 days ago, North Ed News
North Ed instructional programs will be closed Monday, Dec. 22, through Friday, Jan. 2. Have a fun and restful winter break. We look forward to seeing everyone back in school on Jan. 5!
6 days ago, North Ed News
Graphic with a background of thin, snow covered trees, with a square green overlay. Centered text reads “Enjoy Winter Break” in large blue letters, with “Dec. 22 - Jan. 2” in a blue bar below. At the bottom, the Northwest Education Services logo appears.
Congratulations to Pat Lamb and Karmin Olds for being awards finalists at the national Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) Career Tech VISION conference! Pat and Karmin recently traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to be recognized among a select group of educational leaders from across the country. During a regional conference covering 14 states and Washington, D.C., in late March, Pat was named ACTE Region 1 Administrator of the Year, and Karmin won ACTE Region 1 Counseling & Career Development Professional of the Year. Both received similar honors at Michigan’s statewide conference in December 2024 before advancing to the regionals, then national ACTE conference held in Nashville. Congratulations to Pat and Karmin for this incredible accolade.
8 days ago, North Ed News
Two adults stand side by side, smiling and holding framed award plaques at the ACTE CareerTech VISION 2025 conference. The person on the left wears a black dress and glasses; the person on the right wears a navy suit with a patterned tie. Behind them is a gray backdrop with “CareerTech VISION 2025” branding and a globe graphic. A blue overlay at the bottom displays the North Ed Career Tech and Northwest Education Services logo.

NOTICE: The North Ed Foundation Annual Meeting will be held on Jan. 13, 2026, from 3:00 - 5:00 pm, taking place in the REMC2 Conference Room at North Ed Career Tech (880 Parsons Road, Traverse City, MI 49686). For more information, email info@NorthEdFoundation.org.

10 days ago, North Ed News
A graphic announcing the North Ed Foundation Annual Meeting. The background shows a muted, blue-tinted photo of several people’s hands stacked together in a gesture of unity. Overlaid text reads “NORTH ED FOUNDATION ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE.” Below the text is the North Ed Foundation’s “Building Bridges” logo, featuring a stylized suspension bridge and the words “Building Bridges – North Ed Foundation.”

Excitement was in the air at Mentor Match Day! Each year, North Ed Career Tech Engineering Academy juniors are paired with local pros in design, engineering and business. Mentorship allows students the opportunity to practice professional skills, gain career insight and form connections that last through senior year and beyond. Thank you to our outstanding mentors! Learn more about Engineering Academy. https://www.northwested.org/o/ct/page/engineering-academy

20 days ago, North Ed News
A wide shot of a large classroom or multi-purpose room set up with multiple dark tables where mentors and students are engaged in various small group conversations. People are seated in green and black chairs throughout the room. The bottom of the image has a blue banner with the Northwest Education Services Career Tech Engineering Academy logo and white text: "MENTOR MATCH DAY 2025.”
A close-up, seated portrait of an adult male mentor wearing a gray sweatshirt and glasses, and a teenage boy with braces wearing a pink/maroon patterned button-up shirt and an ID lanyard. They are smiling and sitting in a classroom with classroom-style cabinets and a buffet of food in the background. The bottom of the image has a blue banner with the Northwest Education Services Career Tech Engineering Academy logo and white text: "MENTOR MATCH DAY 2025.”
A candid shot showing a small group discussion between mentors and students seated at a dark table in a classroom. On the left, an older man with a mustache in a black and white jacket is speaking to a student in a white shirt. At another table, a man in a light blue button-down shirt is gesturing with his hands while talking to a student in a gray shirt. The bottom of the image has a blue banner with the Northwest Education Services Career Tech Engineering Academy logo and white text: "MENTOR MATCH DAY 2025.”
A close-up, seated portrait of an adult male mentor wearing a black polo shirt with an embroidered logo and name badge, and a teenage boy in a tan button-up shirt and glasses. They are smiling and sitting at a dark table in a classroom setting. The bottom of the image has a blue banner with the Northwest Education Services Career Tech Engineering Academy logo and white text: "MENTOR MATCH DAY 2025.”
Today is International Day of People with Disability — a reminder that inclusion, understanding and empathy make our communities stronger. Dive into this list of children’s books that help students Pre-K through 6th grade learn about disability awareness and acceptance. https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/informational-publications/twenty-books-that-promote-disability-awareness-for-children-pre-k-through-sixth-grade/

#MiLimitlessPotential #MichiganISDs #HereForAllMiStudents
22 days ago, North Ed News
Limitless Potential, The Power of Special Education. International Day of people with Disability. This is How We Talk, A Celebration of Disability and Connection. Illustrated by Kayla Harren, written by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp. Northwest Education Services
Today we celebrate Special Education Day and the incredible impact of Northwest Education Services’ special education team.
To our educators, therapists, support staff, families and most of all, our students—thank you for inspiring us, trusting us and reminding us every day of the limitless potential of Special Education.
We’re proud to help build classrooms, communities and opportunities where all students belong, grow and thrive.
23 days ago, North Ed News
Limitless Potential: The Power of Special Education. Special Education Day. #MiLimitlessPotential. Northwest Education Services. Proud to serve over 3,300 Special Education students in our region. Michigan’s Center for Educational Performance and Information, Disability Report for Northwest Education Services, All Districts, All Schools, All Grades, All Students (2024-25).
This Giving Tuesday, help students in our community reach their highest potential!
From scholarships and career preparation, to providing essentials like food, clothing, assistive technology and basic medical care, your gift to the North Ed Foundation makes a real difference for local students and families. Donate today and be part of their success! www.northedfoundation.org
24 days ago, North Ed News
North Ed Foundation graphic promoting Giving Tuesday with an image of a young student wearing a hat smiling on the playground with a slate blue overlay.

Today, on Native American Heritage Day, we honor the Anishinaabe people and acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional, ancestral and contemporary homelands of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Learn more about their ongoing legacy: https://www.gtbindians.org/

27 days ago, North Ed News
A graphic for Native American Heritage Day featuring a circular medicine wheel symbol and large text that reads “Honoring the Anishinaabek.” Additional text highlights the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The background shows a grayscale shoreline with waves and stones. The Northwest Education Services logo appears at the bottom center.
North Ed will be closed Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28. Enjoy your fall break! We look forward to seeing everyone back in school on Dec. 1!
29 days ago, North Ed News
Graphic with a background of overlapping autumn leaves in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Centered text reads “Enjoy Fall Break” in large blue letters, with “Nov. 27 – 28” in a blue bar below. At the bottom, the Northwest Education Services logo appears.

The North Ed Foundation is now on Facebook! Like and follow their page to stay up to date on Foundation news, student impact, and opportunities to give. https://www.facebook.com/NorthEdFoundation/

29 days ago, North Ed News
Like, follow, share North Ed Foundation on Facebook.

Exciting news! Our Neighborhood Network of Playgroups is growing, adding five new partners and even more free early childhood fun for families across the region. Come grow with us! Learn more.

about 1 month ago, North Ed News
A promotional graphic features a green-tinted photo of three young children playing outdoors. One child on the left wears a striped shirt, the child in the center has curly hair and wears denim overalls, and the child on the right holds a small cup. Large bold blue and green text at the top reads “NEW PLAYGROUP OPPORTUNITIES.” At the bottom, colorful illustrated houses and trees form a decorative border above the words “GRAND TRAVERSE REGION – Your Neighborhood Network of Playgroups.” To the right is a yellow star logo for the Great Start Collaborative & Family Coalition Traverse Bay.
Happy Flannel Friday from our students and staff who are looking rad in plaid! Windemuller is donating $5 to skilled trades programs for every person pictured in plaid each Friday in November. Be sure to wear your flannels again next Friday!
about 1 month ago, North Ed News
A large group of students and staff wearing flannel shirts gather inside a school lobby area. They are standing and kneeling in several rows in front of a colorful wall art installation. Above the group is a blue plaid banner with large white text that reads “FLANNEL FRIDAY.” A matching blue plaid footer contains the Northwest Education Services Career Tech logo.
A group of staff members wearing flannel shirts stand outdoors around a blue Northwest Education Services sign. They are smiling and posing on a grassy area with buildings and trees visible in the background under a clear sky
Three students stand together in a classroom space, all wearing different styles of flannel shirts. They are smiling in front of a bulletin board and classroom supplies.
Three students stand close together in front of a light-colored brick wall. They are all wearing flannel shirts and smiling, with one student’s arms around the others.
We're hiring a Graphic Arts Paraprofessional! Use your design skills to support North Ed Career Tech students in a hands-on learning environment. Join North Ed’s talented team of educators! Learn more about North Ed’s competitive benefits and apply today.
rebrand.ly/North-Ed-Employment #Hiring #GraphicArts #GraphicDesign #parapro #MichiganISDs #HereForAllMiStudents
about 1 month ago, North Ed News
Blue and white hiring announcement graphic for a “Graphic Arts Parapro” position at Northwest Education Services Career Tech. The image has a blue overlay showing a person working at a desk with a large monitor and a graphics tablet, editing images on a computer. At the top, white text on a dark blue banner reads, “We’re Hiring!” In the center, large white text says, “Graphic Arts Parapro.” On the right side is the “Ed Career Tech” logo for Northwest Education Services. The bottom section reads, “Join our talented team of educators… apply today!” followed by the website “NorthwestEd.org/employment.”

Flaunt your flannels to fundraise for Career Tech Education (CTE)! Each Friday in November, Windemuller will donate $5 to the fund for every person pictured in plaid.

Here's how it works:

  • Wear your plaid shirt every Friday in November

  • Take a photo of you and your crew wearing plaid

  • Email your photos to NorthEdNews@NorthwestEd.org

Total funds are shared among North Ed Career Tech and Northwestern Michigan College (Traverse City), West Michigan Construction Academy (Grand Rapids), and Greater Michigan Construction Academy (Midland). Join us as we raise funds to support skilled trade programs in our communities.

about 1 month ago, North Ed News
A promotional graphic for “Flannel Fridays” features a blue and green plaid background. Bold white and blue text at the top reads: “FLANNEL FRIDAYS – Every Friday in November.” Below, a white box contains the message: “Fundraiser for Career Tech Education. Windemuller will donate $5 to skilled trade programs for every person in plaid!” At the bottom are two logos: Windemuller on the left and North Ed Foundation on the right.

Thank you to Milwaukee Tool for partnering with our Engineering Academy at North Ed Career Tech. Your generous donation of tools will provide our students with essential, industry-standard equipment for hands-on learning and real-world project experience. We appreciate your investment and look forward to fostering future collaboration and student opportunities. Learn more about the Engineering Academy. https://www.northwested.org/o/ct/page/engineering-academy

about 1 month ago, North Ed News
A large group of high school students and their instructor pose together in a classroom or workshop, holding Milwaukee Tool products such as toolboxes and drills. The text above them reads “THANK YOU Milwaukee” in large letters, and below the photo it says, “FOR YOUR DONATION AND PARTNERSHIP WITH Ed Engineering Academy, Career Tech, Northwest Education Services.” The students are smiling, showing appreciation for the donation, and the background includes whiteboards, tables, and industrial equipment.
Two students stand side by side in front of a workshop area filled with Milwaukee Packout toolboxes. Both are wearing dress shirts and black pants—one with a red tie and the other with an open-collar black shirt. They are each holding a red Milwaukee cordless drill and smiling slightly. At the bottom of the image, there is a thank-you banner featuring the Milwaukee and Engineering Academy logos, along with the text “THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION AND PARTNERSHIP WITH Ed Engineering Academy.”
A single student dressed in a black suit and red tie poses proudly while holding a Milwaukee cordless drill. Behind him are stacked red Milwaukee Packout toolboxes on metal shelves. The bottom of the image contains a white banner with the Milwaukee logo and Engineering Academy logo, and text reading “THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION AND PARTNERSHIP WITH Ed Engineering Academy.” The setting appears to be an industrial workshop or classroom.

North Ed Career Tech is hiring a Health Sciences Paraprofessional! Use your industry knowledge and experience to prepare the next generation of health care workers. Join our team of talented educators! Learn more about North Ed’s competitive benefits and apply today. https://www.northwested.org/page/employment-opportunities

about 1 month ago, North Ed News
Blue and white hiring announcement graphic for a “Health Sciences Parapro” position at Northwest Education Services Career Tech. The image has a blue overlay showing a group of people in health care attire smiling and working together. At the top, white text on a dark blue banner reads, “We’re Hiring!” The main text in the center says, “Health Sciences Parapro” in large white letters. On the right side, there’s the “Ed Career Tech” logo for Northwest Education Services. Along the bottom, text reads, “Join our talented team of educators… apply today!” followed by the website “NorthwestEd.org/employment.”

North Ed Career Tech is hiring an Auto Repair Paraprofessional! Pass on your hard-learned automotive knowledge to the next generation of technicians. Join our team of talented educators! Learn more about North Ed’s competitive benefits and apply today.

about 2 months ago, North Ed News
Blue and white hiring announcement graphic for an “Auto Repair Parapro” position at Northwest Education Services Career Tech. The image features a blue-tinted photo of two people working on a car engine in the background. At the top, white text on a dark blue banner reads, “We’re Hiring!” The center of the image has large white text that says, “Auto Repair Parapro.” On the right side is the “Ed Career Tech” logo for Northwest Education Services. The bottom of the image has white text on a blue background that reads, “Join our talented team of educators… apply today!” followed by the website “NorthwestEd.org/employment.”