November is Family Engagement Month! Families are a child's first and most important teachers. Every song you sing, book you share, and game you play builds vital brain connections for lifelong learning. #MiFamilyEngagement #MiLEAP #EarlyLiteracy #BirthToFive
Family engagement isn't a one-time event; it's an ongoing journey from cradle to career. Research consistently shows that student success—higher attendance, improved reading and math skills, and greater confidence—grows when families and schools build strong, lasting connections.
In observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day, we extend our deepest respect to 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. Visit https://www.tadl.org/indigenous to find Indigenous stories and amplify Indigenous voices.
Land Acknowledgement, designed by Dominic Miller:
We stand here on Turtle Island, our precious earth, this beautiful land of Michigan, cherished and maintained for generations by the Anishinaabe people. We wish to recognize those whose traditional land we are gathered upon and today as the land on which the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians have resided for thousands of years. To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honoring Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial (existing since beyond the reach of memory). It is important to understand the long-standing history that has brought us to reside on the land, and seek to understand our place within that history. We give honor to the Anishinaabe people for their continual contributions to the land and society.
Attendance is an important life skill. Being present today helps prepare students for the expectations of the workforce and adulthood. We are working together to build a strong foundation for their future success.
Mental health matters in our schools, homes and community.
From providing the expertise of our school social workers, psychologists and behavior support specialists, to offering Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) training for students and educators, and Employee Assistance Program benefits for North Ed staff, we are committed to supporting mental well-being across our entire region.
From providing the expertise of our school social workers, psychologists and behavior support specialists, to offering Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) training for students and educators, and Employee Assistance Program benefits for North Ed staff, we are committed to supporting mental well-being across our entire region.
A stronger area begins with present students. When our students are in class and engaged, they are preparing to be the future leaders and neighbors of our community. We appreciate your support in this shared effort.
School is a place where students build a sense of belonging. When they attend regularly, they develop the friendships and connections that help them feel safe and supported. We want every student to know their seat is waiting for them.
Regular attendance helps students build the routines they need to feel confident in their school day. These small daily habits lead to significant long-term achievements and help students become capable learners.
Every hour in the classroom is a chance for discovery and collaboration. From hands-on science to group discussions, much of the learning process happens in real time. We look forward to seeing our students each day to make the most of these moments.
We know that student success is a priority for our entire community. We also know that their success depends on regularly attending school. As we get into the school year routing, let’s focus on consistent presence and supporting our families. Because when our students show up, our whole area benefits.
Inspired by this year’s Opening Day theme, “Every learner. Every day. Together,” the North Ed Early Childhood team came together to celebrate the incredible impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Festivities included interactive art and thank you card stations, free books, good food, great people and, of course, rhinestones, and western wear—all honoring a program that brings the magic of reading to so many little learners in our community.
Here’s to a year filled with learning, connection and growing together!
Festivities included interactive art and thank you card stations, free books, good food, great people and, of course, rhinestones, and western wear—all honoring a program that brings the magic of reading to so many little learners in our community.
Here’s to a year filled with learning, connection and growing together!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Joseph C. Fisher Early Childhood & Family Center!
This space is more than just a building—it’s a dedicated hub for our families. By bringing our team and partners together in one spot, we can expand support and resources to young learners, families and early childhood professionals across the region.
Our new facility includes:
Indoor and outdoor play areas for local playgroups.
Space for child assessments, developmental screenings and early intervention.
Parent education classes and professional training opportunities.
Child care operated by our partners at Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA).
We are very proud to have three exemplary North Ed leaders featured in the Traverse City Record-Eagle 2026 Women’s History Month special section: Dr. Tara Mager, Superintendent; Dr. Yvonne Donohoe McCool, Director of Early Childhood Services; and Marty Guiney, McKinney-Vento Liaison & Special Education Supervisor. It is an honor to have them on our team and we thank them for their work that shapes the future for educators, learners and families in our community. Read the full article.
During last week’s historic blizzard, North Ed custodial staff worked all day Tuesday and Wednesday to clear snow from the walkways on all North Ed campuses. For many, that meant shoveling out of their own driveways and neighborhoods when roads were not yet clear and navigating North Ed grounds before our plow service arrived! Thank you for going above and beyond to ensure North Ed students and staff could quickly return to school and safely access our facilities
Join Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition of Traverse Bay for free Family Fun Days at YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps! Meet other families in your community while enjoying interactive storytelling and music with Jen Strauss and Miriam Pico, enter a raffle, and more!
Read more:
https://www.northwested.org/article/2762827
Read more:
https://www.northwested.org/article/2762827
In celebration of Reading Month, join the Great Start Collaborative for interactive storytelling with Jen Strauss at your local Neighborhood Network playgroup sites. Children will receive a bookbag from PoWeR Book Bags, snack and engage in a fun craft project! Learn more https://www.northwested.org/article/2735054
We’re seeking nominations for the 2026 Outstanding Educator Awards! Learn more about how to nominate the teacher, support staffer or administrator who’s making a difference in your school! https://rebrand.ly/2026oea
Take the plunge with North Ed to raise money for Special Olympics Michigan! Last year, our team raised over $4,000, and with your help, we can raise even more. To join our Plunge Team or donate, visit https://www.classy.org/team/788634
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
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
#MiLimitlessPotential #MichiganISDs #HereForAllMiStudents