AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing
#beAMAzing
The Cheboygan County Child Advocacy Council and Great Start Collaborative hosted their 3rd Annual Safety Day, providing a free community event filled with fun, hands-on activities that helped families learn about keeping children safe. Activities included a car seat safety station, life jacket fittings, fire and campfire safety demonstrations, a special visit from Smokey the Bear, and many other engaging safety-focused experiences.
Representatives from the MiFamily Engagement Center, Jean Kowalski and Shania Dehn-Copeland, attended the event to share resources and information on family engagement and literacy, helping families learn ways to support children's learning and development at home
Representatives from the MiFamily Engagement Center, Jean Kowalski and Shania Dehn-Copeland, attended the event to share resources and information on family engagement and literacy, helping families learn ways to support children's learning and development at home
What:
The Annual MiFamily Engagement Centers Event: 2026 Michigan Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference
When:
September 29-30, 2026
Where:
Comfort Inn & Suites and Conference Center
2424 S Mission St, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858
Cost:
$159. Click here to register.
Hotel Rooms $98/night (state rate). Click here to reserve your room.
Register here: https://events.gomaisa.org/catalog/eventdetails/32
Agenda at a Glance (approximate times)
Day 1 (Sep 29) 8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - Breakfast
9:00am - Introduction & Kickoff
Rawlan Lillard, MiLEAP
Dr. Keenan King, MCSC
10:00am – Keynote Ari Gerzon-Kessler
3:30pm - Regional Roundtables
11:45am - Lunch
1:00pm - Reflection Roundtables
2:15pm - Breakout Sessions (choice of 6)
Day 2 (Sep 30) 8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - Breakfast
9:00am - Wellbeing Welcome
9:30am – Keynote Dr. Noel Kelty
11:00am - Breakout Sessions (choice of 6)
12:00pm - Lunch
1:00pm - Breakout Sessions (choice of 6)
2:15pm - Breakout Sessions (choice of 6)
3:30pm - Closing: Call To Action
About the Event
Family engagement is a partnership among families, students, educators and community partners built on trust, respect and common goals, so that every learner thrives.
In the first of its kind in Michigan, The Michigan Community Schools Coalition (MCSC) and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) are co-hosting a statewide event to spotlight both the work of the 10 Regional MiFamily Engagement Centers and 155 community schools dedicated to building, growing, and sustaining key family engagement and partnership practices across the state.
This two-day conference will take place at The Comfort Inn & Suites in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and offers a unique opportunity for people across Michigan to come together for shared learning and direction setting. MCSC and MiLEAP are anticipating 225 attendees, across the full family, school, and community partnership ecosystem—families, educators, district and ISD leaders, community schools and student success coordinators, local organization leaders, early literacy and out-of-school time partners, and state leaders from MiLEAP and the Departments of Education (MDE) and Health and Human Services (MDHHS)—all working together to support positive outcomes for children.
This event will also feature the release of the long-awaited revised version of the MiFamily: Michigan’s Family Engagement Framework and introduce the Michigan Community Schools Coalition as a multi-stakeholder, multi-organization coalition committed to strengthening and growing the practices that help children thrive in schools, families, and communities.
About the Keynote Speakers
Ari Gerzon-Kessler is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach working with schools and districts committed to forging stronger school-family partnerships. He is the author of
On The Same Team: Bringing Educators & Underrepresented Families Together, which won the Gold Medal from the Independent Publishers Book Awards for outstanding education book of 2024. Ari is the founder and CEO of Same Team Consulting and also leads the Family Partnerships department for the Boulder Valley School District (CO). Ari has been an educator since 2000, having served as a principal and bilingual teacher.
Dr. Noel Kelty is an Assistant Professor at Oakland University whose work focuses on family engagement, program evaluation, family literacy, and early literacy. She is the co-author of
Empowered Together: Evidence-Based Strategies for Partnering with Families in PreK–12 Education, a practice-centered resource that supports educators in building meaningful, research-informed partnerships with families. Dr. Kelty brings a wealth of leadership experience from her time at the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Great Start, where she served as Director of Early Childhood and Family Education, 619 Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator, and Early On Coordinator. Her professional background also includes roles as an ISD Director and program consultant, as well as direct service as a PreK–3rd–grade teacher, home visitor, family literacy district coordinator, and early interventionist.
The Annual MiFamily Engagement Centers Event: 2026 Michigan Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference
When:
September 29-30, 2026
Where:
Comfort Inn & Suites and Conference Center
2424 S Mission St, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858
Cost:
$159. Click here to register.
Hotel Rooms $98/night (state rate). Click here to reserve your room.
Register here: https://events.gomaisa.org/catalog/eventdetails/32
Agenda at a Glance (approximate times)
Day 1 (Sep 29) 8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - Breakfast
9:00am - Introduction & Kickoff
Rawlan Lillard, MiLEAP
Dr. Keenan King, MCSC
10:00am – Keynote Ari Gerzon-Kessler
3:30pm - Regional Roundtables
11:45am - Lunch
1:00pm - Reflection Roundtables
2:15pm - Breakout Sessions (choice of 6)
Day 2 (Sep 30) 8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - Breakfast
9:00am - Wellbeing Welcome
9:30am – Keynote Dr. Noel Kelty
11:00am - Breakout Sessions (choice of 6)
12:00pm - Lunch
1:00pm - Breakout Sessions (choice of 6)
2:15pm - Breakout Sessions (choice of 6)
3:30pm - Closing: Call To Action
About the Event
Family engagement is a partnership among families, students, educators and community partners built on trust, respect and common goals, so that every learner thrives.
In the first of its kind in Michigan, The Michigan Community Schools Coalition (MCSC) and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) are co-hosting a statewide event to spotlight both the work of the 10 Regional MiFamily Engagement Centers and 155 community schools dedicated to building, growing, and sustaining key family engagement and partnership practices across the state.
This two-day conference will take place at The Comfort Inn & Suites in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and offers a unique opportunity for people across Michigan to come together for shared learning and direction setting. MCSC and MiLEAP are anticipating 225 attendees, across the full family, school, and community partnership ecosystem—families, educators, district and ISD leaders, community schools and student success coordinators, local organization leaders, early literacy and out-of-school time partners, and state leaders from MiLEAP and the Departments of Education (MDE) and Health and Human Services (MDHHS)—all working together to support positive outcomes for children.
This event will also feature the release of the long-awaited revised version of the MiFamily: Michigan’s Family Engagement Framework and introduce the Michigan Community Schools Coalition as a multi-stakeholder, multi-organization coalition committed to strengthening and growing the practices that help children thrive in schools, families, and communities.
About the Keynote Speakers
Ari Gerzon-Kessler is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach working with schools and districts committed to forging stronger school-family partnerships. He is the author of
On The Same Team: Bringing Educators & Underrepresented Families Together, which won the Gold Medal from the Independent Publishers Book Awards for outstanding education book of 2024. Ari is the founder and CEO of Same Team Consulting and also leads the Family Partnerships department for the Boulder Valley School District (CO). Ari has been an educator since 2000, having served as a principal and bilingual teacher.
Dr. Noel Kelty is an Assistant Professor at Oakland University whose work focuses on family engagement, program evaluation, family literacy, and early literacy. She is the co-author of
Empowered Together: Evidence-Based Strategies for Partnering with Families in PreK–12 Education, a practice-centered resource that supports educators in building meaningful, research-informed partnerships with families. Dr. Kelty brings a wealth of leadership experience from her time at the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Great Start, where she served as Director of Early Childhood and Family Education, 619 Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator, and Early On Coordinator. Her professional background also includes roles as an ISD Director and program consultant, as well as direct service as a PreK–3rd–grade teacher, home visitor, family literacy district coordinator, and early interventionist.
We’re proud that Ashlie O’Connor, AMAESD’s Instructional Technology and Data Specialist, was recognized for her leadership in scholastic Esports across Michigan. As a board member of the Michigan Scholastic Esports League (MSHEL), Ashlie helps expand opportunities for students to develop teamwork, communication, leadership, and digital citizenship through competitive gaming.
Ashlie also coaches Pied Piper Esports in the Unified League, creating inclusive opportunities for students of all abilities to compete, build confidence, and experience the excitement of representing their school community.
Thank you, Ashlie, for your commitment to innovation, inclusion, and meaningful student engagement!
Ashlie also coaches Pied Piper Esports in the Unified League, creating inclusive opportunities for students of all abilities to compete, build confidence, and experience the excitement of representing their school community.
Thank you, Ashlie, for your commitment to innovation, inclusion, and meaningful student engagement!
🌟 Join Us for the Spreading HOPE Workshop! 🌟
What if we focused not only on what can go wrong in childhood—but also on what helps children thrive?
The Spreading HOPE Workshop introduces participants to the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Framework and explores how positive childhood experiences can promote resilience, healthy development, and long-term well-being.
This interactive training is designed for educators, childcare providers, social workers, healthcare professionals, community partners, parents, and caregivers who want to better understand the impact of both adverse and positive experiences in a child's life.
📅 June 30, 2026
🕤 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 BJs Catering & Event Center, Gaylord
Topics include:
✅ Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
✅ Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)
✅ The HOPE Framework
✅ State and local data
✅ Practical applications for families, professionals, and organizations
✅ Community connections and resources
🎓 Free Continuing Education Available
📲 Register using the QR code on the flyer or use this link: https://forms.gle/Xd1hcXvT1nEG7AsaA
We hope you'll join us as we work together to spread HOPE throughout our communities! 💙
What if we focused not only on what can go wrong in childhood—but also on what helps children thrive?
The Spreading HOPE Workshop introduces participants to the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Framework and explores how positive childhood experiences can promote resilience, healthy development, and long-term well-being.
This interactive training is designed for educators, childcare providers, social workers, healthcare professionals, community partners, parents, and caregivers who want to better understand the impact of both adverse and positive experiences in a child's life.
📅 June 30, 2026
🕤 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 BJs Catering & Event Center, Gaylord
Topics include:
✅ Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
✅ Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)
✅ The HOPE Framework
✅ State and local data
✅ Practical applications for families, professionals, and organizations
✅ Community connections and resources
🎓 Free Continuing Education Available
📲 Register using the QR code on the flyer or use this link: https://forms.gle/Xd1hcXvT1nEG7AsaA
We hope you'll join us as we work together to spread HOPE throughout our communities! 💙
The MiFamily Engagement Center Region 3 invites all K-5 AMA ESD families to participate in a free, family-focused movie night on August 14th, 7:30 – 10:30 PM at the Alpena Band Shell. This is an informal opportunity for school staff and families to connect, meet next year’s teachers, socialize, and share important school information while fostering strong relationships for the year ahead.
👋 We’re out in the community sharing exciting news — PreK for All!
Stop by one of our summer events to learn how your family can access no-cost preschool, no matter your income.
📍 Check the events flyer to find us
📞 Or call 989-278-5990
We’d love to connect and answer your questions!
#BeAMAzing #PreKforAll #NEMCSA #GSRP #HeadStart #SummerEvents #Alpena #Alcona #Montmorency
Educators in Alpena, Montmorency, and Alcona Counties - Do you have an innovative idea or practice you would like to share with other educators? If so, please submit a proposal to teach a breakout session at HSET in August! Either use the QR code on the flyer or follow this link, https://forms.gle/8hbyY844kMRVAio4A.
On May 1st, the AMA ESD welcomed several parents into Kerri McCrimmon's Early Childhood Special Education classroom to learn about fine motor skill progression from Dr. Jamie McClintic (Occupational Therapist). The content included the importance of early skill development along with specific activities for home to help develop strength and coordination for school readiness. The parents were extremely engaged and asked wonderful questions. Bringing professionals alongside parents to work collaboratively is such a powerful part of this program.
Calling all educators in Alpena, Montmorency, and Alcona Counties! We hope to see you at the Huron Shores Ed Tech Conference in August!
Michigan families and community members are invited to a conversation about healthy births, families, and communities.
Perinatal Collaborative Region 2 & 3
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
The Aplex 5:00 to 7:00 pm
701 Woodward Ave| Alpena, MI
Perinatal Collaborative Region 2 & 3
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
The Aplex 5:00 to 7:00 pm
701 Woodward Ave| Alpena, MI
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing
#beAMAzing
Join us for a free professional development session on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), and the HOPE Framework with trained facilitator Hilary Marine. Learn practical strategies to apply HOPE in personal, professional, and organizational settings while connecting with peers across the community. Questions: kowalskij@amaesd.org or vanalmenl@nemifrc.org
Date: June 30th, 2026
Time: 9:30am-3:30pm
Location: BJ's Catering and Event Center
990 North Center Avenue Gaylord, MI 49735
Date: June 30th, 2026
Time: 9:30am-3:30pm
Location: BJ's Catering and Event Center
990 North Center Avenue Gaylord, MI 49735
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing
Jean Kowalski, MiFamily engagement coordinator, and Lauren VanAlmen, MiFamily engagement and literacy coach, attended the Harrisville District Health Department No. 2. Mini Health Fair on Wednesday. They shared valuable resources with members of the Harrisville community and engaged in meaningful networking with both attendees and fellow participants at the fair.
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing
AMA-ESD staff Erin Schmanski, School Psychologist, and Morgan Meyer, Teacher Consultant, have recently completed intensive training to become certified Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) instructors. They are excited to provide evidence-based training focusing on safe de-escalation techniques and non-restrictive intervention strategies to our districts. #beAMAzing
AM ESD’s special education department held their monthly staff meeting at Alpena Community College this morning. Professional staff led their colleagues through training on the REED evaluation process. #beAMAzing
Jean Kowalski and Lauren VanAlmen from the MiFamily Engagement Centers attended the Iosco Family Fun Fair this weekend, where they shared family resources with over 900 families. They also led an activity in which participants described items by touch, using adjectives to explore objects inside a box and learn about adjectives and nouns.
