The AMA ESD Instructional Services team is ready to launch the 2026–2027 school year! Here is how we are supporting our schools:
📚 Literacy: Professional learning for elementary teachers.
🎯 Teacher Clarity: Unpacking standards and analyzing learning progressions at the secondary level.
🧸 GSRP: Early childhood training on assessments and positive behavior support.
🤖 Tech & Data: Leading local AI integration in education.
⭐ STARS: Preparing for evidence-based reading intervention.
💙 31n Therapy: Providing school-based mental health care.
Here’s to a great year ahead! #beAMAzing
📚 Literacy: Professional learning for elementary teachers.
🎯 Teacher Clarity: Unpacking standards and analyzing learning progressions at the secondary level.
🧸 GSRP: Early childhood training on assessments and positive behavior support.
🤖 Tech & Data: Leading local AI integration in education.
⭐ STARS: Preparing for evidence-based reading intervention.
💙 31n Therapy: Providing school-based mental health care.
Here’s to a great year ahead! #beAMAzing
A new chapter is beginning at Atlanta Community Schools! 📚🐾
What started as an idea last school year has officially come to life! Atlanta Community Schools Superintendent Tawny Hisscock and AMA ESD Instructional Coach Eryn Graham worked together to bring a Book Vending Machine to Atlanta Community Schools, creating a fun new way to celebrate reading and get more books into the hands of students.
This project is a wonderful example of what can happen when AMA ESD, our local school districts, and community partners come together for kids! A special thank you to PIE&G, ORSA Credit Union, Brush Mill Creek, and the Huskie Support Organization for helping to make this dream possible. Together, we make an #AMAzing team! 💚
Soon, Huskies will be choosing books of their own from this exciting new addition, and we can’t wait to see the smiles, excitement, and love of reading it inspires! 📚🐾
What started as an idea last school year has officially come to life! Atlanta Community Schools Superintendent Tawny Hisscock and AMA ESD Instructional Coach Eryn Graham worked together to bring a Book Vending Machine to Atlanta Community Schools, creating a fun new way to celebrate reading and get more books into the hands of students.
This project is a wonderful example of what can happen when AMA ESD, our local school districts, and community partners come together for kids! A special thank you to PIE&G, ORSA Credit Union, Brush Mill Creek, and the Huskie Support Organization for helping to make this dream possible. Together, we make an #AMAzing team! 💚
Soon, Huskies will be choosing books of their own from this exciting new addition, and we can’t wait to see the smiles, excitement, and love of reading it inspires! 📚🐾
MiFamily Engagement Center and the Northeast Michigan Family Resource Center were proud to sponsor the Melly Pop Puppet Show at the Alpena County Fair on Saturday. Many families joined the fun, participated in the interactive puppet show. It was a wonderful experience filled with laughter, learning, and family fun!
The MiFamily Engagement Centers are excited to share that our Family Movie Night was a wonderful success! Eight local elementary schools participated, giving school staff the opportunity to welcome and connect with incoming students and their families. Attendees enjoyed engaging activities, a fun meet-and-greet, food trucks, free refreshments, prizes, and a movie under the stars. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this an enjoyable and memorable evening for all!
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing
#beAMAzing
TONIGHT is the NIGHT! Come and join the fun, meet your new teachers, enjoy yummy food, register for prizes and watch a great movie.
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.
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.
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing
#beAMAzing
TONIGHT is the NIGHT! Come and join the fun, meet your new teachers, enjoy yummy food, register for prizes and watch a great movie.
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.
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.
MiFamily Region 3 invites you to join our family book study to explore healthy screen time habits.
Recommended for students in third grade and above. Participants will receive the book by mail, along with access to the book study materials and Eventzee activities. Eventzee is a digital scavenger hunt experience, similar to Goosechase.
The Mission
Phones aren’t “bad”—they’re simply tools.
Our Goal
Take ownership of our time and how we spend it.
The Challenge
Outsmart the algorithm and reclaim control.
After reading The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price and completing the book study slide deck, take the next step by participating in the Eventzee digital activities. As an added incentive, participants will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card.
Recommended for students in third grade and above. Participants will receive the book by mail, along with access to the book study materials and Eventzee activities. Eventzee is a digital scavenger hunt experience, similar to Goosechase.
The Mission
Phones aren’t “bad”—they’re simply tools.
Our Goal
Take ownership of our time and how we spend it.
The Challenge
Outsmart the algorithm and reclaim control.
After reading The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price and completing the book study slide deck, take the next step by participating in the Eventzee digital activities. As an added incentive, participants will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card.
Calling all area educators! Don't forget to sign up for the Huron Shores Ed Tech Conference
Region 3 Hosts "Spreading Hope" Professional Learning Event
On June 30, Jean Kowalski and Lauren Van Almen of MiFamily Region 3 welcomed educators, community partners, and service providers to Spreading Hope in Gaylord. The professional learning session was led by Hilary Marine of Pathways Connect, who guided participants through the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the power of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), and the Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) Framework.
Participants explored state and local data, discussed practical applications of the HOPE Framework in personal, professional, and organizational settings, and learned how upstream efforts can improve health and well-being for children and families. The event also provided opportunities to strengthen community connections and collaborate on ways to build more hopeful, resilient communities.
On June 30, Jean Kowalski and Lauren Van Almen of MiFamily Region 3 welcomed educators, community partners, and service providers to Spreading Hope in Gaylord. The professional learning session was led by Hilary Marine of Pathways Connect, who guided participants through the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the power of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), and the Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) Framework.
Participants explored state and local data, discussed practical applications of the HOPE Framework in personal, professional, and organizational settings, and learned how upstream efforts can improve health and well-being for children and families. The event also provided opportunities to strengthen community connections and collaborate on ways to build more hopeful, resilient communities.
AMAzing People Doing AMAzing Things
#beAMAzing
#beAMAzing
🌟 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! 💙
MiFamily Region 3 invites you to join our family book study to explore healthy screen time habits.
Recommended for students in third grade and above. Participants will receive the book by mail, along with access to the book study materials and Eventzee activities. Eventzee is a digital scavenger hunt experience, similar to Goosechase.
The Mission
Phones aren’t “bad”—they’re simply tools.
Our Goal
Take ownership of our time and how we spend it.
The Challenge
Outsmart the algorithm and reclaim control.
After reading The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price and completing the book study slide deck, take the next step by participating in the Eventzee digital activities. As an added incentive, participants will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card.
Recommended for students in third grade and above. Participants will receive the book by mail, along with access to the book study materials and Eventzee activities. Eventzee is a digital scavenger hunt experience, similar to Goosechase.
The Mission
Phones aren’t “bad”—they’re simply tools.
Our Goal
Take ownership of our time and how we spend it.
The Challenge
Outsmart the algorithm and reclaim control.
After reading The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price and completing the book study slide deck, take the next step by participating in the Eventzee digital activities. As an added incentive, participants will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card.
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! 💙
