All young students have one thing in common: They love to have fun on playgrounds. For some students who are nonverbal, expressing their interests and feelings while on the playground can present challenges to their caregivers and teachers. A recent project will help all students be able to get the most enjoyment out of their playground time. Several entities came together to create and install two new Augmentative and Assisted Communication (AAC) playground signs in Central Lake, at the elementary school and also in the village’s Thurston Park. 

“It is so important that we provide every opportunity for each student to be able to communicate their needs, desires, and interests,” said Kelli Knight, a speech and language pathologist who was part of the playground sign planning team. 

The Central Lake signs are the result of a partnership between the Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition of Charlevoix, Emmet and Northern Antrim Counties (GSC), Char-Em ISD, and Central Lake Early Opportunities (CLEO), along with the village of Central Lake and Central Lake Public Schools. Read more about the new playground signage

A groundbreaking shift in how children and families thrive is underway in Northwest Michigan. The Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition of Charlevoix, Emmet, and Northern Antrim Counties (GSC) is celebrating becoming the first organization in Michigan – and just the 7th nationally – to become certified as “HOPE-Informed” by the Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences national initiative.

“Serving children and families is at the heart of the Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition,” said GSC Director Savanah Cool. “This milestone means the GSC is enhancing support to bring more Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) to the community’s youngest members and their caregivers.”

Cool explained that the HOPE certification moves beyond addressing trauma; it focuses on building resilience, joy, and strong family relationships. The framework ensures every child has the foundational experiences – like supportive relationships, safe environments, and opportunities to play and learn – they need to flourish. Read the complete article about the HOPE certification

Region 2 includes Char-Em ISD, Manistee ISD, Northwest Education Services, and Wexford-Missaukee ISD 

Celebrating National Family Engagement Month, MiFamily Engagement Center Region 2 has awarded $206,000 in its second grant cycle to support 20 community projects across Northwest Michigan.  These funds will foster partnerships through family engagement to positively impact student learning and healthy outcomes, said Carolyn Beltz, Region 2 Coordinator.

“This second round was so inspiring,” said Beltz. “These mini-grants are more than just money; they’re a direct investment in the creativity and passion of people in our communities. By putting the resources in the hands of the people doing the work, we support the kind of targeted, local projects that truly build stronger relationships and create lasting change for everyone.” Read the full list of grantees and more information about the awards