The first few weeks of school can feel like a whirlwind—new faces, fresh supplies, routines still settling in. But beneath the surface of pencils, planners, and name tags, students are communicating with us in various ways, and sometimes... Continue reading.
We are excited to invite you to our 9th Annual Night of Starrs, an evening dedicated to highlighting the incredible impact our supporters have on children, families, and communities. This special event will take place on Friday, October 3, 2025,... Continue reading.
When I think back on my years in the classroom, September always felt like the most important month. The first few weeks weren’t just about setting routines or reviewing content—they were about answering one big question for my students: Do I... Continue reading.
Picture this: The first weeks of school are a blur of new faces, routines, and expectations. Whether your “back to school” started last week or is still around the corner, one thing is true everywhere—students are walking into our classrooms... Continue reading.
There's something about late summer that brings a familiar knot to the stomach of anyone who works in schools. Maybe it's the weight of knowing that behind every name on your roster is a story—some filled with joy, others carrying pain you can't... Continue reading.
Every experienced educator knows that the most transformative classrooms don't happen by accident—they're built with intention, nurtured with consistency, and grounded in an unshakeable belief in every student's potential. 🌱 Your Classroom: A... Continue reading.
President Emeritus, Starr Commonwealth It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved former President and CEO, Dr. Martin L. “Marty” Mitchell. Marty dedicated his life to Starr Commonwealth with unwavering... Continue reading.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Marshall, MI – [July 15, 2025] – The Marshall Community Foundation has awarded a historic $100,000 grant to Starr Commonwealth to expand its F.O.C.U.S. Forward program (Forging Opportunities for Career Upskilling and... Continue reading.
How to create meaningful connections and lasting memories through the power of intentional play Can you hear that? It's the sound of summer slowly winding down—screen doors closing a little less frequently, the ice cream truck's melody growing... Continue reading.
Sarah's hands trembled slightly as she opened her laptop on that first Tuesday morning in June. Coffee steaming beside her, the house quiet before her family woke, she clicked "begin" on her Certified Trauma and Resilience Specialist course. Three... Continue reading.
Picture this: A student walks through the school doors each morning. What determines whether they're thinking about algebra or where they'll hide if something bad happens? Here's a truth that might surprise you: the same strategies that... Continue reading.
A love letter to the warriors who tend invisible wounds and plant seeds in winter soil Picture this: It's the last day of school, and ten-year-old Anna—the girl who spent September curled in corners like a question mark—is practically... Continue reading.
Remembering the Classroom I can still picture it perfectly: 3:47 PM on a Thursday, sitting in my classroom surrounded by half-empty water bottles, crumpled sticky notes, and approximately 47 markers that had mysteriously lost their caps (seriously,... Continue reading.
How resilience-focused collaboration transforms communities and the young people we serve There's a moment that happens in community meetings—you've probably experienced it yourself. Someone shares a story about a student or client, and suddenly... Continue reading.
In the quiet moments before the morning bell, when hallways stand empty and classroom lights flicker on one by one, educational leaders carry a profound question in their hearts: How can we create spaces where every child—regardless of their... Continue reading.
