Holiday concerts from Lapeer East/Lapeer West

Lapeer West with guest conducter, retired band director Mr. Steve Burns.



Or for the full sized video click here for YouTube site.




For full-size version of this Lapeer West video click this link.

A portion of the Lapeer East concert in which students and Meijer surprise band director Mrs. Lyniece Fenner.



For the full-size video at School Tube, click this link.

Lapeer East's Cameron Myers highlighted in FJ column

The Flint Journal's Mark Spezia has written a nice column on Lapeer East wrestler, Cameron Myers.

New headlines about former Lapeer athletes

Lapeer East graduate Jake Long honored on All-Decade sports teams.

Lapeer West graduated Chuck Voss, a 2006 Distinguished Hall of Honor inductee, was honored as "Coach of the Year." For more on Chuck Voss go here.

All-State Athletes from East/West announced

So far four Lapeer high school athletes have been named to All-State athletic teams.

Lapeer West golfer Catherine Benscoter was a Division II First-Team All-State selection.

Lapeer East football player Payton McCallum and Lapeer West football player Preston Haggadone were honorable mention All-State into Division 1-2.

Lapeer East soccer player Ethan Konschuh was an All-State honorable mention player.

We'll keep you posted on additional selections.

2009 fall Scholar Athletes from Lapeer East, West announced by Flint Metro League

The following students from Lapeer East and Lapeer West were named as 2009 fall scholar athletes by The Flint Metro League.

Lapeer East: Swim/Dive team, Katherine Baeckeroot*, Hannah Hastings; Boys/Girls Cross Country, Jamie Caminiti, Katelyn Davis, Hillary Davlin*, Ariana Donahue*, Amy Gaylor, Daniel Gildner, Kyle Griffin, Ryan Johnson, Anna Kluck, Aaron Knowlton, Allyssa Mazur-Batistoni, Dayno McIntyre, Stephanie Morris, Michael Puskar, Riley Sackett (also soccer), Tiffany Turner; volleyball, Casey Donovan*, Caressa Graves, Kayla Ortega, Ginger Pearson, Samantha Rubick, Jenna Vierk, Lindsey Weisler; football, Eric Dougherty, Neil Kuisell, Bryn Ludlow*, Alec Mihm, Zachary Nolan*, Eric Rieves, Adam Schroeder, Bradley Whittaker; soccer, Alexander Henson*, Nathaniel Herr*, Nathan Kolvek, Clayton Tomczyk*; golf, Emily Hilgendorf*; tennis, Nicholas Karava, Ian Komisak, Aaron Marietta, Bradley McCully, Henry Peabody, Jeffrey Tencza, Justin Townsend, Anthony Wagner. *Denotes All-League in sport played.

Lapeer West: Swim/Dive team, Lauren Barnes, Lindsey Buzzell; golf, Catherine Benscoter*, Lindsay Yateman; tennis, Eric Birkle, Jarrett Peplinski, Brian Stover; Boys/Girls Cross Country, Gina Cavanaugh, Megan Hurst, Patrick Martindale, Emily Nugent, Victoria Peet*, Haley Schroeder*, Aidan Smith; soccer, Matt Cox*, Brad Deane*, Scott Essenmacher, Johnny Kovalick, Nate Richards; football, Josh Francis, Dan Holbrook*, Kevin Roach*, Ken Smith, Nate Smith*, Brandon Szczesny*; volleyball, Elizabeth Gupton, Marisa Liburdi, Michelle Miller, Maddison Smith, Lindsay Thams*, Janelle VanWagoner. *Denotes All-League in sport played.

Flint Metro League announces All-League selections, many from Lapeer East, Lapeer West

Flint Metro League – All League selections

Lapeer East

Boys’ soccer: First team, Ethan Konschuh; second team, Clayton Tomczyk, Nate Herr, Alex Zavislak; honorable mention, Alex Henson, Phil Smith.

Football: First team offense, Sebashton Sullivan, Payton McCallum; first team defense, Anthony Hunt, Payton McCallum, Mike Sawchuk; second team offense, Bryn Ludlow, Anthony Hunt; second team defense, Isaac Joseph; honorable mention, Justin Hanson, Isaac Joseph (kicker), Zach Nolan.

Girls Cross Country: First team, Jenni Putz; honorable mention, Hillary Davlin, Alexis Whatcott, Arian Donahue.

Girls Golf: First team, Kelsey Robinson, Keely Turczyn; honorable mention, Emily Hilgendorf.

Volleyball: First team, Casey Donovan, Ellery Owen; second team, Devon Benner; honorable mention, Lisa Dinsmore, Sam Kazor.

Lapeer West

Boys’ soccer: Honorable mention, Josh Cebelak, Matt Cox, Brad Deane, Zach O’Brien.

Football: First team offense, Nate Smith, Tyler Andrews, Cody Ellsworth, Kevin Roach; first team defense, Kyle Bannister, Brandon Szczesny, Preston Haggadone, Jake Fenslau, second team offense, Jake Fenslau, Landon Warren; second team defense, David Price, Justin Slater; honorable mention, Dan Holbrook, Lance Machiniak, Dustin Masha, David Price, Dan Raymond, Aaron Seacrest, Nate Smith(defensive back).

Girls’ cross country: First team, Tori Peet; second team, Hayley Schroeder.

Girls’ Golf: Catherine Benscoter, Kim Brown; honorable mention, Elizabeth Rodela, Lauren Weeks.

Volleyball: Second team, Lindsay Thams; honorable mention, Jessica Eckel.

Combined Lapeer East/Lapeer West Swim/Dive Team

Second team: 200IM, Emily Shallman (East); 100 Butterfly, Emily Shallman; 400-yard freestyle relay, Emily Shallman, Lori Noelle (West), Katherine Baeckeroot (East), and Emily Corriveau (East); third team, 500-yard freestyle, Katherine Baeckeroot; 200-yard freestyle relay, Emily Shallman, Sarah Crittenden (East), Gabby Ralston (East), and Emily Corriveau; 100-yard breaststroke, Emily Corriveau.

Congratulations to all these fine athletes

Lapeer West's Mike Ogg named "Girls' Golf Coach of the Year" by The Flint Journal

Lapeer West teacher and coach Mike Ogg was named Girls’ Golf Coach of the Year by the Flint Journal on December 6th.

Ogg led the Lapeer West girls’ golf team to an undefeated, first place finish in the Metro League and to the State Finals and a 7th place finish there in 2009.

In 1978, Ogg began teaching in New Lothrop and coached football, volleyball, basketball and baseball at New Lothrop until 1985. From 1985 to 1998 Ogg worked at General Motors, but still coached 8th grade softball for three years during that period.

In 1998, Ogg resumed his teaching career at Lapeer Community Schools. He also coached freshman volleyball at Powers Catholic for one year.

In his coaching career at Lapeer Community Schools, Ogg has coached 8th grade girls’ basketball (5 years); girls’ softball (4 years); and varsity girls’ golf (7 years).

In total, Ogg has coached 55 teams in seven sports, including 40 teams from 8th grade to seniors in high school.

“Lapeer West is very proud to have Mike as part of our coaching staff,” said assistant principal and athletic director Mary Haslinger. “He is a dedicated coach who is able to bring out the best in his athletes.”

Lapeer staff, students and families chip in to make holidays brighter for many local residents

Lapeer County families in need were the recipients of thousands of food, gift and clothing donations this holiday season from the Lapeer Community Schools family.

Schools throughout the District sponsored Goodfellows food drives in November and early December. Not all kept exact records of donations, but a few examples show the generosity of the students, the students’ families and staff.

Most of the Goodfellows non-perishable food and paper products come from donations from the Lapeer schools and this year’s result was larger than the 2008 drive, said Karen Rykhus, Goodfellows president.

“We were able to help more than 200 Lapeer County families,” Mrs. Rykhus said. “They did an awesome job. They came through like gangbusters.”

Lapeer East and Lapeer West each collected more than 2,800 individual food donations for a total of more than 5,700 donations.

Students and staff at Lapeer West also helped a number of families with gifts through a “Giving Tree” effort.

A Toys for Tots effort at Lapeer East collected more than 650 toys, the best in the school’s history. All are destined for Lapeer County children. East National Honor Society students also helped with the packing of the food for distribution.

In addition to the Goodfellows food drive, Zemmer Junior High School staff, students, parents and general contractor Barton Malow employees at the Rolland-Warner Middle School site, donated $2,200 through a “Penny War” to make Christmas a happy one for 11 children from four families. Student council shopped for the children and each family also received a gift card from Meijer.

Murphy Elementary School students collected 2,163 cans of food and the Murphy staff adopted several families.

The Murphy community also donated nearly 100 new and gently used coats. Students in one Murphy class made scarves for special needs students at the Lapeer County Intermediate School District Education and Technology Center.

At Lynch Elementary, 1,305 items were donated to the Goodfellows drive and three families were adopted. Student council also held a returnable can drive for another family and raised $52.

Students in one Lynch sixth grade classroom donated $5 each and purchased items off the giving tree. A retired teacher who now lives in a nursing home was also adopted by the Lynch staff and will enjoy a happy Christmas.

“This has been a very tough year for so many of our families,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “Once again the generosity of our staff, students and their families astounds me.”

Mayfield Elementary students and staff collected 1,099 items of food for Goodfellows and adopted a large family for donations of Christmas gifts.

Turrill Elementary students collected 1,745 cans of nonperishable items for the Goodfellows drive. The school has also started a fund, patterned after a similar one at Maple Grove Elementary School that helps families all year round.

Students at Elba-Seaton, Maple Grove and Schickler Elementary Schools also had successful Goodfellows drives, but totals were not available.

Staff at the Administration & Services Center adopted a family with a “Giving Tree” effort and supplied them with gifts, food and gift cards to brighten their season.

A couple of school support groups also kicked in with help for the community.

At the November luncheon, members of the Lapeer High School Alumni Association donated $540 to Goodfellows, $89 to Holiday Depot, donated six large black plastic bags full of toys, 43 grocery bags full of food and three large boxes and three large bags of new and gently used winter clothing, such as coats, hats, blankets, scarves, mittens and leggings.

A Craft Fair at Lapeer East in early December included a food drive for Kids In New Directions and visitors brought nearly ten boxes of donated food.

Transportation employees agree to wage concession, thanked by Superintendent

At the request of the Lapeer Community Schools Board of Education, the Lapeer Transportation Association, which represents the District’s 59 bus drivers, reopened their current Master Agreement and agreed to wage concessions that will save the District $37,000 this school year.

The revised agreement was ratified by the Association on Thursday, December 17 and approved by the Board of Education at a meeting also on Thursday, December 17.

The LTA agreed to a two percent wage reduction applied retroactive to July 1, 2009. The agreement also extends the current contract through June 30, 2011. The contract was set to expire this June.

A formula in the contract addresses any potential wage adjustments for the next school year, but most likely will result in a pay freeze due to Michigan’s current economic climate.

“We appreciate the LTA working with us during these difficult economic times,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “The union did not have to re-open the contract, but did so in the best interests of our District and the children it serves. It is a significant step that helps us address this year’s difficult budget.”

Elementary realignment, new boundaries discussed at Board of Education meeting

Only three percent of the District’s 2,900 elementary school students will be impacted by a proposed realignment of the District’s elementary schools boundaries for 2010.

With continued State funding cuts, the previous closings of Attica, Irwin and Hadley Elementary Schools, the future closing of Elba Elementary School in June and the opening of two new sixth, seventh and eighth grade middle schools, the need to realign and rebalance student population among the remaining buildings was a necessity.

In designing new bus routes and boundaries, the District’s elementary principals, central office administration and transportation department were able to keep all but 101 students within their current school boundaries.

Even with the realignment, there will be room for In-District Schools of Choice that will allow parents flexibility in keeping their students in a particular school even if it is outside the particular boundary for their children. In those cases parents will have to provide transportation to the selected school. There will also be room for Out-of-District Schools of Choice.

“We expect every student will be able to remain in his or her current school if parents choose Schools of Choice,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson.

“Our administration and transportation department should be commended for proposing boundaries that affect only three percent of our elementary population. Through Schools of Choice, all of our students have the opportunity to remain at the schools they now attend for the 2010-2011 school year,” said Board of Education President William Laidlaw. “This decision illustrates the District’s commitment to providing a stable learning environment for our students and families within the community.”

In January, all elementary parents will receive a letter about the changes and be invited to meetings where the changes will be discussed. The In-District Schools of Choice will open in February and close in March. Staffing for each school will be determined in March and tentative teaching assignments announced in April.

Lapeer East grad, Rebecca Spalding hits the 'big leagues' with new management position

A part-time college job at Chicago’s Soldier Field has led Rebecca Spalding, a 2003 Lapeer East High School graduate, into a big league stadium management career.

The daughter of Wanda and Rodger Spalding of Mayfield Township, Spalding went to the University of Illinois in Chicago after graduation. An English major with a Chemistry minor, Spalding was headed to a pre-med program when she started working part-time at Soldier Field in May 2006.

Her job then was in the suites department and involved stocking, cleaning and serving in two of the luxury boxes at the stadium during events and training new employees.

Ms. Spalding’s timing was pretty good as the Chicago Bears headed to two home playoff games and eventually went to the Super Bowl that year.

After her manager transferred to a different department, Ms. Spalding approached her general manager at Delaware North Companies Sportservice and was promoted to Suites coordinator at Soldier Field with the responsibility of overseeing the luxury boxes.

Sports and entertainment venues subcontract with Delaware North Companies Sportservice for their concessions, fine dining, Suite and retail operations. The company handles concession and food service for the Chicago White Sox, Comerica Park, the Milwaukee Brewers, Soldier Field, the Buffalo Bills and a number of national parks, among others.

As the Suites coordinator, Ms. Spalding was responsible for satisfying the special requests of 133 suite holders and gathering their game day food, beverage and retail orders. Some of those requests involve avoiding peanuts or other foods that suite holders have allergies to or accommodating high profile executives and celebrities.

Her performance at Soldier Field led to a promotion as Suites assistant manager and last July, she was promoted to Suites Manager at the New Target Field in Minneapolis, the new home of the Minnesota Twins.

“The strong relationships I made at Soldier Field definitely led me to where I am today,” said Ms. Spalding.

At the age of 24, Spalding is now the youngest Suites manager in the company and is responsible for creating the experience that the new Suite holders will have at the new field, which is currently under construction. The stadium officially opens for business with the 2010 Minnesota Twins baseball season.

“This is a great opportunity to work hard and excel. I’m really excited,” said Ms. Spalding. “I’m part of a fantastic organization, and I am able to build the entire Suites department by implementing ideas that I had while with the Bears.”

Creating the experience means she is responsible for hiring the 75-person staff, creating the menu, designing and buying uniforms, serving utensils, platters and more.

Ms. Spalding started her education in Lapeer at Lynch Elementary School in the second grade. She attended Zemmer Junior High School and then East.

Her love of sports comes naturally. At East she participated in tennis, competitive cheerleading, softball and track.

At East, she was a High Honors student and participated in the National Honor Society. She said her Advanced Placement courses and teachers at East well prepared her for her college courses.

East Assistant principal Joe Shoopman, who was one of Ms. Spalding’s English teachers when she was at East, Spanish teacher Duane Machesney and West principal Tim Zeeman, who also taught English at East, and Mrs. Sharon Namenye, who taught math, were among her favorite instructors.

In college, she saved her Spanish notes from Mr. Machesney and used them instead of the college materials she received to complete her Spanish courses at the University of Illinois.
“Mr. Machesney was a fantastic teacher,” Ms. Spalding said. “The teachers absolutely make a huge difference. The AP courses get you in the mindset for college.”

Her teachers remember her as well.

“Rebecca was always kind to her classmates and made East a better place with her smile and friendly nature,” said Mr. Shoopman. “Combine that with the fact that she worked incredibly hard, and the pieces were all in place. I know everyone at East is proud of her accomplishments, but I don’t think they come as a surprise. With some young people, you just know they have the right qualities to take them as far as they aspire. She’s definitely in that group.”

Although she loved Lapeer, she is a “City girl at heart,” she said.

Ms. Spalding has a sister, Melissa, who graduated from Lapeer East in 2002.

Handmade scarves, a gift from Murphy students to Lapeer Count ISD students

Second and third-graders in Mrs. Traci Chouinard's Murphy Elementary School classroom worked on scarves for special needs students at the Lapeer Intermediate School District's Education and Technology Center on Friday, December 11th.

Material for the hand made scarves were obtained by Mrs. Luann Best, who also volunteered to help students make them.

"We thank Mrs. Best very much," Said Mrs. Chouinard.

Additional photos are available at the District's photo gallery.

Suspicious incident prompts letter to elementary parents

The following letter is being sent home to parents with elementary school students. The information is also being provided to the high schools and junior high school.

December 16, 2009

Dear Parents,

The Lapeer County Sheriff’s Department has made us aware of a suspicious incident involving a Lynch Elementary School student waiting for a bus this morning, Wednesday, December 16, 2009, on Vernor Road.

A man driving a green Chevrolet four-wheel drive pick up truck with running lights on the roof and a long bed parked in the middle of the road and began talking to the girl about being out of fuel. When the father of the girl yelled at her to come back to the house the man jumped back in the truck and drove off west on Vernor Road.

The only other description of the man was that he was wearing a black baseball cap. The police were notified immediately.

In addition to a warning to children about the incident, we are asking if you have any information regarding this man or the vehicle that you contact Lapeer County Dispatch at (810) 667-0292.

We are committed to protecting our students and know that you, as parents, will continue to teach your children how to best protect themselves and seek assistance if necessary. Please reinforce with your children the lessons about interacting with strangers and, of course, immediately notify the police or sheriff’s deputies if you see or hear anything out of the ordinary.

Sincerely,

Debbie Thompson
Superintendent

Holiday hours set for Administration & Services Center

Holiday office hours for the Administration & Services Center, 250 Second Street, will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday December 21, Tuesday, December 22; and Wednesday, December 23. The offices will be closed on Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25.

The same hours will be in place for Monday, December 28, Tuesday, December 29 and Wednesday, December 30. The administration offices will be closed on Thursday, December 31 and Friday, January 1, 2010.

Regular office hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. will resume on Monday, January 4, 2010, the same day classes resume in the District from the holiday break.

Murphy students 'light up' Hadley

Murphy Elementary School students traveled to the Village of Hadley to help light up the Christmas tree at the old town hall. More photos are available at the photo gallery.

2005 Lapeer East grad, returns to help with East wrestling program as assistant coach

When Erik Hohenthaner graduated from Lapeer East in 2005 he left behind four school wrestling records. One of those records still stands.

As a high school athlete Hohenthaner lettered in four varsity sports; wrestling, football, baseball and tennis. He was recruited by more than 20 Division II schools for wrestling, but left high school feeling he had not accomplished all his goals. He was a State qualifier in wrestling.

As the new Lapeer East assistant wrestling coach Hohenthaner wants to make sure that doesn’t happen to other athletes.

“I wanted to come back and coach to help the kids get where they need to be and realize the potential that they have,” Hohenthaner said. “I didn’t accomplish the goals I set in high school, so I want to help these kids reach their goals and not feel unfulfilled like I do.”

Hohenthaner attended Lapeer Community Schools for his entire K-12 education, starting at Lynch Elementary School. He began wrestling at the age of seven.

Despite all the scholarship offers, Hohenthaner decided to wrestle at Mott Community College, but stopped after his freshman year. At Mott he was a qualifier for the National Collegiate Wrestling Association.

He left Mott to attend Michigan State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He currently is a sports writer for the View Newspapers in Lapeer.

Lapeer East, Lapeer West Choir members perform at Regionals, David Smith heads to State Honors Choir

Two Lapeer East choir members and two Lapeer West choir members competed at the Regional Honors Choir Concert in Grant, Michigan last weekend. One of the students, David Smith, a Lapeer West High School senior who sings with the Lapeer East High School choir, was selected as one of four tenors to sing in the Soprano/Alto/Tenor/Bass (SATB) Choir for State Honors Choir.

The State Honors Choir will perform at the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids in January. The two Lapeer West choir members who sang at the Regional competition were juniors Taylor Weir and Megan Fritz. In addition to David Smith from the Lapeer East choir, junior Haley Smith, David’s sister, also sang at the Regional event.

Lapeer East Concert Choir brightens annual LRMC volunteer luncheon

The Lapeer East Concert Choir performed at the Lapeer Regional Medical Center's Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, December 10, 2009. The choir gave the volunteers a preview of their holiday concert that will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, December 14th in the Lapeer East Auditorium. Click on photo to enlarge.

Maple Grove first-graders' creations to brighten holidays for hospital patients at LRMC

Students in Ms. Rose Rinke's first grade class at Maple Grove Elementary School get instructions on making special placemats for patients at Lapeer Regional Medical Center for the holidays. More photos are at the photo gallery.

Santa makes visit to Schickler fund raising dinner

Santa Claus showed up at the Lapeer Burger King to talk to children during the fund raising dinner there Tuesday, December 8, 2009. A portion of the proceeds from the dinner were donated back to Schickler. More pictures of the event are at the photo gallery.

Schickler singers present "Spotlight on Schickler"

A great holiday event was presented Monday, December 7, 2009 at Schickler Elementary School. Students entertained parents and friends with "Spotlight on Schickler." Plenty of singing and dancing kept everyone entertained. More photos at the photo gallery.

Lapeer East Craft Fair and food drive a success

The Lapeer East Althletic Boosters enjoyed a successful Craft Fair and Food Drive. Free raffle tickets were given to visitors who brought a non-perishable item with them to the event. More pictures are available at the photo gallery.

Lynch students present "Snow Day"

Parents and friends of Lynch Elementary School students were treated to a musical event called "Snow Day" Thursday, December 3, 2009. For more photos of the event go to the District's photo gallery.

Murphy Students light up Metamora tree

On Friday, December 4, students from Murphy Elementary School traveled to the Village of Metamora to sing and celebrate the lighting of the Christmas tree. More photos can be found on at the photo gallery.

Lapeer students perform at Polar Palace Ice & Fashion show to benefit Toys For Tots

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Holiday Ice & Fashion Show for Charity includes Local Talents

Lapeer, MI -- The Polar Palace in Lapeer, MI will be taking the community on
an unforgettable "ice" journey to the North Pole on its very own "Polar Palace Express." Not only skaters from the Lapeer Skating School, but a variety of local talents will take to the ice with music and fashion on Sunday, December 20 from 1:00pm-2:30pm with proceeds to benefit our local Marine's Toys For Tots Foundation.

No stranger to the community, Dave Kennedy will be the "Conductor" on this unforgettable ice journey to the North Pole. "Dave is the voice of the show," stated Karen Lemieux, Learn-to-Skate Instructor. "The community may remember Dave from Pix Theaters' Oklahoma when he portrayed Jud Fry." Kennedy is not only a very talented writer and entertainer, but an extraordinary singer as well. Kennedy is a wonderful asset to helping take this ice show to a whole new level with a bit of theater and vocals.

Joining Kennedy will be Tara Lemieux, a 12-year old attending Roland Warner Middle School, who will blend vocals and skating into a special performance titled, "The Man with the Bag." At one stop, the train comes across another new and wonderful thing to look at and listen to, featuring a Mother - Daughter performance titled, "Silver Bells." Annie Petersmark, a fellow Roland Warner student of Lemieux, will skate to live music performed by her Mother, Susan Wizinsky, a freelance cellist and a member of the Lapeer Symphony Orchestra.

Erica Miller, a Lapeer West High School Junior, will take to the ice with several special skating performances including a heart touching skate to "Christmas Shoes." Additional skating performers and/or skating "models" from the Lapeer and surrounding communities include Elaina Wizinsky, Emma Waatti, Josie Roberts, Katie Evans, Sarah Evans, Kacie Davis, Megan Conlon, Jacob Garris, Jade Garris, Faith Garten, Michael Garten, Claire Trombley, Jenna Ulrich, Olivia Colpean, Leah Peraino, Benjamin Colpean, Jake Austin, Kirsten Bowen, Nicholas Mozola, Brandon Bicknell, Crosby Wildfong, Steven Kennedy, Samantha Baalerud, Renee Fromwiller and Lizzy Anderson. "It is with such talents and community support that we can bring The Polar Palace Express story to life," stated Lemieux.

Upon arriving, the North Pole, our skaters encounter stores…several stores. As everyone listens to Lemieux's stylish singing of “All I Want for Christmas is Clothes,” skaters will impress the audience with the latest winter collections from Fashion Bug, rue21 and Walmart. "The community support for this charitable ice and fashion show has been unbelievable," stated Wayne Alexander, General Manager. "I was thrilled to learn that several Lapeer East Hockey players wanted to take part as well." Amongst the skating "models" sporting the Men's Collections, from rue21, include Steve Tadazak, Kenny Pekala, Jared Ross, Adam Schroeder, Nate Herr, Grant Masters and Alex Hart.

To help skaters in becoming "runway models on ice," local modeling agency, Models & Co., has agreed to offer some tips in fashion and modeling. Models & Co. is a full service modeling agency and training facility. Established in 1999, the agency has grown to be the leading Agency in the area.

"Well, are you coming?" Admission to the show is a new, unwrapped toy (minimum value $5.00) or a $5.00 entrance fee, per family, at the door. Upon arriving, you will be greeted with the sweet sounds of carolers (Murphy Elementary School students) and the smell of hot chocolate and fresh baked goods.

One-dollar raffle tickets will also be available for your chance to win a merchandise gift card from Fashion Bug and rue21, 4 passes for a 14-mile excursion train ride from the Coopersville & Marne Railway in 2010, several children's outfits from Walmart just in time for "dressing in style" this holiday season, free passes to the Lapeer Community Center and many more.

The Polar Palace hopes to make this a memorable, and perhaps an annual, event in an effort to raising vital funds and the collecting of toys for a worthwhile local charity.

For additional information on the Charitable Ice and Fashion Show, please contact the Polar Palace Office via 810-245-7778 or email klemieux@polarpalace.com.

Videos: 2009 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor Ceremony

The 2009 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor Ceremony (edited)



Direct link to the School Tube video (full size).


This is the montage video for the four 2009 Distinguished Hall of Honor inductees



Direct link to School Tube for the video.

Board approves resolution for State demanding school funding issues be addressed

A strongly worded resolution demanding State leaders put in place a “fair and equitable” funding plan to finance Michigan’s educational system was passed unanimously by the Lapeer Board of Education Thursday, December 3.

The resolution called for the Board to do a complete evaluation of the State’s financial process and establish a fair method to tax citizens for needed services.

Additionally, the resolution demanded that the State establish a funding system that is in place before school districts must set their annual budgets on July 1st of each year.

The resolution is in response to the State’s recent record of passing along budget decreases long after the State required budget decisions are made by local public school districts.

“The long-term economic health of our state, and opportunity for our citizens is conditioned on meaningful structural reform to provide stable and fair funding for education,” the resolution said in part.

On July 1, the Lapeer Board of Education approved a balanced $56.2 million budget based on State funding projections at that time. To balance that budget the District used $1.2 million from its savings account to off set the projected loss of State money.

In mid-October after missing its own September 30 budget deadline, the State Legislature adopted a budget that cut $165 per student from those projections causing a shortfall of $1 million in the District’s budget. And beyond that, the governor added a $127 cut for an additional deficit of about $800,000, which is scheduled to take effect later this month.

“It is time for State leaders to put aside politics and deal with an issue that has long term consequences for the State’s most valuable resource, its children,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson.

Complete text of the resolution follows:

WHEREAS, education is the cornerstone of a successful economic turnaround and investment in education is the key to a new Michigan; and

WHEREAS, the children of Michigan deserve educational opportunities that allow them to compete on a national and international basis; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative to combine needed investments in education with meaningful, money-saving reforms in the delivery of educational programs; and

WHEREAS, the long-term economic health of our state, and opportunity for our citizens is conditioned on meaningful structural reform to provide stable and fair funding for education; and

WHEREAS, given the crippling effects on our citizens and our educational institutions of continuing short-term, temporary measures and budget impasses over education funding.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of Lapeer Community Schools demands that the governor and legislators make a commitment to this State and to the citizens to make the necessary budget decisions that allow for the education of our children;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Education of Lapeer Community Schools demands that the governor and legislators do a complete evaluation of the State’s financial processes and create a financial system that funds the educational system in a fair and equitable manner. This system should ensure that the educational budget is in place prior to the start of the district’s fiscal year. Further, we urge the governor and legislators to review processes for funding of this State’s needs and to explore all options to stabilize the State revenues and to establish a fair method to tax citizens for needed services. This Board holds the governor and legislators responsible for creating these processes in a timely manner.
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Zemmer Junior High School renamed officially to Zemmer Middle School

Zemmer Junior High School officially became Zemmer Middle School in a vote by the Lapeer Board of Education Thursday night.
Opened as Zemmer Junior High School in October 1969, the school is currently undergoing a major renovation to convert it into a 21st Century Middle School. Voters approved a bond in May 2007 that financed the construction of Rolland-Warner Middle School, Zemmer Middle School, District wide technology improvements and other facility improvements.

A ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony is planned for late summer 2010 with the first classes in the new school to begin in September 2010.

Accreditation team to visit Lapeer East

A Quality Assurance Review team from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement will be at Lapeer East High School on Thursday, December 10th and Friday, December 11th for a visit.

The review at East is part of the ongoing process of the continued accreditation of all three District high schools.

A five-year review is required for continued accreditation, something that Lapeer East has had since its opening in January 1976.

Lapeer East has identified as goals the improvement of writing skills and reading and analytical thinking proficiency.

The review calls for an intensive examination of school records and interviews to confirm that the school is working towards the seven standards of the NCA and East’s own goals.

The seven standards of NCA are: Vision and Purpose; Governance and Leadership; Documenting and Using Results; Resource and Support Systems; Stakeholder Communications and Relationships; and a Commitment to Continuous Improvement.

“We look forward to the visit of the Quality Assurance Review team,” said Principal Kelly Paige. “We believe the NCA accreditation process helps keep us focused on providing an outstanding secondary education for our students.”

Lapeer West, Lapeer East host major fund raising events on Saturday, December 5th

Here are a couple high school fund raising events to fill up your Saturday. (Photo by Julie Fernandez, click to enlarge)

Lapeer West

A night of fun and music provided by the popular local band “Eddie West” will help raise money needed to send the Lapeer West High School Symphony Band to the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids in January will be held this Saturday, December 5th. The West band is only one of four high schools in the State chosen to play at the conference.

Cost for the trip, which includes busing, meals, programs and lodging for 72 students is estimated at about $25,000. A series of fund-raisers are being held to defray student costs.

The “Eddie West” benefit will be at the Lapeer Country Club from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. There will be a silent auction and snacks will be provided. Tickets are $10 per person. All money raised at the event will benefit the trip. Tickets are on sale at the Lapeer West High School office or by contacting Mary Nugent at at (248) 515-9904 or mnugent@lapeerwestmusic.org.

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Lapeer East

The Lapeer East High School Athletic Boosters Annual Craft and Bake Show and food drive is this Saturday, December 5th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the high school, 933 S. Saginaw Street.

The show is free to the public and concessions will be sold on site. The boosters are also seeking donated items for a raffle to be held during the show.

Customers attending the craft and bake show will be given a free raffle ticket for any non-perishable item donated to the food drive. Food collected will be given to KIND, Kids in New Directions.

Zemmer Middle School construction progress update - Photos from December 2

New photos of the ongoing work at the future Zemmer Middle School were taken on Wednesday, December 2nd and are available for viewing at the District photo gallery.

Follow up to suspicious vehicle at school on Thursday

The issue regarding the suspicious person at one of our schools yesterday turned out not to be a threat. The following letter was sent home to parents today from the Superintendent:

"November 20, 2009


Dear Parent/Guardian:

A report about a suspicious person and vehicle at one of our schools yesterday, that we reported to you in a letter sent home with your child, turned out not to be a threat to students. The circumstances surrounding this incident present an important lesson for all of us.

As it turned out the woman and vehicle involved in the incident was a parent of a student trying to contact her child during the school day. As soon as she heard about the incident she reported that she was the “suspicious” person to the principal.

We are grateful that the incident was not one that presented a threat to our students, but it does reinforce the rules for contacting your child at school during the school day.

If a need arises that causes a parent or guardian to visit a child in one of our schools it is required that the contact be made through the school office. The reasons for this are obvious, and ones that I’m sure all of our parents and guardians can appreciate.

Anytime there is an attempt to contact children, other than through the office, our staff has been directed to call the police and make a report. We are pleased that the staff at the school reacted in a quick and responsible way to ensure the safety of the students.

Sincerely,


Debbie Thompson
Superintendent"

Schickler family hosts night with "Santa" at Burger King

There’ll be no pouting or crying for Schickler students, their families and supporters as Santa Claus is making an early trip south to visit with students and staff at the Lapeer Burger King on Tuesday, December 8th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. leaving the elves in charge at the North Pole for a night.

Sponsored by Burger King and the Parent Teacher Organization of Schickler Elementary School children are encouraged to bring wish lists and letters to Santa and come eat dinner with the staff and students.

Depending on participation at the dinner, Schickler will earn up to 20 percent of the dinner receipts for school events.

“We want to give Santa a “Whopper” of a Schickler welcome to the Burger King in Lapeer,” said parent Wendy McCord.

Lapeer East students to be chosen for U.S. Ed Department long range high school, career study

A select number of Lapeer East High School students will be tracked through high school and beyond through a program by the U.S. Department of Education as part of a High School Longitudinal Study.

Lapeer East High School is among 940 high schools nationwide, selected at random, for the study of 24,000 current high school students.

The study plans to follow these students through high school, into college and beyond into careers to measure achievement and the various influences that bear on the plans and decision-making of high school students.

Students will be asked to spend about 90 minutes filling out a background questionnaire and taking a math test at school.

Names and addresses of the participants, who will be contacted by the U.S. Department of Education, will not be made public and participation is voluntary.

Students who agree to participate will receive a clear backpack filled with educational items.

New text message program includes school closings, emergencies

The Lapeer Community Schools has established, and tested, a new telephone text program that will allow the District to send emergency or school closing information via a text message to individual cellular phones. People interested in receiving school closing or other emergency messages via a text message, please e-mail Communications Specialist Jim Smith with your name, cell phone number and the company you use (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, Nextel, etc.) at jimsmith@lapeerschools.org. Certain pre-paid cell phones are not accessible to the system at this time.

The anticipation is that a great number of people may want this service so please give allow a week or so to get all the numbers entered into the system.

Two former Lapeer East Eagles making a mark in collegiate soccer

The County Press has a nice story on two Lapeer East High School grads, Kristen Tomczyk, Class of 2009, and Haley Weingartz, Class of 2007, and their collegiate soccer accomplishments.

Lapeer West students to pump gas for Project Graduation fund-raiser

Lapeer West students working on Project Graduation will be pumping gas at three area gas stations on Friday, November 27th (Day after Thanksgiving) as a fund-raiser. Motorists can sit in their cars and get fueled the old fashioned way between 7 a.m. and Noon on that day. The students will be at the Pine Knob station at Pratt Road and M-24; at the Sunoco station at Clark and M-21 (Genesee Street); and at the Clark station next to the railroad tracks on M-24.

Free after school golf lessons offered to Lapeer East High School students

Lapeer East students interested in free golf lessons are invited to afternoon sessions with East girls’ golf coach Steve Stearns , Monday to Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., except for days there are staff or professional development meetings.

Students are encouraged to bring their own clubs but there are clubs for students who don’t have them. The lessons will continue until the weather turns better or through April, whichever comes first.

Lapeer students honored for achievement in Conservation poster contest

Lapeer East freshman Colin Robertson, who took first place in the 7th to 9th grade division, Turrill first-grader Hannah Hundt, who won in the kindergarten to first grade category and Maple Grove fifth-grader Mason Wnuk, are three of several Lapeer students honored for posters they entered in the 2009 Michigan Conservation District “Dig It! The Secrets of Soil” art contest.

Colin, Hannah and Mason’s posters will now move on to Statewide judging. Winners at the State contest will go on to compete nationally.

(Lapeer East photo caption: (Left to right) Payton Holden, Colin Robertson, Ryan Shoults, Julian Hicks, Jennifer Mausolf; and Whitney Lee.)

Student artists were required to us the “Dig It! The Secrets of Soil” and design artwork around the subject for the poster.

Lapeer East students recognized for their artwork were Julian Hicks (10th grade, Honorable Mention); Payton Holden (8th grade, Honorable Mention); Whitney Lee (10th grade, Honorable Mention); Jennifer Mausolf (9th grade, Honorable Mention); Colin Robertson (9th grade, First Place); and Ryan Shoults (12th grade, Third Place).

Also honored were six District elementary students. In addition to Hannah Hundt at Turrill, other Turrill students honored were: First-grader Auston Kornacki, Second Place; first-grader Morgan Putnam, Third Place and third-grader Marshall Umsted, Third Place; in addition to Mason Wnuk at Maple Grove, sixth-grader Clay Smith, Second Place, was honored.

Students were judged in grade categories of K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. First place winners received a t-shirt and first, second and third place finishers received ribbons.

Judging was based on the conservation message, visual effectiveness, originality and universal appeal.

Lapeer East volleyball run ends in quarterfinals

It was a great run, but the Lapeer East Eagles volleyball team lost to Farmington Hills Mercy 3-1 in a quarterfinals match at Fenton High School.

Congratulations to the Eagles for a fine season.

Are you ready for L-o-t-z-a P-a-s-t-a? Popular Murphy all-you-can-eat fund raiser is Friday

Murphy Elementary PTC will be hosting our annual all-you-can-eat pasta dinner on Friday, November 20th from 4:30-7:30 PM in the gymnasium at Murphy School on Pratt Road. Many items donated from local businesses & merchants will be raffled off. There will also be a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing.

The PTC is trying to raise money to fund projects for the school. Monies raised will provide assemblies, busing for field trips, classroom allowances, student scholarships, science and art fair awards, scholastic learning magazines and equipment for our students throughout the school year.

A successful dinner will allow us to eliminate some of the door-to-door sales that we ask of our Murphy Families and will provide needed items for our students. This will also give our parent’s pocketbook a much-needed break, as well as bringing the community together for a fun night out.

Our dinner will be catered by Italia Gardens and will include all-you-can-eat mostaccioli (with sauce or buttered), salad, bread, beverage and dessert. Pre-pay tickets are $7 for adults $5 for kids and 3 and under is free. Tickets sold at the door are $9 for adults and $7 for kids. If you’re in a hurry or too tired to get out of your car, a drive-up carry out is available again this year. All raffle tickets will be available that night. Everyone is welcome! You can click on “School Events” on the Murphy Elementary page at http://www.lapeerschools.org/ for more information.

Please join us for Lotza Fun, Lotza Pasta and Lotza Prizes! Come hungry and help us support our school!

For tickets or more information contact: Debbie Bridges at 810-441-3023 or Alysia Easton at 810-797-2046

"Eddie West" performance to benefit the Lapeer West Symphony Band trip to Grand Rapids

A night of fun and music provided by the popular local band “Eddie West” will help raise money needed to send the Lapeer West High School Symphony Band to the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids in January. (Photo credit: Julie Fernandez. Click on photo to enlarge)

Lapeer West was one of only four high school bands in Michigan selected to perform this year. The selection marks the fifth time in 31 years that Lapeer West Symphony Band was selected for this honor.

Every year more than 2,000 music educators, public and collegiate, attend the conference. To be selected the West band had to submit an application and a live recording of the ensemble. A selection committee reviews the applications and recordings and selects only the most outstanding ensembles to showcase at the conference.

Cost for the trip, which includes busing, meals, programs and lodging for 72 students is estimated at about $25,000. A series of fund-raisers are being held to defray student costs.

“The students have achieved this honor through hard work and discipline,” said West Band Director Daniel Hundt. “They have represented our schools and community at the very highest level.”

The Symphony Band is scheduled to perform from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on Friday, January 22nd in the DeVos Place Performance Hall in Grand Rapids.

The “Eddie West” benefit will be at the Lapeer Country Club from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2009. There will be a silent auction and snacks will be provided. Tickets are $10 per person. All money raised at the event will benefit the trip. Tickets are on sale at the Lapeer West High School office or by contacting Mary Nugent at at (248) 515-9904 or mnugent@lapeerwestmusic.org.

Special thanks to the Lapeer Optimist, Kiwanis, and Sunrise Kiwanis Clubs for their generous donations. We also wish to thank Mary Sue Weber for club contact information.

Anyone wishing to make a donation for the trip may call Mr. Hundt at (810) 656-3368.

Homework help from the Family Literacy Center

Is homework a nightly battle at your house? Do you and your child end up yelling at each other while nothing gets done? What happens if you say you are taking away a treasured electronic toy? Does being grounded change behavior?

If any of these sounds like a regular occurrence in your home you need the relief that only “Tutoring Made Easy” can provide! Find out what you can do to end this struggle between you and your child! Enroll in Family Literacy Center’s FREE workshop for parents and caregivers!

Friday, December 4
9:00-3:30
Mott College Campus Lapeer, Room 206.

Lunch and all materials are provided. Registration is required. Adults only, please. To register contact Family Literacy Center at 810-664-2737 or ican@readlapeer.org.

Visit Family Literacy Center on the web at www.readlapeer.org. Family Literacy Center and the Lapeer District Library are Partners for Literacy in Lapeer County.

Canada geese flock to Administration field

The new 'green' field behind the Lapeer Community Schools' Administration and Services Center building is apparently on the flight path for migrating Canada geese.

On Wednesday, November 11th, a major flock of geese flew in to visit. The field is also the underground home of the geo thermal system that heats and cools the A&SC.

Zemmer Middle School construction advances

Work on Zemmer Middle School is continuing at a good pace and we have put up some new photos of the construction on the photo gallery.

Please come back often to look over our shoulder and see the ongoing construction work on the school. (Photo: sixth grade classroom wing)

Lapeer East volleyball team wins Regional

The Lapeer East High School varsity volleyball squad won its first Regional title since 2001 in defeating Flushing on Thursday night, November 12th.

Game story.

East will play in the state quarterfinals at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Fenton against Farmington Hills Mercy.

Lapeer East Halloween Concert: Four parts

Part I (or click on the links beneath each video to access the full sized video on SchoolTube.com)



School Tube Link

Part II



School Tube Link

Part III



School Tube Link

Part IV



School Tube Link.


Enjoy!

Mayfield Elementary students honor vets

A long standing tradition at Mayfield Elementary School continued Wednesday with a solemn flag-raising ceremony to honor veterans.

Members of American Legion Post No. 16 of Lapeer were on hand to participate in morning flag raising ceremonies.

Additional photos of the event are on the District's photo gallery.

Website back up

The Lapeer Community Schools website is back up. We are still working to restore some lost information, but most of the links are now active.

Thank you for your patience.

Four officially inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor

With proud family and friends looking on, a former Lapeer high school teacher, a college professor and author, a U.S. Army marksman and a newspaper man and author were inducted into the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor at a ceremony at Lapeer East on Sunday, November 8th.

(Photo caption: Left to right, Mrs. Susan Rydell, daughter of the late John M. Carlisle, Class of 1922; Michael A. White, Class of 1966; Ray Hile, brother of the late Barbara Hile, Class of 1952; and Joe Irgang, nephew of Dr. Frank J. Irgang, Class of 1939.)

The late John M. Carlisle, Class of 1922, a Detroit News reporter; Frank J. Irgang, Class of 1939, a decorated World War II veteran and professor and later chairman of the Industrial Arts Department of San Diego State University; the late Barbara J. Hile, Class of 1952, a distinguished Army sharpshooter and the first, and only, woman member of the United States Army Rifle Team; and Michael A. White, Class of 1966, a retired Lapeer East High School teacher, member of the Lapeer County Sheriff’s Department Marine Division and Emergency Medical Specialist with the Lapeer Area Ambulance Company, were selected this summer for the honor.

The four were honored for their personal achievements and the role models they have provided to young people in their lives.

Photos of the ceremony are at the District's photo gallery.

Two former Lapeer East High School girl sports stars keeping it going in college

Lapeer East 2009 graduate Lauren Kobylik joins former East soccer stand-out Holly Joseph on the Notre Dame College's soccer team in South Euclid, Ohio.

The LA View has a complete wrap-up here.

Website down: Repairs underway

In case you have been unsuccessfully trying to access the District's website it is currently down due to technical difficulties. We are working on the situation and hope to have it back up soon.

Thanks for your patience.

The Lapeer Swim and Dive Team places third at FML meet, qualifies two for State Finals

The combined Lapeer Swim Team finished third at the Flint Metro League meet Saturday. Two Lapeer swim and dive team members qualified to compete at either the regional or State Finals later this month.

Complete Lapeer results are available at Mlive.com.

Lauren Barnes qualified for diving regionals and Emily Shallman qualified for 2 individual events at the State meet (100 fly & 100 Free) based on her times at the FML meet.

Coach Pat Thomas provided the following results from the Flint Metro League meet:

200 medlay relay
4th place 2:13.27 Sarah Crittenden, Gabby Ralston, Lauren Barnes, Lori Noelle

200 free:
5th place 2:17/07 Katherine Baeckeroot 12th grade
8th place 2:21.74 Gabby Ralston 12th grade
12th place 2:27.86 Megan Verbeke 9th grade

200 Individual Medlay:
2nd place 2:19.53 Emily Shallman 9th grade
6th place 2:35.70 Emily Corriveau 10th grade

50 free:
13th place 29.03 Lori Noelle 9th grade

Diving:
6th place 215.05 pts. Lauren Barnes 12th grade (Qualified her for regionals for the third time in 4 years)

100 butterfly:
2nd place 59.78 (state cut time) Emily Shallman 9th grade
7th place 1.13.97 Sarah Crittenden 10th grade

100 free:
9th place 1.02.27 Lori Noelle 9th grade

500 free:
3rd place 6.06.14 Katherine Baeckeroot 12th grade
7th place 6.35.73 Lauren Barnes 12th grade
9th place 6.33.50 Megan Verbeke 9th grade

200 free relay:
3rd place 1:50.37 Team members were:
Emily Shallman, Sarah Crittenden, Gabby Ralston, Emily Corriveau

100 back stroke:
9th place 1:18.73 Sarah Crittenden 10th grade
13th place 1:23.63 Mariah Brennan 11th grade

100 breast stroke:
3rd place 1:16.62 Emily Corriveau 10th grade
4th Place 1:20.16 Gabby Ralston 12th grade
15th place 1:31.71 Lindsay Kile 10th grade

400 free relay:
2nd place 4:04.53 Team members were:
Emily Shallman (with a lead-off State time cut of 55.83), Lori Noelle, Katherine Baeckeroot, Emily Corriveau

The team totals were:
Fenton 610
Oxford 335
Lapeer 295
Holly 263
Brandon 256
Sw Ck 138
Kearsly/Clio 125

Lapeer East girls cross country team, West runners post good individual scores at State Meet

The Lapeer East High School girls' cross country team, who made the State Finals for the first time ever as a team, finished 27th in Division 2, but posted some good individual scores at the meet.

Two Lapeer West girls cross country runners, who qualified as individuals, also posted good times in the State Finals held Saturday at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan.

Here are the local runners, times and place of finish:

Lapeer East: Ariana Donahue, 21:39.6, 170; Jamie Caminiti, 21:43.4, 175; Hillary Davlin, 21:44.2, 176; Alexis Whatcott, 21:56.4, 198; Katie Davis, 22:37.1, 220; Dayna McIntyre, 22:57.5, 227; Allyssa Mazur-Batistoni, 23:14.3, 234.

Lapeer West: Tori Peet, 20:35.1, 86; Hayley Schroeder, Lapeer West 21:03.0; 126.

Lapeer East High School volleyball team wins District title in victory over Kearsley High

For the first time since 2005, the Lapeer East High School volleyball team has captured the District volleyball title with a 3-0 win over Flint Kearsley High School on Saturday. Game story.

The East volleyball team will meet Midland Dow in the Regional semi-finals at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10th at Owosso High School.

Lapeer West season ends in second round

In a hard fought game, Lapeer West fell 26-20 to Midland High School in its second round playoff game. Lapeer West finished 9-2, a great season.

Turrill Elementary School family dedicates "Hunter's Field" in memory of Hunter Felton

A new baseball backstop, benches and sign were dedicated Thursday, November 5th, in memory of Hunter Felton, a popular Turrill Elementary School student who passed away in 2007.

The new sign at the baseball diamond at Turrill Elementary School includes a picture of Hunter in his baseball outfit. Baseball was Hunter's passion.

At a presentation before the dedication, Parent Crystal Klebba presented a photo and remembrance album to Hunter's parents from Hunter's classmates. Crystal's son was a friend and classmate of Hunter's.

Local businesses that contributed to the new ball field and dedication ceremony were: Walmart, Kroger, Max’s Doughnuts, Past Tense, and Lapeer Rent All.

Hunter's mother, Sam Felton and Hunter's Dad, Rick Felton, expressed their appreciation for the efforts of many people to make the new baseball field a reality.

Photos: The sign with Hunter's picture and Hunter's parents watching blue and white balloons float into the sky after students released them when a ribbon was cut officially opening the field.

More photos of the dedication can be found on the District's photo gallery.

Lapeer firefighters visit Turrill Elementary bringing a tale of fire safety and escape tips

On Tuesday, November 3rd, several classes of students at Turrill Elementary School had the opportunity to get a fire safety lesson directly from the people who fight them.

In addition to the safety lesson, students had a chance to visit and climb on one of the Lapeer Fire Department's new fire engines.

Lapeer West High School featured on WNEM-TV 5's Cool School segment today

Some early rising Lapeer West students and faculty were featured on the WNEM, Channel 5's weekly "Cool School" segment today.

You can see the combined segments at this link.

More pictures of the event are at the District photo gallery.

Lapeer West's Catherine Benscoter named to First Team, All-State girls' golf squad

For the second straight season, Lapeer West High School’s standout golfer, Catherine Benscoter achieved 1st Team All-State honors in Girls Golf.

Catherine led the West team to an undefeated, first-place finish in the Flint Metro League, a first place at the State Regional Golf Tournament and a 7th place finish at the State Finals.

“I’m proud of Catherine and how hard she works at her game,” said head coach Mike Ogg. “She is a great competitor, a great student and a great person.”

Lapeer East girls' cross country team qualifies for State Finals at Michigan International Speedway

For the first time in the the history of Lapeer East High School, the girls’ cross country team has qualified for the State Meet at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday, November 7th.

The girls placed third at the Regional competition on Saturday, October 31st at Delta College. (Regional photos - East girls are in the center front - taken by Colleen Davlin)

Conditions at the Regional were less than ideal with high winds and rain, but the team fought through those conditions and worked towards the team focus of achieving a personal record at each race.

Although the sport often recognizes those who finish at the head of the pack, often forgotten is the contribution of those who also run and accumulate team points.

“We are proud of this team not only for its accomplishments on the course, but in school and in practice,” said head coach Duane Machesney.

Members of the team are: Jamie Caminiti, Hillary Davlin, Ariana Donahue, Allyssa Mazur-Batistoni, Dayna McIntyre, Jenni Putz and Alexis Whatcott. Mr. Machesney is assisted in his coaching duties by Ms. Noelle Grignani and Mr. Manny Schmitt.

Jenni Putz also qualified individually for the State Finals.

This from an anonymous parent about the girls' team:

"Lapeer East Girls Cross Country Team qualified to compete at the state meet, the first in the history of school. The team has had little press coverage, as there is no single runner on which the spotlight has shone. Yet, amid gale force winds and sputtering of rain, each girl ran her own race, as they have been trained to do. The focus of this unique set of coaches was to encourage each runner to achieve a PR (personal record) at each and every race. On Saturday Oct. 31, at Delta College, it paid off, as collectively the team qualified to compete at the State meet on Nov. 07 at Michigan Speedway.

The sole runner that qualified individually was not running at a varsity level, until the season was half over. The runner, who was the team’s first place runner in September, did not place first for the team, but she runs her own race every day. She runs a race against Cystic Fibrosis and on Saturday, she beat it again. You may recognize a face or two on this team, but it is not for their work on the trails, but for other sports that they are highly acclaimed for. They hold the team’s middle together and are willing to run mile after mile, in races and training, even if they don’t have the glory of scoring the winning goal.

Cross County may only be known for the individual competition at each race and the attention given to the few gazelles that that cross the finish line first. What may not be known is how the individual runners accumulate points for the team. Even less is known is the role that those runners who do not emerge in the front of the pack play for the team. This is a sport that fellow team mates encourage each other to never give up, as the last runner is cheered in and provide the statistics that they have also won, “a PR”. Cheers come from cross town rivals Lapeer West, as they all just keep running their own best race.

Good Luck to the team! Regardless of the outcome, they will take away a valuable life lesson that they have learn from their coaches. Life, like mile two of the race, can fill you with despair but if you keep running toward that PR, collectively you may be part of a greater accomplishment."

Flu information sent home to parents

The following letter will be sent home with students today:

Dear Parent/Guardian:

In the past week there has been extensive news coverage on the flu outbreak in Michigan and across the country. The district continues to work closely with the Lapeer County Health Department and I want to make you aware of what we are seeing here in Lapeer. Today we were notified that we do have an elementary student who is a confirmed case of H1N1.

While we have noted an increase in daily absences, the numbers remain well within the range that allows us to keep school buildings open. The health department reports that closing schools for short periods has done little to reduce the spread of the virus. According to the health department, almost all the cases reported have been relatively mild in nature and not unlike a normal flu season. In rare cases the flu does become serious. In most of these cases there have been other underlying health conditions, such as Asthma. If your child exhibits signs of the flu and has other underlying health conditions, you should consult with your doctor for advice.

Our custodians and staff have regularly been using disinfectants and other measures designed to prevent, as much as possible, the spread of the flu virus.

We continue to urge our staff and students to frequently wash hands, use hand sanitizers, and cough and sneeze in a way that minimizes the spread of the virus. It is important that students exhibiting signs of the flu, such as acute respiratory illness, a fever greater than 100 degrees and a cough or sore throat be kept home from school. Other symptoms may include a runny nose, overly tired, loss of appetite and in rare occasions, vomiting and diarrhea.

As we notified the public on August 20th, we have been asked by the Lapeer County Health Department to ask specific questions of parents when a student is called in absent due to illness. Students should not return to school until they have gone 24 hours without a fever and without taking any fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol (Do not give aspirin to children).

When you call to report a child’s absence you will be asked the following questions:

· Does the child have a fever? How high?
· Is the child sick to their stomach, in the bathroom a lot?
· Is the child congested, achy, feeling and acting droopy or sick?
· Has the child been around others with the same symptoms?

Sincerely,


Debbie Thompson
Superintendent

Lapeer West to host Midland in second round high school football playoff game

This information has been updated from a previous posting.

Following its convincing 14-0 victory over Bay City Western Friday, October 30th, Lapeer West will host Midland High School as its second round opponent on Friday, November 6th at 7 p.m.

Due to unplayable conditions at Lapeer West's home field the game will be played at the Davison High School football field, 1250 N. Oak Street in Davison (across from Davison High School).

Lapeer West shuts out Bay City Western to advance to second round of football playoffs

The Lapeer West Panthers shut out the Bay City Western Warriors to advance to the second round of the football playoffs. The final score was 14-0. All the scoring came in the first half on a sloppy field.

Box score.

Some photos.

Geo thermal heating and cooling saves money at new buildings at LCS

Green technology has reduced energy costs at one LCS building by an estimated 62 percent and combined future energy savings at two new middle schools are expected to save the equivalent of a teacher’s salary each year.

Geo thermal technology was installed into the Administration & Services Center when it was remodeled from an elementary school into the administration office in 2007.

A 12-month study showed that the cost of heating the new building was $16,000 or $0.62 per square foot. When it was an elementary school the annual cost was $41,800 or $1.61 per square foot.

The cost savings are more remarkable when you consider that the elementary school did not have air conditioning as the remodeled building has.

“We are projecting that the District will save approximately $40,000 each at Rolland-Warner and Zemmer Middle Schools each year compared to a conventional heating and cooling system,” said Dan Jerome, senior associate at French Associates, Inc., the District’s architect.

The system works by circulating a mixture of water and environmentally safe anti-freeze through pipes buried underground near each of the buildings. With a constant below ground temperature of 51 degrees the pipes and liquid serve as an effective climate exchanger for the buildings.

Maintenance is also simpler with no combustion flames, boilers or outdoor fans or compressors.

“In these tough economic times, it is critical that we save every dollar we can from areas that don’t directly impact on student education,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “We continue to seek ways to trim our budget without affecting the classroom.”