Rolland-Warner Middle School officially opened in ribbon-cutting, open house

The realization of the first half of the ‘dream’ of two new middle schools at the Lapeer Community Schools was celebrated by about 700 people at the ribbon-cutting and official opening of the new Rolland-Warner Middle School Thursday, August 27th.

(Photo: Mrs. Abi Warner and Mrs. Doris Rolland cut the ribbon officially opening the school) More photos available online at the photo gallery.

Rolland-Warner Middle School is the first of two remodeled and expanded buildings in the District financed through a May 2007 bond issue passed by the voters. The new middle school is the first large building project in the District since the completion of Lapeer East High School in 1976.

“Today we are celebrating part one of the middle school dream, the completion of the first middle school. The name chosen for this building is especially fitting as it recognizes the work of two long time Lapeer educators who set the path for us as we embark on this new era of education in Lapeer,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “It is our responsibility to carry forth, not only with beautiful school buildings, but with a quality educational program that serves as a spring board for future academic success.”

“Today is not only a special day for Lapeer Community Schools, but more importantly, it symbolizes what an entire community can accomplish when it works together for the common good of its people,” said Board of Education President William Laidlaw. “Strong communities revolve around its public school system and investments in their future. We should feel privileged to reside in a community that values education and invests in tomorrow’s leaders.”

Rolland-Warner was completely wired for 21st Century technology and includes state-of-the-art science and computer laboratories, as well as a new media center.

For the 2009-2010 school year, Rolland-Warner will be home to Zemmer Junior High School’s seventh grade students, as well as fifth and sixth graders from Murphy Elementary School.
With the completion next summer of the new Zemmer Middle School at the former junior high school site, the District will officially open two middle schools serving sixth, seventh and eighth grade students from the District.

WNEM - TV 5 had this short announcement.