'World class' program coming to Lapeer middle schools

“The Forgotten Middle” will be transformed into a solid bridge to the future in the Lapeer Community Schools.

Timed to launch with the start of the Fall 2010 semester at Rolland-Warner and Zemmer middle schools, the district will debut a new curriculum designed to better integrate grades six through eight into students’ academic and social preparation for graduation and college. The curriculum is designed to be a better bridge between state requirements for curriculum at the elementary and high school levels.

Lapeer Community Schools Superintendent Debbie Thompson called the initiative a “world class” addition to the district’s instructional program.

Members of a district-wide committee helping to shape the curriculum presented highlights of it to the Board of Education and public during a meeting at Schickler Elementary School on Thursday.

The plan focuses on a flexible core block of classes with a team approach. Teachers will share teams of 120-130 students and will work together to develop class schedules and address needs of their students.

The I-Connect component will allow time for students to talk to each other and a trusted adult about issues they might be facing outside of the classroom. It is designed to improve communication between students, teachers and parents.

Committee member and Zemmer at Rolland-Warner Acting Assistant Principal Merideth Collins said for many years middle school has “simply been tagged on” to the elementary and high school programs.

“While students have been taken care of on either side of the middle … we need to focus on what we will do for those kids while they are there in order to bridge that gap between early education and high school reform,” Collins said.

Collins said research has shown that building sustainable relationships with students in the middle school grades makes a significant contribution to their academic and social success.

“It gives them the skills and tools necessary to be successful during their high school years,”she said.

Committee member and Zemmer at Rolland-Warner Assistant Principal Joe Shoopman said it is important to develop strong relationships with students early to help them graduate and be successful in college.

“The path to graduation does not start in high school, it begins in kindergarten,” he said. “Current research suggests that when there are not behavior issues, when students are attending at 95 percent, that their chance of graduating at the end of 12th grade is tremendously improved.”

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Lapeer East athletes sign letters of intent

Lapeer East High School athletes Payton McCallum (Grand Valley State University) and Ellery Owen (St. Clair Community College) signed their letters of intent at a ceremony on February 3, 2010.

Two of Lapeer East High School’s standout athletes were praised Wednesday for their hard work in the classroom and in their sports when they signed commitment letters to colleges.

During signing ceremonies in the school’s Media Center, family, teammates and friends celebrated with Payton McCallum and Ellery Owen as they made their first steps into their college careers.

Payton, who played offense and defense for the Lapeer East High School varsity football team, signed to play at Grand Valley State University. Ellery accepted an offer to play for St. Clair Community College next year.

“These are two amazing student athletes who have done it in the classroom and on the court and field,” East Athletic director Sharon Miller said of the pair.

Payton said he is eager to begin college but doesn’t know if a career in the pros is in his future.

“But I would love it,” he said.

His East coach praised Payton’s dedication.

It’s a testament to his hard work that he is going there (to GVSU),” Coach Jake Weingartz said. “I’ll be very excited to watch him the next four years.”

Payton was named a First Team offense and defense player in the Flint Metro League and was named co-Most Valuable Player.

Ellery said she believes attending St. Clair Community College will be a good learning experience for her.

“It was my very biggest goal to go to a place like this (SCCC),” she said. “I love volleyball and it will be a great experience for me to meet new people.”

Her East coach said her performance lifted the entire team.

“Just her presence on the court made everyone around her better and made us a better team,” Coach Dan Purvis said. “She’s just a great kid.”

SCCC Coach Chuck Weisner said he is excited to have Ellery join his team.

“We’ve recruited very, very well this year,” Coach Weisner said. “ We’ve gotten the best kids from the area and Ellery is no exception.”

Ellery was a Flint Metro League First Team selection while at East.

Lapeer students to honor longtime teacher and coach David "KP" Kirkpatrick

For 30 years, Coach David “KP” Kirkpatrick was devoted to his students as a teacher, counselor and athletic coach.

Coach Kirkpatrick passed away last March after a battle with cancer, but his students have not forgotten the impact he made on their lives.

On Friday, February 12, the students will honor their friend and mentor with “KP Fight Cancer Night.” The varsity boys’ and girls’ basketball teams from Lapeer East and Lapeer West will dedicate their games to him. All proceeds from concession stand sales and a 50/50 drawing on that night will be donated to Katie’s Wings, a charity named after Mr. Kirkpatrick’s late daughter, Katie , that helps cancer patients. A table will be set up during the varsity games to take donations from people who would like to make additional contributions.

“On behalf of my family, thank you to the basketball teams and their coaches for the dedication of the games to KP, and thank you to those organizing the night who have invested so much of their time and energy,” Niki Kirkpatrick, the coach’s wife and a Murphy Elementary School teacher, said. “Whether in the classroom, in the counseling office or on the court, KP put everything he had into what he did. He approached his fight against cancer with the same determination and would have been so humbled by this honor and also so grateful to those supporting the cause.”

During his three decades with Lapeer Community Schools, Coach Kirkpatrick taught biology at Lapeer West and was a counselor at East and West high schools and at White Junior High School. He coached the varsity boys’ and girls’ basketball teams at Lapeer West and lower level soccer at Lapeer East. He coached junior high track at White Junior High School for years and coached youth soccer for the Lapeer Soccer Club.

Anyone unable to attend the February 12 games can still make a contribution by writing a check payable to Katie’s Wings, P.O. Box 458, Metamora, MI, 48455.

Donations can also be mailed: KP Fight Cancer Night, c/o Bill Kinzer or Andy Roberts, Lapeer West High School, 170 Millville Road, Lapeer, MI 48446

Lapeer West to usher in spring with first annual Spring Fashion Show

They are eager for spring at Lapeer West High School and they want to spread the fever.

Sponsored by the Lapeer West Junior Student Council, the school will host a Spring Fashion Show at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11. The first annual show will feature 20 senior couples in prom attire and local businesses will have displays with incentives and coupons.

The Lapeer West Jazz Band will perform. For the first time ever, the school will crown a Mr. Lapeer West. To enter for a chance to win that honor, sign up in the Counseling Office before Friday, February 12. First prize is $50!

Other events include raffles for prom tickets and prizes.

There also will be the chance to sell your old prom dress. Bring your slightly used dress to be displayed for potential buyers. Dresses will be tagged with the owner’s name, address and phone number along with the size and price. Cost to display a dress will be $5 each or $10 for three, with proceeds going to the student council. Dresses will be accepted for display from 5-6:30 p.m. the day of the fashion show. Dresses that do not sell will be available for pick-up at the end of the show.

Admission to the fashion show is $2 with tickets available at the door.

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