Future Problem Solvers teams competed in Statewide competition last weekend

Four teams of students, two from Lynch Elementary School and two teams from the Seaton campus of Elba-Seaton Elementary School, were invited to participate in the annual Michigan Future Problem Solving State Bowl last weekend, April 25th and 26,th at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

“The State Bowl is the culmination of a yearlong program where students are taught to creatively seek, attack, and solve problems related to projections into the future,” said Coach Stephen Larzelere-Kellermann. “An estimated 1,000 Michigan students worked on three problems during the 2008-2009 school year – The Olympics, Cyber Conflict, and Space Junk, which were scored and critiqued by trained evaluators.”

Based on the third problem, 99 of the Michigan Future Problem Solving Program teams across three grade divisions (4-6, 7-9 and 10-12) were invited to participate in the competition. While teams know the general topic of this year’s bowl – The Counterfeit Economy – they will not know the specific nature of the problem they will attempt to solve until the Bowl begins.

Students from Lynch were: Samantha Goodnow, Allison Johnson, Allison Vestbjerg, Jacob Perry, Alycia Mausolf, Alicia Birkenhauer, Celeste Lareau, and Trey Lubonski. Students from Seaton were: Terra Bray, Brendan Jones, Rachel Metter, Katie Sinka, Alexa Hill, Taylor White, Joseph Dennis, and Nicole Tomczyk.

The following eight students went as alternates: Lynch students: Jacob Dam, Dylan Neebes, Alexis Mosher, and Sydney Maggs; Seaton’s alternates: Sarah Brownrigg, Billy Irvine, Amy Lindblom, and Samantha Boddy.

The Seaton team of Joseph Dennis, Alexa Hill, Taylor White and Nicole Tomczyk reached the semifinal round and a team from Lynch consisting of Alicia Birkenhauer, Alycia Mausolf, Trey Lubonski and Celeste Lareau also reached the semifinal round. The Lynch team also took third place in their group of teams in the presentation of their best solution.

“I am quite proud of them all and I believe they all had a terrific weekend,” said Mr. Stephen Larzelere-Kellermann.

For more information, contact Stephen Larzelere-Kellermann at (810) 667-2448 or a Michigan Future Problem Solving Program director at (810) 923-2484. More information about the program is also available at www. MichiganFPS.com or at

Lapeer West students donate 750 cans, bottles to plant trees in Arbor Day program

The Lapeer West High School Earth Angels, a loosely organized group of West students and staff, set aside last week to collect about 750 returnable bottles and cans.

Lapeer West teacher, Ms. Jeanine Smith, collected the bottles and cans and then returned them for cash, which she sent to the Arbor Day Foundation.

Last year the ‘Angels’ collected enough money to plant 50 trees, but set the goal higher this year.

“We collected enough to plant 75 native pine, fir and cedar trees in a national forest,” said Ms. Smith. “This shows how the smallest effort can become very big when we work together to go green.”

It costs about $1 per tree.

Calling all golfers! More teams and golfers wanted for Hadley-Murphy annual outing

Calling all golfers! The weather is improving and there is room for more golfers and more teams for the Saturday, May 9th Hadley-Murphy 8th Annual Tee-Off for Technology Golf Scramble.

Tee off will be a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. at the Lapeer Country Club at 3786 Hunt Road in Lapeer. Registration will be at 7:30 a.m.

The cost is $75 per person and $300 per team. The cost includes 18-holes of golf with cart, coffee and donuts, steak dinner, a gift bag and t-shirt.

There will be lots of great prizes both during and after the golf outing, including first and second place prize money and various on course skill contests, closest to the pin, longest drives a Vegas hole and more.

For information or registration call (810) 797-4274 or (810) 678-2201 or get a flier and registration form at the school’s website at:
http://www.lapeerschools.org/Hadley-Murphy/Events/TOFT-2009-registration.pdf.

Mayfield sponsored spaghetti dinner to help support student with leukemia

A Spaghetti Dinner, hosted by Mrs. Caitlyn Pascoe’s kindergartners, will be held on Friday, May 8th, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. at Lapeer East High School, in honor of their classmate – Sydney Gavan.

Sydney was recently diagnosed with leukemia and is currently awaiting a bone marrow transplant.

Please join the Mayfield community for a fun evening of spaghetti, a silent auction, and child-friendly inflatables. For those not able to stay, take-out is available. Admission is $5 per person at the door, with children under 3 eating for free. All proceeds from the evening will support Sydney.

To assist Mayfield Elementary in planning please contact the Mayfield office at (810) 667-2442 to let them know you are attending.

Come join in the May 20 ground-breaking for the new Zemmer Middle School

Exactly a year to the day after Lapeer Community Schools' broke ground on a new Rolland Warner Middle School, the District will break ground on the second half of the project, the new Zemmer Middle School at the site of the current Zemmer Junior High School.

The public is invited to the ground-breaking ceremony at 6 p.m. on May 20th at Zemmer Junior High School at 1920 Oregon Road in Lapeer.

This is an exciting event and one that opens another chapter in the history of the District.

Demolition and construction work will begin at Zemmer immediately after school is out.

Today we shot new photos of the construction work currently in progress at the Rolland Warner Middle School facility. To view a progression of photos beginning last May go the District photo gallery.

Lapeer students to visit grave of Lapeer 'space' hero

A group of students visiting Washington, D.C. next month will pay their respects at the Arlington gravesite of a Lapeer High School alum who died testing high altitude space equipment.

Dr. Victor Prather died following a successful balloon flight that took him and another Navy officer 21-miles above the earth.

Channel 12 in Flint did a story on Dr. Prather and the students' trip on tonight's news broadcast.

Teachers display talent at State art show

Three Lapeer West High School teachers are part of an art exhibition in East Lansing. The County Press did a story on the accomplishments of the three teachers.

Cory Gutenschwager, Steve Hilgendorf and Jeff Bolzman all had art selected for the display.

The Michigan Education Association/Michigan Art Education Association display is being held at the Michigan Education Association's East Lansing headquarters through May 4th.

New Optimist tennis courts dedicated for current, future generations of Lapeer athletes

It's official. The Lapeer East and Lapeer West tennis teams finally have a home court and beautiful ones at that.

On Thursday, April 23rd, under a clear, blue sky Superintendent Debbie Thompson and Lapeer Optimist Club President Andy Shango officially dedicated the new 8-court facility next to Lapeer West High School.

The new courts, which were first used this girls' tennis season, brought an end to four years of nomadic playing for the two teams after the old courts were condemned.

Made possible by a $280,000 gift of the Lapeer Optimist Club, the courts were constructed early in the fall of 2008.

Thursday's ceremony included remarks by Board of Education member Gary Oyster; Superintendent Debbie Thompson; Lapeer Optimist Club President Andy Shango; Lapeer West tennis coach Sue Pittsley and two of her players, Casey Spooner and Jessica Delange; and Lapeer East tennis coach Oscar Rodriguez and three of his players, Ashley Crump, Victoria Snoblen and Janine Widzinski.

For the first time in years, and due to the new courts, both teams had enough people try out to field both varsity and junior varsity squads.

"It's true, build it and they will come," said Mr. Gary Oyster.

Following the ceremony the two teams faced off on the new courts for their first match on the new home courts. Lapeer West won the first ever meeting on the new courts.

The Lapeer Optimist Club has funded a number of major recreation projects for the schools and for the community in the past. Recent Optimist projects include about $435,000 in work on the soccer fields near Lapeer East, including a recent expansion of the fields, which now include a concession stand, restrooms, a playground and a lighted varsity field.

The Optimists also donated about $130,000 to school playground equipment and additional donations that helped with city recreation projects, many of them dating back many years.

Turrill Elementary School students enjoy Earth Day learning in story and song

Earth Day in song and story delighted the second and third grade students and the classroom of Mrs. Kyle Rhein at Turrill Elementary School on Wednesday, April 22nd.

Ms. Evie Boss, a musician listed in the Arts and Humanities Touring Program, brought her own musical compositions and displays to the Turrill classrooms.

Turrill teachers, Mrs. Cheryl Roy and Mrs. Liz Foster, attended a fall Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education Conference and saw Ms. Boss, a retired middle school science teacher from Rochester Schools.

“After seeing her enthusiasm at the conference, we decided to bring her to Turrill Elementary to help build on our outdoor education program,” said Mrs. Foster. “For the past six years, the gardens, wood lot reclamation and plantings have been an integral part of our science education for Turrill students.”

Students enjoyed the music and entertaining way of presenting information on animals and the environment at the daylong programs.

Wednesday’s activity was funded in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Humanities Council.

Photos are available on the District’s photo gallery.

Lapeer East, Lapeer West math and science students excel at Metro League meet

Individual students from Lapeer East and Lapeer West achieved high honors at a Flint Metro League Math and Science competition held Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at Holly High School.

Three Lapeer high school students, two from Lapeer East and one from Lapeer West took first place in their subjects. Three Lapeer West students achieved second place finishes and one Lapeer East student took second place. Two Lapeer East students took third place in science and math subjects.

The students competed against math and science students from the ten Flint Metro League schools.

Winners were: Josh Francis (West) first place in Calculus; Daniel Pierce (East) first place in biology; Michael Puskar (East) first place in biology lab; Dan Barker (West) second place in Physics; Brad Deane (West) second place in statistics; Kaleb Elwert (East) second in pre-Calculus; Kevin Roach (West) second place for Chemistry lab; Nick McHardy (East) third place in statistics; and Mark Stefani (East) third place in Physics lab.

“We are proud of the hard work and skill exhibited by our students at West,” said West teacher Kristen Wilcox.

“The students have worked hard to prepare and compete and we are duly proud of their accomplishments,” said East teacher Mary Boomer.

Important security information for Lapeer East High School parents and students

The following message was announced to Lapeer East High School students this afternoon about 2 p.m.

“May I have your attention please.

We have become aware of an anonymous security situation in the building that we are working to resolve. In light of this, please note the following information related to building security.

All athletic events will be held as scheduled. Parent-teacher conferences will be held as scheduled. All students need to exit the building as soon as school dismisses at 2:07. There will be no after-school tutoring today; detention will be cancelled tonight. NJHS and drama rehearsal are also cancelled.

Following conferences tonight the building will be searched and secured by local police. Once we determine that East is safe and secure, school tomorrow is scheduled to begin at the normal time. Entrance tomorrow morning will be at cafeteria and auditorium doors only. No backpacks and no bags or purses larger that 8 by 11 will be allowed in the building tomorrow. All items entering the building will be subject to search.

Your cooperation is important to us. We ask all students who may have information about anyone making such a threat to contact a teacher or administration.”

Additional information:

Parents will be given another letter about the situation at parent-teacher conferences at the school tonight. A copy of that letter will be sent to all parents of students at Lapeer East High School.

Here is the current text of that letter:

Dear Parents:

This afternoon we became aware of an anonymous security threat focused on the school day at Lapeer East High School tomorrow, Friday, April 24th.

We immediately began putting our safety procedures in place. Some of those are in place now and others will be completed after the building is secured tonight following conferences. We are working with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of our students and staff tomorrow.

We believe the extra measures we are taking will ensure a safe school day on Friday for our students and staff.

Your help is important by making sure that your student(s) assist us by not bringing back packs or large bags to school. All items brought to school will be subject to search by police, who will be on hand.

Although threats seemed timed to take advantage of fair weather days in the spring, be assured that we take whatever threats we receive seriously. That is why we would also encourage you to talk to your child or children about the importance of notifying a teacher or administrator if they are aware of anyone making a threat for any reason.

As always we are committed to the safety of our students and staff and appreciate your help in this.

Kelly Paige
PrincipalLapeer East High School

Lapeer Optimist Community Tennis Court dedication Thursday, April 23rd 4 p.m.

Just a reminder that the formal grand opening of the Lapeer Optimist Community Tennis Courts will be held at 4 p.m. today, April 23rd at the courts, next to Lapeer West High School, 170 Millville Road.

The ceremony will take place just before the Lapeer East vs. Lapeer West High Schools girls' tennis match and the public is invited.

In the event of bad weather, the ceremony will be held at the same time and place the next day, Friday, April 24th.

Talented and Gifted students learn and play mathematics games at Maple Grove

Lapeer Community Schools' Talented and Gifted program ventured to Maple Grove Elementary School on Wednesday, April 22, for a day of fun and games focused around math and technology.

More than 70 students from all the District's elementary schools and Zemmer Junior High School, were involved in "Math Day."

Centered around space, the students had a chance to build launchers and then working with angles and tension got points for calculating the precise angle and strength to hit a "planet" target halfway across the gymnasium.

In another game, students measured how far they could jump from a standing start. With the measurement of their longest jump, they used a formula to calculate how far they would have jumped on each of the solar system's other planets.

The variations in gravity mean that the lengths would vary greatly from planet to planet. Using computers in the Maple Grove computer laboratory, the students made an Excel spread sheet showing their individual distances.

Photos from the event are at the District photo gallery here.

'Empty Bowls' fund raiser at Zemmer "Fine Arts Night" nets $1,232 for soup kitchen

An evening of band and theater arts performances by Zemmer Junior High School students, as well as student art displays, and an “Empty Bowls” fundraiser, collected more than $1,232 for a local soup kitchen, Thursday, April 16th.

Participants purchased a student-crafted bowl and then chose from a variety of homemade soups at the fundraiser.

Students in the Theater Arts program under the direction of Mrs. Karen Hale, presented a play in the theater arts room and band students under the direction of Mrs. JoAnn Royce, presented selected musical pieces in the gymnasium.

All donations from the event will go to the soup kitchen at Grace Episcopal Church.
Photos are available on the District photo gallery here.

A hop, skip and a jump to raising $23,272 for the American Heart Association

Lapeer Community Schools’ elementary students jump roped and shot basketballs on their way to raising $23,272 for the American Heart Association in the past two months.

“Hoops for Heart” and “Jump Rope for Heart” events were held at all District elementary schools. Students accepted pledges and then participated in the athletic events during a specified physical education time.

Students jumped individually and in groups in raising the money. Physical education teachers involved in the programs were: Ken Baginski, Deb Cooper, Jane Darin, and Sandy Mroz.

“Students have learned an important exercise skill as well as helping out a very worthy cause,” said Jane Darin, a District physical education teacher.

On May 7th, Cindie DeWolf, youth director for the American Heart Association, will present certificates to the District’s elementary physical education teachers for their work in promoting the healthy heart events.

“All of your elementary physical education teachers do a great job,” DeWolf said. “Your technology teachers also participated by bringing the physical education lessons into the technology classes.”

“In Lapeer, every single school participates and every single student gets a chance to do the activities whether they are raising money or not,” DeWolf said. “It’s not just about raising the money, it’s about eating healthy stuff, moving around and being tobacco free and then having the students share that information with family and friends. The students really get it. Lapeer does a phenomenal job.”

Here are the totals for the schools: Elba ($2,900); Hadley ($1,600); Lynch ($5,000); Maple Grove ($2,700); Mayfield ($2,591); Murphy ($2,581); Schickler ($2,100); Seaton ($1,400); and Turrill ($2,400).

Turrill's second-graders make nostalgic journey to Crossroads Village and the Stanley School

Turrill Elementary School second-graders have traveled to Crossroads Village to take a journey back in time to spend a few hours studying as their great grandparents might have studied.

Students dressed in period clothing (see photos of Ms. Luann Roberson's class) and spent three hours studying in the old school house on the grounds of Crossroads Village in Genesee Township near Flint, on Wednesday, April 22.

Students met in class at the Stanley School House at Crossroads Village.

The program is part of the Crossroads Village School Days offering.

To make it even more realistic, many students packed their lunches into an old-fashioned metal bucket, or pail.

All the children had a wonderful and educational time. Previously students in Mrs. Diana Carr's class made the trip.

Zemmer Junior High School debuts new band website with "Fine Arts Night" pictures

The link to the new Zemmer Junior High School band website is on the link list to the right.

If you get a chance stop over and take a look! There are pictures from the recent "Fine Arts Night" as well as practice information for students and parents.

Lapeer West's Alyssa Marino in the news

In case you missed the front page story in The County Press this past Sunday, April 19, 2009, here's a link to the story about Lapeer West senior Alyssa Marino and her coming chance to win a national cooking competition and an appearance on the Food Network.

Last month, Alyssa whipped up a chicken, rice pilaf and broccoli dish so great it won her a first place medal at a local “Best Teen Chef” competition at the Art Institute of Novi.

Marino also won a $3,000 scholarship for her efforts.

Next up is the national competition.

Marino, who is a second-year culinary arts student at the Lapeer County Intermediate School District’s Education and Technology Center, will compete with 40 other teens from around the country on May 9th in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The top winner of the competition will win a full-ride scholarship to one of the more than 30 Art Institutes in the country that offer a culinary arts program. Other winners will receive partial scholarships.

The top winner also wins an appearance in a short feature of the Best Teen Chef competition on the Food Network. The Best Teen Chef competition has a partnership with the Food Network.
The 2009 Best Teen Chef will be an “Intern for a Day” in the Food Network kitchens in New York City and receive a studio tour, dinner for two at a Food Network chef’s restaurant and a library of Food Network cookbooks.

Michigan's Electronic Library - explained for free at Lapeer East Thursday evening

A free presentation and demonstration of "MeL" - Michigan's Electronic Library - will be offered to the public on Thursday, April 23rd at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. or 7 p.m.

The demonstration will be held in the Lapeer East Media Center.

"MeL offers a wealth of on-line resources free to Michigan residents," said Terrie Hazard, Lapeer East Library Media Specialist. "It covers topics such as job searching, homework help, test preparation and even auto repair."

"We hope people will join us to learn more," Hazard said.

Author Michael P. Spradlin to visit Lapeer West twice, Friday's visit open to the public

A popular author of books for children and young adults is making two visits to Lapeer West High School this week.

Students, parents, staff and the community are invited to meet Michael P. Spradlin from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, April 24th at the high school media center at 170 Millville Road in Lapeer.

Spradlin has written a number of books, including the popular “Spy Goddess” series. The books will be on sale at the event and Mr. Spradlin will autograph them for the buyers.

The author will also be at the school during the day Tuesday, April 21st.

For more information on the author go to his website.

Dinner at E.G. Nick's on May 3rd to benefit Hadley-Murphy Elementary School

A dinner at E.G. Nick’s on May 3rd will raise money for special programs at the Hadley-Murphy Elementary School.

The dinner out at E.G. Nick’s at 825 S. Main Street in Lapeer will be held Sunday, May 3rd from noon to 9 p.m. Diners who present a coupon from Hadley-Murphy will have 20 percent of their purchase go to the school.

For information or to get a coupon, call (810) 797-4274 or (810) 678-2201 or check out the school’s website for a coupon here.

Hadley-Murphy sets 8th Annual Tee-Off for Technology Golf Scramble for May 9th

A golf outing on May 9th has been scheduled to help raise money for technology at Hadley-Murphy Elementary School.

On Saturday, May 9th the Hadley-Murphy 8th Annual Tee-Off for Technology Golf Scramble will tee off at the Lapeer Country Club at 3786 Hunt Road in Lapeer. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. and a shotgun start will be a 8:30 a.m.

For teams who register by April 24th, the cost is $70 per person or $280 per team for the 4-person scramble. After April 24th the cost will by $75 per person and $300 per team. The cost includes 18-holes of golf with cart, coffee and donuts, steak dinner, a gift bag and t-shirt.

There will be lots of great prizes both during and after the golf outing, including first and second place prize money and various on course skill contests, closest to the pin, longest drives a Vegas hole and more.

For information or registration call (810) 797-4274 or (810) 678-2201 or get a flier and registration form here.

Zemmer Empty Bowls and Fine Arts Night raises more than $1,200 for soup kitchen

An evening of band and theater arts performances by Zemmer Junior High School students as well as student art displays, helped raised more than $1,200 for the Grace Episcopal Church soup kitchen Thursday night.

Students crafted ceramic bowls, which were purchased with a donation and participants got to pick from dozens of homemade soups at this year’s “Fine Arts Night!” at Zemmer Junior High School.

Theater arts students performed a play and band musicians under the direction of Joann Royce performed a number of excellent musical pieces in the gymnasium.

Students honor "Someone Special" at 2009 ceremony at Murphy Elementary School

It was a pretty "special" day at the Murphy campus of Hadley-Murphy Elementary School on Friday, April 17, 2009.

Students in Mrs. Rachel Pake and Mrs. Stephanie Giroux Phillips' class each invited a very special person to enjoy a day of honor and pampering.

Poems written by each student in honor of the "special" person were read and presented to the honorees. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings and two aunts were invited to the "Hollywood" treatment that included a red carpet lined with adoring fans.

There were plenty of hugs and tears as the poems were read and presented to the special guests.

Following the ceremony, the students and their special person were treated to refreshments and other activities.

Photos of the event are here.

Nine Lapeer winter sports teams honored for good sportsmanship by Metro League

Five teams from Lapeer West High School, three teams from Lapeer East and a combined boys’ swim team from both schools were honored for “good sportsmanship” from the Flint Metro League recently.

Selected from Lapeer West by varsity coaches from opposing teams were the following winter sports teams: wrestling, competitive cheer, girls’ basketball, boys’ bowling and girls’ bowling.

Lapeer East teams selected for the sportsmanship award from opposing coaches were: competitive cheer, girls’ basketball and boys’ basketball.

The combined Lapeer East/Lapeer West High School boys’ swim and dive team was also selected by opposing coaches for showing good sportsmanship.

Lapeer East, Lapeer West art students excel at Young Artists Today show

Art students from Lapeer Community Schools once again exhibited their talent as seven students from Lapeer East and Lapeer West High Schools walked away with awards at the Young Artists Today Show held at the Flint Public Library.

Lapeer East students, Morgan Williams, senior, won a second place, and Ariana Donahue, a sophomore received third place in the show.

Honorable mention awards were received by East student senior Holly Osentoski, and West students Drew Dabrowski, junior, who won two awards, Samantha Dahnke, senior, Nikky Mobley, junior, and Lindsy Barrow, senior.

“We are proud of the awesome talent of the art students and their teachers in our District,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson.

Turrill Elementary hosts "Family Night" on April 21, both benefit Snack Pak Program

An open swim at the Lapeer Recreation Center and a dinner at Burger King on Tuesday, April 21st, have been scheduled to benefit the Snack Pak Program at Turrill Elementary School.

Turrill Elementary School is hosting a Family Night outing at Burger King, 727 S. Main Street in Lapeer, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, that will benefit the Snack Pak Program at the school, as well an open swim from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lapeer Recreation Center, 880 S. Saginaw Street.

For every paying participant in the open swim that night, $1 will be given back to the Snack Pak Program at the school. People participating should be sure to mention Turrill school when paying for the swim.

Mrs. Pat Pozzi will collect Burger King receipts at the restaurant, which has agreed to return a portion of the dinner sales to the school.

“We encourage everyone to have a great swim and a good meal, and help our Snack Pak Program at Turrill,” said Mrs. Pat Pozzi, Dean of Students.

Lapeer East seniors present research, community service projects Thursday

More than 200 Lapeer East High School seniors presented research projects to classrooms at the school on Thursday, April 16th.

The projects, which included topics on politics, music, health, world affairs, sports, gambling and the military, are part of the senior English requirement.

In addition to the research, writing and presentation of the paper to another class of their peers, students are required to do 15 hours of community service in the topic of their choice.

Students use electronic, graphic and verbal presentations to aid in their talks.

An earlier round of presentations were made in February.

"Our students have worked long and hard on these projects and have learned a great deal in doing the research," said Mr. Bill Spryutte, East English teacher who has supervised many of the projects. "Many of our teachers look forward to having the students come to their classes and make the presentations."

To see photos of some of the presentations go to the District's photo gallery.

'Fiddler on the Roof' opens Friday at East

The Lapeer High School Drama Club will present “Fiddler on the Roof” on Friday, April 17th, Saturday, April 18th and Sunday, April 19th, at the Lapeer East High School auditorium, 933 S. Saginaw St. in Lapeer. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

In a small village called Anatevka, Tevye, a poor dairyman tries to inspire, in his five daughters, the traditions of his tight-knit Jewish community in the face of changing social values and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia.

“Fiddler On The Roof” has touched audiences across the globe with its humor, warmth and honesty. The universal theme of tradition speaks to all people regardless of race, class, nationality, or religion. It will leave audiences crying from joy and sadness!

The production features many talented students from East and West High Schools including Lucas Cosens as Tevye and Sara Keys as Golde.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students, children and seniors. Tickets are available one hour before showtime.

Tonight: Dinner and the arts at Zemmer

Tonight is the evening of band and theater arts performances by students as well as student art displays, highlight this year’s “Fine Arts Night!” at Zemmer Junior High School from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16th at the school, 1920 Oregon Road.

The “Empty Bowls” annual fund-raiser will also be held tonight at the school. Students craft the beautiful ceramic bowls, and guests to the event choose a bowl. The donation they make to a Lapeer soup kitchen will get them both the bowl and a meal of soup, bread and drinks.

All donations this year will go to the soup kitchen at Grace Episcopal Church.

Zemmer invites the public to come enjoy the performances and artwork and also help contribute to a worthy cause.

Combined Lapeer East/Lapeer West boys' swim and dive team make Academic top 10

The combined Lapeer East and Lapeer West 2009 boys’ swimming and diving team placed 6th on the Michigan Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association All-State Academic Team in Division 1.

The boys combined to post a 3.56 grade point average to achieve the high honor.

“This is a great accomplishment for these young men,” said Coach Pat Thomas.

Members of the boys’ team are: Lapeer East seniors, Jeff Baeckeroot, Bryan Bush, James Crittenden, Andrew Sornig, East junior Matt Schneider, East sophomores Aaron Knowlton, John Nestor, Mike Puskar and Mason Sornson and East freshman Kyle Nelson; Lapeer West seniors, Scott Boller, Austin Clements, John Engelman, Troy Hillman, David Jackson, Andrew Serrels, and West sophomore Patrick Martindale.

To see the listing go to to the Michigan Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association webpage.

Lapeer Alumni hold Spring Luncheon

A large number of members of The Lapeer High School Alumni Association turned out Tuesday to enjoy lunch, fellowship and a speaker at the Association's annual Spring Luncheon.

The meeting was held at the Lapeer Area Elks Lodge and was catered by Bryan's in Deerfield Township.

A full set of photos are available for viewing at the District's photo gallery.

"Fine Arts Night!" and "Empty Bowls" fund-raiser set for April 16 at Zemmer

An evening of band and theater arts performances by students and student art displays highlight this year’s “Fine Arts Night!” at Zemmer Junior High School from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16th at the school, 1920 Oregon Road.

The “Empty Bowls” annual fund-raiser will also be held that night at the school. Students craft the beautiful ceramic bowls and guests to the event choose a bowl and the donation they make to a Lapeer soup kitchen will get them both the bowl and a meal of soup, bread and drinks.

All donations this year will go to the soup kitchen at Grace Episcopal Church.

Zemmer invites the public to come enjoy the performances and artwork and also help contribute to a worthy cause.

Fall school start date set: September 8

Students will return to fall classes at Lapeer Community Schools on Tuesday, September 8, 2009.

The Lapeer Board of Education set the opening day of school at its regular meeting on Thursday, April 2nd.

Last day of school for students is June 10, 2009.

Lapeer Optimist Community Tennis Courts to be dedicated 4 p.m. April 23

A dedication ceremony for the official grand opening of the Lapeer Optimist Community Tennis Courts is scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at the courts next to Lapeer West High School, 170 Millville Road in Lapeer.

The dedication will precede the tennis match between home town rivals Lapeer East and Lapeer West High Schools.

For the first time in more than four years, high school teams from Lapeer East and Lapeer West have home courts to play on.

The new courts became a reality after the Lapeer Optimist Club donated $280,000 for their construction.

Demolition of the old courts was done last summer at the same time the West parking lot was resurfaced.

In the event of inclement weather, the dedication ceremony will be held at the same time and place the following day, Friday, April 24th.

"Fiddler on the Roof" presented by The Lapeer High School Drama Club

The Lapeer High School Drama Club will present “Fiddler on the Roof” on April 17th, 18th and 19th, at the Lapeer East High School auditorium, 933 S. Saginaw St. in Lapeer. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

In a small village called Anatevka, Tevye, a poor dairyman, tries to inspire in his five daughters the traditions of his tight-knit Jewish community in the face of changing social values and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia.

“Fiddler On The Roof” has touched audiences across the globe with its humor, warmth and honesty. The universal theme of tradition speaks to all people regardless of race, class, nationality, or religion. It will leave audiences crying from joy and sadness!

The production features many talented students from East and West High Schools including, Lucas Cosens as Tevye and Sara Keys as Golde.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students, children and senior citizens. Tickets are available for purchase one hour before the show begins.

Board of Education give high marks to Superintendent Debbie Thompson

Lapeer Community Schools’ Superintendent Debbie Thompson was commended by the Board of Education for her strong and effective leadership during challenging economic times.

The Board presented its evaluation of the Superintendent at its regular monthly meeting held at Lynch Elementary School Thursday, April 2, 2009.

Each year, the Board of Education conducts a thorough evaluation of the Superintendent’s job performance. The annual review is done to ensure a consistent assessment and maintain accountability.

On Thursday, Board President William Laidlaw presented the Board’s evaluation.

“The Lapeer Community Schools’ Board of Education has concluded and reviewed its annual evaluation process with the Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Debbie Thompson. We are pleased to announce that she has once again received high performance scores from the Board of Education in the following areas: Educational leadership, staff relations, community relations, board relations, business and finance, personal qualities and goal achievement.

The Board commends Debbie for providing strong and effective leadership within the organization during challenging economic times.

Upon lengthy discussion, the Board of Education and Mrs. Thompson have set goals for the upcoming school year that will continually improve our schools and develop her skills as an effective leader for Lapeer Community Schools.

In the spirit of continuous improvement, the Board of Education will continue to enhance the strong working relationship that we have established with Debbie to keep the District moving in a positive direction.”

Dinner at Brian's Family Restaurant will benefit Lapeer West music boosters

So you stayed home for the spring recess?

Here's your chance to help the Lapeer West Music Boosters by dining out at Brian's Family Restaurant on M-24 in Lapeer on Thursday, April 9.

Here's how it works. Download a certificate from www.lapeerwestmusic.org and present the certificate at the time you pay for your dinner and Brian's will donate 10 percent of the bill to the Music Boosters.

The Boosters thank you very much for your support.

Maple Grove Elementary travels to Rollhaven for science lesson on wheels

A science lesson for the sixth graders in Mr. Chris Hinkley's sixth grade class at Maple Grove Elementary School in late March required the students to lace up some skates.

The purpose of the field trip was to explore force and motion.

In their lesson on wheels students learned about Galileo and Sir Isaac Newton's three laws of motion. With skates on students got a real life lesson in the three laws of motion and five mini-lab stations at the rink.

Later the students skated and played several games that further demonstrated these laws of motion and force.

Students worked out of work books and also got some physical education time on the skates.

A truly fun science lesson.

Lapeer West football press box named in honor of volunteer "Herbie" Matheson

To honor the late Destain Herbert “Herbie” Matheson, a long time Lapeer West High School football announcer, athletic clock operator and official, the Lapeer Board of Education Thursday named the press box at Fitzpatrick Field in his honor.

Herbie Matheson gave more than 40 years of volunteer service to Lapeer High School and Lapeer West High School athletics department as an announcer and supporter of the school’s athletic programs.

In addition to announcing football games and operating the time clock, Herbie Matheson also served as a clock operator for Lapeer West basketball games.

At the time of his death, many people made memorial contributions to Lapeer West High School in his honor.

“I believe this is a fitting way to remember the memory and service of a great friend of Lapeer High School and Lapeer West High School,” said Tim Zeeman, athletic director at Lapeer West. “From 1984-1994, Herbie was most ‘at home’ in the West press box.”

Herbie was born on January 2, 1936 and died on January 21, 2000.

Board of Education awards $1.6 million in East, West science lab improvements

Bids for the construction and improvements of science laboratories at Lapeer East and Lapeer West High Schools totaling $1,652,604 were approved by the Board of Education at its meeting, Thursday, April 2nd.

All the work was awarded to qualified low bidders and all winning bidders were Michigan contractors.

The work is expected to begin as soon as school is out in June and be completed in time for students to use the labs when they return to classes in September.

“This is a giant investment in the future of our high school science programs,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “Combined with the universal installation of new computers and technology last summer, we are presenting a 21st Century science and technology program to 21st Century high school students.”

Winning bidders were: Demolition, Great Lakes Construction, of Beverly Hills, $38,600; masonry, HMC Mason Contractors, of Shelby Township, $51,800; general trades, Elkhorn Construction, of Smiths Creek, $743,000; aluminum work and windows, Architectural Glazing Systems, of Mt. Morris, $6,087; flooring, Ropposch Brothers, of Port Huron, $61,095; painting, L.E. Brockman, of Warren, $12,152; mechanical, Ecker Mechanical, of Burton, $611,000; and electrical, Sky Electric, of Lapeer, $128,870.

'Little Red Hen' teaches a lesson of hard work in Mayfield Elementary School play

A hard working "Little Red Hen" taught her lesson of hard work and reward in a play by the second graders in Mrs. Nancy Lamphere's class at Mayfield Elementary School.

Students in the class played a variety of farm animals and sang and danced their way to the idea that hard work has its own rewards. Also that working together is the best way to get along.

The play was performed for lower elementary students on Wednesday, April 1st, and twice on April 2nd, once in the afternoon for the upper elementary students and again that night for parents, family and friends.

Lots of singing, dancing and fun.

Chrome Panthers meet Gov. Granholm and Dean Kamen at Lansing FIRST event

The Chrome Panthers, the Lapeer West Robotics Team, had some high powered visitors to their pit during a recent FIRST competition in Lansing.

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and Dean Kamen, a well-known inventor and the founder of For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), the international student robotics organization.

The governor and Mr. Kamen gladly posed with Mr. Cory Gutenschwager and members of the West team.

Lapeer East and Lapeer West High Schools each have a fully sponsored robotics team.

School employees volunteer to serve the troops at sendoff at Lapeer East

As part of a community send off for the Michigan National Guard Unit in Lapeer, four Lapeer Community Schools’ bus drivers have volunteered their time to transport the soldiers from the armory to the ceremony at Lapeer East High School on Monday, April 6th.

Four drivers, Cindy Mullin, Fred Anstette, Basil King and Donnal Teasley, one more than needed to drive the soldiers over to the school and back volunteered their time to be part of the event.

Gayle Early, a food service employee, also donated her time to help serve a private dinner at the school.

Lapeer East dean of students John Gonzales, a Vietnam veteran, is donating his time to oversee the event.

“The three buses we are planning on using will be cleaned up and decorated with the flags we have been using on our parade buses,” said Jerry Podzikowski, director of transportation. “ The drivers who will be driving the troops on Monday, April 6, between the Armory and East have volunteered their time for this event. They are happy to do their part.”

There will be a private dinner for the soldiers and their families at Lapeer East from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the public is invited for the 7 p.m. public ceremony.

No student drop-off, pick-up in north Lapeer West parking lot starting April 14

Construction on the new auxiliary gym at Lapeer West High School has been moved up a week requiring the closing of half the existing north parking lot to begin a week earlier on April 14th.

Starting on April 14, student pick-up and drop-off by parents will be in the south lot only, or in front of the high school before school and after the buses depart at 2:15 p.m.

All students who drive to school must park in the south lot.

Some teachers may also have to park in the south lot due to the reduction in spaces in the north lot after it is sectioned in half.

The change is necessary to create a contractor-only entrance from the north lot to the new construction site. A temporary road will be built behind the West portables to allow for contractor traffic to the work site.

Thanks to everyone for their cooperation in this matter.

Lawyers hold court at Lapeer West

A special program sponsored by the Lapeer County Bar Association that brings lawyers into the classroom arrived at Lapeer West High School on Wednesday, April 1.

Four local attorneys, David Churchill, Nicole Quandt, Christine Strasser and Kennenth Cassell held court in Mrs. Carol Noble's criminology class.

Students prepared questions for the attorneys about the law and about the law profession

Attorney Nicole Quandt told the students that she graduated from Lapeer West in 1993 and had practiced law elsewhere before returning to Lapeer.

More photos are here.

Lapeer East girls' tennis team takes their first turn on the new tennis courts

A week after Lapeer West opened a new era in Lapeer high school tennis on the new 8-court Lapeer Optimist Community tennis courts, it was Lapeer East's turn.

On Wednesday, April 1, the Lapeer East High School girls' team met Goodrich for their first home tennis match in more than four years.

The Lapeer West and Lapeer East tennis programs had been nomads for several years after the previous courts deteriorated to the point they could no longer be used.

Everyone, home team and away, were excited to be on the new courts. For more pictures see tennis court photos.

Art show to showcase teacher, student art at UCEN Gallery at U-M Flint campus

Two Lapeer Community Schools’ elementary art teachers will be displaying art and the art of a student at the University Center (UCEN) Gallery on the campus of the University of Michigan in Flint during spring recess.

The show is centered on former art education students who are now art teachers. The gallery asked for a piece of art from the teacher and from one of their students.

Amy Linton, a Maple Grove art teacher, is bringing her work and the work of 6th-grade student, Drake Skipinski.

Joel Fidler, who teaches art at a number of LCS and area schools, will bring his art and that of Lauren Piontkowski, a student at Bishop Kelley School in Lapeer to the show.

The artwork will be on display from April 6th to April 10th with a closing reception from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 10th.

A& SC spring recess hours posted

Office hours for the Administration & Services Center during the upcoming spring recess period will be 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The office will be open and closed as follows:

Monday, April 6: Open
Tuesday, April 7: Open
Wednesday, April 8: Open
Thursday, April 9: Open
Friday, April 10: Closed (Good Friday)
Monday, April 13: Closed (Easter Monday)

Regular office hours and work schedules will resume on Tuesday, April 14, 2009.

Three Lapeer East girls' soccer players sign to play collegiate soccer at ceremony

Three Lapeer East girls’ soccer players publicly affirmed their commitments to play collegiate soccer at a press conference at 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 in the Lapeer East Media Center.

Seniors Kelsey Hizelberger, Kristen Tomczyk and Lauren Kobylik were joined by family and friends at the ceremony.

Kelsey, who has scored 39 goals, which puts her in seventh place on the school’s all-time scoring list, signed with Savannah college of Arts & Design in Savannah, Georgia. In addition to her goals, Kelsey has 23 career assists and plays club soccer for the Bloomfield Force, a Michigan Division 1 premier team.

“Kelsey is a very talented attacking player,” said Bill Kinzer, her coach. “She’s one of those rare difference makers who can affect the outcome of a game by herself.”

Kristen Tomczyk has played a variety of positions for the East Eagles and is a “natural defender.”

Her East career includes 20 goals and 8 assists. Kristen signed to play for Saginaw Valley State University. She plays club soccer for the Livonia United, a Michigan Division 1 premier team.

“Kristen is a skilled, athletic and versatile soccer player,” said Bill Kinzer, her coach. “One of the greatest things about her is her ability to make all of the players around her better.”

With 12 career goals and 22 assists, Lauren Kobylik accepted an offer to play her college soccer with Notre Dame College in Euclid, Ohio. She also played club soccer for the Livonia United team.

“Lauren will do really well at the collegiate level,” said Bill Kinzer, her coach. “Her first touch is super, and she’s a very strong tactical player.” More signing photos here.

Lapeer East, Lapeer West Athletes named to Winter sports All-League teams

A total of 48 Lapeer high school athletes were named to Flint Metro League 2009 All-League teams in winter sports.

Three Lapeer East High School wrestlers, Phillip Joseph, Matt DePuy and Travis Cushaway were named to the All-League First Team in wrestling. Lapeer West’s Dakota Carie was named to the All-League second team.

Lapeer West wrestler Nate Irelan and Lapeer East wrestler Ryan Springsteen were named to the All-League third team.

In boys’ basketball, Lapeer East’s Payton McCallum and Lapeer West’s Landon Warren were named to the All-League second team. East’s Sam Achtabowski and West’s Dan Cox were honorable mention All-League players. Dan Cox was named as a Flint Metro League Scholar-Athlete.

Lapeer West’s Dani Schoenherr was named to the girls’ basketball All-League first team and West’s Bridget Miller was named to the All-League second team.

West’s Emily Jones and Lindsay Thams were named as honorable mention All-League players. Jones and Thams were also Flint Metro League Scholar-Athletes.

Jeremy Podgorski, a Lapeer West hockey forward, was named to the All-League first team and Lapeer East’s Drew Steinhouse, forward, and defenseman Brent McClain were named to the All-League second team.

Hockey honorable mention players were: Lapeer East, Brad Lile and Steve Tadazak and Lapeer West’s Jeremy Cugliari, Josh Milosek and Jacob Podgorski.

Four Lapeer West competitive cheerleaders, Laura Ayan, Erin Delisle, Leah Seaman, and Crissy Wills; and two East competitive cheerleaders, Heather Champion and Taylor McGuffie were named to the All-League First Competitive Cheer team.

Second team members on the competitive cheer team were: East’s Dillynn Bryant and West’s Ashleigh Hutton, Ashley Kennard and Caitlin O’Brien. Honorable mention cheer team members were: East’s Maurisa Lopez and West’s Paige Smith.

Garrett Gauthier, of Lapeer West, was named to the 2009 boys’ All-League first team. Second team All-League members were Christian Graham, of Lapeer East, and Jeff Acton, of Lapeer West. Honorable mention All-League bowlers were: East’s Zach Lyerla, and Bradley Whittaker and West’s Tyler Shamaly.

The 2009 girls’ bowling All-League team included second team selections Crystal Eckel, of Lapeer West and Dawn Wesley, of Lapeer East. Two West girls, Hannah Gauthier and Kaitlyn Dowdall, were named to the All-League second team.

Three Lapeer East girls, Jessica Lansing, Crystal Belland and Justice Schihl, were named as honorable mention selections.

Photos of the First Team athletes can be viewed at the District's photo gallery.

Lapeer West students win "Young Artists" awards at Delphi Glass Show in Lansing

Five Lapeer West High School art students won awards at the Delphi Glass Show in Lansing in the Young Artists’ Category.

Emily Korleski took first place and won a kiln valued at $450 and glass. Drew Dabrowski won third place and won a fusing glass pack valued at about $300.

Kris Zalewski, Lindsy Barrow and Samantha Dahnke received glass packs and books for their participation.

“Each year, the staff at Delphi is amazed at the work of the glass students from Lapeer West,” said teacher Ms. Jeanine Smith. “I think this speaks for the incredible K-12 art program K-12 that Lapeer Schools are so fortunate to have”

The students received their awards at the show opening reception on Sunday, March 29th. The show continues through April at Delphi Glass, 3380 E. Jolly Road in Lansing.

Hadley-Murphy scores from lunch, dinner and snack sales at Buffalo Wild Wings

A special Hadley-Murphy Elementary School fund raiser is planned Thursday, April 2, at Buffalo Wild Wings, 770 N. Lapeer Road in Lake Orion.

The popular restaurant is donating back to the school 20 percent from its all day sales when customers mention the school when ordering or present a coupon available through the school.

The coupon is good at lunch, dinner, snack or take out orders, but only on Thursday, April 2nd and only at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Lake Orion.

Free Buffalo Wild Wings kids meals have been given out as awards during "March is Reading Month" activities at the school and can be used during the fund raising event.

A number of families are planning to head to the restaurant at the close of the school day Thursday. If you need a coupon contact Jim Smith at jimsmith@lapeerschools.org or Alysia Easton at alphe_99@msn.com

Hadley-Murphy Family Literacy Night draws 250 students and parents on March 24th

A “Reading is Out of This World” event at the Murphy Elementary School campus drew about 250 Hadley-Murphy Elementary students and family on Tuesday, March 24th.

The event, which included "fireside" classroom reading, was part of the "March is Reading Month" events throughout the District.

Students and parents also participated in book making events at the school. In addition the Family Literacy Center of Lapeer was on hand with some of its great programs.

Students and parents read by flashlight around campfires while other students chose to read by flashlight inside tents set up in classrooms.

A few more photos are online at the District photo gallery.

Region 10 school bus drivers to test their skills at Lapeer West parking lot in May

For the second consecutive year, the Lapeer Community Schools will host the MAPT Region 10, School Bus Driving Championship on Saturday, May 16th, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lapeer West High School.

School bus drivers from Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Huron and Sanilac counties are being invited to the event.

The event involves tight maneuvering and difficult backing on an obstacle course, safety checks and a written test.

It's exciting and interesting to watch the professional drivers weave their way through tight circumstances. Bring a lawn chair and watch.

Kids and Co. preschool open house set for Tuesday, March 31st at Cramton School

A preschool open house to be held on Tuesday, March 31st from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Cramton School, 1220 Lake Nepessing Road will offer families an opportunity to meet the teachers, see the classrooms and gather specific information about each of the programs being offered.

Please come and join us, we look forward to meeting you.

Beatniks, bongos and poetry at the Hadley "Coffeehouse Poetry Night" March 26

Three first grade teachers took their students, parents and other relatives on a trip to the past with a "Coffeehouse Poetry Night" at the Hadley campus of Hadley-Murphy Elementary School Thursday, March 26.

Teachers, Ms. Karen Allmen, Mrs. Gayle Budzynski and Mrs. Emily Wenzel-Miles, presented the program to highlight the work done by their students in putting together poetry books this year.

Students each had a chance to read one of their favorite poems and the audiences responded in the fashion of the 1960s by clicking their fingers.

Mrs. Wenzel-Miles students also presented a special poem to long time substitute teacher, Jodee Colleck.

Students, parents and staff enjoyed a feast of homemade cookies and desserts before and after the performances.

It was real cool, man.

Lapeer East Robotics team takes robot on the road to Troy Athens High School

The Lapeer East High School robotics team poses Thursday in the school parking lot before heading to Troy Athens High School for a FIRST robotics competition.

The bagged robot can be seen inside the van. At an earlier competition at Kettering University, the team placed 15th out of 40 teams. More news after the event this weekend.

Tony Diadato, owner of Cypress Computer Systems of Lapeer, is the team sponsor and is fourth from the left in the photo.

The competition began today and ends Saturday, March 28th.

Lapeer West girls' tennis team serves up a winner on new home court

The Lapeer West High School girls’ tennis team served up a winner for the opening high school competition on the new Lapeer Optimist Community Tennis Courts.

It has been five years since either Lapeer East or Lapeer West High Schools have had a home court to play on. But the Lapeer West match against Waterford-Mott on Thursday, March 26, opened an exciting new era for Lapeer tennis.

(In this photo, coaches for Lapeer East and Waterford Mott begin the introductions of players)

“We are very appreciative of the work and donation of the Lapeer Optimist Club that has made this day possible,” said West tennis coach Sue Pittsley. “The community has eaten a lot of chicken to make this day possible.”

The chicken comment was a reference to the annual Optimist chicken barbecue at Lapeer Days.

An official, public dedication ceremony is planned for 4 p.m., April 23, at the tennis courts next to Lapeer West High School, 170 Millville Road when East meets West in a league tennis match. Rain date for the dedication is 4 p.m., April 24.

Tennis recruitment at both schools has improved with the construction of the new courts and both schools now have full varsity and junior varsity programs for the first time in memory.

Lapeer East gets hosts its first home match on Wednesday, April 1, against Goodrich.

On a cool, but beautiful, sun-filled day, the varsity tennis team won 8-0. A game box score is available at The Flint Journal.

More pictures of the historic day are on the District’s photo site.

Here are links to the East and West tennis schedules.

West lacrosse team fires up for 4th year

The Lapeer West High School lacrosse team is fired up for its fourth season.

The team is in its fourth year of competition with the first three as a club sport at the school. Last year, the team compiled a 10-4 record, but lost several players due to graduation.

The team is coached by Rick Kaupp.

The fast moving sport is funded through generous contributions from local donors, including the Lapeer Optimist Club.

A complete home and away schedule for the West lacrosse team can be found here. More lacrosse practices photos can be found on the District photo gallery.

An LA View article on the team is on the View website.

Lapeer East Quiz Bowl Team headed for State Tournament on April 24, 25

The Lapeer East High School Quiz Bowl team is headed to the State Tournament for the third consecutive year on April 24th and 25th at Michigan State University.

Although East and Lapeer West tied for second in the Flint Metro League competition, East edged out West by a couple points in a tie-breaker . The first place Metro League team had already qualified for the State tournament through another competition so East won the right to head to the State Finals. Photos are here.

Team coach, East counselor Mr. Jeff Lorenz, has been to the State Tournament four times in his 13 years of coaching. The team also competed in the Genesee Academic League in the fall and in the High School Challenge through Channel 28, losing only one match.

East team members are: Nick McHardy, Collin Schultz, Belinda Hammontree, Richard Brown, Turner Bradford, Ted McHardy, Kyle Bryce, Patrick Simpson, Emily Clairmont and Chris Milks. Ted McHardy was named to the Flint Metro League 1st Team Quiz Bowl All Stars and Nick McHardy to the 2nd Team.

Lapeer West’s Quiz Bowl team is coached by West teacher Brian Mauk. Members of the West team are: Captain Matt Sprague, Jaymes Schutz, Trevor Caldwell, Kevin Hallenbeck, Dan Barker. Matt Sprague and Jaymes Schutz were named to the Flint Metro League 1st Team Quiz Bowl All Stars.

Deadline extended for advertisers in the 3rd Annual Student Resource Guide

With a limited amount of advertising room still available in the third annual Lapeer Community Schools’ Student Resource Guide, the application deadline has been extended until Friday, April 17th.

The target audience of the Student Resource Guide is high school students.

The guide, which is handed out free to students at all three District high schools in August, has been an effective way for retail and service businesses to reach students and their parents well in advance of planning for homecoming, snow coming, prom and a variety of graduation activities.

Prices for advertising in the guide range from a full color back page ad for $225 to a black and white ¼-page ad for $75. Deadline for artwork is Friday, April 17th. For a small fee the ad can be designed and built for you.

For a complete advertising rate page and application contact Mary Linn Voss, Community Services Coordinator, at (810) 538-1634 or by e-mail at: mvoss@lapeerschools.org.

Murphy students learn recycling lessons: Turning household trash to art

Third grade students in Mrs. Amy Duncan's class took on a challenge from their teacher to make something new or artistic out of garbage and junk collected at home.

"We learned how reusing and recycling are all important for the environment and how vital our role is in reducing the amount of waste in our landfills," said Mrs. Duncan.

Each student received a signed certificate from Mrs. Duncan and "Mother Earth" in recognition of their efforts.

Pictures of all the projects are here.

New Photos - Rolland-Warner Middle School construction

Some new photos were taken today at the Rolland-Warner Middle School construction site.

A series of photos from the start to today are available at the Rolland-Warner photo album site.

Distinguished Alumni sought for 2009 induction to the Hall of Honor

A new class of Lapeer Community Schools Distinguished Alumni is being sought for a fall induction into the Hall of Honor.

The fourth annual Lapeer Community Schools Distinguished Alumni Award program is sponsored by the District and the Lapeer High School Alumni Association.

To be eligible for the award, a person, living or dead, must have graduated from the Lapeer Community Schools at least ten years ago and be noted in his or her field of endeavor or recognized for expertise and good works.

The person must be considered a role model for youth and demonstrated positive leadership and outstanding achievement, service or contributions to society. Living inductees must be able to attend the Distinguished Alumni Induction Ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2009 in the Lapeer East High School Auditorium.

Three previous classes of Distinguished Alumni Award winners included a former university president; a high school counselor, a U.S. Navy Blue Angels pilot; local business owners and executives, a women’s basketball team head coach, a former high altitude balloon test pilot killed testing flight suit equipment for the fledgling astronaut program in the 1960s and a police chief, among others.

Applications are available in District buildings or by calling Mary Linn Voss at (810) 538-1634.
Deadline for applications is May 1, 2009.

To see pictures of last year's induction go to the District's photo gallery here.

Food banks helped by West, East students

Students from Lapeer East and Lapeer West High School helped pack meals for the hungry at a Metro League Student Council event on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at Fenton High School.

The students, five from West and two from East, were part of a group of 70 students who packed 10,152 meals in about an hour for the “Kids Against Hunger” program out of Oak Park.

Each school donated $280 to pay for the meals. About one-third of the meals were distributed to local food banks and the rest are stored at the “Kids Against Hunger” facility in Oak Park for distribution to natural disaster sites and starving countries.

“It was an awesome experience,” said West Student Council advisor Hollie Marcola. “We are going to try to have one at West soon!”

West students Caitlin O’Brien, Brittany Walker, Holly Gordon, Barbara Jones and Erica Henderson; and East students, Ashlee Eisinger and Emily Mullins, participated in the event.

See more photos here.

East girls' varsity soccer players to publicly sign college soccer commitments April 1

Three Lapeer East girls soccer plays will publicly acknowledge commitments to play collegiate soccer at a press conference at 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 in the Lapeer East Media Center.

Seniors Kelsey Hizelberger, Kristen Tomczyk and Lauren Kobylik are beginning their fourth year as varsity soccer players at Lapeer East High School.

Kelsey, who has scored 39 goals, which puts her in seventh place on the school’s all-time scoring list, will sign with Savannah college of Arts & Design in Savannah, Georgia. In addition to her goals, Kelsey has 23 career assists and plays club soccer for the Bloomfield Force, a Michigan Division 1 premier team.

“Kelsey is a very talented attacking player,” said Bill Kinzer, her coach. “She’s one of those rare difference makers who can affect the outcome of a game by herself.”

Kristen Tomczyk has played a varitety of positions for the East Eagles and is a “natural defender.” Her East career includes 20 goals and 8 assists. Kristen will sign to play for Saginaw Valley State University. She plays club soccer for the Livonia United, a Michigan Division 1 premier team.

“Kristen is a skilled, athletic and versatile soccer player,” said Bill Kinzer, her coach. “One of the greatest things about her is her ability to make all of the players around her better.”

With 12 career goals and 22 assists, Lauren Kobylik will play her college soccer with Notre Dame College in Euclid, Ohio. She also played club soccer for the Livonia United team.

“Lauren will do really well at the collegiate level,” said Bill Kinzer, her coach. “Her first touch is super, and she’s a very strong tactical player.”

West's Alyssa Marino whips up winning dish and a chance for "Best Teen Chef"

Lapeer West senior Alyssa Marino whipped up a chicken, rice pilaf and broccoli dish so great it won her a first place medal at a local “Best Teen Chef” competition at the Art Institute of Novi and a chance to win a national competition and an appearance on the Food Network.

Marino also won $3,000 for her efforts.

Alyssa said she was given a general menu, but added her own touches at the competition.
“I made my own sauce and garnish,” she said.

“She was practically raised in a kitchen,” said Alyssa’s mother, Leah Hoadley. “She also used to help out in her grandparents’ restaurant. I’m very proud of her.”

Marino, who is a second year culinary arts student at the Lapeer County Intermediate School District’s Education and Technology Center, will compete with 40 other teens from around the country on May 9th in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The top winner of the competition will win a full-ride scholarship to one of the more than 30 Art Institutes in the country that offer a culinary arts program. Other winners will receive partial scholarships.

The top winner also wins an appearance in a short feature of the Best Teen Chef competition on the Food Network. The Food Network is in a partnership with the "Best Teen Chef" program.

The 2009 Best Teen Chef will be an “Intern for a Day” in the Food Network kitchens in New York City and receive a studio tour, dinner for two at a Food Network chef’s restaurant and a library of Food Network cookbooks.

East, West students excel at Lansing art competition, move on to Kalamazoo

Three Lapeer high school students, one from East and two from West, will have art on display at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in Kalamazoo May 7-9.

The judging of the student art started at a show at Gallery 194 last month.

Artwork by Lapeer East student Travis Cushaway and West students Samantha Dahnke and Emily Korleski survived additional judging in East Lansing on March 7 to be selected for the Festival.

“Congratulations to all of these very talented young artists,” said East teacher Debbie Helbig.

Also, Abrianna DeBono, a Lapeer West 8th grader, had her painting chosen in the top 100 for middle school students in the Michigan Art Education Association competition in Lansing.