Matt Olson named Principal of Zemmer Middle School

An experienced administrator who believes middle school students have unique educational needs has been named principal of Zemmer Middle School.

Matt Olson, currently principal at Sherman Middle School and Richert Intermediate School in the Holly School District, will begin his new job with Lapeer Community Schools on July 1, 2010.

Mr. Olson said he was interested in the Zemmer position because his philosophy matches that of the district in terms of educating middle school students.

“I am a middle school guy through and through,” Mr. Olson said. “When I saw what Lapeer was doing and the groundwork in the program they are establishing, all the effort to create a true middle school that is not older elementary school or young high school, I wanted to join.

“I believe they (middle school students) are truly unique and have unique needs. The district feels the same way.”

Lapeer is launching a new middle school program designed to be a better bridge between the elementary and high school years and to help students prepare and meet the Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements for high school graduation. Mr. Olson said he is eager to become involved in that program.

“I am incredibly excited about this,” he said. “It’s a great position and I can’t wait to start.”

Mr. Olson earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan-Flint and earned his master’s degree in educational administration from Michigan State University. He currently is pursuing an educational specialist degree from Oakland University.

He also has worked in the Mt. Morris and Carman-Ainsworth school districts.

Students sew dresses for Africa as class project

Lapeer East eighth grade sewing students have been finishing up a final exam project that will mean something to their grades, but more to some young girls in Africa who will be the beneficiaries of the hand made pillowcase dresses made by the students.

Last year’s students created about 60 of the dresses, but this year’s students will make and ship about 100 of the creations for the http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/ project.

The sewing students are working in teams to ‘fancy up’ the pillowcases with lace, ribbon and bows. Students must use many sewing skills, like elastic casings and making armholes to finish the dresses.

“This is a wonderful way to test the skills of my students and perform a worthwhile public service project at the same time,” said Lapeer East Life Management teacher Miss Terry Brennan.

Photos of the project are available at the photo gallery.

Lynch students lobby State Representative Kevin Daley for State dragonfly designation

A group of third-graders at Lynch Elementary School received a surprise visit from State Representative Kevin Daley Monday so they could personally lobby him for an issue that has been ‘bugging’ them.

Students in Mrs. Gail Hale’s class wrote letters to Rep. Daley, which they had a chance to present to him in person during his surprise visit, about making the dragonfly the official insect of Michigan.

Last year, Mrs. Hale discovered that Michigan was one of only four states without an official insect. The third-graders were presented with the challenge of researching and then lobbying their State Representative on the issue.

Part of the third grade curriculum includes an outdoor education visit to Skinner Lake where water samples are collected and examined for various life forms. One of the most common underwater findings are dragonfly nymphs which soon climb out of the water to shed their exoskeleton and fly away. (Photo above is Rep. Daleyand students Chase DeLong and Brittany Beck)

Students peppered Rep. Daley with dragonfly facts during his visit. Photos are available on the District photo gallery.

As adults the dragonflies lay eggs in the water and their life cycle is repeated. The third graders from Lynch brought back samples of the dragonfly nymphs to the classroom where they observed this process before releasing the dragonflies outdoors. The experience with this event made the dragonfly their perfect choice for Michigan’s state insect.

This is the second year that the Lynch third graders have written to Representative Daley and now they may have the opportunity to actually visit Lansing to formally present their request.

“The students are excited about this prospect and look forward to learning more about how they can play an active role in our government’s procedures,” said Mrs. Hale.

Three Lapeer sports teams advance in the post season

Lapeer East girls' soccer and boys' baseball continue their already successful seasons. Last night the girls' soccer team defeated Warren Regina in a thrilling 1-0 match. The Flint Journal has great photos and a story. The team now faces a tough challenge facing Birmingham Marian Thursday night in the Regional championship game. Photos and story in The County Press.

Lapeer West softball defeated Lapeer East and Grand Blanc last Saturday and advanced to the next level Saturday, June 12, against Flint Kearsley. The County Press has some great coverage as well.

Lapeer East baseball downed Brandon last Saturday to win the District title and advance. The County Press had photos and story in Wednesday's paper.

Schickler performs "Gotta Keep Reading"

Top 10 Graduates from Lapeer East and Lapeer West High School announced

Following the links to photos and biographies of the Top 10 from Lapeer East and Lapeer West High School. We're still waiting on photos from Lapeer Community High Schools Top 3. They will be posted next week.

Summer building hours, closings set

The Administration & Services Center will begin summer office hours on Monday, June 14. The building will be open from 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM.

Regular business hours of 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM will resume on Monday, August 23.

All District school buildings, with the exception of the Administration & Services Center and the bus garage, will close to the public on June 21. Bus garage hours will be 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. beginning June 14.

District administration proposes $3 million in budget cuts to Board of Education

A budget recommendation to cut $3 million from the 2010-2011 District budget, which includes large cost items like contracted food service, a reduction in bus driver hours due to a change in middle school and elementary school schedules and many smaller cuts, will be discussed further at the June 17 Board of Education meeting.

In addition to retirements, the District also proposes saving $500,000 by not replacing five teachers and another $210,000 by reducing the number of new buses purchased.

Other recommended cuts include, reducing and restructuring administrative staff at central office, eliminating auxiliary secretaries at the elementary schools and reducing custodial costs through contracting services as current employees retire.

Smaller cuts are also proposed like allowing parents to choose paper or electronic copies of school mailings, an expected savings of $11,300. That leaves the District spending about $1.5 million from the District’s fund equity.

Board members requested additional budget information and further discussion before making a final decision.

A special Board of Education meeting will be set to adopt the budget following the June 17 discussion. By State law a budget must be in place by June 30.

Youth basketball camp scheduled at Lapeer West High School gym on June 14-17

Improved ball handling, shooting and strong defensive fundamentals will be the focus of a Lapeer West Boys’ Basketball Camp in the Lapeer West High School gym from 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. on June 14-17.

Head West varsity basketball coach Andy Roberts, his coaching staff and varsity West players will also help develop teamwork skills and help students learn to play at a higher level.

The camp is aimed at students who will be in grades 6-9 next year, but fifth graders are also welcome.

Cost for the camp is $25 and registration will be at the door.

Superintendent Debbie Thompson announces plans to retire at end of 2010-2011

Superintendent Debbie Thompson’s 40-year education career that began as a second-grade teacher at a private school in Oxford will end June 30, 2011 in retirement.

Last week, Mrs. Thompson informed the Board of Education that she will retire next year allowing the District plenty of time to find a new superintendent and create a seamless transition.

In her tenure as Superintendent she and the Board of Education navigated the District through difficult budgets brought on by Michigan’s financial woes, but also oversaw a successful bond campaign that brought two long sought after new middle schools to the District. Both schools open in the fall.

In 1974, Mrs. Thompson started her career with Lapeer Community Schools as a third and fourth grade Chapter I Reading teacher at Hadley Elementary School. Previously she had been a second-grade teacher at Kingsbury School in Oxford starting in 1971.

During her career she held a variety of posts including Title I teacher, Administrative Assistant for Staff Development, Curriculum Coordinator, Director of Curriculum, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Interim Superintendent of Schools and finally in 2005, Superintendent.

From 1988 to 1992 she was an elementary school principal in Linden, the only time she was absent from the Lapeer District during her long career.

“I am excited to continue working next school year as we open and operate our two new middle schools,” said Mrs. Thompson. “It is a dream a long time in the making! In addition, I am energized by the enthusiasm of our current staff and the potential of the new staff we are in the process of hiring. I look forward to leading the District as we work to make LCS the best possible learning environment for all of our students.”

Mrs. Thompson received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and did advanced course work in educational leadership at Eastern Michigan University. She is listed in the 1988 Who’s Who in American Education and was named the 1984 Distinguished Educator for Lapeer Community Schools.

“At a time when the District needed strong leadership and vision, Mrs. Thompson admirably exemplified those assets during her time as Superintendent with Lapeer Community Schools,” said Board of Education President Bill Laidlaw. “She has been a pleasure to work with and a team player with the Board of Education in moving the District forward. She will be deeply missed when she retires.”

Swing Out 2010 - Photos

Photos of Swing Out 2010 are now posted on the District's photo gallery. This nearly 80-year tradition continued with graduates from Lapeer East, Lapeer West and Lapeer Community High School marching through town and being greeted by friends and family.

New athletic fields, interior construction progresses at Zemmer Middle School

Take a peek at the continuing construction progress at Zemmer Middle School.

Lapeer West High School art students learn life lessons while creating artworks

When students in Jeff Bolzman’s fourth hour art class at Lapeer West High School worked on their final exam projects, they were creating more than intriguing pieces of art.

Mr. Bolzman also taught them that the principles of constructing art can be applied to life. For example, he said sculptures need a solid, strong base to support the weight of the piece. Mobiles need balance to hang and function properly. Mr. Bolzman told his students that they can apply those same ideas to life — establish a strong foundation for whatever they want to do, but don’t forget to add balance for a well-rounded life.

The students’ art pieces ranged from clay and papier-mache sculptures of animals to mobiles modeled after the works of Alexander Calder, who developed a new method of sculpting by bending and twisting wire to create three-dimensional shapes.

Some of the creations made by students in Mr. Bolzman’s classes are on display in the West media center and in display cases in the school’s hallway. View some of the pieces students were making for their final exams in the photo gallery.

“Everyone talks about hands-on education, and this is as hands-on as it gets,” Mr. Bolzman said.

Lapeer East High School art students honored for work at Michigan Arts Festival

Lapeer East High School junior Hillary Davlin and senior Ayla Asawasathaporn were honored at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in Kalamazoo May 13-16.

Hillary was chosen as one of the artists in the State of Michigan to exhibit art as part of the traveling Governor’s Art Show in 2010-2011.

Ayla’s artwork was honored as being among the top 100 pieces judged from around the State.

Students from all over Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula, sent pieces to this competition. Each teacher submitted five pieces for judging.

“I am proud of the work done by Hillary and Ayla and of this very special recognition,” said Mrs. Debbie Helbig, the students’ art teacher.

Two Lapeer West students, teacher honored for art at Mich. Youth Arts Festival

Lapeer West High School juniors Rachel Gillotte and Cheryse Burns were honored at a special luncheon at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in Kalamazoo May 13-16.

These two young artists were chosen as two of the top eighteen visual artists in the state of Michigan. The winning artwork will be part of the traveling Governor’s Art Show in 2010-2011.

Winners were presented with sketch books by Cindy Todd, President of the Michigan Art Education Association, and Amy VanderPol, the President- Elect of the Michigan Art Education Association.

Students from all over Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula, sent pieces to this competition. Each teacher submitted five pieces for judging.

“Even more remarkable is the fact that Rachel and Cheryse are juniors and have a full year of art ahead of them in their high school careers,” said West art teacher Nancy Barry.

Also honored at the Festival was their teacher. Mrs. Barry has had more students recognized with this honor than any other teacher in Michigan.

We are proud to have our teacher and students from Lapeer West High School recognized for these top State awards,” said West Principal Tim Zeeman. More photos can be found at the District photo gallery.

Lapeer East Project Graduation looking for help from parents of juniors and seniors

Here's an appeal from the Lapeer East Project Graduation committee:

East Junior and Senior Parents,
We are hosting the now annual Lapeer East Project Graduation. This event is an alcohol and drug free way for the graduates to party as a class one last time. In the past, and hopefully for our night, students have each received a gift bag containing various promotional items. The students are also entered into a raffle, which we hope to collect enough to have a prize for each student. They arrive around 10:30 PM, check in and we lock the doors at 11 PM.

Students are required to RSVP and if not checked in our principal calls home to inquire why and where they are. While at Project Graduation, the students are confined to a specific area of the building, but we have rented inflatable activities; laser tag, a photo booth, a horse derby and a mechanical bull, some casino tables, possibly a euchre tourney with prizes, and hired a DJ. At 3 AM or so, they will be gathered into a common area and entertained by a hypnotist. Then at 5 AM they go home. We have a graduating class of 244 and are expecting about 200 students at this time.

We are setting up for our event on Friday, June 4 at 7:00 for 2 or 3 hours (the more people the quicker it will go). This will be moving tables and chairs, setting up the hypnotist's stage, staging the food service with non-perishables, setting up the DJ table, and setting up the casino area. If you'd like to help out on June 6, instead, you are more than welcome, and you may attend the event for helping on either day. We need lot of volunteers to help set up and chaperone this event. Food set up will be Sunday, June 6 at 10:00 PM. On Sunday, we need help at the casino tables and maybe some carnival type games too, and of course food serving and security detail.

If you can help out in any way, please contact Christie Morris at 810-417-7747 or Sandy Griffin at 810-614-3041.

We are very grateful for your assistance and look forward to seeing you.

Four Lapeer East High School student-athletes celebrate decision to head to Adrian College

A quartet of Lapeer East High School athletes are headed to Adrian College to attend classes and play sports.

Joined by family, friends and high school coaches, four Lapeer East High School athletes celebrated their decisions to go to Adrian College on Tuesday, May 25, in the East Media Center.

Adrian College’s football team will have the largest representatives from Lapeer East with three players from last year’s Eagles’ squad going to the Bulldogs. Eric Rieves, Anthony Hunt and Sebashton Sullivan have made commitments.

“I urge you, as you did in high school, to keep your focus on your classes and then work hard in your sport,” said East football coach Jake Weingartz.

(Photo: (left-right) Casey Donovan, Eric Rieves, Sebashton Sullivan, and Anthony Hunt. In the back, East assistant volleyball coach Sommer Schons and East head varsity football coach Jake Weingartz.)

Also going to Adrian College is Casey Donovan a standout Lapeer East volleyball player.

“Casey is small for a volleyball player, but she plays huge,” said girls’ assistant volleyball coach Sommer Schons.

Lapeer Community High School senior represents LCS at Thumb Works event

Morgan Kelly, Lapeer Community High School’s top senior, recently participated in the recent Thumb Works Community and Education Day activities.

Morgan participated with other top seniors from Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties in a roundtable discussion that was moderated by the keynote speaker for the event, Mr. Jim Winter, a former educator and successful business owner from Chicago.

“Morgan did a great job representing both Lapeer Community High School at Cramton and LCS!,” said Lapeer Community High School Principal Kevin Walters. “We are proud of her and her accomplishments as an outstanding example of the quality student that is produced from all three high schools in the district.”

From the information packet:

“In an effort to support the “Best of the Class” from our local school districts, again this year we are pleased to have a panel of Thumb Area high school valedictorians on hand to share their views of “special”. This highly interactive session will allow attendees to gain a different, youthful perspective of special through the eyes of those taking their first steps into life after high school graduation.”

Four Lapeer West students donate stainglass creation to the schools' Media Center

Students Kevin Roach, Juli Field, Nick Durst and Adam Darby created this stained glass work and donated it to the media center at Lapeer West High School. The students said it took them a week to make the artwork and credited Mr. Paul Fernandez and Mrs. Julie Fernandez and Mr. Steve Hilgendorf with helping them. The four are graduating in June and wanted to leave something that would mark their time at West.

Law enforcement asked us to pass this along...

These billboards will be going up around the county soon. It's a message worth taking to heart for a safe summer.

SOS - Success Over Summer - a Parent

The Family Literacy Center of Lapeer sent this press release:

Summer is here! Will you be ready when your child says, “I’m bored!”?

You can be prepared to face summer days with enjoyable hours of activities that create happy memories!

Family Literacy Center presents "SOS - Success Over Summer" a class for parents/caregivers at no cost to you! This class will help you:

• Keep your child from losing skills over the summer!
• Learn fun ways to help your child in the way he/she learns best!
• Create great games that entertain and strengthen educational skills!

Discuss issues and ideas with other parents Saturday, June 12, 9:00-4:00 pm at Mott College, Lapeer Campus. Space is limited! Register today by calling Family Literacy Center at 810-664-2737 or e-mailing ican@readlapeer.org. Adults only, please. No childcare is provided.

(Professional Development Certificate available for a nominal fee.)

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

An summer 'book club' for parents, an idea from the Michigan Adolescent Literacy Council

We received the following flier from the Michigan Adolescent Literacy Council and wanted to pass along the information:

Michigan Adolescent Literacy Council presents:

Share the Read!

This is an opportunity for you to create a mini book club with your son, daughter, niece, nephew, or other neighborhood adolescent or teen this summer. You will each choose and read one of two books in your grade level category and then have a chance to discuss the book using questions provided to you on Michigan Adolescent Literacy Council website.

We are hopeful that this shared reading experience will accomplish the following:

-Encourage parents and adolescents to read
-Set a framework for conversations between adult and adolescent about the book
-Provide a framework for discussing relevant issues or topics raised by the book

Book Selections

Grades 6/7: Grades 8/9/10:
Feathers-Jaqueline Woodson
Hoot-Carl Hiassen

Grades 8/9/10:

Fever 1793 - Halse Andersen

The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman

Grades 11/12:
The Road—Cormac McCarthy
The Glass Castle—Jeannette Walls

A 20% discount is available for these titles at Barnes & Noble in Flint in
June, July, and August.

Go to our website to find discussion questions.

Lapeer Soccer Club travel team tryouts scheduled for June 15th at Optimist fields

Tryouts for the 2009-2010 Lapeer Soccer Club travel teams will be held in June at the Optimist fields next to Lapeer East High School.

Tryouts for the girls’ team (ages 8-13) – the Lapeer Bandits – will be held Tuesday, June 15th at 5 p.m.

Tryouts for the boys’ team (ages 8-13) – the Lapeer Renegades – will be held Tuesday, June 15th at 6:30 p.m.

Players should bring: Water, shin guards and soccer shoes, if available; a copy of a birth certificate; doctor and medical insurance information and two current, wallet-sized pictures of your child.

The teams will compete against teams in Bay City, Saginaw, Mt. Pleasant, Flushing, Davison, Owosso and Clio. Many of the best local high school soccer players have come through the Lapeer Soccer Club program.

For paperwork and financial issues call Ted Tomczyk at the e-mail address and number above.

Lapeer Soccer Club sponsors 4-day Camp taught by Lapeer East licensed coaches

Boys and girls seeking to improve soccer skills are invited to a 4-day Soccer Camp taught by licensed coaches from Lapeer East High School and the Lapeer Soccer Club from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, July 19th through Thursday, July 22nd at the Lapeer Optimist Community Soccer fields next to Lapeer East High School.

The Camp will take place on Field 5.

In addition to the coaches, current high school boys’ and girls’ soccer players from Lapeer East will assist in teaching the camp. Proper ball handling, passing and finishing skills at an age appropriate level will be taught.

Individual and one-on-one drills as well as small-sided games will be used to help develop players’ skills, strength and character.

Cost is $35 and checks should be made payable to the Lapeer Soccer Club.

Mail checks to Ted Tomczyk, 4528 Trails End, Lapeer, MI, 48446.

Registration is also available on the first day of camp.

Campers are advised to bring water and cleats everyday.

For further information contact Ted Tomczyk at ttomczyk@charter.net or at (810) 441-5389.

Lapeer Board of Education studying 'difficult' budget cuts in 2010-2011 school year

“Everything is on the table” as the Lapeer Community Schools Board of Education and administration officials look for ways to overcome a budget shortfall of between $5 million and $6 million for the 2010-2011 school year.

The Board looked at a long list of potential cuts and budget savings during a difficult meeting Thursday night, May 20, at the Administration & Services Center. The meeting lasted more than three hours, but no decisions were finalized. The discussion will continue at the June 3 Board meeting.

The Board also scheduled a budget hearing for June 17, at which time the budget could be adopted.

“This is my fifth year as Superintendent and this year’s budget cuts are the most painful,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “We are talking about friends and colleagues. These are tough times we face with a unique set of circumstances, not of our making.”

The size of the budget shortfall will depend on how much or how little the state cuts the individual student allowance. The District is required to submit a balanced budget by June 30.

The Board looked at 59 possible budget reduction items, including contracting food, custodial and dean of students services.

A representative of Chartwells, the food service company that currently manages the breakfast and lunch program in the schools, said that by transferring the hiring and supervision of food service employees to Chartwells, the District could save about $350,000 annually.

The District administration also outlined a plan to contract custodial services by replacing retiring school custodians with contract employees at a savings of $209,000. The District would save an additional $791,000 by turning over custodial services to a private company without waiting for employees to retire.


Currently the District has a $6.9 million fund balance, which through careful financial management has helped the District avoid layoffs or major mid-year cuts as experienced by other school districts. While some fund balance could be used, the District will move cautiously with a future that appears to be grim.

Some items from last night’s discussion include:

· A potential need to close an elementary building in the following (2011-2012) school year, likely the Seaton campus, at a cost savings of $350,000 per year.
· Reduction of custodial staff by 1/3 and alternate day cleaning at a savings of $470,000.
· Create more efficient bus routes at an annual savings of $250,000 through reduced hours and benefits to transportation employees.
· Reduce the number of new bus purchases with a savings of $210,000.
· Contract dean of students services at a savings of $105,000.
· Eliminate all deans of students for a savings of $470,000.
· Eliminate only elementary deans of students to save $357,000.
· There were several staff reductions discussed including Media Center employees, a reduction in secretarial staff, central office administrative staff reductions, partial reductions in counseling staff, reductions in support staff. The complexities of those cuts are too difficult to recount here.

Lapeer East High School art students honored for work at Congressional Art Show

Two Lapeer East High School art students placed in the Congressional Art Competition and will have their art displayed in the office of Congresswoman Candice S. Miller.

Nearly 100 pieces of art were judged in the competition. Lapeer East senior Steven Hoffa, a student of Mrs. Debbie Helbig, won second place and junior Patrick Robinson, a student of Mrs. Joann Swomley, won third place in the competition.

Steven’s Chine Colle print will be displayed in the Washington, D.C. office of Congresswoman Miller. Patrick’s artwork will hang in the Congresswoman’s District Office lobby.

Both students will receive Certificates of Congressional Recognition for their achievements.

Industrial arts students at East and West win dozens of awards at Statewide event

Lapeer East and Lapeer West High School industrial arts students won dozens of awards at the Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society (MITES) competition at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie May 6-8.

The MITES 82nd annual convention recognizes craftsmanship in industrial and career technology in a number of categories, including inventions, drafting, graphic arts, wood projects, pattern-making and molding.

Among the top awards were first place awards to East’s Tyler Lemieux (two projects) and Brenton Jaros; and West student Wyatt Fleisher. Second place awards went to East’s Dylan Barriger, Brenton Jaros, and Kyle Waid; and West students Eric Boskee and Jordon Pierce. Third place awards went to East students Andrew Olson and Zach Sanford; and West students Devan Corneail and Nick Williams.

A total of 45 Lapeer East students from the classes of Mr. Jared Andres and Mr. Timothy Lewis sent one or more projects to the event and 33 West students from the classes of Mr. Cory Gutenschwager and Steve Hilgendorf exhibited one or more projects at the show.

At regional competition, 16 East projects won first place and West had 20 projects that won first place honors. At the State competition, a total of 25 East projects finished in the top 10 and West had 27 projects that finished in the top 10.

Other students who had top 10 projects at the event were:

East: Tyler Agnew (5th), Dylan Barriger (9th), Lucas Bonesteel (4th), Ricky Burley (6th), Mercedes Drinkhorn (10th), Tyler Graham (10th), Andrew Jack (5th), Josh Jacot (4th), Tony Julian (7th), Kaitlyn Kluge (5th), Grant Kropfeld (6th), Eddie Lockwood (5th), Jasmine Luzi (4th), Steven Medellin (5th), Alec Mihm (10th), Kim Mitchell (6th), Will Smith (6th) and Brandon Warren (4th).

West: Zac Allen (9th), Austin Allison (4th), Kyle Bannister (8th), Kyle Boose (three projects - 7th, 8th, 9th), Eric Boskee (10th), Mark Cox (5th), Nate Dillon (9th), Jessica Laidler (4th), Jared Miller (8th), Joe Miller (two projects- 8th, 9th), Jordon Pierce (5th), Collin Ray (two projects – 9th, 9th), Ken Smith (4th), Chandler Stefan (10th), Justin Sundberg (6th), Justin Sutherby (8th), Kaitlyn Becker (4th), and Robert Hicks (9th).

Lapeer East, Lapeer West art students honored for work at Young Artists Today Show

Art students from Lapeer East and Lapeer West participated in the recent Young Artists Today Show at the Flint Public Library and several were honored for their work.

The art exhibit, a collaboration between the Greater Flint Arts Council, Flint Public Library and the Flint Institute of Arts, annually displays the best artwork from students in our area.

Students representing Lapeer West from Mr. Jeff Bolzman’s class were Rhonda Vandercook (3rd place), Adrianna Allen (honorable mention), and Jessica Phelps (honorable mention). Additional students of Mr. Bolzman who exhibited art were Krystal Peto, Cheryse Burns and Lisa Noelle.

Students from Mrs. Nancy Barry’s class at Lapeer West were Elizabeth Smith (honorable mention) and Jaclyn Conlon (honorable mention). Additional students of Mrs. Barry who exhibited at the show were Megan Roberson, Jessica Phelps, Rachel Gillotte and Nicole Mobley.

Also at West, Mrs. Julie Fernandez’s eighth grade students exhibited work at the Young Artists Show. Kaylee Hammerstein received an honorable mention. Other students of Mrs. Fernandez who exhibited were: Abrianna DeBono, Kami Carpenter, and Tyler Egres.

From Lapeer East, Adam Porter, a student of Mrs. Debbie Helbig won an honorable mention award. Other students of Mrs. Helbig exhibiting art at the show were: Shelbi Davis, Sharon McCully, Dominique Sokolowski, Tyler Lemieux and Devin Verhulst.

Also at East, Melanie Dickenson, a student of Mrs. Joann Swomley received an honorable mention. Other students of Mrs. Swomley who had art pieces at the show were: Kaitlyn Beard, Marisa Nichols, Erica Place, Lauren Piontkowski and Autumn Seib.

Art teachers from both schools praised the dedication and discipline of their students for the positive showing at the exhibit.

LA View does feature on Mayfield Elementary School leadership student

The LA View had a nice feature story on Matthew Moore, a Mayfield Elementary School sixth-grader, who recently attended a youth leadership event in Washington, D.C.

Two Lapeer West sophomore students chosen for SET SEG camp scholarship this summer

The School Employers Trust and School Employers Group (SET SEG) Educational Foundation recently awarded Lapeer West High School with a scholarship that will provide funding for students to attend the Michigan Association of Student Councils/Michigan Association of Honor Societies (MASC/MAHS) Summer Leadership Camp.

The school received $400 and plans to send sophomores Gina Cavanaugh and Ashley Nugent, to the camp at Albion College July 25-30. The school will receive its award from the Foundation at a special presentation made during the Lapeer Community Schools Board of Education meeting at 7 p.m. June 3, at the Administration and Services Center.

The MASC/MAHS Leadership camp teaches students leadership principles that will benefit their schools and communities. Through their work serving on committees and in councils, students gain hands-on experience that will assist them with program planning and evaluation. Leadership Camp sessions address leadership styles, communication, organizational skills, public speaking, team building and project planning and provide an environment for students to interact with peers from school districts throughout Michigan.

Scholarship recipients were selected from a competitive field of applicants. The application process required input from a high school principal and a Student Council or Honor Society adviser.

This is the Foundation’s fourth year of awarding the scholarships. Its parent company, SET SEG, is a nonprofit provider of complete insurance services to Michigan public school districts.

The SET SEG Educational Foundation was established in 2005 and is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization. Its mission is to enable students to pursue enrichment opportunities that advance learning, leadership and civic responsibility.

Lapeer East Baccalaureate Services set for 2 p.m. Sunday, May 30 in the auditorium

A Baccalaureate Service to honor all Lapeer East High School graduates will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 30 in the Lapeer East auditorium.

Several local pastors will be officiating and Wesley Starr, a graduate of Lapeer East, will deliver the message.

The Baccalaureate Service is a long standing tradition and the pastors encourage many people to come out for the event to show their appreciation to the 2010 graduating class of Lapeer East High School.

Lapeer West High School Garden Club uses green thumps to spruce up courtyards, gardens

The Lapeer West High School Garden Club spent a nice afternoon recently cleaning up the courtyards and flower beds from a typical Michigan winter.

Students built and installed birdhouses, as well as sprucing up the gardens. The courtyards and gardens at the school are enjoyed by students and staff.

To see additional photos go to the District photo gallery.

West teacher Mrs. Kathy Hergenreder is the Club's adviser.

(Photo: Members of the LW Garden Club (left to right) Ashley Nugent, Abbey Magolan, Katie Kovalik, and Nikki Kujawa.)

Four Lapeer East High School athletes heading to Adrian College to play football, volleyball

The Adrian College Bulldogs will become very familiar with the Lapeer East Eagles next year.

On Tuesday, four Lapeer East High School athletes will celebrate their commitments to attend and play for Adrian College at a 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 25, ceremony in the school’s Media Center.

Adrian College’s football team will have the largest representatives from Lapeer East with three players from last year’s Eagles’ squad going to the Bulldogs. Eric Rieves, Anthony Hunt and Sebashton Sullivan have made commitments.

East football coach Jake Weingartz and Adrian College head football coach Jim Deere are scheduled to be on hand, along with family and friends of the players.

Also going to Adrian College is Casey Donovan a standout Lapeer East volleyball player. Lapeer East volleyball coach Dan Purvis and Adrian College head volleyball coach Elisa Joris are scheduled to be at the ceremony along with Casey’s family and friends.

LCS TV station back on the air

With technology issues resolved, the Lapeer Community Schools is happy to announce that its public television station, Channel 99, is back on the air. The previous District station was Channel 18.

Charter cable subscribers in the District will now have access to 24-hour programming on the channel.

School videos and information will be updated frequently and a current and future air schedule will be included among the information.

To catch up, the District will be airing graduation activities from the 2009 classes at Lapeer East, Lapeer West and Lapeer Community High Schools during the next few weeks. Those activities include Swing Out and commencement exercises. Concerts from the current and previous years will also run through the summer. Videos of the Rolland Warner Open House from last summer will also be aired.

Lapeer East High School cross country runner commits to run for Oakland CC

Lapeer East High School cross country runner Stephanie Morris will commit to participate in the Oakland Community College Cross Country team next fall at a ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 27 in the East Media Center.

East Cross Country coaches Duane Machesney and Noelle Grignani will be present along with Stephanie’s friends and family for the ceremony.

Public invited to Zemmer Middle School ribbon-cutting, open house in August

A new era in education is about to be launched at Lapeer Community Schools, and the District wants to celebrate with the community that helped make it happen. Before the opening of Rolland-Warner Middle School last summer, it had been more than 30 years since a major school building project was completed.

The opening of the new Zemmer Middle School, 1920 W. Oregon Road, will be celebrated at a Ribbon-Cutting and Open House at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12. Members of the public are invited to attend to mark not only the opening of the state-of-the-art school their support helped build, but also the launch of a new educational program designed to better prepare middle school students for high school and college.

Zemmer will join Rolland-Warner as the District’s middle schools. The schools will house students in grades 6-8, and the District will debut a new curriculum designed to better integrate those grades into students’ academic and social preparation for graduation and college.

But first, the open house will be a chance to view the beautiful new school built with voter support.

“It is hard to believe we are at the end of a community-based initiative that resulted in a successful bond vote in May 2007 and the completion of these two beautiful buildings,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “We hope the community will join with us in this celebration of these new schools and what they will mean to our students now and in the future. We again thank our voters for making this possible.”

The new facility includes separate science and computer laboratories for each grade and a large shared media center. A cafeteria space includes a stage for band, drama and musical performances. New art and music rooms also are included.

Lapeer West celebrates athletic scholarship students at ceremony in Media Center

Lapeer West stand out athletes in four sports were honored at a ceremony marking their commitments to four colleges and universities on Friday, May 14, in the Media Center.

Catherine Benscoter will head to Northern Arizona University to play golf. In her career at Lapeer West, Catherine lettered all four years, was named to the All Flint Metro League golf First Team in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and the All-State first team in 2008 and 2009. She won the Flint Metro League tournament in consecutive years 2007-2009 and qualified for the State Tournament during those years. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and has a 3.52 grade point average. Catherine’s sister, Jacqueline Benscoter also plays for Northern Arizona.

Josh Martinez, who lettered two years in soccer, will attend classes and play for Delta College next year.

Austin Krehel has committed to play Lacrosse for Otterbein University next season. In addition to his skills on the field, Austin compiled a 3.57 grade point average at West.

Lindsay Thams, a right side and middle hitter on the Lapeer West varsity volleyball team, will play for St. Clair Community College. A three-sport athlete at West, Lindsay excelled on and off the court, winning Scholar Athlete honors in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. She won a number of individual honors and was named to the All Flint Metro League second team in 2010.

“We are proud of the accomplishments of these students on and off the court and field,” said Ms. Mary Haslinger. “We wish them the best as they pursue their academic and athletic careers at a higher level.”

(Photo caption: Lapeer West stand out athletes in four sports were honored at a ceremony marking their commitments to four colleges and universities on Friday, May 14, in the Media Center. The students athletes are: (l-r) Austin Krehel (Lacrosse), Josh Martinez (soccer), Lindsay Thams (volleyball), and Catherine Benscoter (golf)

Lapeer West athletes to celebrate sports accomplishments, college scholarships

A group of outstanding Lapeer West High School athletes will be on hand to celebrate their commitments and athletic scholarships to various colleges and universities at Lapeer West High School at 6 p.m. Friday, May 14.

Austin Krehel will play at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio; Catherine Benscoter will play golf at North Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona; Lindsay Thams has agreed to play volleyball at St. Clair Community College and Josh Martinez has will play soccer at Delta Community College.

The media is invited to attend this event.

Previously, on Friday, May 7, Lapeer West varsity football quarterback Nate Smith signed his commitment to play football on scholarship at Concordia College.

Lapeer West sewing students combine learning with service in sewing projects

Lapeer West High School sewing students stitched a little love and caring into class requirements with a community service project to help children at a Flint area medical clinic and Lapeer third and fourth grade students who will be participating in a summer reading program.

Teddy bears of various designs were created by the students in Charlotte Cornell’s sewing class to be given to youngsters at McLaren Specialty Clinic located in Flint, which provides forensic exams for sexually abused children in Genesee, Lapeer and Shiawassee Counties, to help ease their apprehension.

Like the teddy bears, students in Ms. Cornell’s class picked individual designs for the backpacks, which will be presented to students in the summer reading program to carry books home.

“It’s good for the students to know that their work will be put to such a positive purpose,” said Ms. Cornell. “It’s more than just a class assignment, it is something that will comfort a child or encourage them to read.”

The backpacks will be used by students reading below grade level for a Super Summer Success Reading Program, which was an idea adopted from Oakland schools. Students will return in July for breakfast, a book talk and to swap books with other reading students. Later they will come back to return the books and celebrate their summer reading success.

“Research shows that students who continue reading over the summer will maintain, or exceed, reading levels if they read at least six books over summer,” said Lisa Houk, Supervisor of Language Arts/Social Studies. “We are very grateful to Ms. Cornell and her students for this service project.

Lapeer East, Zemmer students participate in Watershed study of area creeks and rivers

Students from Lapeer East High School and Zemmer Junior High School joined students from 21 area school districts in collecting water samples as part of a Watershed STEM Initiative to investigate the health of area streams, creeks and rivers. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

The Zemmer students took samples from Farmer’s Creek and the Lapeer East students took their samples from Hunter’s Creek. Back in the classrooms, students analyzed the data from the collections.

Students from Mrs. Karen Hale’s class at Zemmer and from the Lapeer East 8th grade classes of Mr. Chad Kenny and Mrs. Cheryl Butterfield’s 11th and 12th grade Forensic Chemistry classes took part in the river study.
Students will identify issues in the local watershed and develop a project to address it under the program.

In Genesee, Lapeer, and Oakland counties, the work done in Flint River GREEN compliments the on-going monitoring project that the Watershed Coalition has conducted for several years. It also provides information for use by the Genesee County Drain Commissioner in fulfilling responsibilities relative to storm water runoff concerns and abatement.

The Watershed Coalition currently has over 30 classrooms in a number of Genesee County school districts involved in Flint River GREEN.

The Watershed STEM Initiative (WSI), is an extension program of Earth Force’s GREEN (Global Rivers Environmental Education Network) program. Earth Force is a national nonprofit organization focused on engaging young people as active citizens to improve the environment and their communities now and in the future.

Earth Force is partnering with the Lapeer Intermediate School District, the Flint River Watershed Coaltion and the Clinton River Watershed Council to deliver the WSI in Lapeer County.

Through the WSI teachers will become skilled at combining STEM and civic education into service learning projects and using community resources in the classroom. Students will become adept at using their study of science, technology, engineering and math to investigate watershed problems and civic skills to engage community members to solve those problems.

Professional mentors from agencies across the watershed contribute to student learning and awareness. Prior mentors have come from General Motors, the Genesee County Drain Commissioner’s office, City of Flint, the Center for Applied Environmental Research at UM-Flint, TetraTech, Flint River Watershed Coalition, Sierra Club, and Delphi.

Rain forces cancellation of most athletic contests

All scheduled athletic contests, except for Lapeer East girls’ soccer and an away LaCrosse match for Lapeer West have been cancelled today. Athletic practices will be held or not held at the discretion of the coaches.

Lapeer East cancels athletic events today

Please note that these Lapeer East games/matches have been CANCELLED today, May 11, 2010:

JV Girls Softball at home

Varsity Girls Softball at Carman-Ainsworth

JV Girls Tennis at Davison

Freshman Baseball

Lapeer East senior Samantha Kazor taking academic, athletic skills to LCC

Samantha Kazor has been a strong middle hitter for the Lapeer East High School volleyball team, but Dennis Richardson thinks she has great potential as an outside hitter.

Samantha is happy to make the switch because it means she gets to continue playing volleyball and study sonography at Lansing Community College.

Samantha, an East senior, signed a commitment letter on Friday, May 7, 2010 to accept a scholarship to LCC and play for its volleyball team. Coach Richardson said he is thrilled to have her join the team.

“She’s very talented on the volleyball court with her skills of defense, hitting and blocking,” Richardson said. “With her demeanor and character, she’s the whole package. She’s the kind of kid who is going to push up to the top. We’ve been third and fourth the past several years and she’s going to help us move up.”

Dan Purvis, her coach at East, said he is happy for Samantha.

“I’m real excited to see our players move on to the college level,” he said.

East Principal Kelly Paige praised Samantha for her work on the court and in the classroom.

“Sam is the type of athlete I like to talk about because of her grades,” she said. “She’s nearly a straight-A student and my hat goes off to her.”

Samantha, who said she is studying sonography so she can one day perform diagnostic ultrasound tests, said she plans to get an apartment in the Lansing area while attending LCC.

Lapeer West's Nate Smith signs with Concordia University to study, play football

Nate Smith always dreamed of attending college on a football scholarship.

With some hard work and a little twist of fate, the Lapeer West High School senior’s dream has come true. Nate signed a commitment letter on Friday, May 7, 2010 to accept a football scholarship to Concordia University in Ann Arbor. He will play quarterback for the university.

“It’s kind of crazy,” Nate said at the signing ceremony. “Two weeks ago I thought I was going to Alma (College).”

That was before fate stepped in. Anthony Pratley, Concordia’s Offensive Coordinator, said he was watching a game tape for another team when he saw Nate quarterbacking West’s team.

“I said, ‘We have to get a hold of this kid,’ ” Pratley said. Pratley called Nate’s coach, not then knowing that West Coach Mike Smith also is Nate’s father.

Nate is happy that Pratley called. “I’m glad to be going to a good place with good people to play and study,” he said.

His dad and coach, Mike, also is happy for him. “And maybe just a little bit proud,” he said.

Nate’s mother, Lila, and sister, Maddison, a Lapeer West sophomore, also attended the signing ceremony.

In 2009, Nate was named to the Flint Metro League First Team and led West to a 9-2 record, passing for 1,612 yards and 10 touchdowns. He rushed for seven touchdowns. He also lettered in football, basketball, golf and track.

West Washington, D.C. photos are in, and up

We have received our first set of photos from the Washington, D.C. Lapeer West 8th graders in Washington, D.C. If we receive more today, they will go up later tonight.

Lapeer West Washington photos are coming

There has been a small technical glitch (in D.C.) in getting Lapeer West photos back to put up on the website. We anticipate that tonight we will be able to get at least a few West photos up, or at least by early Sunday. Sorry for the delay, but we're working on it. We are assurred from those on the ground in Washington, D.C. that everyone from West is having a great time, however.

Panthers on the prowl in Washington, D.C.

We received word that the West buses have arrived in Washington, D.C. with its precious cargo of 8th graders and that they are having breakfast.

Eagles have landed, in Washington D.C.

Photos updated Saturday, May 8.

The long bus trip is over and the students are in Washington, D.C.

To follow along (as time permits posting) click on this link to the photo gallery as it will be updated throughout the weekend.

East 8th graders head to Washington, D.C.

The first photos are in from the 8th grade students traveling to Washington, D.C. We will post photos through the weekend, as we receive them.

Murphy Elementary students travel to Safetyville for important lessons

Murphy Elementary School first-graders traveled to Safetyville on Thursday, May 6, 2010, and left with lessons on how to stay safe every day.

Students from the classes of Denise Beachum and Elizabeth Kopchick took a field trip to the National Guard Armory in Lapeer to meet with Lapeer County Deputy Stacy Stimson and his team in Safetyville, a realistic, miniature town with streets, sidewalks, traffic lights, railroad

crossings and buildings. Stimson led the students through a series of fun exercises with a serious goal — keeping them safe in a variety of situations they encounter daily.

Stimson taught students to look both ways before crossing streets and to be aware of and observe traffic signals and signs for vehicles and pedestrians. He taught them what to do if a stranger tries to get them into a car, the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle

and about the dangers of playing with matches.

Safetyville’s lessons also address gun safety, with Stimson giving the children a four-step plan of action: “Stop, don’t touch it, leave the area and tell an adult.”

After the instructions, students got to put some of the advice into action. Climbing on toy tractors, they rode through town while obeying a working traffic light and traffic signs and learning to watch out for pedestrians at intersections. As some of the students rode through

town, others walked along the sidewalks, learning to watch for vehicles that might not be watching out for them.

Stimson said Lapeer County Sheriff Ron Kalanquin implemented the Safetyville program 30 years ago and that it is presented to every district in the county, with about 1,200 first-graders attending every year. Stimson has presented the program for 25 of those years and said he still uses the original equipment and buildings. “These tractors each have 100,000 miles on them,” he jokes.

Deputy Bill Bishop, Reserve Deputy Alex Romig and volunteers Amy Hoffman, Diane Pier, Margaret Smith and Sandy Evach assist Stimson in Safetyville.

“They are all angels,” Pier said of the children visiting Safetyville. “We need to keep them safe.”

Little Shop of Horrors comes to East Stage this weekend

A man-eating plant intent on ruling the world may sound like an old science fiction movie, but it’s actually the star of this Broadway musical, “Little Shop of Horrors.”

To see photos from dress rehearsal visit the photo gallery.

The Lapeer High School Drama Club will present “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Lapeer East Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 7th and 8th and 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 9th. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students, seniors, and children.

The Lapeer High School production is directed by Jennifer DeWitt and Bill Spruytte, who have co-directed for the past two years. Student assistant director is Kyle Schmude. “Little Shop of Horrors” features fantastic music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the same duo that created “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid” for Disney.

However, make no mistake; “Little Shop of Horrors” is not exactly Disney. The Lapeer High School version of this production carries a PG-13 rating.

Timid, Seymour Krelbourn discovers an exotic plant with a strange appetite for blood and brings it to the florist shop where he works. As the plant begins to grow quickly, so does its hunger for human flesh and blood. Seymour, who is secretly in love with his co-worker Audrey, names the plant Audrey II and strikes up a deal to feed the plant (flesh and blood) in exchange for fame and fortune.

The Lapeer High School production features Matt Schneider as Seymour. Audrey is played by Wei Li Crawford. Audrey II is voiced by Kevin Roach. Orin, Audrey’s sadistic boyfriend, is played by Lucas Cosens. Dylan Dahring plays the role of Mushnik, Seymour’s boss. Audrey II’s backup singers are played by Monique Morris, Leyna Burel, and Liz Smith. Rounding out the cast are, Brandon Turcott, Paul Eastman, Victoria Mullins, and Miranda Sanborn as Skid Row residents.

Music Director for the show is Cheryl Burnside, Ben Motter is technical director, and Becky Prohaska is choreographer.

Lapeer East Volleyball standout to sign to play with Lansing Community College

Lapeer East High School senior Samantha Kazor will sign a letter of commitment to attend classes and play volleyball for Lansing Community College at a ceremony in the East Media Center at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 7.

Her high school coach, Dan Purvis and her new college coach are scheduled to attend.
Samantha was an All-Flint Metro Honorable Mention selection this fall.

Her scholarship is the second for a member of the team in 2009-2010. East’s Ellery Owen previously accepted an offer to play for St. Clair Community College next year.

Lapeer East collects more than 40,000 pounds of food for Food Bank of Eastern Michigan

Cash donations of about $4,000 and non-perishable food donations of 3,000 pounds for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan at a Channel 12 School Spirit event Friday, April 30, put Lapeer East High School in the running for the “Spirit Cup.”

Each Friday, the television station sends a crew to an area high school to feature on the morning newscast. As part of the program students are asked to bring a donation of food or cash to the event for the Food Bank.

More than 400 students, including a few who camped out overnight, attended the 4 a.m. event in the Lapeer East High School gym.

“I’m proud of our students and the effort they put behind making this food drive a success,” said East Principal Kelly Paige. “We had a lot of fun and helped meet a tremendous need at this time in our community.”

Each $1 raised buys 9 pounds of food at the Food Bank, making the total poundage of the East event about 41,000 pounds. The total was more than double what the school collected in 2009, said Marc Jacobson, Channel 12 reporter.

The winner of the “Spirit Cup” event will be announced later in May. See previous post for photos and link to Channel 12 video.

Former Lapeer East student seeking help to finish scholarship goal

A former Lapeer East student is close to a goal, if you can help, please do, here is her note:

“I have recently entered a scholarship contest.To enter, I had to create a poster showing what I hopemy future will be – hence the name “Frame Your Future.”My entry made it into the top 24 out of over 9,000 entries.The top 5 vote getters will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

I would appreciate it if you would click on this link and vote for my entry. I was also hoping you would forward this email on to others to get the word out. The voting stops May 5th.

Thanks- I would appreciate your support!

Bree DeMeyere

Family Literacy Center offers a free look at learning disabilities

The Family Literacy Center sent along the following opportunity:

Is school a frustrating experience for your child? Does he often experience anxiety, stomach aches, or other difficulties? Family Literacy Center offers a workshop to help you better understand the frustrations students have and gain techniques to help your child.

This 90 minute workshop is offered at NO COST to you! We will view an outstanding DVD by Richard Lavoie, educator, administrator, author, and consultant. This nationally known expert on learning disabilities will take us on a journey of discovery through his workshop called, “F.A.T. City”.

We will experience first hand the “Frustration, Anxiety, and Tension” a child with a learning disability goes through every day. Two sessions will be offered.

Tuesday, May 25
12:30-2:00 PM

OR

6:00-7:30PM

Mott College, Lapeer Campus Room 204

Mott is located at 550 Lake Dr., Lapeer (SW corner of Genesee and Demille).

To register, call the Family Literacy Center at 810-664-2737

Family Literacy Center and the Lapeer District Library are partners for literacy in Lapeer County.

Lapeer East High School bands "Excellent" at State Band Festival in Perry

Two Lapeer East High School bands scored “Excellent” ratings at the State Band Festival on Friday, April 23 at Perry High School.

The East Concert Band and the Symphony Band each received first division ratings at the Festival.

In addition to playing selected pieces of music, students are also required to perform a sight reading challenge in which they are given two pieces of music and a limited amount of time to practice and then perform in front of judges.

“I am very proud of all the students,” said East Band Director Lyniece Fenner.

Zemmer Middle School construction update - April 2010

New current photos of the construction work at the future Zemmer Middle School are up on the photo gallery.

Stop by and see the progress being made for the exciting opening of two new Middle Schools in the fall.

The photo gallery album is here.

Lapeer East students up early to support Food Bank of Eastern Michigan

About 400 Lapeer East High School students showed up at 4 a.m. to fill the gymnasium with bodies, spirit, food and donations to assist the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Between cash and food donations the students and Lapeer East High School donated more than 33,000 pounds of food to the Food Bank, nearly double the amount from last year's event.

Talent show winners and the East teachers "Mock Rock" group warmed up the crowd for the television show.

The edited 7-minute version can be found here at the Channel 12 website.

Photos of the event can be found at the District photo gallery.

Two Lapeer West Choirs score well at State Festival at Rochester High School

Two Lapeer West High School choirs attended the State Choir Festival on Tuesday at Rochester High School with one achieving an “Excellent” rating and the other a “Good” rating.

The Mixed Chorus received a one rating or “Excellent,” which is equivalent to a “Superior” rating at Regional competitions.

Judges made many positive comments about the choir, and one offered the opinion that the West choir was “one of the top five choirs musically he heard all day.” Many high schools from around southeastern Michigan were at the event.

The second choir, the “After School Concert Choir,” which meets Tuesday and Friday after school, achieved the “Good Rating.”

“I am very proud of the choirs today,” said Mr. Thomas Kaiser, West Choir Director. “They were among the best of the State yesterday. The students continued to show why Lapeer is and has been a place where great music is being made.”

Lapeer West hosts Metro League schools at "Kids Against Hunger" food packing event

A few dozen students from nine Flint Metro League schools were hosted in the new Lapeer West High School auxiliary gym for a food packing project to benefit hungry people locally and around the world.

Working as a food packaging assembly line, the high school students from Brandon, Lapeer East, Lapeer West, Clio, Fenton, Holly, Kearsley, Linden and Oxford, packed 10,000 nutritious meals in about an hour Tuesday morning for the “Kids Against Hunger” project.

“A third of the meals will be used locally for people in need, a third will be sent to struggling nations overseas and a third will be kept in storage for use during natural disasters,” said Michael E. Burwell, Executive Director of “Kids Against Hunger.”

The meals combine dried vegetables, rice, soy and chicken flavoring into bags that contain six meals.

Before beginning the students, all members of their home schools’ student councils, watched a film on how “Kids Against Hunger” works to stem hunger internationally.

“It is a worthwhile program and we were proud to be the host for this year’s food packaging event,” said Ms. Hollie Marcola, high school guidance secretary at Lapeer West. “Our students appreciated the opportunity to be part of this community service project.”

To see more photos go to the District photo gallery.

Three Lapeer East 8th graders capture top prizes in Farm Bureau essay contest

Three Lapeer East High School students won first, second and third prize in the Farm Bureau Insurance 41st Annual America & Me Essay Contest.

Katelyn Hom won the first place essay, Katielynn Long was second and Jordan Gettel was third in the contest. All received certificates for their achievement. All the students are in eighth grade.

Katelyn’s name will also be engraved on a plaque to be displayed at the school and her essay will move to the Statewide competition.

Students who place in the top ten in Michigan receive a plaque, a medallion and a $1,000 cash award.

The topic of this year’s essay contest was “My Personal Michigan Hero.” Lapeer East’s participation in the contest was sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Craig VanNorman, of Lapeer.

Several thousand eighth grade students from nearly 500 Michigan schools participated in the 2009-2010 contest.

Started in 1968, the contest is open to all Michigan eighth grade students and encourages Michigan youngsters to explore their roles in America’s future. Farm Bureau Insurance has earned 11 national awards from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge for its sponsorship of the essay contest.

"Eddie West" concert at Country Club set to help Lapeer High School Drama Club

Eddie West, a music group mainly made up of Lapeer West current and former teachers and their families, will perform its musical magic in support of The Lapeer High School Drama Club at the Lapeer Country Club, 3786 Hunt Road, from 7:30-11 p.m. Saturday, May 22.

Tickets are $10. A light food menu will be offered and the Country Club has a cash bar. There will also be prize drawings.

Students will be selling tickets at the May 7-9 performances of “Little Shop of Horrors” in the Lapeer East High School Auditorium.

Tickets are also available in the offices at Lapeer East and Lapeer West High Schools and will also be sold at the door on the night of the performance.

Money raised at the event will go to fund future sets and productions of the combined theater arts students at Lapeer East and Lapeer West High School.

Lapeer Police Officer Larry Taylor talks safety to Turrill Elementary students

Students in four classes at Turrill Elementary School are learning about safety from someone who deals with safety issues as part of his job, Lapeer Police Officer Larry Taylor.

Officer Taylor talks to students weekly about various safety areas that directly impact on children.

This week, Officer Taylor talked to the first/second grade split class of Mrs. Hayden, the second grade class of Mr. Mark Estelle, the fourth grade classes of Mrs. Lisa Gonzales and Ms. Aneta Lawrence, about Internet safety.

The officer also handed out copies of his “Police Officer” trading card.

Deadline extended for two scholarships

The Lapeer County Community Foundation is extending the deadline for its Ronald C. Warner Scholarship and the Irma Gelhausen Scholarship to Friday, May 7, 2010.

The Warner Scholarship Fund, named for long-time local educator Ronald C. Warner, was established in 2008 to assist students in pursuing a career in agriculture or education. The student must be a resident of Lapeer County and in his or her third or more year of study with a cumulative GPA of 2.4 or higher. Annual award: $1,000.00

The Irma Gelhausen Scholarship, also named for a long-time local educator, is awarded to students pursuing a career in elementary or secondary education. The student must be a resident of Lapeer County, in his or her third or more year of study with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Annual award: $1,000.00

More information and applications can be found on our website at www.lapeercommunityfoundation.org or by calling the Lapeer County Community Foundation at (810) 664-0691.

Host families needed for French, Spanish students visiting Lapeer this summer

Want a summer you and a foreign student will never forget? Host families are needed for Spanish and French students traveling to Lapeer this summer as part of a summer foreign exchange program.

French students will be here from July 7-30 and Spanish students will be here from June 26-31.

The exchange students all speak English well and are looking for an opportunity to stay with an American family and improve their language skills.

Students from Spain are: Maria Medrano, 17, who likes basketball, dancing, movies, being with friends, reading, snow ski, horses and hiking; Ana Palacios,17, who likes basketball, swimming, computers, being with friends and music; Susana de la Rosa, 17, a fan of swimming, windsurfing, computers, dancing, movies, being with friends and music; and Carlota Izuierdo, 17, who likes basketball, movies, being with friends, reading and music.

Students from France are: Pierre Desflaches,17, who likes bicycling, camping, swimming, music, ice skating, soccer and tennis; Lucas Bernard, 16, a fan of basketball, plays guitar and languages;
Tudal Legrand, 17, an enthusiast of fishing, hunting, going out with friends, reading, music, water skiing and swimming; and Stanislas Banaszuk, 15, who likes animals and enjoys going out with friends.

Anyone interested in participating in this exciting program is asked to contact Mrs. Jeanine LeMieux at Lapeer West at (810) 667-2423 or at jlemieux@lapeerschools.org.