Do you know a Lapeer Community Schools high school alumnus worthy of induction in the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor?
Nominations for candidates for the sixth annual Lapeer Community Schools Distinguished Alumni Award program are being accepted for the fall induction program.
The Distinguished Alumni Award program is a coordinated effort 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 10 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. Honorees will attend the Distinguished Alumni Induction Ceremony this fall.
Applications are available in District buildings or by calling Mary Linn Voss at (810) 538-1634. Deadline for applications is Friday, April 29.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Art project provides mementoes for orphans
Lapeer East art students are busily putting the finishing touches on their work for the Memory Project, an international program that provides personal portraits for orphans from around the world.
This year, Debbie Helbig’s art students at East are creating portraits for orphaned children in Indonesia and Thailand.
Student artists who work on the Memory Project create portraits (drawings, paintings, graphic design, etc) for children and teens world who have been orphaned, neglected or disadvantaged.
The artists receive photos of kids waiting for portraits and then create the portraits. Memory Project volunteers deliver the portraits to the kids as special gifts. The goal of the project is to inspire caring, global friendship, and a positive sense of self.
The program was begun by University of Wisconsin grad Ben Schumaker after a chance encounter with a young man in Guatemala. The man said that he didn’t have any photographs of himself as a child, no belongings from his early years, no parents to share memories with. His childhood was a blank slate, and he didn’t want any other orphaned kids to share in his fate.
Schumaker thought that if he could get high school art students to paint pictures of the orphans and send them as gifts, the children would have a memento of their youth, a bit of history to hold on to.
The program began with 100 art teachers and their students in 2004 and has since grown to produce a total of 25,000 portraits for children around the world.
Lapeer West art students are just now beginning to work on their Memory Project creations for this year. Artists from both Lapeer high schools have participated in the project for years.
For a look at photos of some of the East artists at work, visit the Lapeer Community Schools Picasa photo albums at: https://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/EastArtStudentsCreateArtForTheMemoryProject#
This year, Debbie Helbig’s art students at East are creating portraits for orphaned children in Indonesia and Thailand. Student artists who work on the Memory Project create portraits (drawings, paintings, graphic design, etc) for children and teens world who have been orphaned, neglected or disadvantaged.
The artists receive photos of kids waiting for portraits and then create the portraits. Memory Project volunteers deliver the portraits to the kids as special gifts. The goal of the project is to inspire caring, global friendship, and a positive sense of self.
The program was begun by University of Wisconsin grad Ben Schumaker after a chance encounter with a young man in Guatemala. The man said that he didn’t have any photographs of himself as a child, no belongings from his early years, no parents to share memories with. His childhood was a blank slate, and he didn’t want any other orphaned kids to share in his fate.
Schumaker thought that if he could get high school art students to paint pictures of the orphans and send them as gifts, the children would have a memento of their youth, a bit of history to hold on to.
The program began with 100 art teachers and their students in 2004 and has since grown to produce a total of 25,000 portraits for children around the world.
Lapeer West art students are just now beginning to work on their Memory Project creations for this year. Artists from both Lapeer high schools have participated in the project for years.
For a look at photos of some of the East artists at work, visit the Lapeer Community Schools Picasa photo albums at: https://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/EastArtStudentsCreateArtForTheMemoryProject#
Monday, February 7, 2011
New golf program at Zemmer
A new morning golf program is open to 6th-8th grade boys and girls at Zemmer Middle School.
Three pros from Lake Nepessing Golfland and four teachers have volunteered their time to work with the students. The Golf Club currently has 18 students participating.
The club meets on Tuesdays from 7:45 to 8:45 am in the Zemmer gym. Club dues are $10 for the program, which runs through the remainder of the school year.
Space is limited, but there are still a few spaces left. Students can contact Mr. Reitz, Mr. Brinker, Mrs. Peacore or Mrs Yderstad for more information. Students must have a permission slip and dues paid before they can participate.
Three pros from Lake Nepessing Golfland and four teachers have volunteered their time to work with the students. The Golf Club currently has 18 students participating.
The club meets on Tuesdays from 7:45 to 8:45 am in the Zemmer gym. Club dues are $10 for the program, which runs through the remainder of the school year.
Space is limited, but there are still a few spaces left. Students can contact Mr. Reitz, Mr. Brinker, Mrs. Peacore or Mrs Yderstad for more information. Students must have a permission slip and dues paid before they can participate.
LCS students perform in honors band concert
More than two dozen high school and middle school music students from Lapeer West, Lapeer East, Zemmer and Rolland-Warner performed in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District III Honors Band Festival on Saturday, January 29, at Brandon High School.
Lapeer West High School students participating in the District III MSBOA High School Honors Band Festival included Kayla Haneline, Stephanie Wilcox, Taylor Harvey, Ashley Nugent, Tim Waelde, Deanna Childress, Aidan Smith. Lapeer East High School students included Dakota Hart, Sarah Powers, Whitney Harvey, Hannah Hastings, Keefer Maresh, Alison Gonda, Lillian Miller, Mason Sorenson, Alex Frederick.
Rolland-Warner Middle School students who participated included Sara Burns, Vanessa Sparks, Mark Lutz, Desmond Doneen and Emily Gillis. Zemmer Middle School participants inlcluded Morgan Combs, Shawn Deverell, Blake Clements, Serra Seib, Emily Dice, Meredith Henderson, Mark Lutz.
The Middle School Honors Band was conducted by Roger Weyersberg, director of the Lions of Michigan All-State Band, Low Brass Instructor at Saginaw Valley State University and the retired director of Music in the Ovid-Elsie area schools.
The High School Honors Band was conducted by Scott Boerma, associate director of bands, director of the University of Michigan Marching Band and professor of Conducting at he University of Michigan. He is also an avid composer. The band performed Glimpses, one of his original compositions, at the performance.
The students were nominated by their director and chosen from hundreds of entries around the Thumb, based on outstanding musicianship and participation in solo & ensemble.
Rolland-Warner Band Director Heather Hundt noted, “Their participation is an honor, and they did a wonderful job representing our school and our district and gave an awesome performance Saturday night.”
To view photos from the concert, please visit the Lapeer Community Schools Picasa photo albums at: https://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/MSBOABandFestival#
Lapeer West High School students participating in the District III MSBOA High School Honors Band Festival included Kayla Haneline, Stephanie Wilcox, Taylor Harvey, Ashley Nugent, Tim Waelde, Deanna Childress, Aidan Smith. Lapeer East High School students included Dakota Hart, Sarah Powers, Whitney Harvey, Hannah Hastings, Keefer Maresh, Alison Gonda, Lillian Miller, Mason Sorenson, Alex Frederick.
Rolland-Warner Middle School students who participated included Sara Burns, Vanessa Sparks, Mark Lutz, Desmond Doneen and Emily Gillis. Zemmer Middle School participants inlcluded Morgan Combs, Shawn Deverell, Blake Clements, Serra Seib, Emily Dice, Meredith Henderson, Mark Lutz.
The Middle School Honors Band was conducted by Roger Weyersberg, director of the Lions of Michigan All-State Band, Low Brass Instructor at Saginaw Valley State University and the retired director of Music in the Ovid-Elsie area schools.
The High School Honors Band was conducted by Scott Boerma, associate director of bands, director of the University of Michigan Marching Band and professor of Conducting at he University of Michigan. He is also an avid composer. The band performed Glimpses, one of his original compositions, at the performance.
The students were nominated by their director and chosen from hundreds of entries around the Thumb, based on outstanding musicianship and participation in solo & ensemble.
Rolland-Warner Band Director Heather Hundt noted, “Their participation is an honor, and they did a wonderful job representing our school and our district and gave an awesome performance Saturday night.”
To view photos from the concert, please visit the Lapeer Community Schools Picasa photo albums at: https://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/MSBOABandFestival#
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Middle School tutoring on Mondays at R-W
Weekly after-school tutoring for middle school students is avaiable every Monday -- beginning Monday, Jan. 24th -- in the Rolland-Warner Media Center from 3:45-5:00 pm.
Parents of students who will attend need to provide pick-up for their children no later than 5:00 pm.
Parents of students who will attend need to provide pick-up for their children no later than 5:00 pm.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Still time to register for Enrichment classes
Registration is now underway for Enrichment classes offered through the Lapeer Community Schools. Classes are beginning, but there is still time to register.
Popular classes that still have a few openings include:
Computer 101, a beginner class with a slower-paced, step-by-step overview of computers and related components. The class meets Monday & Wednesday, February 7 and 9, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at The Rolland-Warner Computer Lab. Fee is $25.
Computer 102, a follow-up to Computer 101will be offered Monday & Wednesday, February 28 and March 2, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the Rolland-Warner Computer Lab. Fee is $25, or you can enroll in both 101 & 102 for $45.
MORE Knowledge is a follow-up to Computers 101 and 102 and meets Monday & Wednesday, March 14 and 16, from 6:00 – 7:30 PM in the Rolland-Warner Computer Lab. Fee is $25.
Cindy’s Senior Fitness meets Mondays and Wednesdays, from 2:45 – 4:15 pm on January 31, February 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 23, 28, March 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 at the Community High School at Cramton, Gym, 1220 Lake Nepessing Road, Lapeer. Course fee is $75/or $55 with a Lapeer Gold Card.
For more information about Enrichment classes, please call 810-538-1622.
Popular classes that still have a few openings include:
Computer 101, a beginner class with a slower-paced, step-by-step overview of computers and related components. The class meets Monday & Wednesday, February 7 and 9, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at The Rolland-Warner Computer Lab. Fee is $25.
Computer 102, a follow-up to Computer 101will be offered Monday & Wednesday, February 28 and March 2, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the Rolland-Warner Computer Lab. Fee is $25, or you can enroll in both 101 & 102 for $45.
MORE Knowledge is a follow-up to Computers 101 and 102 and meets Monday & Wednesday, March 14 and 16, from 6:00 – 7:30 PM in the Rolland-Warner Computer Lab. Fee is $25.
Cindy’s Senior Fitness meets Mondays and Wednesdays, from 2:45 – 4:15 pm on January 31, February 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 23, 28, March 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 at the Community High School at Cramton, Gym, 1220 Lake Nepessing Road, Lapeer. Course fee is $75/or $55 with a Lapeer Gold Card.
For more information about Enrichment classes, please call 810-538-1622.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Trio offers artistic insights to West students
Local artists Deb Keene RuthAnn Mersino and Dale Vronch visited with several dozen Lapeer West students January 10 to discuss their life with their art.
They told students their successes and the challenges of working and running an art business and about their goals and how the students can also enjoy different arts, but that they need to continue their education.
RuthAnn Mersino told the students that after taking ten weeks of basic oil-painting classes, she began experimenting with palette knives. Since 1971, she has painted almost exclusively with palette knives, which she says is faster, cleaner and brings more realism to the subject painted. For 30 years she has been selling her art and teaching her palette knife technique.
Deb Keene is a wilidlife artist that may be best known for her carved wooden feathers. Keene expresses her artistic flair in just about every medium; from oil paints to meticulously precise carvings of woodland creatures and nearly everything in between. The work includes vivid landscapes and a remarkable attention to detail, especially in her wildlife pieces.
Dale Vronch’s home is located in a natural setting that lends itself to many photographic subjects. Dale specializes in nature photography. He explained to students how he can spend many hours searching for unique subjects to capture as images. This could include finite detail, achieved through macro photography, to the wide angle perspective of landscapes.
The discussion was hosted by the West library staff and arranged by library parapo Judi Warnke. Students were invited to learn about the different types of art done by the three artists. They explained to the students how they can sell their artwork, but would likely need another source of income as well. As part of the program the library got a chance to showcase all of the art books that are part of the wide variety on the school library’s shelves.
Photo caption:
Artists Deb Keene and RuthAnn Mersino, and photographer Dale Vronch spoke to students in the Lapeer West library.
For more photos of the visit, please go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/LocalArtistsVisitWestStudents#
They told students their successes and the challenges of working and running an art business and about their goals and how the students can also enjoy different arts, but that they need to continue their education.
RuthAnn Mersino told the students that after taking ten weeks of basic oil-painting classes, she began experimenting with palette knives. Since 1971, she has painted almost exclusively with palette knives, which she says is faster, cleaner and brings more realism to the subject painted. For 30 years she has been selling her art and teaching her palette knife technique.
Deb Keene is a wilidlife artist that may be best known for her carved wooden feathers. Keene expresses her artistic flair in just about every medium; from oil paints to meticulously precise carvings of woodland creatures and nearly everything in between. The work includes vivid landscapes and a remarkable attention to detail, especially in her wildlife pieces.
Dale Vronch’s home is located in a natural setting that lends itself to many photographic subjects. Dale specializes in nature photography. He explained to students how he can spend many hours searching for unique subjects to capture as images. This could include finite detail, achieved through macro photography, to the wide angle perspective of landscapes.
The discussion was hosted by the West library staff and arranged by library parapo Judi Warnke. Students were invited to learn about the different types of art done by the three artists. They explained to the students how they can sell their artwork, but would likely need another source of income as well. As part of the program the library got a chance to showcase all of the art books that are part of the wide variety on the school library’s shelves.
Photo caption:
Artists Deb Keene and RuthAnn Mersino, and photographer Dale Vronch spoke to students in the Lapeer West library.
For more photos of the visit, please go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/LocalArtistsVisitWestStudents#
Friday, January 21, 2011
East student attends governor’s State of the State
Lapeer East sophomore Ashley VanOoteghem was the guest of State Sen. Phil Pavlov as Gov. Rick Snyder delivered his first State of the State address Wednesday in Lansing.
Ashley accompanied the senator to the House of Representatives in Lansing to watch the address. Each elected official is allowed one guest to join them on the House floor.
Ashley’s essay was the winning entry in a contest hosted by Pavlov, R-St. Clair Township. He asked students to write a 250-500 word essay detailing their vision to reinvent Michigan.
.”
“I’m really grateful for this opportunity,” said VanOoteghem, daughter of Kim and Jim VanOoteghem. “Government is something I’m very passionate about and I think more people in my age group should be interested in it.”
“I’m excited about the proposals we heard tonight,” said Pavlov, chair of the Senate Education Committee. “It’s an exciting time in Michigan, and we must engage our young people to help make our great state even greater.
Earlier this month, Sen. Pavlov made a special visit to Lapeer East. During the January 7th visit, he met with high school Principal Scott Roper to discuss and seek input on important issues impacting education in our state.
The senator also toured the building and met with some of East’s students. Pavlov had many compliments for the staff and students at Lapeer East.
Photo captions:
Top photo -- Ahsley VanOoteghem talks with Sen. Phil Pavlov on the Senate floor in Lansing.
Middle -- Sen. Pavlov, East Student Council President Danielle Schultz and Principal Scott Roper in a Jan. 7 visit.
Bottom -- Sen. Pavlov. is interviewed by Lapeer East student Olivia Wallace during his visit to the school.
Ashley accompanied the senator to the House of Representatives in Lansing to watch the address. Each elected official is allowed one guest to join them on the House floor.Ashley’s essay was the winning entry in a contest hosted by Pavlov, R-St. Clair Township. He asked students to write a 250-500 word essay detailing their vision to reinvent Michigan.
.”
“I’m really grateful for this opportunity,” said VanOoteghem, daughter of Kim and Jim VanOoteghem. “Government is something I’m very passionate about and I think more people in my age group should be interested in it.”
“I’m excited about the proposals we heard tonight,” said Pavlov, chair of the Senate Education Committee. “It’s an exciting time in Michigan, and we must engage our young people to help make our great state even greater.
Earlier this month, Sen. Pavlov made a special visit to Lapeer East. During the January 7th visit, he met with high school Principal Scott Roper to discuss and seek input on important issues impacting education in our state. The senator also toured the building and met with some of East’s students. Pavlov had many compliments for the staff and students at Lapeer East.
Photo captions:
Top photo -- Ahsley VanOoteghem talks with Sen. Phil Pavlov on the Senate floor in Lansing.
Middle -- Sen. Pavlov, East Student Council President Danielle Schultz and Principal Scott Roper in a Jan. 7 visit.
Bottom -- Sen. Pavlov. is interviewed by Lapeer East student Olivia Wallace during his visit to the school.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
R-W students are learning about bees
They’re trying to keep the swarm warm
A chance discovery during a walk in the woods has turned into a biology project for students at Rolland-Warner Middle School.
Mike Wiltse’s special education class came across a bee hive in a large fallen down oak tree last fall on student walks “out back.”
Dave Peasley, the janitor at Rolland-Warner, is an amateur bee keeper in his spare time, and he helped the students identify the bees as honey bees. He told students he thinks it is a pretty large swarm.
“Dave has been instrumental in developing an interest in bee keeping with the class by bringing in raw honey, honeycomb and bee-keeping magazines,” Wiltse says. “With his knowledge we have been attempting to keep the bee hive free of predators such as mice, raccoons and skunks, during the winter.”
Students are feeding the bees supplemental food. Wiltse says a large bee hive survives by eating the honey stored in the hive throughout the winter, and without enough honey the bees will not last.
Lori Bireta and Wiltse team-teach in a class or two. Her outdoor education class, along with Wiltse’s students, have adopted the project of trying to keep the bees alive this winter.
“Our goal is to capture the queen when the bees swarm in the spring and have our own Rolland-Warner hives,” Wiltse says. “We plan on building some bee hives this winter and raise bees out back.”
“We don't claim to know too much about bees,” he says, so he will take some of his students to the Michigan Beekeepers Association Spring meeting at Michigan State University in March to learn more. He says several of the classes offered are for beginning beekeepers.
The project is teaching the children about symbiotic relationships, he notes. “The bees need our help to survive, and in return we help the planet with nature’s pollination. Bee enthusiasts say that one of every three bites of food a person takes is due to bee pollination. Getting some honey might also ‘bee’ motivation for the students,” Wiltse says.
“Either way, we have students who want to help build things rather than destroy.”
See additional photos at: http://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/RollandWarnerStudentsAreFeedingTheBees#
A chance discovery during a walk in the woods has turned into a biology project for students at Rolland-Warner Middle School.
Mike Wiltse’s special education class came across a bee hive in a large fallen down oak tree last fall on student walks “out back.”
Dave Peasley, the janitor at Rolland-Warner, is an amateur bee keeper in his spare time, and he helped the students identify the bees as honey bees. He told students he thinks it is a pretty large swarm.
“Dave has been instrumental in developing an interest in bee keeping with the class by bringing in raw honey, honeycomb and bee-keeping magazines,” Wiltse says. “With his knowledge we have been attempting to keep the bee hive free of predators such as mice, raccoons and skunks, during the winter.”
Students are feeding the bees supplemental food. Wiltse says a large bee hive survives by eating the honey stored in the hive throughout the winter, and without enough honey the bees will not last.
Lori Bireta and Wiltse team-teach in a class or two. Her outdoor education class, along with Wiltse’s students, have adopted the project of trying to keep the bees alive this winter.
“Our goal is to capture the queen when the bees swarm in the spring and have our own Rolland-Warner hives,” Wiltse says. “We plan on building some bee hives this winter and raise bees out back.”
“We don't claim to know too much about bees,” he says, so he will take some of his students to the Michigan Beekeepers Association Spring meeting at Michigan State University in March to learn more. He says several of the classes offered are for beginning beekeepers.
The project is teaching the children about symbiotic relationships, he notes. “The bees need our help to survive, and in return we help the planet with nature’s pollination. Bee enthusiasts say that one of every three bites of food a person takes is due to bee pollination. Getting some honey might also ‘bee’ motivation for the students,” Wiltse says.
“Either way, we have students who want to help build things rather than destroy.”
See additional photos at: http://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/RollandWarnerStudentsAreFeedingTheBees#
Friday, January 14, 2011
Schickler Tech Club
This year at Schickler Elementary students have the opportunity to be part of a special Technology Club. Two or three students from each 4th and 5th grade classroom are selected.
This year the students have been busy with learning how to use many forms of multi-media. They have recorded video clips using Flip Cameras, mini DV cameras, cell phones, digital cameras, and document cameras. The students then used Windows Movie Maker and Flip Share Software to edit and create movies.
Other responsibilities of the club members include tutoring younger students with technology, updating a school-wide PowerPoint daily, capturing digital images on special occasion, and making a culminating project of a digital yearbook.
This year the students have been busy with learning how to use many forms of multi-media. They have recorded video clips using Flip Cameras, mini DV cameras, cell phones, digital cameras, and document cameras. The students then used Windows Movie Maker and Flip Share Software to edit and create movies.
Other responsibilities of the club members include tutoring younger students with technology, updating a school-wide PowerPoint daily, capturing digital images on special occasion, and making a culminating project of a digital yearbook.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
December 2010 West Holiday Concerts
View videos of the December 2010 West High School Choir Concert and the West Band Concert.
West choirs
West band
West choirs
West band
December 2010 East Holiday Concerts
View videos of the December 2010 East High School Choir Concert and the East Band Concert.
East band
East band
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Ed-Tech Open House
The Lapeer County Education and Technology Center’s annual Open House will be Monday, January 10, 2011. The Center will be open to the public from 6-8 pm.
Meet instructors, view the programs in action, and meet with college representatives.
Tenth grade students who are planning to enroll at Ed-Tech next year are strongly encouraged to attend this Open House and also need to complete an application and turn it into the Counseling Office at Lapeer East or Lapeer West High School by Wednesday, January 12th. Applications are available in the Counseling Office.
Meet instructors, view the programs in action, and meet with college representatives.
Tenth grade students who are planning to enroll at Ed-Tech next year are strongly encouraged to attend this Open House and also need to complete an application and turn it into the Counseling Office at Lapeer East or Lapeer West High School by Wednesday, January 12th. Applications are available in the Counseling Office.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Lapeer East 2010 Halloween Band Concert
View the video of the Lapeer East 2010 Halloween Band Concert.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Lapeer Community Schools Transportation Director retires
The Transportation Department celebrated the holidays with its annual holiday luncheon December 20 at the bus garage on Calhoun Street. The District rolls out more than 60 buses a day to transport students to and from school.
Employees gathered together gifts for a Holiday Depot family and bid farewell to retiring Transportation Director Jerry Podzikowski, who has worked for the District for seven years.
The new director is Gail Finley, who comes to the District from Royal Oak with more than 20 years of experience in transportation.
Troubadours entertain at Lynch Elementary
Lynch Elementary students got a pre-holiday treat on Tuesday, December 21, as the Flint-based Troubadours paid a visit to the school.
The musical tour included a string quartet and storyteller from the Flint Institute of Music who offered up a fun, music-filled half hour “in the round” in the school cafeteria.
With their lively tunes and banter, the Troubadours wove in lessons about geography, writing and social studies in their program: The Places You Can Go: Adventures in Music.
Throughout the program students were transported to different countries, learning about the customs and music of other cultures.
The Lynch audience also got a chance to see and hear stringed instruments in the hands of professional musicians and got an opportunity to interact with the musicians, up close and personal. Students got a chance to get in the act by playing along on traditional instruments, trying out the instruments the Troubadours played.
The Troubadours encouraged Lynch students to participate and use their imaginations, and then get up on their feet to dance to classical, folk and ethnic music. The Lynch visit included a view of Mozart’s Austria, the dragon dance of China and the traditional dances of the Scots who now make their home in Nova Scotia. A rousing chorus of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” brought students back home to the USA.
The Troubadours have been performing in the Lapeer Community Schools for at least a decade, and this is the fifth year the group has entertained at Lynch. The innovative program is funded in part by grants from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Additional photos are available at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/TroubadoorsAtLynchElementary#
The musical tour included a string quartet and storyteller from the Flint Institute of Music who offered up a fun, music-filled half hour “in the round” in the school cafeteria.
With their lively tunes and banter, the Troubadours wove in lessons about geography, writing and social studies in their program: The Places You Can Go: Adventures in Music.
Throughout the program students were transported to different countries, learning about the customs and music of other cultures.
The Lynch audience also got a chance to see and hear stringed instruments in the hands of professional musicians and got an opportunity to interact with the musicians, up close and personal. Students got a chance to get in the act by playing along on traditional instruments, trying out the instruments the Troubadours played.
The Troubadours encouraged Lynch students to participate and use their imaginations, and then get up on their feet to dance to classical, folk and ethnic music. The Lynch visit included a view of Mozart’s Austria, the dragon dance of China and the traditional dances of the Scots who now make their home in Nova Scotia. A rousing chorus of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” brought students back home to the USA.
The Troubadours have been performing in the Lapeer Community Schools for at least a decade, and this is the fifth year the group has entertained at Lynch. The innovative program is funded in part by grants from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Additional photos are available at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/TroubadoorsAtLynchElementary#
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Rolland-Warner Student Council volunteers at Soup Kitchen
About 30 members of the Rolland-Warner Student Council are volunteering at the Soup Kitchen at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lapeer.
The crew is working December 10 and 17th and again on January 7th to help out with the meal that's served to needy and homeless people in the Lapeer area.
The students also got to use their sorting skills to help organize canned goods, and when the meal was over, they washed the dishes.
The Soup Kitchen rotates each weekday between five local churches. The other Lapeer churches include First Presbyterian, Grace Episcopal, Trinity United Methodist and Church of Christ.
Photo captions:
Top photo:
Students Katie Barker, Skyler Humphreys and Kaila Sutton get instructions from Soup Kitchen volunteer Ann Pfeifle.
Bottom photo:
Helping to sort canned goods for Holiday food baskets are Sara Burns, Bethany Berlinger and Nikolaus Bristol.
For additional photos, please go to:
http://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/RollandWarnerStudentCouncilVolunteersAtSoupKitchen#
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Music classes get an online assist
Elementary music students in Lapeer Community Schools are getting a chance to take a musical expedition that covers everything from music theory to dance, and a whole lot of learning in between.
The program source is Music Express magazine, which comes with worksheets, CDs, and interactive online web programs. Students get a chance to explore the world of music and get a chance to perform the lessons – which includes singing and playing instruments along with an added measure of history and geography.
Elementary music teacher Stephanie Harrington explains that teachers get a new edition of Music Express every two months. The lesson comes with 30 student magazines, a teacher's magazine and a CD with all the songs, artist interviews and articles on it.
Harrington says this year’s theme for the magazine is Rock and Roll with a little country thrown in.
“The really neat thing about the magazine is that there is an online website with extra resources such a choreography to some of the songs (it is actually taught and performed by the magazine’s creator, John Jacobson)” Harrington said.
There are mini lessons to go along with the world music section of the magazine. “This section contains information such as the geography of the country, customs, dress, music and dance,” she added. “I am currently presenting the song from Liberia, and at the end of the mini lesson there is a lesson on how to play djembe drum.”
The music department owns several djembe drums, and 4th grade students at Seaton Elementary recently got a chance to play the djembe with instructions provided via the online video.
The Music Express program is being used throughout the District in 1st through 6th grade music classes. Different aspects of the magazine are geared toward different age levels. The teacher's magazine includes keyboard accompaniments, choreography notes, instrumental parts, activities, columns and articles and full-length lesson plans.
The accompanying CD provides vocal and instrumental versions of each featured song, plus listening selections
“The program is great,” said Harrington, and it appeals to a wide range of music knowledge – everything from classical composers to the Black Eyed Peas.
For a look at pictures of Music Express in the classroom at Seaton, go to:
http://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/MusicExpressAtMusicProgramAtSeaton#
The program source is Music Express magazine, which comes with worksheets, CDs, and interactive online web programs. Students get a chance to explore the world of music and get a chance to perform the lessons – which includes singing and playing instruments along with an added measure of history and geography.
Elementary music teacher Stephanie Harrington explains that teachers get a new edition of Music Express every two months. The lesson comes with 30 student magazines, a teacher's magazine and a CD with all the songs, artist interviews and articles on it.
Harrington says this year’s theme for the magazine is Rock and Roll with a little country thrown in.
“The really neat thing about the magazine is that there is an online website with extra resources such a choreography to some of the songs (it is actually taught and performed by the magazine’s creator, John Jacobson)” Harrington said.
There are mini lessons to go along with the world music section of the magazine. “This section contains information such as the geography of the country, customs, dress, music and dance,” she added. “I am currently presenting the song from Liberia, and at the end of the mini lesson there is a lesson on how to play djembe drum.”
The music department owns several djembe drums, and 4th grade students at Seaton Elementary recently got a chance to play the djembe with instructions provided via the online video.
The Music Express program is being used throughout the District in 1st through 6th grade music classes. Different aspects of the magazine are geared toward different age levels. The teacher's magazine includes keyboard accompaniments, choreography notes, instrumental parts, activities, columns and articles and full-length lesson plans.
The accompanying CD provides vocal and instrumental versions of each featured song, plus listening selections
“The program is great,” said Harrington, and it appeals to a wide range of music knowledge – everything from classical composers to the Black Eyed Peas.
For a look at pictures of Music Express in the classroom at Seaton, go to:
http://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/MusicExpressAtMusicProgramAtSeaton#
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Reminder about School Cancellations and Early Closings
Check our website www.lapeerschools.org
and click on the School Closing Information icon near the top of the page
TV station – LCS-TV Channel 99
For the most detailed and immediate information, tune in to the following radio stations:
WQUS – 103.1 FM
WMPC – 1230 AM
Other radio and TV stations to listen to:
Radio
WJR 760 AM
WCRZ 107.9 FM
WWJ 950 AM
WHNN 96.1 FM
TV
LCS TV Channel 99
WJBK Fox 2
WNEM Channel 5
WXYZ Channel 7
WJRT Channel 12
WDIV Channel 4
WEYI Channel 25
The decision to cancel the regular school day program usually is made no later than 6:00 AM, if at all possible. Only in unusually severe weather conditions is a decision made the night before.
Although rare, the decision to send students home after the school day has begun may be necessary. A decision to close school early will not be made after 11:00 AM.
Elementary school students will be returned to their school if the bus driver determines that they cannot be left at home. Students needing to remain at school for an extended period of time will be transferred to a Kids & Company site.
Students who are kept home by parents because of unusual or hazardous road conditions in their area will have their absences excused. However, those absences are still counted in the attendance policy.
When necessary to close an individual school because of electrical, plumbing, or other problems related only to that building, it will be announced on radio and TV stations.
Kids and Company will offer child care at Rolland-Warner Middle School for children 2½ through 12 years of age on days when school buildings are closed for the entire day due to weather-related conditions.
When school is cancelled, Enrichment classes and children’s recreation league offerings also are cancelled.
Some after-school activities, are not automatically cancelled when school is closed for the day.
Athletic practices that are still held during school closings are optional. Separate decisions are made on these activities, and the information is available after 1:00 pm on the District’s website (www.lapeerschools.org), on LCS-TV (the District’s Charter cable access Channel 99) and on local radio and TV stations.
and click on the School Closing Information icon near the top of the page
TV station – LCS-TV Channel 99
For the most detailed and immediate information, tune in to the following radio stations:
WQUS – 103.1 FM
WMPC – 1230 AM
Other radio and TV stations to listen to:
Radio
WJR 760 AM
WCRZ 107.9 FM
WWJ 950 AM
WHNN 96.1 FM
TV
LCS TV Channel 99
WJBK Fox 2
WNEM Channel 5
WXYZ Channel 7
WJRT Channel 12
WDIV Channel 4
WEYI Channel 25
The decision to cancel the regular school day program usually is made no later than 6:00 AM, if at all possible. Only in unusually severe weather conditions is a decision made the night before.
Although rare, the decision to send students home after the school day has begun may be necessary. A decision to close school early will not be made after 11:00 AM.
Elementary school students will be returned to their school if the bus driver determines that they cannot be left at home. Students needing to remain at school for an extended period of time will be transferred to a Kids & Company site.
Students who are kept home by parents because of unusual or hazardous road conditions in their area will have their absences excused. However, those absences are still counted in the attendance policy.
When necessary to close an individual school because of electrical, plumbing, or other problems related only to that building, it will be announced on radio and TV stations.
Kids and Company will offer child care at Rolland-Warner Middle School for children 2½ through 12 years of age on days when school buildings are closed for the entire day due to weather-related conditions.
When school is cancelled, Enrichment classes and children’s recreation league offerings also are cancelled.
Some after-school activities, are not automatically cancelled when school is closed for the day.
Athletic practices that are still held during school closings are optional. Separate decisions are made on these activities, and the information is available after 1:00 pm on the District’s website (www.lapeerschools.org), on LCS-TV (the District’s Charter cable access Channel 99) and on local radio and TV stations.
LCS finances get an ‘A’
The Lapeer Community School District has earned an “A” from its independent financial auditors.
Eric Formberg and Andrea Edwards from Plante Moran reviewed the audit results for the 2009-2010 school year for the Lapeer School Board December 2. The results were positive, with a “clean” audit.
This is the highest rating the auditors can give a district, Formberg told board members. “It’s like getting an A on your report card.”
“The auditors have confirmed that our school district provides outstanding value in the community,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “We are at the lowest end of state per-pupil funding,” Thompson added, “and yet compared to other districts, a greater percentage of our funding is going right into the classroom.”
The District and its employees have consistently found ways to do more with less. That’s particularly important in Lapeer County, which has been hit especially hard by the current economic downturn.
General fund revenue for the District has dropped by $4 million (more than 7%) from 2008 to 2010, the audit report pointed out, but nearly 63% of expenditures in 2009-10 were dedicated to instruction, an increase from 60% in 2008.
The Plante Moran audit pointed out that for the last seven years, Lapeer Community Schools have consistently dedicated a higher percentage of resources to the classroom and significantly less to administrative costs than the average of all school districts in the state.
During the presentation to the Board, the auditors noted that the District had again brought the 2009-10 budget in extremely close to the actual final numbers for the school year, differing by only $15,000 on a $51 million budget, or by a few hundredths of a percent.
Auditors commended the Board and the Finance Department for continuing a trend of very accurate budgeting during these economically challenging times.
In supplemental material provided for the board, the Plante Moran auditors noted that Lapeer Community Schools’ per-pupil state Foundation Allowance is the lowest given to school districts across the state. It is nearly $300 per pupil under the state average, $700 per-pupil less than the average of school districts of similar size, and is $5,000 less per-pupil than the highest Foundation Allowance for districts of similar size.
The auditor’s report noted that if Lapeer Community Schools were to receive the state average per-pupil funding, it would add $1.88 million to the District’s annual revenue.
Plante Moran’s Formberg said, “The district has done an outstanding job maximizing what they have to work with.”
Eric Formberg and Andrea Edwards from Plante Moran reviewed the audit results for the 2009-2010 school year for the Lapeer School Board December 2. The results were positive, with a “clean” audit.
This is the highest rating the auditors can give a district, Formberg told board members. “It’s like getting an A on your report card.”
“The auditors have confirmed that our school district provides outstanding value in the community,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “We are at the lowest end of state per-pupil funding,” Thompson added, “and yet compared to other districts, a greater percentage of our funding is going right into the classroom.”
The District and its employees have consistently found ways to do more with less. That’s particularly important in Lapeer County, which has been hit especially hard by the current economic downturn.
General fund revenue for the District has dropped by $4 million (more than 7%) from 2008 to 2010, the audit report pointed out, but nearly 63% of expenditures in 2009-10 were dedicated to instruction, an increase from 60% in 2008.
The Plante Moran audit pointed out that for the last seven years, Lapeer Community Schools have consistently dedicated a higher percentage of resources to the classroom and significantly less to administrative costs than the average of all school districts in the state.
During the presentation to the Board, the auditors noted that the District had again brought the 2009-10 budget in extremely close to the actual final numbers for the school year, differing by only $15,000 on a $51 million budget, or by a few hundredths of a percent.
Auditors commended the Board and the Finance Department for continuing a trend of very accurate budgeting during these economically challenging times.
In supplemental material provided for the board, the Plante Moran auditors noted that Lapeer Community Schools’ per-pupil state Foundation Allowance is the lowest given to school districts across the state. It is nearly $300 per pupil under the state average, $700 per-pupil less than the average of school districts of similar size, and is $5,000 less per-pupil than the highest Foundation Allowance for districts of similar size.
The auditor’s report noted that if Lapeer Community Schools were to receive the state average per-pupil funding, it would add $1.88 million to the District’s annual revenue.
Plante Moran’s Formberg said, “The district has done an outstanding job maximizing what they have to work with.”
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