Murphy Elementary School is hosting a pancake dinner, featuring Chris Cakes of Michigan, on Friday, May 6th from 4:30-7:30p. Chris Cakes holds the world record of tossing and catching pancakes 25.4 feet high and making 555 pancakes in an hour. Check out his video and website at www.chriscakesofmi.com.
Dinner will include all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, orange drink and coffee. Tickets will be sold at the door for $5.00 per plate, and children 4 and under eat FREE.
The funds raised at this event enable the Murphy PTC to provide busing for field trips, teacher allowances and educational materials for students.
This is a community, event so please help support the school. All of the proceeds will directly benefit our children. If you have any questions, please contact Kathryn Dennis at kathden@gmail.com or Murphy School at 810-538-2345.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Lapeer East Class of 96 reunion
The Lapeer East High School Class of ’96 will host its 15-year reunion on Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. at Castle Creek Golf Course in Lum.
Tickets are $40 per person. For more information, please contact Mary Kobylczak -- 810-614-7855 email Spatulaj@yahoo.com, or Mindy Patrick -- 810-724-0567 email dollzdimplez@yahoo.com. Details of the event can be found at http://www.classof1996.myevent.com/.
Tickets are $40 per person. For more information, please contact Mary Kobylczak -- 810-614-7855 email Spatulaj@yahoo.com, or Mindy Patrick -- 810-724-0567 email dollzdimplez@yahoo.com. Details of the event can be found at http://www.classof1996.myevent.com/.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Deadline extended for Alumni Hall of Honor
The deadline for nominations for candidates for the sixth annual Lapeer Community Schools Distinguished Alumni Award program has been extended until Friday, May 13.
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.
The Distinguished Alumni Award program is a coordinated effort by the District and the Lapeer High School Alumni Association.
Applications are available in District buildings or by calling Mary Linn Voss at (810) 538-1634. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 13.
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.
The Distinguished Alumni Award program is a coordinated effort by the District and the Lapeer High School Alumni Association.
Applications are available in District buildings or by calling Mary Linn Voss at (810) 538-1634. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 13.
District-Wide Dodgeball Tourney on tap
Any Lapeer Community Schools staff members, along with friends and family, who want to dip, duck, dive, or dodge a dodgeball are invited to the District’s first District-Wide Dodgeball Tournament at Zemmer Middle School on Thursday May 12.
Action begins at 4:30 p.m. in the double-elimination tournament. The winner gets district-wide bragging rights.
The event will raise funds for the physical education equipment across the district. The entry fee is $10 per person for the 6-member co-ed teams. Admission is $1.00 a person, with part of proceeds to be donated to a local charity. The Zemmer PTC will be operating the concessions.
Action begins at 4:30 p.m. in the double-elimination tournament. The winner gets district-wide bragging rights.
The event will raise funds for the physical education equipment across the district. The entry fee is $10 per person for the 6-member co-ed teams. Admission is $1.00 a person, with part of proceeds to be donated to a local charity. The Zemmer PTC will be operating the concessions.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Two West teachers' art part of exhibition
Two West High School art teachers have had their artwork accepted to the MEA Art Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition.
Cory Gutenschwager received a Juror’s Choice Award for his “Figured Ash Vase” that was carved out of laminated wood.
Jeff Bolzman had a clay piece selected for the show entitled, “Hummingbird Teapot #2.”
Both pieces are currently on display at the MEA East Lansing headquarters. You can view them online at www.mea.org/awards/art/index.html.
Cory Gutenschwager received a Juror’s Choice Award for his “Figured Ash Vase” that was carved out of laminated wood. 
Jeff Bolzman had a clay piece selected for the show entitled, “Hummingbird Teapot #2.” Both pieces are currently on display at the MEA East Lansing headquarters. You can view them online at www.mea.org/awards/art/index.html.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Matt Wandrie is new LCS Superintendent
The Lapeer Community Schools have named Matthew Wandrie as the District’s new superintendent.
He will begin the job July 1, replacing six-year veteran Superintendent Debbie Thompson, who is retiring at the end of the current school year.
Wandrie was officially hired by the Board at its April 21 special meeting. He was the Board’s unanimous choice from a list of 43 applicants and six candidates who were selected for interview with the Board.
“I’m eager to begin work in Lapeer, and have been most impressed with the student-centered vision of the Board and District employees,” he said.
“Despite the many economic challenges facing public education, Lapeer has maintained a singular focus on what’s most important – providing exceptional service to our students and families. I hope to honor that legacy while continuing to build a team approach as we chart a course for excellence.”
Wandrie is coming to Lapeer from Dearborn Public Schools, where he has served as the director of human resources. His career in education also includes work as a high school teacher, athletic coach, assistant principal, athletic director and principal.
The Oxford resident is a graduate of Lake Orion High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Alma College. He earned his master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University in educational leadership and holds a K-12 administrative certification. He currently is pursuing his doctorate in education at the University of Michigan.
Wandrie and his wife Christie have three children: Thomas, 10, Jack, 8, and Anna, 6. The new superintendent says he enjoys coaching his children in their various athletic pursuits, spending time with family and friends, boating, fishing and playing guitar.
He will begin the job July 1, replacing six-year veteran Superintendent Debbie Thompson, who is retiring at the end of the current school year.
Wandrie was officially hired by the Board at its April 21 special meeting. He was the Board’s unanimous choice from a list of 43 applicants and six candidates who were selected for interview with the Board.
“I’m eager to begin work in Lapeer, and have been most impressed with the student-centered vision of the Board and District employees,” he said.
“Despite the many economic challenges facing public education, Lapeer has maintained a singular focus on what’s most important – providing exceptional service to our students and families. I hope to honor that legacy while continuing to build a team approach as we chart a course for excellence.”
Wandrie is coming to Lapeer from Dearborn Public Schools, where he has served as the director of human resources. His career in education also includes work as a high school teacher, athletic coach, assistant principal, athletic director and principal.
The Oxford resident is a graduate of Lake Orion High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Alma College. He earned his master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University in educational leadership and holds a K-12 administrative certification. He currently is pursuing his doctorate in education at the University of Michigan.
Wandrie and his wife Christie have three children: Thomas, 10, Jack, 8, and Anna, 6. The new superintendent says he enjoys coaching his children in their various athletic pursuits, spending time with family and friends, boating, fishing and playing guitar.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
New YA Café at Rolland-Warner Middle School
A sizable group of students showed up for class early April 15 for the first-ever YA Café at Rolland-Warner Middle School.
The YA Café is designed as a way to promote literacy for all. The morning began at 8 a.m. as 59 students, 5 parent volunteers, and about 10 staff members showed up in the Rolland-Warner Media Center. 7th grade Social Studies teacher, Mr. Sweeney talked about
the book “Red Scarf Girl” as students ate donuts and drank hot cocoa. One lucky winner, 6th grader Courtnee Miller, won a copy of the book. Students were able to check out copies of the book donated by the Rolland-Warner PTC immediately after the book talk. Rolland-Warner is using the YA Café concept as an initiative to promote literacy for all. The program kicks off next week at Zemmer Middle School.
The next Rolland-Warner YA Café is planned for Friday, May 13th, at 8:00 a.m. in the media center.
The featured title will be “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman. The Rolland-Warner PTC sponsored this YA Café and has agreed to donate the books and refreshments for the events in May and next September.For a look at more photos from the YA Café at Rolland-Warner, please go to: https://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/RWYaCafe#
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Looking for scholarhsip opportunities?
The Lapeer County Community Foundation is extending the deadline for its Ronald C. Warner Scholarship and the Irma Gelhausen Scholarship to Tuesday, May 3, 2011.
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 and/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. The 2011 award is $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. The 2011 award is $1,000.00
More information and applications can be found at www.lapeercountycommunityfoundation.org or by calling the Lapeer County Community Foundation at (810) 664-0691.
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 and/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. The 2011 award is $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. The 2011 award is $1,000.00
More information and applications can be found at www.lapeercountycommunityfoundation.org or by calling the Lapeer County Community Foundation at (810) 664-0691.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Young author is selected for writer's camp
Seaton Elementary 4th grader Morgan Pierce will get a chance to attend a special summer writing camp in August hosted by author Jonathan Rand, writer of the popular Michigan Chillers mysteries for young readers.
Morgan wrote a 100-word essay to be selected for Rand's Author's Quest Writing Camp. She was accepted and will be attending the camp from August 11-14. She will stay with other writers for three nights and four days and share her writing and learn new techniques to improve her already wonderful stories.
In her essay, she expressed a desire to learn more about similes and metaphors, which will help her improve her word choice.
Morgan says she is extremely excited to be given this opportunity. She is looking forward to meeting the special guest and the attending the workshop.
Photo caption:
Morgan Pierce and her 4th grade teacher Cindy Morris.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Robotics teams duke it out at state competition
From the County Press
Teens from the Lapeer area got to mix it up with the big time last weekend, when the country’s most
competitive statewide FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics effort held its competition at Eastern Michigan University.
Lapeer County was well-represented with not one, but two, teams at the state competition. Kids from Lapeer East and West High Schools went as members of the Chimeras team, coached by Tony Diodato. Students from Lapeer County Education and Technology Center formed Galak Tech 3535, coached by Jeff Beatley.
It was the first time for either local team to compete at the state level, and Galak Tech’s rookie year as a team.
The Lapeer area teams held their own in the intense competition.
“Both the Chimeras and Galak Tech battled valiantly in their 12 matches sometimes with and sometimes against the powerhouse teams. The 68 teams are randomly mixed in 3 on 3 matches over the 3 day competition,” said Diodato.
Team Galak Tech picked up 79 points overall, placing 56th, and the Chimeras scored 67, placing 62nd.
“There is no doubt that Michigan is the epicenter of high school and professional robotics in the country,” said Diodato. “In no other concurrent regional event in the country could you score 110 points and still lose the match.” He points out that typical scores outside of Michigan are in the 30s.
“The students were very pleased in that they and the robot had done everything possible to win,” said Diodato of the Chimeras.
Although the hometown teams gave it their all and made an impressive showing, the St. Louis national competition remained out of reach this year. A very supportive Grand Blanc team, the Enginerds, placed 11th in the event, racking up the highest score at the state tournament. They’re among the teams headed to the nationals, as are students from Goodrich High School.
The state competitions mark the end of a frenzied season of non-stop thinking and doing that launched in January for the robotics team members.
“Our season has ended but we are ecstatic about our growth and success this year,” said Diodato. “None of it would be possible without the support of the schools, the community, the parents, local business and our generous sponsors.”
Diodato said there are some off-season events in coming months, and that the teams will be launching their fundraising for the next competition right away “in hopes of having the resources to be one of the power-house teams who make it all the way!”
The state competition finals will be broadcast on television on April 16 at 1 p.m. on ABC.
Teens from the Lapeer area got to mix it up with the big time last weekend, when the country’s most
competitive statewide FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics effort held its competition at Eastern Michigan University.Lapeer County was well-represented with not one, but two, teams at the state competition. Kids from Lapeer East and West High Schools went as members of the Chimeras team, coached by Tony Diodato. Students from Lapeer County Education and Technology Center formed Galak Tech 3535, coached by Jeff Beatley.
It was the first time for either local team to compete at the state level, and Galak Tech’s rookie year as a team.
The Lapeer area teams held their own in the intense competition.
“Both the Chimeras and Galak Tech battled valiantly in their 12 matches sometimes with and sometimes against the powerhouse teams. The 68 teams are randomly mixed in 3 on 3 matches over the 3 day competition,” said Diodato.
Team Galak Tech picked up 79 points overall, placing 56th, and the Chimeras scored 67, placing 62nd.
“There is no doubt that Michigan is the epicenter of high school and professional robotics in the country,” said Diodato. “In no other concurrent regional event in the country could you score 110 points and still lose the match.” He points out that typical scores outside of Michigan are in the 30s.
“The students were very pleased in that they and the robot had done everything possible to win,” said Diodato of the Chimeras.
Although the hometown teams gave it their all and made an impressive showing, the St. Louis national competition remained out of reach this year. A very supportive Grand Blanc team, the Enginerds, placed 11th in the event, racking up the highest score at the state tournament. They’re among the teams headed to the nationals, as are students from Goodrich High School.
The state competitions mark the end of a frenzied season of non-stop thinking and doing that launched in January for the robotics team members.
“Our season has ended but we are ecstatic about our growth and success this year,” said Diodato. “None of it would be possible without the support of the schools, the community, the parents, local business and our generous sponsors.”
Diodato said there are some off-season events in coming months, and that the teams will be launching their fundraising for the next competition right away “in hopes of having the resources to be one of the power-house teams who make it all the way!”
The state competition finals will be broadcast on television on April 16 at 1 p.m. on ABC.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
YFU seeks host families
Youth For Understanding (YFU) is looking for Lapeer host families to host high school exchange students for the 2011-2012 school year.
Host families provide a place to live and three meals a day plus the encouragement, advice and love to help their new family member through a semester or year in a new home.
The students bring their own spending money and health insurance plus the willingness to be a good family member, following family rules and helping out with family responsibilities. YFU local representatives support the students and families to make sure it’s a good experience for all involved. All kinds of families host, with and without children of all ages.
Youth For Understanding is a volunteer-based organization, and they are always looking for volunteers who enjoy working with teens and families to promote intercultural understanding. If you, or someone you know, are interested in being a mentor to an exchange student, they have a place for you!
For more information or to request complete profiles and letters of students, contact Jon McQuinn, YFU Field Director, at (989) 777-4420, or email him at jmcquinn@yfu.org. More information is available on the YFU Web site at www.yfu-usa.org.
Host families provide a place to live and three meals a day plus the encouragement, advice and love to help their new family member through a semester or year in a new home.
The students bring their own spending money and health insurance plus the willingness to be a good family member, following family rules and helping out with family responsibilities. YFU local representatives support the students and families to make sure it’s a good experience for all involved. All kinds of families host, with and without children of all ages.
Youth For Understanding is a volunteer-based organization, and they are always looking for volunteers who enjoy working with teens and families to promote intercultural understanding. If you, or someone you know, are interested in being a mentor to an exchange student, they have a place for you!
For more information or to request complete profiles and letters of students, contact Jon McQuinn, YFU Field Director, at (989) 777-4420, or email him at jmcquinn@yfu.org. More information is available on the YFU Web site at www.yfu-usa.org.
'Caught You Reading' launches Book Boosters
Lapeer area families love to read.
Kids and their parents flocked to Zemmer Middle School in Lapeer April 12 for the launch of the Caught You Reading program and Rob’s Books at Lapeer Community Schools. Many of the more than 250 people who attended were actually caught in the act of reading during the event, as they eagerly perused an irresistible array of books made available by event sponsors.
Rob’s Books is the brainchild of Robert and Tami Erickson. It’s a foundation they established to fund books for the schools’ libraries. They are working with area organizations and partnering with Lapeer Community Schools to make it happen.
The foundation is named in memory of Tami’s son, Spc. Rob Hornbeck, who was tragically killed in an accident after returning from Iraq almost five years ago. Rob was a 2001 Lapeer East graduate, and an avid reader. Stepdad Bob Erickson describes Rob, “A really bright kid — just loved to read.”
The Ericksons hope that through Rob’s Books, “fun, new, relevant to the curriculum, fiction books” will be available to kids.
The Caught You Reading event also kicked off an exciting new program at Lapeer Community Schools to help “grow” our stock of classroom and library books. It’s an innovative online fundraising program called Book Boosters. In partnership with Perma-Bound Books, the District has created a list of titles our libraries need. Many school districts such as ours have been forced to cut back even on essential purchases such as new books. Book Boosters is one way we can fill that gap, helping to improve reading scores and literacy while fostering the joy of reading!
In contrast to other programs, with Book Boosters, 100% of contributions go toward buying books and other materials from Perma-Bound. Many of these books are in Perma-Bound’s patented binding, guaranteed to last over a lifetime of rough use, with an unconditional replacement guarantee.
Giving is easy. Simply log on to http://www.book-boosters.com/caughtyoureading and contribute any amount (of $10 or greater) to the Caught You Reading campaign (in conjunction with Rob’s Books) through Perma-Bound's secure system by Visa® or MasterCard®.
All proceeds will go directly toward the Book Boosters goal. As an added bonus, you can keep track of our fundraising progress in real time using the Book-O-Meter; the stack of books that gets filled in higher and higher as we get closer to our goal—on the web page.
SPECIAL NOTE: MAKE SURE YOUR STUDENT’S NAME AND SCHOOL IS LISTED IN THE COMMENTS/SPECIAL REQUESTS SECTION AS PART OF EACH ELECTRONIC DONATION. THIS WILL MAKE YOUR CHILD ELIGIBLE FOR PRIZES AND SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR THEIR PROGRAM PARTICIPATION.
There are no phone calls to make, no items to buy, and no forms for you or your child to fill out. And you can rest easy knowing that ALL of your contribution goes toward books and educational material for Lapeer Community Schools. Please join us to make Book Boosters a success!
Photo courtesy The County Press
Photo captions:
Top: Marilee Greene of Perma-Bound was one of the sponsoring hosts at the April 12 Caught You Reading event at Zemmer Middle School. Kids and adults checked out the books and posters, and many took one home with them.
Bottom: Sixth and seventh graders under the direction of theater arts teacher Amber Dillard entertained students and their parents with dramatic storytelling, including such favorites as “The Tortoise and the Hare.”
Monday, April 4, 2011
Zemmer hosts county spelling bee
Zemmer Middle School played host for this year's Lapeer County Spelling Bee on March 30 as a total of 32 students from elementary and middle schools across the county competed for the title of spelling bee champion.
The competition lasted for 27 rounds before Almont seventh grader Emily Levy took first place. Niquole Caringi from North Branch Middle School took second place. The two girls went 17 rounds just between the two of them before Levy finally won. The winning word that clenched the title for Levy was “belligerent.”
Other winners were third place Alexis Caringi from Ruth Fox Elementary, fourth place Brittany Gray from North Branch Middle School and fifth place Cole Silva from Maple Grove Elementary. All five winning students received medals in honor of their achievement.
Photo by JACOB HUNSANGER
Photo caption:
Winners of the Lapeer County Spelling Bee were (left to right): first place Emily Levy of Almont Middle School, second place Niquole Caringi of North Branch Middle School, third place Alexis Caringi of Ruth Fox Elementary, fourth place Brittany Gray of North Branch Middle School and fifth place Cole Silva of Maple Grove Elementary.
Friday, April 1, 2011
School year extended
The school year will be extended for all students at Lapeer Community Schools because the number of school days that were cancelled this year, for reasons beyond the school district control, exceeded the six days allowed by the state.
The number of days of cancelled instruction were not consistent throughout our 12 buildings and the last day of school for students will not be the same across the district.
In accordance with state regulations, the last day of school for students will be as follows:
Friday, June 10, 2011 – Community High School, East High School
Monday, June 13, 2011 – All Elementary buildings, West High School, Zemmer Middle School
Tuesday, June 14, 2011 – Rolland-Warner Middle School
Please be sure to note these dates and plan accordingly. In order for the district to avoid financial penalties, daily attendance rates in each of the buildings must be maintained.
We appreciate your cooperation as we make adjustments to comply with state mandates regarding student attendance.
The number of days of cancelled instruction were not consistent throughout our 12 buildings and the last day of school for students will not be the same across the district.
In accordance with state regulations, the last day of school for students will be as follows:
Friday, June 10, 2011 – Community High School, East High School
Monday, June 13, 2011 – All Elementary buildings, West High School, Zemmer Middle School
Tuesday, June 14, 2011 – Rolland-Warner Middle School
Please be sure to note these dates and plan accordingly. In order for the district to avoid financial penalties, daily attendance rates in each of the buildings must be maintained.
We appreciate your cooperation as we make adjustments to comply with state mandates regarding student attendance.
Laidlaw to leave school board
Lapeer Community Schools Board President Bill Laidlaw will resign his school board seat April 21 because he has taken a new job in Nashville, Tenn.
Laidlaw has served on the board since July 2004 and has been the board president since July 2006.
In a letter to the board, Laidlaw said, “It is with a heavy heart that I leave the LCS family … Although I am very excited to begin a new chapter in my life, it is extremely difficult to say farewell to a wonderful group of people that I have worked so closely with.”
“It has indeed been a tremendous honor to serve as your board president, and I am very proud of the level of service we have been able to provide to our students and community through difficult economic times. More challenges lie ahead, but I am confident LCS will provide the very best educational opportunities to its students with the resources it has available.”
The board will begin the process later this month of naming a replacement to fill Laidlaw’s board seat. The new board trustee will be appointed in May to serve the remainder of Laidlaw’s term, which expires in 2012.
2011 Distinguished Educator, Distinguished Service and Outstanding Contributor Awards
Six employees of the Lapeer Community Schools have been honored for their exemplary service to students and the District with Distinguished Service, Outstanding Contributor and Distinguished Educator awards.
The award winners were announced throughout the District March 31 and the school board acknowledged the awards during its March 31 meeting at Murphy Elementary School.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes a recipient’s relationship with students and staff, exemplary representation of the District within the community, consistently excellent work performance and integrity and concern for fellow employees.
Distinguished Service Award winner Debbie Thompson began her career in the Lapeer Community Schools in 1974 as a third and fourth grade teacher at Schickler Elementary and for the last six years has served as the Superintendent of the District. In between she has served the district as a Chapter I reading teacher, administrative assistant for staff development, curriculum coordinator, director of curriculum and assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
The Outstanding Contributor Award is for those who have demonstrated creativity, innovation and outstanding accomplishments through the development and use of ideas that contribute to improved instruction and/or improved operation and management of the District.
The 2011 Outstanding Contributor Award recipient is Cindy Gillaspy a paraprofessional at Maple Grove Elementary. She was honored for the work she has done for the last six years as a reading coach for first and second graders.
The District also honored four teachers with Distinguished Educator Awards. These awards honor the recipients for their ability to relate and to inspire students, creativity in teaching, genuine concern for students and exemplary dedication and integrity. The recipients of these awards are:
• Cathy Frazee has been a Speech Pathologist with the District for the last 18 years. Prior to that she was a speech pathologist for the Lapeer Intermediate School District for 15 years.
• Mary Ellen Quaine is a Speech Pathologist in the Rolland-Warner Early Childhood wing and is the District’s Project Find Coordinator. She has been with the District for 19 years and has been in education for 31 years.
• Pam Siivola is a second-grade teacher at Elva Lynch Elementary. She has been a teacher at Lynch for 22 years.
• Steve Stearns has been a business teacher at Lapeer East for the last six years and has also taught math, science and physical education classes during his 27 years in the District. He is currently the East boys and girls golf coach and has coached JV and freshman football and baseball and junior high football and basketball. He also taught and coached for five years at Zemmer Junior High School
A committee comprised of one member each from the AFSCME, Central Office Administration, LESP, LSDAA, LTA and SEIU – Cafeteria selects recipients of the Distinguished Service Award and the Outstanding Contributor Award. A committee of eight teachers and three administrators selects recipients of the Distinguished Educator Award. Recipients are selected from nominations made by District staff.
The award winners were announced throughout the District March 31 and the school board acknowledged the awards during its March 31 meeting at Murphy Elementary School.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes a recipient’s relationship with students and staff, exemplary representation of the District within the community, consistently excellent work performance and integrity and concern for fellow employees.
Distinguished Service Award winner Debbie Thompson began her career in the Lapeer Community Schools in 1974 as a third and fourth grade teacher at Schickler Elementary and for the last six years has served as the Superintendent of the District. In between she has served the district as a Chapter I reading teacher, administrative assistant for staff development, curriculum coordinator, director of curriculum and assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
The Outstanding Contributor Award is for those who have demonstrated creativity, innovation and outstanding accomplishments through the development and use of ideas that contribute to improved instruction and/or improved operation and management of the District.
The 2011 Outstanding Contributor Award recipient is Cindy Gillaspy a paraprofessional at Maple Grove Elementary. She was honored for the work she has done for the last six years as a reading coach for first and second graders.
The District also honored four teachers with Distinguished Educator Awards. These awards honor the recipients for their ability to relate and to inspire students, creativity in teaching, genuine concern for students and exemplary dedication and integrity. The recipients of these awards are:
• Cathy Frazee has been a Speech Pathologist with the District for the last 18 years. Prior to that she was a speech pathologist for the Lapeer Intermediate School District for 15 years.
• Mary Ellen Quaine is a Speech Pathologist in the Rolland-Warner Early Childhood wing and is the District’s Project Find Coordinator. She has been with the District for 19 years and has been in education for 31 years.
• Pam Siivola is a second-grade teacher at Elva Lynch Elementary. She has been a teacher at Lynch for 22 years.
• Steve Stearns has been a business teacher at Lapeer East for the last six years and has also taught math, science and physical education classes during his 27 years in the District. He is currently the East boys and girls golf coach and has coached JV and freshman football and baseball and junior high football and basketball. He also taught and coached for five years at Zemmer Junior High School
A committee comprised of one member each from the AFSCME, Central Office Administration, LESP, LSDAA, LTA and SEIU – Cafeteria selects recipients of the Distinguished Service Award and the Outstanding Contributor Award. A committee of eight teachers and three administrators selects recipients of the Distinguished Educator Award. Recipients are selected from nominations made by District staff.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Schickler celebrates student authors
Each month Schickler Elementary honors 36 students, 6 per grade, as Authors of the Month.
Students receive recognition at our monthly assembly with a certificate and also have their writing piece hung in the hallway outside the office.
When you visit Schickler, please take a moment and read our wonderful authors' writing.
Photo caption:
Schickler Kindergarten student, James Racknor, celebrates his author of the month award by posing for a picture with his mother Tamara Racknor. James and his family are very proud of the award and James’s writing.
Rolland-Warner hosts successful Fine Arts Night
A crowd of about 250 art lovers were on hand as Rolland-Warner Middle School hosted its annual Fine Arts Night on March 29.
Students offered an evening of band performances, theater performances, art displays and working artists. Continuing a six-year tradition that began at Zemmer Junior High, and now at Rolland-Warner Middle School, students also hosted the Empty Bowls community service event.
Attendees were asked to make a donation of at least $5 for a meal of hot soup served up in 190 bowls crafted by Rolland-Warner art students. A record $1,435 was raised to help the soup kitchen at First Presbyterian Church in Lapeer.
More than 100 students were involved in the Fine Arts Night, including performers in the drama “Sorry, Wrong Number,” musicians in the 6th and 7th grade solo and ensemble, and visual arts students who demonstrated their work as part of the “Art Walk.” Another 40 students volunteered to help out before, during, and after the event.
For a look at photos from the event, visit the District Picasa photo albums at:
https://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/RollandWarnerFineArtsNight#
Parent & Child Playgroup
Free Playgroup
This popular activity for parents/caregivers and children from birth to 5 years old is fun and educational. Children will participate in a story-time, developmentally appropriate games, learn new skills, and enjoy a snack and social time with other children!
Plagroups are scheduled from 10 am to 11:30 am
on Monday, April 11, 18 & May 2, 9, 16, 23.
(Runs for six weeks, no playgroup on April 25)
Mayfield Elementary School
302 Plum Creek Road
If you are interested, please call the Family Literacy Center at 810-664-2737 or email us at ican@readlapeer.org to register for this playgroup as soon as possible.
Robotics team snares a silver medal
Excerpted from The County Press
The combined Lapeer East and Lapeer West robotics team earned a silver medal as second place district finalists in the March 4-5 FIRST district competition at Kettering University in Flint.
The combined Lapeer East and Lapeer West team, named “The Chimeras” snagged the silver medal as second place district finalists. The Lapeer County Education and Technology Center’s rookie team, GalakTech 3535, battled their way successfully to the semi-final round of the competition, making its mark as a serious contender.
“It was our first competition we ever made it that far,” said Chimeras team mentor Jon Uren of their second place prize. “It was really cool ... to walk out there and get that award.”
Uren confirmed that impressive performance, saying, “They did phenomenal ... They just excelled beyond belief.”
The scene at Kettering University’s field house was chaotic and spirited as 38 teams of teens, their mentors and their robots filled the pit areas. The teams spent the last six weeks designing and building robots that could tote inflatables and place them on pegs high up in the air. They also built mini-bots that could race up a pole.
Team spirit was evident everywhere. The Chimeras wore matching team shirts and sported black and white face paint. The Lapeer West Panther was spotted roaming the stands as well.
Team members were in a constant state of motion as they tweaked their robots in the pits before delivering them to the field of play. Rock music pulsed through building adding to the intense atmosphere. As they took their entries to compete, shouts of “Robot! Robot!” could be heard above the din so people could make way in the crowded pit area.For each match, robots were placed into competition with robot operators lined up at each end of the field behind a plexiglass wall. The robots then battled it out, placing the inflatables on pegs to form the FIRST logo.
There was no shortage of team spirit as kids, parents and mentors cheered, jumping and up and down, noisily rooting for their robots during the matches. Post-event interviews made it apparent that two days of yelling took its toll.
The Chimeras are barely taking a breath as they prepare to compete again at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor Mar. 25-26 in another district competition, as they vie for a spot in the state and national championships. They are tweaking and upgrading their ‘bots.
“The kids are extremely excited. They really want first. They’re putting all their effort into it. They’re pumped,” said Uren. “We have a good robot with a good strategy. We’re pretty dangerous.” He said he thinks The Chimeras have a good shot at the nationals this year.
The Juggernauts of Pontiac, Killer Bees from Auburn Hills and T.O.R.C. from Oxford won the district competition. Metal & Soul of Capac won the Chairman’s Award, qualifying the team for state finals. Along with The Chimeras, the Martians of Goodrich and the Dragons of Swartz Creek earned silver medals as second place district finalists.
Photos by Nancy Elliott
Photo caption
Chimeras coach Tony Diodato and team members from Lapeer East and Lapeer West tweak their robot during pit time.
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