Whitmore-Bolles Elementary
“Where Children Come First”
21501 Whitmore Street
Dearborn, Michigan 48124
Main Office: (313) 827-6800
Fax: (313) 827-6805
Whitmore-Bolles Named Michigan Department of Education Reward School for Great Progress
Whitmore-Bolles Elementary School appeared on the Michigan Department of Education’s 2011-2012 Reward Schools list, placing our school among the top 5%, or 286 schools in the state, that have met the criteria detailed in the state’s evaluation system. For more information on the Reward School designation please visit: www.michigan.gov/rewardschools.
“Despite the many state and federal requirements, funding issues, and many other obstacles facing the staff in our schools they have continued to work diligently to bring about student success and I want to thank them for their efforts and acknowledge their hard work and dedication to the students in our classrooms,” commented Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Mr. Brian Whiston.
Our Mission
The mission of Whitmore-Bolles Elementary is to provide opportunities and experiences through a comprehensive curriculum for all learners to develop academically, physically, emotionally and socially in a technological world.
Our Vision
We see a safe school community that shares the responsibility of educating each student while building on individual strengths to promote critical thinking and cooperation in a safe and respectful environment.
Our Principal, Ms. Kristin Waddell
This is Mrs. Waddell’s second year at Whitmore-Bolles Elementary. Please click on the following link to read about Mrs. Waddell’s Vision for our school and to discover her belief statement: Learning is a celebration!
Last year, Ms. Waddell was featured in the following media: The Arab American News, Dearborn Patch, Dearborn Press & Guide, and deepSaidwhat?
Our History
“The history of Whitmore-Bolles begins in 1919 with the division of the lands east of Monroe and south of Outer Drive. With the large growth in the community, a need for housing and schools was in demand. Laura Whitmore Bolles donated 3 acres of land behind the Whitmore family home, with an additional 6 acres of land purchased in 1925 by the Board of Dearborn School District #7. Dearborn architect, Harry Vicary was chosen to assist the firm of George D. Mason and Company as designers. The school officially opened in September of 1927, with a teaching staff of 4 and an enrollment of 98 students. Dedication of the school was held in honor of the Bolles family on May 14, 1928, as this was the date of birth of Laura’s mother and her own wedding anniversary.
During the Depression of the 1930′s the school was used as a soup kitchen and after the Second World War a new wave of growth came to Dearborn. In 1940, an additional wing was added, including 8 more classrooms and a kitchen. By 1951, enrollment reached 1,400 students. One of the unique science programs established here in the 1950′s was the Horticultural Gardens.
The school name Whitemore-Bolles, honors two of Dearborn’s families; J. E. Bolles, the donor of the original site and Laura Whitmore, who was also the niece of William Nowlin. When Mrs. J. Bolles donated the land she asked the school be named in honor of both her family (Whitmore) and her husband’s family (Bolles).”
Historical information retrieved from www.dearborn71.com
