Welcome!
Our Mission
The community of Whitmore Bolles will welcome all respectfully, challenge its learners to meet their hidden potential, and become the best leaders they can be.
Our Vision
Leading for Life
Exceeding Potential
Acquiring Greatness
Dreaming Big
Our Principal, Mrs. Kristin Waddell
Mrs. Waddell has been the principal at Whitmore-Bolles Elementary since 2011. These are her beliefs:
- I believe that every child deserves a high quality rigorous education that prepares them for their future endeavors.
- I believe students need a variety of creative and experiential learning experiences that develop and enhance their interests. This will create strong leaders who celebrate diversity and seek out life-long learning opportunities.
- I believe that schools serve as a beacon for the community to unite and break down our cultural boundaries.
Please click on the following link to read more about her vision for our school and to discover her belief statement: Learning is a celebration!
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 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
I am looking for information on a former teacher I had in the 4th grade, school year was 1956-57 and her first name was Deborah. I know that’s quite a stretch as she would be close to or in her 80’s by now. Also looking for a 56-57 yearbook, preferably online – any help would be appreciated.
Thank you!
George Elliot
George, Her name was Waddell, Just like the principal. I had Mrs. Mitchell back in 1955, Randy Lillymark for 5th and Clayton Archer for 6th.
I want to thank my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Hart, for her kind and wonderful teaching in 1970-1971. She was a wonderful teacher.
I had miss hart as well. it was 1966. she was a sweat hart! What was the other kindergartener teachers name that was across the play yard?
I had Mrs. Hart too, probably in 1971. She was a sweetheart.
I was the last of seven kids who all had Mrs. Heart…a fun and loving teacher if there ever was one!
All 7 of my kids also had Mrs. Hart. Pretty amazing! And yes, she was absolutely wonderful!!
Ebo
These Mrs. Hart emails have started a chain reaction re the best of the best among the teachers at Whitmore-Bolles who were the foundation of our family’s formal eduction.
A big SHOUT OUT to all of the wonderful teachers at Whitmore-Bolles over the years!
Don attributes his PhD and 10 published books to Miss Benedict and the inspiration she planted in him during second grade!
Mrs. Sanders was right up there next to Mrs. Hart in terms of being an incredible teacher.
And Mrs. Lamp — I had her in 3rd and 4th grade and I thought she was such a hard teacher. As an adult I realize she was an amazing teacher who set the bar high and taught us everything from poetry (a poem every morning!) to geography.
A big thank you to the teachers one and all!!
Steve — what years were you at Whitmore – Bolles? I think I was in your classes!
I had Ms. Hart too in 70-71? She was nice. Seems like eons ago…
I attended Whitmore-Bolles 1977 thru 1981. My teachers were Mrs. Long, Mrs. Yuhas, Mrs. Bouvey & Mr. Mefferd. I have happy memories of my childhood years there.
Mr. Seymour – best memories ever!
I went to Whitmore Bolles from 1981-1989. My teachers were Mrs. Wilson (k), Mrs. Bartley (first grade), Mrs. Yuhas (second grade), Mrs. Benson (third grade), Mrs. Bouvey (fourth grade), Mr. Poire (fifth grade), and Mrs. Kocker (sixth grade).
My family and I just moved to area. Is there a way to tour the school? My daughter will be in 3rd grade and I think a quick walk through would help her get excited about the change.
Welcome to Whitmore-Bolles Elementary!
Our school office will open the week before school starts, and should be able to give you a tour and help with registration then. I believe the exact date is August 29th. In the meantime, please visit the school library on Tuesday or Thursday (through August 18th) from 9:00am until noon. You can enter through the library doors on the west side of the building. You are also encouraged to join the PTA at Penn-Vassar Park on August 25th at 5:30pm for Playgrounds & Popsicles. More information is here: Playgrounds & Popsicles. We are excited to have you join the community! If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
Warmly,
Mrs. Borrello
4th Grade Teacher
Mr Seymour and Mrs Lamp………..best teachers I ever had. I still have fond memories of both.