Community e-Newsletter

August 25, 2019

Note from the Superintendent

Welcome to the 2019-20 school year! District families will receive Beginning of the Year letters from the district soon. The piece contains important legal notices and updates about what is new in our schools, including a bond referendum that will be voted on Nov. 5. Additional information can be found here.

Wayne A. Kazmierczak, Ph.D.
Superintendent

Bond Referendum logo

In Photos: Summertime Excitement

A collage of students and adults enjoying summertime opportunities

Student News

Summer explorations

Students recently celebrated their success with the GenZ Connection Program this summer at their closing event. The GenZ Connection Program is a paid, experiential learning program that allows students to get hands-on experience and see all of the career possibilities in Manufacturing, Engineering and Automotive industries. The opportunity was recently highlighted in this video. Students also enjoyed getting hands-on experience with construction as they learned about it as a career choice as part of the MN Trades Academy! In other fun Career Pathways news, industry partners recently gathered at the Employer Breakfast to talk about important learning opportunities for students to get hands-on experience in areas they are interested in. Community members also recently enjoyed a meal together, as Vadnais Heights Elementary began welcoming in students before the official start of the school year with its annual neighborhood picnic. 

Students in front of Cup and Cone with Dr. K

There was recently a great opportunity for community members to enjoy an ice cream treat and conversation with Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak at Cone with Dr. K. Check out this fun video that Dr. Kazmierczak filmed with Bear earlier this summer to tell people about the opportunity at Cup and Cone. In other fun opportunities, White Bear Lake Area Schools welcomed new educators to the district this week during a 2-day training. Sessions included student testimonials related to the Community Core Values, round table discussions, presentations from district departments, and curriculum-related question and answer sessions. New educators also spent time in their buildings with their principal supervisors.

Fun times

Oneka Elementary recently received a fun new addition to their building. When students come back this fall, they will be able to experience a unique treehouse structure in the Media Center where they can enjoy a fun place to gather and read books. The structure is hoped to spark students' imaginations and inspire them to spend time reading! The treehouse was built by WBLAHS grads Dave and Allysa Nadeau, who own Lake Life Furniture LLC. The two also come from longtime "Bear" families and have two daughters who will attend Hugo/Oneka. In other creative news, Industrial Technology Teacher Fred Feirn recently wrote this article about how greatly enhancements in technology are benefiting student learning! From articles to podcasts, preschool teacher Jenny Hanlon recently spoke in this episode about navigating positive homework routines as a family for those who have students heading back to school.

Students giving thumbs up in front of car with officer

Students recently were able to enjoy a fun experience of getting to play with pets, including a turtle! They were also able to have fun learning from officers about the White Bear Lake Police Department. Speaking of learning, meet new principals Lori Mosser and Cathryn Peterson through video introductions that were recently shared with Hugo/Oneka and Central staff members and families. In other Central-related updates, one Central Middle School student will be performing their dance “call me a princess” at the Minnesota State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m.! Congratulations and go Bears! 

Enjoying opportunities

In other visitor news, district representatives recently attended a Chamber event where they connected with Governor Tim Walz! The fun opportunities continue as an All-School Reunion, 100 Year Celebration of WBLHS and Dedication of the Washington School Bell event is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Sept. 28 (Homecoming weekend)! Festivities include a pancake breakfast, alumni car show, District Center tours, photos with Bear and the Bell, and book signing with author and White Bear graduate David Gehrenbeck. Complete details at https://wblalumni.com/. Festivities started this summer with construction of the Washington School Bell monument. The bell was just recently secured in the display! The display is located in front of District Center and will also house a White Bear statue. The display is an Alumni Association gift/project. The fun news continues as Birch Lake Elementary principal Jonathan Luknic recently sported their Rec t-shirt on the equator. Go Bears! (Submit your Rec t-shirt pics to communications@isd624.org!)

Washington School Bell being hung in display at District Center

 

Activities Update

The Bears U16 softball team recently won the state tournament, making them state champions! The Bears U16 baseball team recently won a St. Cloud tournament with an 11-0 score in the championship game. Go Bears!

Find a complete list of all WBLAHS Activities, Athletics and Fine Arts here.

Please contact the Communications Department (651-407-7695) to submit Student News for inclusion in future publications. 

School Board News

Upcoming Meetings

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Community Room 112, District Center
School Board Regular Meeting Subscribe to Alerts
Community Room 112, District Center
School Board Regular Meeting Subscribe to Alerts
Community Room 112, District Center

Past Meeting Highlights

July 15 Regular

August 12 Regular

 

District News

General Information