Community e-Newsletter

September 22, 2019

Note from the Superintendent

We continue to enjoy conversations with community members regarding the Nov. 5 Bond Referendum. There will be three Bond Referendum Public Meetings held in the coming weeks that all community members are invited to attend. This will provide the community with an opportunity to receive more information through a presentation while also being able to ask any questions they may have. The Bond Referendum Public Meetings will be taking place:

7 p.m. on Tues, Sept. 24 at District Center, 4855 Bloom Ave, WBL
7 p.m. on Wed, Oct. 2 at Hugo Elementary, 14895 Francesca Ave N, Hugo
7 p.m. on Thurs, Oct. 3 at Vadnais Heights Elementary, 3645 Centerville Rd, VH

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Absentee voting began last week, Sept. 20. Find complete Early Voting Information here.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions to Bond2019@isd624.org or contact me at 651-407-7563. More information about the referendum can also be found here (www.isd624.org/Bond2019).

Wayne A. Kazmierczak, Ph.D.
Superintendent

Student News

Gearing up

Fall sports are in full swing and students are training hard and continuing to prepare for their games! The athletic excitement can be seen in this video. Speaking of excitement, tomorrow is the beginning of Homecoming Week! Check out all of the fun activities happening including Coronation, a parade in downtown White Bear Lake, the football game against East Ridge and the Homecoming BearPower 6.24K Family Fun Run/Walk event followed by the All-School Reunion! In order to prepare for this fun run/walk event, elementary students helped create this Homecoming BearPower 6.24K Family Fun Run/Walk event video! A preview of the footage was also included in this weekly video. All families are invited to the free event that will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28 at WBLAHS - North Campus - which is a new time and location.

The All-School Reunion will be taking place the same day at District Center! All are invited to attend the All-School Reunion, 100 Year Celebration of WBLHS and Dedication of the Washington School Bell event, which is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Sept. 28 on the lawn of District Center. Highlights of the morning’s events include recognition of 2019 Scholar Award of Excellence recipients, unclaimed diplomas that some graduates can pick up and the display of the Washington School Bell at District Center. More than 1500 unclaimed diplomas from the Area Learning Center, White Bear Lake Area High School and Mariner High School will be made available to alumni for pick-up at the Sept. 28 All-School Reunion and Washington School Bell dedication event. Several staff members already claimed their diplomas, which was featured in this video. Find more information and full stories on the district's website.

Two adults smiling at the camera while one adult holds diploma

In addition, author and White Bear graduate David Gehrenbeck will be signing their book "White Bear High School: Celebrating the Centennial of a Building 1918-2018."

Continuing back to school fun!

It was recently an exciting week for early childhood students, as they were greeted back to school. The students were excited to be able to have fun with singing, playing outside and meeting new friends. The great experience can be seen in this video. The fun didn't stop at the back to school excitement for early childhood students. Students at Normandy Park Education Center have been able to enjoy a new sensory pathway! The sensory path is an evidence-based, colorful, creative and playful way for students to improve motor planning, fundamental motor skills and build stronger sensory connections in the brain! In addition to helping children become aware of their own senses, sensory play through the use of the sensory pathway also may function as an excellent "brain break." Check out a video of the exciting new opportunity for students, including the district's weekly video they were recently featured in!

Students enjoying new sensory pathway at Normandy Park Education Center

In other great student news, three National Honor Society students recently volunteered at the Taste of White Bear Lake fundraising event! The proceeds from this event go to support projects in the community and around the world.

Students volunteering at event with adult

Exciting accomplishments

The Citizen recently highlighted an Oneka Elementary "reading tree" project, which was completed this summer by a family of WBLAHS grads. Check out the article. Go Bears! In other grad news, two Hall of Fame inductees, Tim Hermann and Julie Retka, were recently recognized at a WBLAHS football game! Julie graduated with honors from WBLAHS in 2004. During Julie's time as a student, Julie was a standout three sport athlete in soccer, basketball and softball. Tim Hermann was also a three sport athlete along with being a letter winner in football, basketball, and baseball while also being selected as captain in both football and baseball.

Julie being recognized for Hall of Fame induction at football game

Tim being recognized for Hall of Fame induction at football game

The graduate accomplishments continue! White Bear Lake alumnus Josh Mason is able to lead Gustavus Adolphus College's large jazz ensemble for their 50th year celebration! From jazz ensembles to biking, the White Bear Mountain Bike team started and completed a 55-foot long pathway reconstruction at Carver Lake Park Off-Road Cycling Park.

Mountain Bike team smiling at camera on new pathway project

Event fun

More fun opportunities continued throughout the community, as district representatives enjoyed giving attendees Bear paw temporary tattoos at the White Bear Township Days event. One attendee even proudly placed the temporary tattoo on their forehead, a tradition they've been enjoying for years now!

White Bear Town Ship Days attendee with Bear paw tattoo on forehead

In other district news, community members were recently invited to a public meeting regarding the Nov. 5 Bond Referendum at the Senior Center, which a clip of can be seen of in this video. There will be three Bond Referendum Public Meetings coming up on Sept. 24, Oct. 2 and Oct. 3. Learn more information on the district's website. The events continued as all were invited to the Senior Center Open House! At this event, attendees could learn more about the various opportunities to get involved in the community. The Senior Center Open House excitement can be seen in this video.

Community member smiling while adult coloring

Community members recently attended the free BearPower Harvest Party event where they could enjoy fresh, locally grown produce! In addition, families could have fun with activities while also getting the opportunity to learn gardening and seed saving tips.

Activities Update

The White Bear Mountain Bike team started and completed a 55-foot long pathway reconstruction at Carver Lake Park Off-Road Cycling Park. 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.

The Week in 62.4 Seconds

Enjoy The Week in 62.4 Seconds videos highlighting weekly district activities throughout the school year.

School Board News

Upcoming Meetings

Past Meeting Highlights

August 26 Work-Study

September 9 Regular

District News

General Information

Parent Notices

Building Bond 2019 Referendum Update - On November 5, White Bear Lake Area School District residents will vote whether to provide funding for building needs across the district. If approved, the bond funding would provide space for our growing enrollment, improve school safety and security, address deferred maintenance needs and update classrooms for more flexible learning spaces. We invite you to become familiar with the bond referendum, which impacts all of our buildings and students. We will provide updates throughout the fall via e-newsletters, voicedrops and social media. Please watch for these updates and familiarize yourself with the information.
- The district will also host the following Bond Referendum Public Meetings:
  - 7 p.m. on Tues, Sept. 24 at District Center, 4855 Bloom Ave, WBL
  - 7 p.m. on Wed, Oct. 2 at Hugo Elementary, 14895 Francesca Ave N, Hugo
  - 7 p.m. on Thurs, Oct. 3 at Vadnais Heights Elementary, 3645 Centerville Rd, VH
    - The district’s website - www.isd624.org/Bond2019 - houses the most complete and up-to-date information regarding the bond referendum.
- Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Absentee voting began last week, Sept. 20. Find complete Early Voting Information here.
Bond Referendum videos - Check out the Why and the What videos to learn more regarding the 2019 Bond Referendum.
Coffee with Dr. K - Community members are invited to stop by and chat with Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak (Dr. K) over a cup of coffee between 7:30-8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26 at the Downtown White Bear Lake Caribou Coffee. There is no set agenda, so please feel free to order from the barista and find Dr. K in the meeting room to join the conversation!
Safety Information Night - Parents are invited to Safety Information Night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6 at WBLAHS - South Campus. The free Information Night is an opportunity for parents to enjoy a free dinner and learn more about mental health, human trafficking, internet safety, youth drug trends and awareness, teen driving laws and safety. Free childcare is available for those in need. To register for daycare, please email Sergeant John Vette at JVette@whitebearlake.org and include your children's names and ages. Learn more.
Free/Reduced Lunch Applications - Your children may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. To apply, complete the Application for Educational Benefits either online or using a paper form from your school. A new application must be submitted each year. At public schools, your application also helps the school qualify for education funds and discounts. Please check out this flyer for more information.
Early childhood opportunities:
- Free Community Baby Shower - You and your baby are invited join other parents of new babies, birth to six months old, for a free Community Baby Shower from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Normandy Park Education Center. Learn more.
- Children's Sleeping Habits - Families are invited to learn more about children's sleeping habits at a free early childhood event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7 at District Center. View this flyer for more information.
- Conscious Discipline 101 - Early childhood parents/caregivers are invited to attend the free Conscious Discipline 101 for Parents/Caregivers: Social Emotional Strategies to Utilize presentation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3 at District Center. Register today and learn more.
Monthly Mental Well-Being Series - District staff and families are invited to attend monthly presentations focused on mental well-being throughout the school year. The first presentation will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26 at the District Center Community Room 112. The topic will be Suicide the Preventable Death by Tony Del Percio with Bradshaw Funeral and Cremation Services. Find more information on the district's website.
Wellness Committee meeting - The next White Bear Lake Area Schools Wellness Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at District Center (4855 Bloom Ave), Room 201. The Wellness Committee is open to the general public and school community (including parents, students, teachers, school health professionals, the school board and school administrators). Please contact Bridget Lehn to learn more about joining the team. For more information, please visit the Wellness Program website.
Food Permit Form - If you are planning an event that will serve food in a WBLAS building this year, please remember to complete the WBL Food Permit Form to ensure your event meets Health Department requirements. Examples include Carnivals, Fundraisers, Bake Sales and Community events. Find more information here.
Movie Night - White Bear Indian Education will be presenting Movie Night at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month at District Center throughout the 2019-20 school year! View this flyer for more information.
American Indian Art Classes - All are invited to the free American Indian Arts classes from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 26, Oct. 10 and 24, and Nov. 7 and 21 at Central Middle School. Learn more.
We Are Hiring! - The district is hiring for a variety of positions. Find the online application page here.
Stay connected! - Join White Bear Lake Area Schools' social media circles - Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Calling all baby models - We're looking for "Born to be a Bear" photos! Email photos to us here and you may find your little one featured in District publications!

Awards and Honors

October Recognition events:
- National Principals Month
- Oct. 2 - National Custodial Worker Day
- Oct. 5 - World Teachers Day
- Oct. 8 & 9 - Yom Kippur
- Oct. 14-18 - National School Lunch Week
- Oct. 14 - Indigenous Peoples Day
- Oct. 15 - End of Hispanic Heritage Month
- Oct. 16 - National Boss’s Day
- Oct. 21-25 - National Safe Schools Week/National School Bus Safety Week

Please contact the Communications Department (651-407-7578) to submit District News, General Information, Opportunities or Awards & Honors for inclusion in future publications.

Community Services

The WBLAS Community Services and Recreation Department provides a wide range of services and opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all members of ISD 624.

Seasonal catalogs are available now! Check out the Fall 2019 Community Services Catalog.
Digital Backpack information is emailed to parents every other Thursday and available here.
The Senior Program has two guides available for seniors. Read the 2019 White Bear Area Guide to Senior Housing and the 2019 White Bear Area Guide to Senior Transportation.
Check out the latest edition of the Senior Voice.
The latest edition of the Community Bridge Consortium newsletter is available.

Senior Program Updates

The White Bear Area Senior Center is a program of the White Bear Lake Area Schools Community Services & Recreation Department.

Senior Voice - Check out the latest edition of the Senior Voice.
FREE Activity Pass for Senior Community Members (age 65+) - White Bear Lake Area Schools offer a variety of activities - home athletic contests, concerts, and theater productions to name a few. Join us! Call the Superintendent's Office at 651-407-7563 to request a FREE Activity Pass for home athletics events and a District Activities Calendar. Find the application here. The Activities Pass is available to residents of the White Bear Lake Area School District who are age 65 and older. The FREE Activity Pass for community members can now be picked up at the Senior Center (2484 East County Road F, White Bear Lake), as well as the District Center (4855 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake)!
Be a Bear! The district currently has many staff openings available! Find the online application page here.

Support WBLAS Students

Partnership Updates

BearPower is a community-wide movement helping White Bear Lake area families eat well and be active. For more on this community partner and its upcoming events, click here.
- Homecoming BearPower 6.24K Family Fun Run/Walk - All families are welcome to attend the Homecoming BearPower 6.24K Family Fun Run/Walk at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28 at WBLAHS - North Campus. Interested volunteers can sign up here. View this flyer for more details and register today.
The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) is an independent, non-profit corporation promoting excellence in education in White Bear Area School District 624 schools.
- WBLAEF BEAR Legacy Fundraiser - The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) is holding their annual BEAR Legacy Fundraiser event on Friday, Oct. 11 at the Vadnais Heights Commons. The Foundation will be hosting a special VIP hour starting at 5 p.m. Enjoy appetizers, live entertainment and more. VIP ticket purchase is $100 per and standard ticket purchase is $75 per. A special fundraising raffle will be held, with prizes including a chance to win a 2-year lease on a vehicle from White Bear Mitsubishi, a Felt Surplus 70 cross country bike and a $500 cash prize. Raffle tickets ($20 each) will be on sale the evening of the event and in advance at the White Bear Lake Area Schools (WBLAS) Homecoming football game (Sept. 27), WBLAS All-School Reunion (Sept. 28) and at the Foundation office. All proceeds from this annual fundraising event benefit students and educators in the White Bear Lake Area School District. There will be many great silent and live auction items to bid on at this event. This event sold out last year before the deadline, and seating is limited, so early registration is highly encouraged. Purchase tickets today and learn more!
- Seeking volunteers at The Closet - The Closet is looking for volunteers, which is an extension of the WBLAEF and is a dedicated space in the district where families in need can browse through clothing items. Learn more about volunteering.

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