Community e-Newsletter

May 23, 2021

Ending 2020-21 on a positive note

As we bring this unusual 2020-21 school year to a close, we invite you to reflect on the positives that have come from weathering the unique challenges of the year. Share with us your one-word reflections at the linked image below, and you'll see the collective results shared out in the next Community e-Newsletter!

Student News

Hands-on classrooms

Students in the district’s eighth grade Automation and Robotics class recently completed a Build and Code assignment. Students had to build and program their own Bot to travel 40 feet as fast as possible and stop shortly after it traveled that distance. The Bot needed to stop with an autonomous stop in which the Bot stops without human contact or hitting another object. The Bots also needed to have a Push Button or Limit Switch to start the motor and be coded with a continuous loop program to run the program as many times as needed before reprogramming. Find a short clip of the experience here and a longer video about the projects here.

Otter Lake Elementary hosted Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Education Commissioner Dr. Heather Mueller this week, an event captured on video here. The guests visited with students in the outdoor classroom, who were working on an earthquake experiment by designing and building structures before testing them on a shake machine. The Minnesota leaders also spoke with members of the media about Summer Programming, with Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak providing examples of opportunities that will be available to White Bear Lake Area Schools students this summer. As the guests left the school, they were presented with Rec t-shirts.

adults posing for photo with Rec t-shirts

The district's Career Pathways Program has received attention recently. The White Bear Lake Area High School's automotive program was mentioned in a "Repairer Driven News" article, highlighting external funds that have been awarded to the district's program. Additionally, this week the district received checks from the Gene Haas Foundation. The grants, which will go toward the Engineering & Manufacturing Career Pathway to support future scholarships and the Robotics Team for the 2021-2022 School Year, were highlighted in Friday's issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds" video.

four adults holding two celebratory checks

Additionally, members of the district's Equity and Engagement team were recently interviewed by the White Bear Press for an article about racism and the work being done in the district to address racism. One such example of the work being done is a June 2 event with guest Dr. Derald Wing Sue. The virtual session about microaggressions and invalidations is open to educators, parents/guardians, students and community members. Find the event flyer here.

Students will extend their learning into an upcoming weekend, with plans underway for a June 6 Community Water Walk. The student-led Water Warriors activity will start at West Park/Memorial Beach, walk down Lake Ave and go back to the park, which will have some activities and local vendors as well. Registration is for free, and participants are invited to make a donation if they'd like. The flyer for the event can be found here. The group's podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts or Spotify (search Water Warriors United), and they're also on Facebook and Instagram. Water Warriors United is a group of high school and middle school students who share the mission: To create a culture of water conservation and to inspire our community to take actions to solve the global water crisis.

Well deserved recognitions

Ten students from Otter Lake Elementary participated in the virtual Math Masters of Minnesota Challenge in April. The problem-solving competition included both individual and team components. This year’s virtual event included 119 student participants, with 26 teams competing.

ten elementary students with certificates

A record number of students - 26 - will be recognized at an American Indian Graduation Honoring Ceremony that will take place on May 29. The ceremony is hosted by the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC), an education program for American Indian students in the district. AIPAC is run by parent volunteers and facilitated by the district's Native American cultural liaison.

Greg Burke was recently named the new boys basketball coach for WBLAHS, succeeding Keith Lockwood. Burke serves as a counselor in the district and has many years of coaching experience. See the White Bear Press article highlighting Burke's new role here.

screenshot of article with adult portrait

School Board Student Liaisons Jennifer Adams and Bemnet Tessma were appreciated at the May Regular School Board meeting for their participation and commitment to this important student role with the School Board. Other students were also recognized for state- and national-level accomplishments in athletics and academics at the meeting, with a May Student Recognition Ceremony video.

screenshot of thank you slide with two high school student portraits

Jody Reber, who retired from her role as the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent in December after 32 years of service in the district, was recently honored as the 2020 Administrative Assistant of the Year from Minnesota Superintendents’ Office Personnel Association (MSOPA).

Activities Update

School Board Student Liaisons Jennifer Adams and Bemnet Tessma were appreciated at the May Regular School Board meeting for their participation and commitment to this important student role with the School Board. Read about the new WBLAHS Boys' Basketball coach 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

The May 10, 2021 School Board Work Session Meeting will be conducted in person at District Center, with social distancing measures being put in place.

The remainder of the 2020-21 School Board meetings will continue to be viewable via electronic means. Livestream links are available on the district's online calendar and will be posted on the Meeting Materials page the week prior to each meeting.

Past Meeting Highlights

May 10 Regular Meeting

April 26 Work Session

District News

General Information

Family Notices

Updated Calendar - The White Bear Lake Area School Board approved a revised 2021-22 Academic Calendar at the May 10, 2021 School Board meeting. The calendar can be found linked at www.isd624.org/about/calendar.
Info from School Nurses - The May School Nurse Newsletter is available and can be found here.
School Start Time Change - At the April 16, 2021 School Board Special Session, the School Board approved the School Start Time Change proposal to be implemented in the fall of 2021-22. The recommendation that has been discussed in recent months aligns with the District’s Strategic Plan and research on adolescent sleep. Complete information can be found on the School Start Time Change informational page of the district website, www.isd624.org/SchoolStartTimeChange.
Info about changed quarantine requirements - White Bear Lake Area Schools will now be offering three quarantine options. The newest addition includes a 7 day option with a negative molecular test. If you do not want to get your child tested, they will still be able to do a 10 or 14 day quarantine. Please note that if the exposure occurred within your household, the only quarantine option is 14 days. Those families who have a child currently on quarantine and who wish to consider a shortened quarantine option are asked to contact their child’s health office to discuss options. You may find it helpful to order a Vault test to have on hand in the event your child is identified as a close contact. Vault saliva tests are molecular tests, free to all Minnesotans, and can be ordered here
Community Conversations on Teen Substance Use - District staff members are part of a team partnering to host a virtual event at 7 p.m. on May 10 to help families learn about resources in the community to support their teens. See the flyer and registration link here.
School Linked Mental Health Services - Find information about School Linked Mental Health Services available to our families here.
Support Hub - The District's Support Hub provides families with resources to address barriers & enhance well-being. This comprehensive resource gives families and community members access to information for essential services including crisis response, basic needs, mental health and wellbeing, physical health, social emotional learning and more.
Receiving district messages - District-level emails are being sent from the communications@isd624.org email address. If you are not receiving emails from this account, it is possible that the email address is currently blocked in your email account. Find instructions to unblock the communications@isd624.org email address in different email platforms here.
Distance Learning Meal Pick-Up Information:
- Free meals are available for all children ages 18 and under through June of 2021. Weekly pick-ups are available at locations throughout the district on Wednesdays, with both morning and evening time slots available, and on Friday mornings.
  - Meal pick-up times and locations are available here.
  - To take advantage of the opportunity, families should pre-order meals each week using the Meal Order Form for distance learning pick-up so Nutrition Services staff know what to prepare.
  - Menus are available online at https://isd624.nutrislice.com/
- Contact the Nutrition Services Department at NutritionServices@isd624.org or 651-407-7524 with any questions.
Free or Reduced Applications - Even though free meals are available to all for this school year, it is still very important that families who may qualify for free or reduced-price meals complete the meal application as soon as possible. The meal applications not only qualify your family for free meal benefits, but also provide additional benefits that may include discounts for: internet access, college application fees, sports/activities fees, and AP test registration fees.Please check out this flyer for more information. Contact the Nutrition Services Department at NutritionServices@isd624.org or 651-407-7524 with any questions.
COVID-19 information:
- Vaccines for 16 and 17 year olds -The ‘Roll Up Your Sleeves, MN’ vaccine outreach campaign is focusing on Minnesotans aged 16 and 17. There are a few vaccine options available to 16 and 17 year olds that have been recently announced. Complete information can be found on the White Bear Lake Area High School website here.
- Contact Tracing - In order to facilitate the district’s COVID-19 contact tracing, it is important that families and staff members let us know through this form of a COVID-19 diagnosis. Please also call your school’s attendance line (for students) or submit an absence in Skyward (for staff) if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Dashboard - The district's COVID-19 Info & Dashboard page lists the 14-Day Case Rate By County, District COVID-19 Cases Weekly Reporting, and Process for Individual Notifications. We have recently added local information to the dashboard, including by-school numbers of students and staff members who are confirmed cases of COVID-19 and who are quarantined as close contacts.
- Notifications - White Bear Lake Area Schools will continue to ensure that all who are directly affected are appropriately notified in accordance with health department guidelines and privacy laws. A close contact notification and request to quarantine will be sent to all identified close-contacts. A general notification of a positive case in the building will be sent to: all building staff (including traveling and classified staff members) and all students attending the same school.
- Bears Protect Bears - Find information about the White Bear Lake Area Educators’ “Bears Protect Bears Commitment” here. Remember the important steps of social distancing, wearing masks, washing hands, and staying home when sick.
- Mail order saliva test information from MDH - The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has asked that we share that the state’s mail order pilot test is now open for anyone in Minnesota to access. Staff and families can use the mail order form to access the saliva tests. Testing is free for every Minnesotan, whether or not you have insurance. If you do have insurance, you will need to provide your information so your insurance company can pay for your test. If your insurance does not pay for COVID-19 tests or does not pay enough, the state will cover the cost. If you do not have insurance, the state will pay for your test. You will not receive a bill.
- Community Testing Sites - Find COVID-19 Testing Locations on the MDH website here.
Bear Care Health and Wellness Clinic Appointments - The Bear Care Health and Wellness Clinic located in North Campus (5045 Division Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110) is now offering online appointment scheduling. Use this link to schedule an appointment. The clinic is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-6 pm. All health services are FREE and available to all children in the White Bear Lake Area School District.
- See a video about the services available at the Bear Care Clinic here.
- Call us at (651) 653-2923 or email BearCare@BearCareClinic.org. Click here to schedule an appointment.
- Available services include:
  - Health assessments and sports physicals
  - Influenza vaccines
  - Rapid strep throat testing
  - Ear infections and pink eye
  - Rapid mono testing
  - Urinary tract (bladder) infection testing
  - Mental health counseling
  - Teen health
  - Chronic illness management and referrals
  - Family health support
  - Curbside COVID-19 rapid tests (must make appointment)
Equity Action Plan - The Office of Equity and Engagement has been working this year on an Equity Action Plan. See information here.
Many Faces - Check out Many Faces events that are happening this fall that will focus on building community through conversations.
Career Pathways Newsletter - Please enjoy the April 2021 Career Pathways Newsletter!
Requesting an interpreter - Find more information about requesting a call with an interpreter in the language your family speaks.
We Are Hiring! - White Bear Lake Area Schools is hiring for a variety of positions, offering both school-day and out-of-school-time hours. Full- and part-time options are available, and many positions offer flexible hours if needed to accommodate family schedules. The district is seeking paraprofessionals, community services and recreation staff and coaches, and more. 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

2020 Administrative Assistant of the Year - Jody Reber, who retired from her role as the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent in December, was recently honored as the 2020 Administrative Assistant of the Year from Minnesota Superintendents’ Office Personnel Association (MSOPA).
May Recognitions - The following May celebrations are ongoing/upcoming:
- May - Mental Health Month
- May 31 - Memorial Day (No School, District Offices Closed)

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.

Community Services Updates following the Governor's Executive Order can be found here.
Seasonal Catalogs - Seasonal catalogs are available now! The Community Services Summer Catalog is currently available online, with multiple opportunities for community members of all ages. The printed piece will be arriving in residents' mailboxes soon.
Digital Backpack - The Community Services Department distributes electronic flyers on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Flyers include announcements from the school district, as well as local organizations. Those who wish to request distribution of a flyer should email the files to Director Tim Maurer at tim.maurer@isd624.org.
Senior Program
- Check out the latest edition of The Voice.
- Stay informed about the latest community offerings for seniors in the community with these three guides:
Community Bridge - Check out opportunities here. The Community Bridge Consortium is an adults with cognitive disabilities program supported by the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale, South Washington County, Roseville, White Bear and Mahtomedi School Districts.

Senior Program Updates

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

General Update re: Senior Program following Governor's Executive Order (see complete post here)
- Meals on Wheels will continue, following COVID-19 safety guidelines and social distancing measures
- Footcare Service & Driving Safety Training courses will continue, following COVID-19 safety guidelines and social distancing measures
- Social classes/clubs/gatherings suspended until January 4, 2021
The Voice - Check out the latest edition of the The Voice to learn about exciting upcoming opportunities.
Resources Guides - Stay informed about the latest community offerings for seniors in the community with these three guides:
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! Please fill out this application and you will be sent the pass in the US Mail. If you have questions, please contact Rachael Markuson at 651-407-7563 or rachael.markuson@isd624.org.
Be a Bear! The district currently has many staff openings available! Find the online application page here.

Support WBLAS Students

White Bear Lake Community Water Walk - District students, Water Warriors, are planning a Community Water Walk from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. June 6 at West Park (2350 11th St., White Bear Lake). Find additional information here.
Visit the WBLAHS online store - The WBLAHS online store offers a variety of fun Bear Wear items for purchase, including apparel and accessories.
The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) is an independent, non-profit corporation promoting excellence in education in White Bear Lake Area School District 624 schools.
Be a Bear! - White Bear Lake Area Schools is hiring for a variety of positions, offering both school-day and out-of-school-time hours. Full- and part-time options are available, and many positions offer flexible hours if needed to accommodate family schedules. The district is seeking paraprofessionals, community services and recreation staff and coaches, and more. Find the online application page here.