Community e-Newsletter

Note from the Superintendent

The first two weeks of the school year are officially in the books. Bears throughout the district (students, families and staff members) showed incredible flexibility, perseverance and teamwork as we began 2020-21.

Thank you, and Go Bears!

Wayne A. Kazmierczak, Ph.D.
Superintendent

Coffee with Dr. K

Superintendent Kazmierczak will be at the outdoor tables near Downtown WBL Caribou Coffee and Cup and Cone from 7:30-8:30 a.m. next Tuesday, Oct. 6 for "Coffee with Dr. K." There is no set agenda, so please find Dr. K (with a hot beverage in-hand to stay warm) and join the conversation!

Future “Coffee with Dr. K” events:

  • 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Jan. 7
  • 4:30-5:30 p.m. on April 6

In Photos: #BackToSchoolBears Facebook Challenge

photos of students

Thank you to those who participated in our #BackToSchoolBears Facebook Challenge!

Student News

Lessons in Service

Central Middle School hallways recently received a bit of a new look, with additional visual signs of community and school spirit. Students designed pages with a district bear paw and an inspirational quote. Members of Student Council, administrators and counselors posted the unique pieces throughout the building last week.

Bear paw poster

A Women's Literature class at the White Bear Lake ALC is hosting a donation drive throughout first quarter for Breaking Free, a Twin Cities-based non-profit organization that supports victims of trafficking by providing outreach, housing, support and supplies. Items needed include: blankets, sleeping bags, food shelf items, school supplies, gift cards, diapers- 2T-5T, baby wipes, kids toothpaste, cleaning supplies, dish soap, laundry soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, lotion, razors/shave cream, shampoo/conditioner. African American hair products are also high need items. Donations can be dropped off at the main office of the ALC (2449 Orchard Lane in White Bear Lake) through November 12th.

student creating poster

Offering Support

Earlier this month, visitors of all ages stopped by the district's Senior Center to pick up dinner and support the Senior Program's efforts to provide education, recreation, volunteer opportunities and resources for older adults and their families. The food truck and hungry visitors weathered a rainy day for a terrific meal. For ever sandwich sold, $1 was donated to the Senior Center. Additional information about the Senior Program can be found here.

The district's Technology Department has recently launched "how to" videos to help families with questions about technology tools: Chromebooks, used by students throughout the district; and SeeSaw, used in the district's elementary schools.

Those who are looking for additional opportunities to support district initiatives can consider the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation's Legacy Event taking place this Thursday, Oct. 1. The annual event, which is usually hosted in person, is a virtual event this year. The Foundation works to enhance education for all students in the White Bear Lake Area School District. Online event registration is available here.

Photos of students

Alumni Highlighted

District alumni have recently covered pages in local media. Members of the Class of 2020, Monte Collins and Joshua Powell were both highlighted in White Bear Lake Magazine. The grads offered glimpses into lessons learned during last spring's abrupt changes due to COVID-19, insights into their future plans, and words of wisdom. The grads' complete interviews can be found here and here respectively.

The White Bear Press recently highlighted a “Bear Bike” team, focusing on their planned 50-mile bike ride around town Oct. 10 to raise money to benefit local youth activities . The team consists of Holly Hardzinski and alumni Tony Roth and Trevor Putnam, who serves as a school psychologist at Birch Lake Elementary. Money raised during the event will provide families with more opportunities to participate in activities offered by the district's Community Services and Recreation Department. Find the complete article here.

Three athletes

And last but not least, graduate Dan Jones was recently highlighted in the White Bear Press for his part in creating a new look for the water tower at the intersection of Highway 96 and Centerville Road. Jones, who also serves as a White Bear Lake City Council member, sketched out an idea for an unconventional, bear-themed look that was recently unveiled overlooking Interstate 35E.

article about water tower

Activities Update

White Bear Lake Area High School athletic contests are now available via live streaming provided by PrepSpotlightTV. The live stream arrangement is done in partnership with MSHSL and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidance. Full information, including links to purchase live streaming, can be found 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

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School Board Regular Meeting Subscribe to Alerts
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

September 14 Regular

August 24 Work Session

District News

General Information