Community e-Newsletter
January 2, 2022
In Photos: Bear's Winter Break!
We hope students and families took some tips Bear shared in the 2021 Winter Break Video, enjoying WINTER-themed activities together and having a restful break!
Student News
Welcome 2022!
Thank you to the staff, students and family members who answered our call in the Dec. 19 Community e-Newsletter and shared with us things they're looking forward to in 2022. Enjoy a fun pictorial representation of the submissions below!
Bears Having Fun
Before heading off for winter break, students in kindergarten-fifth grade in the Grizzly Neighborhood at Vadnais Heights Elementary school enjoyed a fun Bear Time art activity. They created pictures of a grizzly bear ready for hibernation. The students drew a bear tucked into a blanket and used watercolor paint to bring their master pieces to life.
Students in the Lakeaires Elementary Extended Day Program made stilts! The students had fun designing these and seeing the world from a different angle. The program is youth-focused and choice-based, offering students the opportunity to develop strong social skills and positive relationships with peers, increase literacy and math skills, participate in individual and group activities, and work on special projects. Activities include health and fitness, service projects, arts and crafts, creative play, languages and literacy, cooking, science, and much more.
WBLAHS senior Charlie Larson was recently featured in the White Bear Press for his impressive showing competing for Team USA in the Trampoline and Tumbling World Championships, in Baku, Azerbaijan in November. Read the article here.
You're never too young to show off your Bear pride! We are always looking for "Born to be a Bear" photos! Email photos to us here and you may find your little one featured in District publications!
Showing Appreciation
Sunrise Park Middle School students and staff provided an appreciation breakfast for bus and van drivers. Drivers enjoyed donuts, fruit, juice and coffee and received handmade cards from students on their routes.
Students in Mrs. Rider's 5th grade class at Vadnais Heights Elementary shared the "gifts" they feel they each share with the class. The gifts they were referring to were not ones that are purchased at a store, but rather strengths that they feel each classmate shares with their classmates. Each student wrote a strength at every person's desk. Then, they went back to their own desk to be reminded of all of the strengths or gifts that they bring to our class. The students also wrapped a piece of cardboard with wrapping paper and put the list of their gifts on the front to display in their classroom. In the end, the students learned that they have MANY gifts to share.
Lincoln Elementary Special Education teacher Becky Butters-Levahn, who is also a 1998 graduate of WBLAHS, was highlighted in the White Bear Press for her suggestion of naming the new elementary school being built in Hugo "North Star Elementary." Read the article here, where Becky Butters-Levahn explains the inspiration behind her suggestion. Updates on the North Star Elementary project, along with other construction projects throughout the district, can be found at the district's website here.
Activities Updates
The Boys Swim and Dive Team recently defeated Irondale in a dual meet. The team is now 2-0. The Bears Nordic Ski Team took part in their first conference meet. Read their article here. The Boys Hockey Team beat St. Cloud in a recent game. Read their article here. The Bears Gymnastics Team secured two more wins over Park and Roseville. Read their article here. The Girls Basketball Team edged out Stillwater 67-66 in a recent match up. Read their article here. The Boys Basketball Team also brought home a win against Mahtomedi. Read their article here.
Along with season passes and punch cards, the WBLAHS Activities office is now offering digital ticketing to all regular season, home athletic events. Information is available 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 School Board Meetings
Past Meeting Highlights
December 13 Work Session
November 22 Work Session
November 8 Regular Meeting