Community e-Newsletter

Fall 2021 Update

As our nursing staff and district leaders have worked over the summer, we are pleased to share initial information regarding the 2021-22 school year.

With the expiration of the state's Safe Learning Plan, most of the precautions that have been in place for the 2020-21 school year are no longer required. White Bear Lake Area Schools will return to many of the pre-pandemic protocols and procedures with schools back to 100% capacity.

Please see below for the latest fall plans regarding face coverings, bus and district transportation, quarantine information and more. Additional information will be updated as appropriate at the Fall 2021 page of the district website. Please note that state and federal requirements could change our plans between now and the start of the school year.

Student News

Summertime get-togethers

With Marketfest starting up a couple of weeks ago, we have enjoyed seeing students, families and community members for the first time in a long time at this fun summertime tradition. Please find us Thursdays at the district’s booth on 3rd Street each of the weeks of Marketfest (through August 5) and pick up a pencil and a bear paw tattoo.
 
collage of student and community member photos from Marketfest booth
The District has also been represented in the community-minded festivities by District students who were winners in the Manitou Days Writing Contest, which focused on the theme “Bears Together” this year. The students enjoyed a celebratory pizza and pool party and walked in the Manitou Days Parade, handing out pencils to parade-goers. Their writings were also published in a recent issue of the White Bear Press, which can be enjoyed here.
 
students with small parade float
The Senior Program hosted an inaugural Manitou Art & Craft Fair in early-July, with a variety of artists offering their wares outside the White Bear Area Senior Center at Normandy Park Education Center. Artists were invited to share their sculptures, carvings, weavings, paintings, drawings, glassworks, pottery pieces, photography and more. Thank you to those who hosted booths, and those who stopped by to check out the wares!

Enjoying a meal

Otter Lake Elementary Extended Day families recently enjoyed a Pancake Extravaganza event together, the first family event the team has been able to host since the spring of 2020. More than 100 people were served a pancake breakfast that morning. The Otter Team hosted a similar event with the FLEX (middle school) last week as well.
 
adult and student at table with pancake breakfast
The White Bear Area Senior Center hosted a Food Truck Friday last week at Normandy Park Education Center (2482 E. County Rd. F in WBL). The opportunity is scheduled on various Fridays through the summer. Participants are invited to stop by for "Grab & Go" or to "Stay & Eat," with a portion of the proceeds donated back to support Senior Programs.
 
pic of food truck flyer
The Senior Center and Willow Lane Elementary are sites for Drive Through Farmers Markets this summer. The Markets are sponsored by the White Bear Area Food Shelf and are open to all. The next Farmers Market is happening from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the White Bear Lake Area Schools Senior Center this Thursday, July 22.
 
Farmers Market informational flyer
Thanks to the US Department of Agriculture, Nutrition Services is able to extend free meal pickup this summer to ALL children 18 and under. Weekly Wednesday summer meal pick-up is available at locations throughout the district, with both morning and evening pick-ups available. Complete information is available as a News item on the district website. The program is open to all children, so families who sign up are not taking meals away from someone who needs it more. There is enough food for all who participate.
 
screenshot of free meal information

Join us

We are currently accepting enrollment for the 2021-22 school year. Families can choose from two options: traditional in-person school and the district’s Distance Learning Academy. Regardless of which learning model a family chooses for its student(s), we are committed to providing an engaging, quality learning experience for each student. Find additional information at isd624.org/enroll.
 
Bear mascot holding sign with enrollment information
With restrictions being lifted on activities and venues, we are excited to welcome more guests back into our spectator seats. Senior community members (age 65+) who live in the District are invited to participate in the Senior Activities Pass program and enjoy complimentary admission to school activities. Find the application on the District’s website, isd624.org, or call the Superintendent’s Office at 651-407-7563 to request one via mail.
Free Senior Activity Pass

Accolades

White Bear Lake Area Schools was selected as a Changemaker Spotlight through Greater Twin Cities United Way and their Career Academies Program. District staff members and students shared our story of becoming the first school district in the state to develop and offer a Mental Health First Aid Certification and mentorship program. See the video here.
 
screenshot of adult speaking
Families and staff members gathered in June to honor district employees who retired in 2020 and 2021 with a Retirement “Luncheon on the Lawn.” The School Board thanked retirees for a total of more than 2200 years spent contributing to the White Bear community.
 
group of retirees
Members of the WBLAHS Track and Field Boys' and Girls' Teams were recently recognized by the White Bear Lake Area School Board for earning the opportunity to participate in the State Track Meet. See the video of the recognition here. Two Boys' Track team members - Ernest Mattson and Jeffrey Odamtten - earned spots on the podium at the State Meet in the 800-meter run and the 300 hurdles respectively. See the article in the White Bear Press here.
 
collage of Boys' Track Team members competing in races

Activities Update

WBLAHS Band members have recently performed at Marketfest. Members of the WBLAHS Track and Field Boys' and Girls' Teams were recently recognized by the School Board for participation in the State Track Meet. See the video here. Two Boys' Track team members earned medals at the State Meet. See the article here.

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

School Board News

Upcoming School Board 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 12 Regular Meeting

June 14 Regular Meeting

District News

General Information