Community e-Newsletter

In Photos: #BackToSchoolBears

In Photos Collage

Thank you to those who participated in our #BackToSchoolBears hashtag fun on Facebook for a chance to be highlighted in today's Community e-Newsletter! We hope that Early Childhood families will post #BackToSchoolBears photos in the coming days, as our littlest Bears begin their 2021-22 early learning experiences this week!

Student News

Gearing Up For A New School Year!

Several student performances were featured during the 2021 Opening Convocation event that took place at the WBLAHS - South Campus Stadium. The WBLAHS Drumline kicked off the program, followed by high school student Gracie Fink performing the National Anthem. Dr. K spoke briefly before the WBLAHS Cheerleaders performed the WBLAHS school song and staff members were invited onto the field to make connections, hear updated information from district colleagues, and have some fun. 

collage of students performing at Convocation with superintendent

While at Convocation, some staff members shared what they're excited about for the 2021-22 school year. Their answers were pulled together for a video that was shared as last week's Community e-Newsletter Video Edition. If you missed it, see the video here! With the school year starting, we're excited to share "The Week in 62.4 Seconds" videos each Friday on Facebook. See last week's video here, and "like" the district on Facebook to see upcoming issues!

video thumbnails

Schools throughout the district played host to various "back to school" events. One example of the fun opportunities to connect included an outdoor Open House event at Sunrise Park Middle School. The event was a chance for parents and students to meet school staff, pick up schedules and buy needed supplies for the new school year. Everyone was also offered a sweet treat while playing fun outdoor games.

As school began, the district provided various updates to families and community members. The 2021-22 Activities Calendar was mailed to district families and is available to community members who would like one at District Center. Beginning of the Year letters were sent to families and were available in both English and Spanish. The fall issue of Bear's Bulletin, the flip-book to the District's Community Services Catalog, provided the community with an update of important information and activities that are to come in 2021-22. Dr. Kazmierczak's Movers & Shakers article, "Coming Together," that was published in the White Bear Press last week also offered community members a glimpse at district priorities this year. 

screenshot of newspaper article

Amidst the back to school activities, the ongoing facilities process continues to progress as well, with construction projects happening throughout the district. The process to name the new elementary school in Hugo, which will open next fall, has begun. The Elementary School Naming Committee will gather for their first meeting this week. Throughout the three-meeting process that will take place this fall, the Task Force will identify and recommend a name for the new elementary school in Hugo, which will open in the Fall of 2022. Name recommendations from the public will be accepted using this form through Oct. 13. At the conclusion of the Task Force’s process, the School Naming Task Force will make a recommendation to the School Board.

Active Bears

Students at Vadnais Heights Elementary have been enjoying a new playground structure. A GaGa Ball Pit was installed over the summer thanks to the hard work of local Eagle Scout Carson Cooper. The structure has been a great place for students to connect and have fun outside and was used quite a bit the first week of school, with the weather cooperating nicely! 

As part of this year's Homecoming festivities, students, families and staff members are invited to participate in the Running for Bears 5K Scholarship Run. It's happening the morning of Saturday, Oct. 9 at Mark Sather Trail. Those who register by Sept. 24 will receive a shirt on race day. Find additional information here.  White Bear Lake Area School's 2021 Homecoming events run Oct. 4-9. Bears can expect a week full of school spirit through events, such as the Homecoming parade and the football game the night of Friday, Oct. 8.
 

District students have been working hard to provide clean water to developing countries while educating others, were featured in the White Bear Press. Students at Matoska International IB World School were recently featured in a PBS Documentary for their partnership with H2O for Life. The non-profit and WBLAS students are on a mission to ensure students in Uganda can focus on their education and not worry about spending several hours collecting water. Since the documentary aired, dozens of other schools have shown interest in helping the cause. Find the article highlighting their work here. 

Students Helping Stutdents

The White Bear Lake Area Schools Senior Center (serving ages 55+) will host an Open House from 9-11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17 at the Senior Center (2484 East Cty Rd F, White Bear Lake, MN 55110). Coffee and treats will be provided. Weekly group members will be available to provide information and answer questions, and information will be available about other services such as foot care, health screening and Medicare counseling.

Activities Updates

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. The Boys' Cross Country team placed second of 13 teams at Anoka's Steve Hoag Invitational last week (see the article here) and third of 22 teams at the season-opening meet (see article here). The Girls' Cross Country team placed tenth out of 21 teams. See the article here. The Girls' Tennis team recently topped Cretin-Derham Hall 5-2. See the article here. Girls' Soccer recently defeated Two Rivers, with Lauren Eckerle scoring all three goals. Read more here. The Bears Swim Team lost to East Ridge 96-84 in the SEC dual meet opener. 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

August 23 Work Session

August 9 Regular Meeting

District News

General Information