Community e-Newsletter
September 26, 2021
In Photos: Growing and Learning
Student News
Bears Back In School
Our youngest Bears, those from birth to preschool, have started their educational journeys. Students in the district's Early Childhood Program, with locations throughout the district, are already making new friends, learning from their teachers and exploring their classrooms as they play and grow together. Their educational beginnings were featured in last week's video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds" here. Families of the students also shared their #BackToSchoolBears photos on social media.
Preschoolers were welcomed back to school for the 2021-22 school year at various locations throughout the district. At the Hugo Elementary location, some full-day pre-K students had a fun and exciting lesson with their teacher, Mrs. Kair, who explained the magic of playdough on their first day of school.
Students from the district's Transition Education Center, for students age 18-21, are expanding their education and learning important job skills at Top 5 Technologies. The students are receiving real world lessons at the company, like how to take on different responsibilities, working as a team and communicating with others. This initiative was also highlighted in video here.
Current WBLAHS - North Campus sophomore Quinn Anderson is giving back to his community. For his Eagle Scout project, Quinn created and built an outdoor classroom space within the Bear’s Backyard area at Vadnais Heights Elementary, where he was a student in his elementary days. More than $3,000 was raised to fund the project, which was installed with the help of approximately 20 volunteers. Quinn’s plan included replacing the old benches, creating a new teaching platform and forming a walkway for students.
Sunrise Park Middle School student, and National History Day scholar, Scarlett Ellison was featured in a video of student and teacher reactions to the United Nations. The piece is part of Ken Burns' studio's work with National History Day and PBS to support students and teachers in the upcoming school year. The video featuring Scarlett can be found here.
Homecoming Week 2021
It's almost time to Twist 'Em Up, Bears! Homecoming week runs Oct. 3-9, with events happening each day. Students and the community members can get into the black and orange spirit by attending the parade on the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 8 in Downtown White Bear Lake followed by the football game where the Bears will take on the Anoka Tornadoes. Students can also take part in the themed dress-up days and a student-centered medallion hunt. Find detailed information about Homecoming 2021 here.
Immersive experiences
WBLAS is being highlighted for hosting an innovated pilot program called The Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV) Career Pathways Camp. Several bears took part along with students from the greater Twin Cities area. Polaris provided real-world vehicle technology demonstrations to the students. During the week-long camp, students also took part in hands-on projects geared toward the future of the industry. To read the article by Market Screener that features the program, click here.
Central Beans has reopened for the school year. Students involved with the business make and deliver fresh coffee and other drinks to District Center and Central Middle School every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. While tracking budgets, inventory and ordering supplies, the students learn valuable social and work skills. Extra money earned helps fund field trip scholarships for students. Central Beans was featured in the latest issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds" video here.
Area Learning Center students got a unique and modern interpretation of Van Gogh's paintings while attending the Immersive Van Gogh show in Minneapolis. The experience was part of an art and women's literature collaboration. Students are learning about color theory and emotion, and ways they can care for themselves by engaging in art appreciation as self care. This exciting field trip was highlighted in a video here.
The district's Senior Center opened its doors to the community through an open house event. Visitors were able to sip coffee and enjoy treats while exploring the center, learning about the many opportunities offered such as cribbage, woodcarving and art activities. The Senior Center's programs were featured in last week's issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds" video here.
General Paul M. Nakasone, WBLAHS '82 alum and current director of the National Security Agency (NSA), recently delivered keynote remarks at the unveiling of a Nisei Soldier Experience Exhibit at the National Museum of the U.S. Army in Virginia. In his address, he discussed how his father, Col. Edwin “Bud” Nakasone, served during WWII and worked in Military Intelligence Service before serving as a history teachers at WBLAHS. To read the Digital Journal's article featuring General Nakasone, click here.
District grad Jamie Ogden recently represented White Bear, in orange even, when he played in the Kenosha Kingfish baseball team's Legends Weekend. Ogden was a baseball and basketball all-stater while at WBLAS' and played nine seasons in the minor leagues after he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins. Read the full article in the White Bear Press highlighting Ogden's return to the field here.
Building Our Future
Name recommendations for the new elementary school, scheduled to open in September of 2022 in Hugo, will be accepted by the Elementary School Naming Committee through Oct. 13. The task force will review submissions this fall and provide a recommendation to the School Board. Submit a name using this form for official consideration.
Six of the district's building projects were recently highlighted in a REjournals publication. The projects are part of the district's long-range facilities plan that includes 16 district projects in total, supported by the community in a 2019 bond referendum. To read the article highlighting the projects, click here.
Looking for flexible work hours or the opportunity to work near home? Then become a Bear! White Bear Lake Area Schools is hiring for a variety of positions such as paraprofessionals, community services, substitute teachers, bus drivers and more. You'll receive on the job training with competitive wages, and you will make a difference for kids in your community. Click here to learn more and apply.
Activities Updates
Senior Anthony Lewis-Royal had an outstanding showing when he took the field against the Roseville Raiders Football Team September 9. The running back rushed for 124 yards and four touchdowns in the Bears’ 27-0 victory. His hard work so far this season was featured in an article in the Pioneer Press. Find those highlights here. The Boys' Soccer Team recently topped Stillwater 1-0 for the first time in 11 years. See the article here. The Girls' Soccer team cruised to an 8-0 victory over Irondale. See the article here. The bears Football Team recently defeated Mounds View 26-20. See the article here. The Boys' Varsity Cross Country Team finished 5th out of 43 teams on Saturday September 5th at the Milaca Mega Meet in Milaca Minnesota.
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
School Board Work Session
Subscribe to Alerts
School Board Regular Meeting
Subscribe to Alerts
School Board Work Session
Subscribe to Alerts
School Board Regular Meeting
Subscribe to Alerts
School Board Work Session
Subscribe to Alerts
School Board Regular Meeting
Subscribe to Alerts
Past Meeting Highlights
August 23 Work Session
August 9 Regular Meeting
