Community e-Newsletter

December 18, 2022

In Photos: Exciting Activities!

Student News

Winter Fun

The cold and snow are not slowing down students at Lakeaires Elementary when it comes to playing outside! Students are having a great time making forts, snow angels, sledding and more. We can’t wait for more flakes to fall!

WBLAHS - South Campus was turned into a Winter Wonderland ahead of winter break. High school students and staff took part in themed dress up days and enjoyed treats, movies, music, karaoke and a door decorating contest. Students also organized a food and clothing drive. Get a closer look at the weeks worth of fun in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

Otter Lake Elementary Student Ambassadors were recently highlighted in the White Bear Press for their hard work organizing a toy drive. Students also collected monetary donations which they used to purchase more toys and fleece to create tie blankets. Students partnered with the White Bear Lake Lions Club who picked up their donations to distribute throughout the community.

The Winter Community Services & Recreation Catalog is currently available in an electronic form on the district’s website. A postcard will be mailed to all district residents soon to alert the community about the electronic information that has been posted. The change to the information share-out is due to printer issues that have arisen. A limited number of catalogs will be printed and available in district buildings in January. To view the catalog please visit Winter Catalog 2023 or scan the QR code in the image below.

STEAM Based Projects

Fifth graders at Lincoln Elementary are learning about computer coding in their STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) class. As seen in this video, students collaborated together while playing a space themed game that taught them computer language and coding basics to animate objects.

Sixth graders at Sunrise Park Middle School worked on a 3D project which was highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". Students first assembled a cube puzzle and practiced creating different pieces on their computer to understand how puzzles fit together. Students then designed their own unique puzzle piece using a 3D printer.

In their science class, students at Area Learning Center tested water for contamination. Students created a mock groundwater experiment with different layers of soil and rocks. Then, they filtered the water and tested it to learn the levels of nitrate it contained. The exciting science lesson was featured in this video.

Important Lessons

Ms. Baswewe from the American Indian Education Program offered Indigenous Games with Dr. Dan Ninham, in collaboration with Willow Lane Elementary's PE classes. Students learned how to infuse physical education with Indigenous traditions and cultures, as well as Indigenous languages.

As part of the district’s Career Pathways Program, high school students preparing for a career in education are stepping into the classroom to work with elementary students. They are visiting schools across the district which was highlighted in this video. Teachers at Matoska Int'l IB World School tell us their students love learning with their high school friends, especially when they get to make crafts together, play games and read with the older students.

During advisory class at Transition Education Center, students learned fun facts about Minnesota. The exciting lesson was featured in this video. They discussed the Halloween blizzard of 1991 and the company Target, whose headquarters are in Minnesota. Students also learned a historical fact, told a joke and looked at the weather for the day.

District Kudos

Central students have recently fared well in community contests. Eleanor Cannon won the Lion's Club Peace Poster district contest, with her poster now moving to the multi-district level. In the VFW Patriot's Pen essay contest, Zoe Siverson and Sadie Blauer both received honorable mentions and Brigid McVeigh won the district! Brigid now goes on to the State Level of the contest where she is competing against eight other students vying for the top spot at State.

WBLAHS student Brennan Schachtner's photo won the Football Hub Photo of the Year. The photo will now compete in the MN High School Hub Photo of the Year contest.

The White Bear Press recently highlighted several former White Bear Lake Area High School student-athletes who continued playing sports in college. The article provides a recap of their fall sports seasons.

The WBLAHS Boys' Hockey Team's exciting win over Centennial was recently covered in the White Bear Press. The Bears won 5-4 in overtime.

A recent White Bear Press article includes district initiatives within the list of grant recipients from the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation. Read the full article here.

Facilities Updates

The White Bear Lake Area Schools district's facilities projects were recently highlighted in a "School Construction News" publication article. Complete construction updates can be found on the district's website. These projects are part of the district-wide comprehensive facilities plan that was made possible through the community’s support of the 2019 bond referendum. Community members can follow along in the district’s Building Our Future Facilities Process to see all the projects happening right now, what's been completed and the projects still to come.

The Bear Care Health and Wellness Clinic, located at WBLAHS - North Campus and providing service to students of all ages in the district, was recently highlighted in the White Bear Press. Read the full article here.

Activities Updates

The Girls Basketball Team defeated Mounds View in a recent matchup. Find highlights here. The Boys Basketball Team topped Forest Lake in a recent matchup. Read their article here. The Boys Hockey Team won in overtime against Centennial. Read their article here. They also defeated Roseville, which highlighted in this article. The Girls Hockey Team defeated CDH but lost to Hastings. Read their article here.

This year White Bear Lake Area High School, along with every school in the Suburban East Conference (SEC) is going to online-only ticket sales for all varsity sporting events. All conference schools have partnered with Hometown Ticketing to make it easier for spectators. The easiest way to access our online tickets is by downloading the Hometown Ticketing App or you can access and purchase tickets to our home events by clicking here. An alternate way to view home games is by purchasing adult and/or student pass(es).

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 most school activities. Find out how to receive your free pass here.

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

The Week in 62.4 Seconds

School Board News

School Board Student Recognition

During the December 12 School Board regular meeting, School Board members recognized students who represented the district at state-level contests as a members of the All-State Football team and Unified Special Olympics Bowling team. Watch the Student Recognition video here.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Past Meeting Highlights

Dec. 12 Work Session

Nov. 28 Work Session

Nov. 14 Regular Session

View All News

District News

General Information

Family Notices

2022-23 Community Services & Recreation Winter/Spring Programs - Due to printing delays, the Winter Community Services & Recreation Catalog is currently available in an electronic form on the district’s website. A postcard with a QR code for the catalog is being mailed out to the community. A limited number of catalogs will be printed and available in district buildings in January.
2023-24 Kindergarten Enrollment - Kindergarten enrollment for the 2023-24 school year is now open. Find more information on the district's website. You can also check out this video from our elementary principals, who have a message for our incoming kindergarten students and their families!
BEAR Legacy Gala Fundraiser - Mark your calendars! February 24, 2023 is White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation's annual BEAR Legacy Fundraiser! Find more information here.
Holiday Angels - Each holiday season, we offer a special opportunity for families, students, and school district staff members to honor a community member, educator, administrator with donation to the Angel Fund. The Holiday Angels program gives our community an opportunity to share with those in need right in our own school district while honoring someone special. To participate, fill out the Holiday Angels donation form by Monday January 2, 2023. The WBLAEF will then send a special Angel Fund holiday greeting card to the honored person stating that you have chosen to honor them during this holiday season with a financial gift to the WBLAEF Angel Fund. We hope you will consider participating in the Holiday Angels program. For more information and to fill out the form, visit the Holiday Angels page here.
Capital Projects Levy Renewal - Voters approved the district’s Capital Projects Levy Renewal request on the November 8th ballot. Find the full press release here. Thank you to everyone who took time to learn about the levy renewal, share information with others and go to the polls.
Director of Educational Equity and Achievement - Brenton Shavers will begin his new role as our Director of Educational Equity and Achievement later this month. Brenton currently serves as the Executive Director of Northeast College Prep. Prior to his time at NECP, he served in leadership positions in Owatonna Public Schools and Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. Much of his career was also spent with Waterloo Community Schools and in roles implementing alternative educational programs and credit recovery for youths in the juvenile justice system. We look forward to having Brenton strengthen relationships that have been built throughout the district and forge new ones as a member of the team! See the full press release here.
Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan - The health and safety of our school community is a top priority. White Bear Lake Area Schools will continue to partner with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for guidance and planning regarding COVID-19. To maintain a healthy and safe environment for all, the following protocols will be implemented for the 22/23 school year: The details of our plan can be found at isd624.org/programs/health-services. As required by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, school districts who received funds as part of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds must maintain a Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services plan through the 2023-24 school year. Every six months, the district must review and revise as necessary. If you have any questions or comments that you’d like to share, please do so through this form.
Application for Educational Benefits - White Bear Lake Area Schools provides healthy meals for students each day. But meals will not be free for all students in the 2022-23 school year. WBLAS families can apply for educational benefits at anytime to qualify for free or reduced-price meals and additional benefits. Find additional information in this flyer (Español), and find the direct link to apply here.
WBLAS After-School Enrichment Programs - We have changed how enrichment programs are run across the district. Instead of having the majority of enrichment classes run by Extended Day staff members, we are now exclusively working with vendors to provide high quality programming and more programming to offer. Find Youth Enrichment details, including offering categories and financial assistance info in this flyer.
Update for High School Sports Spectators - This year White Bear Lake Area High School, along with every school in the Suburban East Conference (SEC) is going to online-only ticket sales for all varsity sporting events. All conference schools have partnered with Hometown Ticketing to make it easier for spectators. The easiest way to access our online tickets is by downloading the Hometown Ticketing App or you can access and purchase tickets to our home events by clicking here. An alternate way to view home games is by purchasing adult and/or student pass(es).
Bear Care Clinic - The Bear Care Clinic offers no-cost health services to all children in the district. Find additional information about the clinic here. Call, email, or make an appointment online!
School Linked Mental Health Services - Find information about School Linked Mental Health Services available to our families here.
Support Hub - The District's Support Hub provides families with resources to address barriers & enhance well-being. This comprehensive resource gives families and community members access to information for essential services including crisis response, basic needs, mental health and wellbeing, physical health, social emotional learning and more.
Receiving district messages - District-level emails are being sent from the communications@isd624.org email address. If you are not receiving emails from this account, it is possible that the email address is currently blocked in your email account. Find instructions to unblock the communications@isd624.org email address in different email platforms here.
Requesting an interpreter - Find more information about requesting a call with an interpreter in the language your family speaks.
We Are Hiring! - White Bear Lake Area Schools is hiring for a variety of positions, offering both school-day and out-of-school-time hours. Full- and part-time options are available, and many positions offer flexible hours if needed to accommodate family schedules. The district is seeking paraprofessionals, community services and recreation staff and coaches, and more. Find the online application page here.
Stay connected! - Join White Bear Lake Area Schools' social media circles - Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Calling all baby models - We're looking for "Born to be a Bear" photos! Email photos to us here and you may find your little one featured in District publications!

Awards and Honors

Community Services

The WBLAS Community Services and Recreation Department provides a wide range of services and opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all members of ISD 624.

Seasonal Catalogs - Seasonal catalogs are available now! The Community Services Winter Catalog, with multiple opportunities for community members of all ages, can be found here.
- Due to printing delays, the Winter Community Services & Recreation Catalog is currently available in an electronic form on the district’s website. A postcard with a QR code for the catalog is being mailed out to the community. A limited number of catalogs will be printed and available in district buildings in January.
Digital Backpack - The Community Services Department distributes electronic flyers on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Flyers include announcements from the school district, as well as local organizations. Those who wish to request distribution of a flyer should email the files to Director Tim Maurer at tim.maurer@isd624.org.
Senior Program
- Check out the latest edition of The Voice.
- Stay informed about the latest community offerings for seniors in the community with these two guides (please note, changes will be made to the listed guides in 2023):
  - Senior Housing
  - Senior Services
Community Bridge - Check out opportunities here. The Community Bridge Consortium is an adults with cognitive disabilities program supported by the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale, South Washington County, Roseville, White Bear and Mahtomedi School Districts. Find the Fall Brochure here.

Senior Program Updates

The White Bear Area Senior Center is a program of the White Bear Lake Area Schools Community Services & Recreation Department.

The Voice - Check out the latest edition of The Voice to learn about exciting upcoming opportunities.
Resources Guides - Stay informed about the latest community offerings for seniors in the community with these two guides (please note, changes will be made to the listed guides in 2023):
- Senior Housing
- Senior Services
FREE Activity Pass for Senior Community Members (age 65+) - White Bear Lake Area Schools offer a variety of activities - home athletic contests, concerts, and theater productions to name a few. Join us! Please fill out this application and you will be sent the pass in the US Mail. If you have questions, please contact Rachael Markuson at 651-407-7563 or rachael.markuson@isd624.org.
Be a Bear! The district currently has many staff openings available! Find the online application page here.

Support WBLAS Students

Update for High School Sports Spectators - This year White Bear Lake Area High School, along with every school in the Suburban East Conference (SEC) is going to online-only ticket sales for all varsity sporting events. All conference schools have partnered with Hometown Ticketing to make it easier for spectators. The easiest way to access our online tickets is by downloading the Hometown Ticketing App or you can access and purchase tickets to our home events by clicking here. An alternate way to view home games is by purchasing adult and/or student pass(es).
The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) is an independent, non-profit corporation promoting excellence in education in White Bear Lake Area School District 624 schools.
- Holiday Angels - Each holiday season, we offer a special opportunity for families, students, and school district staff members to honor a community member, educator, administrator with donation to the Angel Fund. The Holiday Angels program gives our community an opportunity to share with those in need right in our own school district while honoring someone special. To participate, fill out the Holiday Angels donation form by Monday January 2, 2023. The WBLAEF will then send a special Angel Fund holiday greeting card to the honored person stating that you have chosen to honor them during this holiday season with a financial gift to the WBLAEF Angel Fund. We hope you will consider participating in the Holiday Angels program. For more information and to fill out the form, visit the Holiday Angels page here.
- Scholarship Opportunity - The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) is excited to announce that a new $1,000 Leadership in Social Justice Scholarship will be awarded in the Spring of 2023. It will be given out annually and comes from the generosity of a local White Bear Lake family. The purpose is to further the vision of making the world a better and more equitable place. It will be awarded to a WBALHS senior who demonstrates exemplary leadership and an outstanding commitment to social justice and equity in their community. This scholarship encourages awardees to continue to work towards social justice and equity in their community and/or post-secondary education. For a list of all scholarship funds the WBLAEF manages, www.wblaef.org/scholarshipsfunds.
Be a Bear! - White Bear Lake Area Schools is hiring for a variety of positions, offering both school-day and out-of-school-time hours. Full- and part-time options are available, and many positions offer flexible hours if needed to accommodate family schedules. The district is seeking paraprofessionals, community services and recreation staff and coaches, and more. Find the online application page here.
Please contact the Communications Department (651-407-7578) to submit District News, General Information, Opportunities or Awards & Honors for inclusion in future publications.

Partnership Updates

The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) is an independent, non-profit corporation promoting excellence in education in White Bear Lake Area School District 624 schools.
- The Closet:
  - The Closet is not able to take used clothing donations at this time; however, we are able to take NEW items if you have any to donate. Please call 651-407-7696 with any questions.
  - The Closet is open for appointments! When students in our school district present a need for clothing, they are able to shop for items needed, free of charge. Students and families are referred to The Closet by school administration staff and a personal appointment is scheduled for the family or student visit. For more information, visit the website by clicking HERE.
  - We are in need of volunteers to assist at The Closet. If you are a parent that has a flexible schedule and would like to help our district families in need, please contact info@wblaef.org. More information about The Closet can be found HERE.
- We are Hiring! - White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation is now hiring for a part time office administrator. Learn more: https://www.wblaef.org/career
- Scholarship Opportunity - The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) is excited to announce that a new $1,000 Leadership in Social Justice Scholarship will be awarded in the Spring of 2023. It will be given out annually and comes from the generosity of a local White Bear Lake family. The purpose is to further the vision of making the world a better and more equitable place. It will be awarded to a WBALHS senior who demonstrates exemplary leadership and an outstanding commitment to social justice and equity in their community. This scholarship encourages awardees to continue to work towards social justice and equity in their community and/or post-secondary education. For a list of all scholarship funds the WBLAEF manages, www.wblaef.org/scholarshipsfunds.
- Holiday Angels - Each holiday season, we offer a special opportunity for families, students, and school district staff members to honor a community member, educator, administrator with donation to the Angel Fund. The Holiday Angels program gives our community an opportunity to share with those in need right in our own school district while honoring someone special. To participate, fill out the Holiday Angels donation form by Monday January 2, 2023. The WBLAEF will then send a special Angel Fund holiday greeting card to the honored person stating that you have chosen to honor them during this holiday season with a financial gift to the WBLAEF Angel Fund. We hope you will consider participating in the Holiday Angels program. For more information and to fill out the form, visit the Holiday Angels page here.
- BEAR Legacy Gala Fundraiser: Mark your calendars! February 24, 2023 is White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation's annual BEAR Legacy Fundraiser! Find more information here.