Community e-Newsletter

In Photos: Summertime Fun!

Student News

Outdoor Activities

Students across the district in the FLEX program became ninja warriors for a day when they took on an obstacle course challenge. Ninja Anywhere is a mobile ninja warrior type course where kids can climb, jump, and play through obstacle courses and bouncy houses. 

Extended Day students have been enjoying their time outside and inside the classroom at schools across the district. Students took part in Water Days activities by running through sprinklers and playing with chalk. While others brought their bikes, skateboards, scooters and roller blades to school during Wheels Days. Students have also been taking care of butterflies, working on different projects and enjoying their summer break together.

At Lincoln Elementary, Extended Day students laced up their shoes and hit the pavement for a Color Run! Students followed a trail along school grounds and at designated spots, were surprised with staff members who doused them in different colors. 

Community Services and Recreation held their annual Community Bridge baseball tournament at Lakewood Hills for the first time in several years. The team from White Bear played against teams from Anoka and South Washington.

In The Spotlight

WBLAHS boys golf coach Craig Nasvik celebrated a special moment during the State Golf tournament in June. Coach Nasvik coached Ryan Jamieson's dad Greg, who was also his first state qualifier in 1990. The White Bear Press highlighted this cool milestone in this article

WBLAHS teacher Cassie Knutson Lydon recently ran a green and sustainable chemistry workshop at the University of Minnesota for high school teachers from throughout the country. Read the full article on this workshop here

WBLAHS Fishing Team members Tyler Thilmany and Eli Hansen were the winning duo at the first Northeast Metro Conference fishing tournament on Rush Lake. Two other duos on the team have already qualified for nationals, which takes place in September. They include Andrew Mailer and Caleb Walton as well as Cal Ambrose and Zach Loken.

 

The White Bear Press recently recognized White Bear Lake Area High School's graduating class and the top academic achievers. Congratulations to all members of the Class of 2022!

WBLAHS grad Sisloob Lo, who participated in WB Theatre productions as a student, was chosen as one of only 10 thespians to participate in the inaugural GreenRoom musical theater training fellowship of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. Learn more about the program here.  

WBLAHS baseball pitcher Derrick Smith reflected on his high school career in this article by the White Bear Press. He also shared  how he has been preparing for his first college baseball season at North Carolina State, a Division I program. Smith was also mentioned alongside his older brother Dominic, who graduated in 2019 from WBLAHS, in this article by Minnesota Spokesman Recorder regarding their high school and college performances. 

The White Bear Press highlighted construction projects happening throughout White Bear Lake Area Schools in this article. These projects are part of the district-wide comprehensive facilities plan which was made possible through the community’s support of the 2019 bond referendum. You 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. 

A WBLAS family found the Hugo Good Neighbor Days Golden Spike after only three clues. The hunt took place in June. The White Bear Press spoke with the family about where they found it and what clue helped them discover the Golden Spike. Read their article here

WBLAS Family poses for picture with Golden Spike

 

Supporting the District

Thursday, July 28 is the last Marketfest event of the summer in downtown White Bear Lake. Be sure to stop by our orange tent and booth to say hello and grab a pencil and temporary bear paw tattoo. 

Join the Community Services & Recreation Team on August 2 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. for National Night Out. Enjoy an evening of games, activities, food, fun and meet members of your local police and fire departments who will be showcasing their vehicles! Bring your family, a friend, and a lawn chair or blanket and join us in celebrating our community. 

The district is proud to be supported by programs and organizations from our community including the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation who hosted their 22nd annual golf tournament in June. The fundraiser supports the WBLAEF's mission to enhance the White Bear Lake Area School District's ability to provide excellence in education for all students. The Bear Bike fundraiser, happening on October 1, helps raise funds to cover registration fees for students taking part in WBLAS Community Services and Recreation sports and activities. Current and former students also benefit from community fundraisers, including Shelly Tripp, a '86 WBLAHS grad who will be the beneficiary of a local fundraiser happening in August which you can read more about in this article

The July Career Pathways Newsletter highlights students exploring STEM career options through summer internships and various educational opportunities. Read more about what students participating in the WBL Career Pathways programs are doing this summer here

article featuring student internships

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 such as school funding, reduced registration fee for AP tests and free or discounted fees for most sports/activities. Find additional information in this flyer (Español), and find the direct link to apply here.

 Activities Updates

Fall Sports registration opens August 1 for students participating in the following high school sports; Girls Swim & Dive, Adapted Soccer, Volleyball, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Boys and Girls Soccer, Girls Tennis and Football. Several members of the Softball Team were named All-Section, All-Conference and All-Conference Honorable Mention. Read their article here. The Baseball Team also had a few players named All-Conference and All-Conference Honorable Mention. Read their article here. Boys Lacrosse player Shae Raeburn was named a Star-Tribune all-metro second-team pick. Read about the team's other honors and stats here. The Girls Lacrosse Team saw several players named All-Conference. Read their article here. The Boys Tennis Team had three players named All-Conference and 4 named All-Conference Honorable Mention. The WBLAHS Marching Band performed in several parades during Marketfest in downtown White Bear Lake. 

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. 

School Board News

School Board votes in favor of placing capital projects levy renewal on Nov ballot

At the July 11 School Board Regular Meeting, the Board voted in favor of placing a capital projects levy renewal on the November ballot. The funds will be used for safety and security; technology and related services; textbooks, curriculum materials and equipment, and musical instruments; and transportation. Learn more about the district’s Capital Projects Levy here.

School Board Student Recognition

During the June 13 School Board regular meeting, School Board members recognized students for their state-level accomplishments in boys and girls golf, choir, softball, boys and girls track and field, theatre and academic bowl. Several students were also recognized for their national-level accomplishments during a speech tournament and the national merit program. Watch the Student Recognition video here.

students honored in district video

Upcoming School Board Meetings

School Board Regular Meeting Subscribe to Alerts
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 11 Regular Meeting

June 13 Regular Meeting

May 23 Work Session

School Board News

White Bear Lake Area School District - ISD 624 Logo

At December’s Regular School Board Meeting, representatives from the Be SMART awareness campaign and local law enforcement leaders presented information about a program developed to bring together parents and all adults concerned about kids, guns, and safety. The White Bear Lake Police Department, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and White Bear Lake Area Schools are teaming up to share an important message about proper gun storage and safety.

Calendars approved

At the November 13, 2023 School Board Regular Meeting, the School Board approved the following calendars:

  • 2024-25 Academic Calendar
  • 2025-26 Academic Calendar
Board approves “Mariner Middle School” beginning Fall 2024

At the February 13, 2023 School Board Regular Meeting, the White Bear Lake Area School Board approved a committee’s recommendation to change the name of Sunrise Park Middle School when it moves from the Sunrise Park neighborhood to the current White Bear Lake Area High School - South Campus building in the fall of 2024. The new name, Mariner Middle School, is a nod to the District’s past.

Updated Strategic Plan Approved

At the August 8, 2022 School Board meeting, the Board heard an update of the District's Strategic Planning process and approved four updated strategies.

District Logo (Multi)

At the March 28, 2022 School Board Work Session, the White Bear Lake Area School Board unanimously approved a Resolution Supporting Commitment to Equity and Inclusion.

District News

General Information