Community e-Newsletter

June 18, 2023

District Closed June 19 in observance of Juneteenth

Juneteenth (June 19) was recently signed into law as a State holiday. In keeping with the new law, all White Bear Lake Area Schools buildings will be closed on June 19, 2023. There will be no classes or programs, school board meetings, activities, athletic camps, practices, competitions, or other school-associated events hosted by the district on this day.

Individual schools and programs that had previously scheduled activities to occur on Monday, June 19 will communicate with program registrants to provide additional information specific to their activity.

In Photos: Go Bears!

Student News

Congratulations Bears!

Graduates from the district’s Area Learning Center, Transition Education Center programs, and White Bear Lake Area High School were honored at graduation ceremonies earlier in June. Some of the graduation ceremonies were captured in a video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". Congratulations, Class of 2023!

Before walking across the stage to receive their diplomas, members of the Class of 2023 visited their former elementary schools in their caps and gowns for the senior walkthrough event that happened across the district. Graduates connected with their former teachers while being congratulated by current elementary school students. The event was highlighted in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

The White Bear Press recently offered a "Then -&- Now" section with photos of members of the Class of 2023, along with notes from family members who submitted the photos.

Our seniors were not the only students celebrated at the conclusion of the 2022-23 school year. Fifth graders across the district were honored by fellow classmates, staff and their families during ceremonies recognizing the completion of their elementary education as they now prepare to enter middle school this fall.

The district's 2022-23 retirees were sent off in style with a luncheon in their honor. The celebration honored the employees for their combined 649 years of service to the district and community. Find a video honoring this year's retirees here.

Impressive Accomplishments

Four Sunrise Park Middle School students competed at the National History Day competition. Aryanna Charles entered her individual project and the group of Juliette Weier-Rauscher, Eleanor Hern, and Maeve O’Brien entered their group exhibit and placed third.

The Boys' ands Girls' Track and Field teams had several members qualify for the Class 3A State Meet. Three athletes finished in the top 9 receiving a medal. Senior Katelyn Porter placed fourth in the 800m, sophomore Lys-Aurele d’Almeida finished ninth in the 100m dash and junior Caleb Anderson placed seventh in the 200m dash. Find more highlights from the meet in this White Bear Press article.

The White Bear Press highlighted the three WBLAS golfers who participated in the State high school tournament. Seventh grader Easton Fiddle placed 28th of 88 players in the State Class 3A tournament. He was the only seventh grader in the tournament. For the girls' team, senior Kristina Pratt placed 46th and junior Ivory Dusch placed 49th among 88 golfers.

In back-to-back Class 4A State Tournament appearances, the Bears Softball team once again finished fourth after several hard fought games. The Bears won their first game of the tournament against St. Michael-Albertville before losing to Rosemount (the State Champion) and Maple Grove. Find additional game details here.

The WBLAHS Girls' Ultimate Frisbee team finished with their best season in program history. After clinching the Conference Championship, the team placed third in the State tournament. Find more season highlights in this White Bear Press article.

The WBLAHS Speech Team competed in the National Speech and Debate Association tournament this past week in Phoenix, AZ. Alexander Her broke into the first round of finals in Expository. Mariam Elias-Danjuma made it to the semi-finals and finished in 8th place overall in Prose. Sanyu Mwassa made it to finals and finished 4th place overall in Dramatic Interpretation. She has now auto qualified for next year’s NSDA tournament in Des Moines. The team also received a 2023 Speech School of Honor award for team points earned.

Final Projects

Central Middle Schoolers brought their final geometry project of the school year to life in the District Center Auditorium. Students made inflatable objects that they could sit and stand inside! The exciting project was captured in this video. Students were given a certain amount of tape and material, which they had to calculate and cut accordingly to form their 3D object which included a dice, pencil, firetruck and more.

At the end of the semester, WBLAHS - South Campus Automotive Technology II students had an opportunity to take a 35 question test to become ALLDATA certified. Six students passed the test! This certification tested student's ability to navigate the industry recognized program, ALLDATA, to find factual information. Having this certification helps improve the student's resume by showing potential employers that they can find factual information at a professional level.

A group of Birch Lake Elementary fourth and fifth graders made one of their favorite books come to life. The students crafted "buddy benches" and painted them black and orange in true White Bear fashion. The book "The Buddy Bench" is about a group of kids who find a place to learn and grow together. The group of students visited different classrooms throughout the school year to read the book and talk about the purpose of the benches.

Matoska Int'l IB World School fifth graders presented their exhibition projects to kindergarten-fourth grade students. The fifth graders worked in groups for several weeks, researching a topic of their choosing including water pollution, solar energy and the effects of pesticides among others. District staff and community members mentored each group by helping them understand different facts about their topics and creating a slideshow presentation.

Central Middle School students spent their final days of school, finalizing their end of the year projects. Eighth graders visited Podvin Park to fly kites and launch rockets they made in their science and math classes. While other students repotted plants they had been growing since winter to take home to grow over the summer months.

Community Engagement

We are excited to be back at Marketfest in downtown White Bear Lake for six weeks of fun, which started on June 15. Find our orange tent and booth to say hello, pick up a pencil, a temporary tattoo and enjoy this Thursday evening summertime tradition with us again on June 22. And don't forget, you can see the WBLAHS Drumline perform at the Gazebo Stage on June 29.

It's a trifecta! These three young Bears are showing off our trio of district shirts: the baby onesie, the Screen at Three shirt and the Kindergarten shirt! All are perfect to wear during the warm summer days. We are always looking for "Born to be a Bear" or "I'm a Bear" photos! Email photos to us here and you may find your little one featured in District publications!

District alumnus Dan Jones' White Bear Lake water tower design was featured in a recent KSTP Water Tower Wednesday segment. View the full story and learn about how his original design came to life here.

Matoska Int'l IB World School held a family night before the end of the school year. Families were encouraged to join in the everyday Extended Day experience that included, Gaga Ball, basketball in the gym, sensory painting and delicious treats.

Activities Updates

Several spring sports teams qualified for their respective state meets and tournaments. The Bears Softball Team took fourth place in the State Tournament. Find highlights from their games here. The Girls' Ultimate Frisbee Team placed third at State. Read their article here. The Boys' and Girl's Track and Field Teams had several members participate in the State Meet. Three athletes landed in the top 9. Read additional details here. The Boys' and Girls' Golf Teams sent a combined three players to the State Tournament. Read their article here. The Adapted Softball Team participated in MSHSL State Tournament. The Girls Lacrosse Team ended their season with a loss in their Section semifinals. Their record was 11-4. Find game highlights here. The Bears Baseball Team wrapped up their season after advancing to the fourth round of Section 4AAAA play. Read additional details here. Two Otter Lake Elementary students received high honors at the State WordMasters Challenge event.

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

Enjoy The Week in 62.4 Seconds videos highlighting weekly district activities throughout the school year.

School Board News

School Board Student Recognition

During the June 12 School Board regular meeting, School Board members recognized students for state-level honors in Elementary WordMaster Challenge, All-State Band, Boys' and Girls' Golf, Boys' and Girls' Track and Field, Softball, Adapted Softball, and the Girls’ Ultimate Frisbee. Watch the Student Recognition video here.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Past Meeting Highlights

June 12 Regular Session

May 22 Work Session

May 8 Regular Session

View All News

District News

General Information

Family Notices

Administrative Changes - Several administrative changes are taking place this summer and will be in effect for the start of the 2023-24 school year. Cynthia Mueller, who has been serving at principal of Otter Lake Elementary will serve as a full-time Principal on Special Assignment. Current WBLAHS - North Campus principal Ang Nelson will move into the principal role at Otter Lake Elementary Read the full press release here.
Free Summer Meals - FREE Summer Meals are available for kids and teens, open to all children 18* and younger, at the following district locations this summer: Birch Lake Elementary, Lakeaires Elementary, Matoska International IB World School, WBLAHS - South Campus and Willow Lane Elementary. There is no enrollment and no cost. The healthy meals are based on USDA nutrition guidelines. See hours and dates of operations in these flyers: English flyer and Spanish flyer. Learn more by watching a video in English or Spanish.
District Closed June 19 in observance of Juneteenth - Juneteenth (June 19) was recently signed into law as a State holiday. In keeping with the new law, all White Bear Lake Area Schools buildings will be closed on June 19, 2023. There will be no classes or programs, school board meetings, activities, athletic camps, practices, competitions, or other school-associated events hosted by the district on this day. Individual schools and programs that had previously scheduled activities to occur on Monday, June 19 will communicate with program registrants to provide additional information specific to their activity.
Birch Lake Elementary Principal Named - The White Bear Lake Area School District is pleased to announce that Julian Stanke has been chosen as the future principal of Birch Lake Elementary, a position that opened when current principal Jonathan Luknic announced he would resign at the end of the current school year. Stanke will begin his role at Birch on July 1, 2023. See the full press release here.
Summer Youth Enrichment Classes - Youth enrichment classes will be taking place at two sites this summer: North Star Elementary and Matoska Int'l IB World School. Learn more about the classes being offered and how to sign up here.
July 12 Substance Abuse Awareness & Naloxone (Narcan) Training - District experts will present and provide training on the use of Naloxone, a pharmaceutical that can save lives of those who have overdosed from opioids, this summer. The event, which will take place from 6-8 p.m. on July 12 at the District Center Community Room 112, is being hosted in partnership with Rotary Club of White Bear Lake. Participants will learn about the scope and breadth of addiction in youth and adults and will hear about efforts to help those in need and other community resources. Attendees will also receive a free Naloxone (Narcan) kit. See a flyer for the event here.
Hosting an International Exchange Student - During the 2023-2024 school year, White Bear Lake Area High School will be hosting an international exchange student sponsored by the White Bear Lake Rotary Club. The student is a 16 year old male from the Czech Republic and will be attending South Campus. This is an exciting opportunity. It is typical for host families to report relationships with exchange students and their families that last well beyond their hosting experience. The student will arrive in late-August and will come with his or her own spending money and insurance. Members of the local Rotary Club will be in frequent contact with the student and host to provide support. The volunteer host family needs to provide a bedroom, meals, and a supportive family experience. If you are interested in hosting this student, or a future student, please contact Tim Wald at 651-407-7516.
Summer Job Opportunities - The district has a variety of seasonal summertime job opportunities available, including grounds crew positions that offer flexible day hours and the ability to work outdoors! Apply today here.
2023-24 and 2024-25 Academic Calendars Approved - At the March 27 School Board meeting, the 2023-24 and preliminary 2024-25 Academic Calendars were approved by School Board members. Find more information and view each calendar here.
2023 Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Update - Students who are approved for Educational Benefits (free or reduced-price school meals), may be eligible for P-EBT benefits of $8.18 for each day they were absent due to a COVID-19 impact. Click here for more information.
2023 Free School Breakfast & Lunch - On Friday, March 17, 2023 Governor Walz signed a bill into law providing free school breakfast and lunch for Minnesota students beginning next school year. Specific details on the implementation of this new law are not yet available. The District will communicate the details to our families once we have clear direction from the State of Minnesota. Find additional information here.
WBLAHS Principal Update - The White Bear Lake Area School District is pleased to announce that Russell Reetz has been chosen to lead in the role of principal for the unified White Bear Lake Area High School. Reetz comes to the district from Eden Prairie High School, where he currently serves as an associate principal. Throughout his career, he has also served in director of activities roles. He began his career teaching physical education, health and DAPE, and he spent 12 years coaching football and track and field. See the full press release here.
Community Services & Recreation Summer Catalog - You can start making summer plans for you and your student(s). Registration is open for a variety of different summer activities and programs through White Bear Lake Area Schools Community Services & Recreation. Find more details here.
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!
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.
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

Recognitions - The following celebrations and holidays will take place in June:
- June 9 - Last Day of School
- June 14 - Flag Day
- June 19 - Juneteenth
- June 28-29 - Eid Al-Adha

Please contact the Communications Department (651-407-7578) to submit District News, General Information, Opportunities or Awards & Honors for inclusion in future publications.

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 Summer Catalog, with multiple opportunities for community members of all ages, can be found here.
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.
Summer Youth Enrichment Programs - Join the Community Services and Recreation team this summer of they host a wide range of youth enrichment programs located at North Star Elementary and Matoska International. Find more information here.
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.

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 - Stay informed about the latest community offerings for seniors in the community through The Voice.
Resources Guides - View our updated Resource Guides: Senior Services and senior housing; The Directory.
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.
- 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.
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

White Bear Center for the Arts:
- Imagine Art Youth Summer Camp Open for Registration - Students in grades 2-8 can take week-long camps, offered as either full or half days Monday through Thursday, and explore painting, sculpture, writing, the outdoors, and so much more. Brand new Intergenerational Fridays finish off every Imagine Art camp week, with hands-on projects, storytelling, movement, and art gallery-themed activities for kids and their families. For students in grades 9-12, WBCA is offering teen pottery classes throughout the summer. Learn more here.
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.
White Bear Lake Rotary:
- July 12 Substance Abuse Awareness & Naloxone (Narcan) Training - District experts will present and provide training on the use of Naloxone, a pharmaceutical that can save lives of those who have overdosed from opioids, this summer. The event, which will take place from 6-8 p.m. on July 12 at the District Center Community Room 112, is being hosted in partnership with Rotary Club of White Bear Lake. Participants will learn about the scope and breadth of addiction in youth and adults and will hear about efforts to help those in need and other community resources. Attendees will also receive a free Naloxone (Narcan) kit. See a flyer for the event here.