Community e-Newsletter

June 4, 2023

Congratulations on the completion of a terrific 2022-23 school year, Bears!

The district's building and programs will be hopping this week with end of the year celebrations and graduation ceremonies. Find a listing of end of the year events and celebrations here.

Enjoy the summer, Bears! And congratulations to those Bears at all levels who are celebrating a graduation!

Bear mascot holding %22Congratulations%22 sign

In Photos: Trying Something New

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.

Student News

Exciting Opportunities

WBLAHS - South Campus AP Psych students took a field trip to Mall of America to visit the new Museum of Illusions. The exciting activity was captured in this video. In class this year, students learned how the brain perceives the information the senses take in. Students where able to see that lesson come to life in this exhibit which uses psychological concepts to trick our brains into perceiving a distorted reality.

Central Middle School eighth graders had an exciting opportunity to visit Washington D.C. last month. During their field trip, students explored the country's capital, visited historical structures and monuments, and toured several buildings.

White Bear Lake Area High School students joined the more than 4,000 high school students from across the country in participating in the VFW Auxiliary’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. The contest began in 1979 to recognize up-and-coming artists and encourage patriotism in youth. Local place winners in this year’s competition were: Mattison McDaniel (first place), Jordynn DelaMartre (second place) and Lila Guttormson (third place).

Kindergarteners at Lincoln Elementary ended their camping themed week with a special activity which was captured in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". Students grabbed their favorite book and snack as they practiced their reading skills by flashlight in their classroom!

There will be opportunities to see District representation this summer at Marketfest, which runs Thursdays, June 15 - July 27 in Downtown White Bear Lake. Stop by the district’s booth on 3rd Street for pencils, bear paw tattoos and fun conversation! You can also check out performances by the Pep Band on June 15 at the 3rd Street Stage and the Drumline on June 29 at the Gazebo Stage. For those of you who are wondering what Marketfest is all about, find the city's description of it here, and find a fun video we pulled together to highlight the district's Marketfest booth a few years ago here!

Another opportunity students have to seeing fellow Bears this summer is to participate in the Free Summer Meals program sponsored by the White Bear Lake Area Schools Nutrition Services Department. Free Summer Meals are available for kids and teens, open to all children 17* and younger. There is no enrollment and no cost. The healthy meals are based on USDA nutrition guidelines. Learn more here.

Creative Lessons

Oneka Elementary fifth graders hosted a Living History Museum for students, staff and family members. Students chose a person from the past or present that has had an impact or legacy in our world. Fifth graders researched their person, compiled reports, created display boards, and delivered speeches and facts about their person to those who visited the museum.

Sixth grade art students at Sunrise Park Middle School painted with a value scale technique last week. Students practiced tint and shading by adding white and black paint to make the color lighter or darker. See the lesson in action in this video.

Fourth and fifth graders in Ms. Robinson’s class at Birch Lake Elementary learned how to calculate volume for a fun project. Students measured the length, width and height of different sized boxes to find their volume. Using this data, they created the correct proportions to design large and small scale animals and figures which can be seen in this video.

Bear Power!

Crews have been up on the roof of North Star Elementary these days, as they are starting to install an array of solar panels. The rest of the panels should be installed on the roof by the end of June, with the plan for the North Star solar power project to go live in the fall.

The WBLAHS Adaptive Softball Team showed off their Bear power while participating in the State Tournament last weekend. The team qualified after an outstanding showing during playoffs. The Bears played and came up short on Friday in a game vs. Burnsville/Farmington/Lakeville, the team that went on to become the Class A Champion. Way to represent WBLAHS, Bears!

The Class of 2023 is preparing for graduation. Last week, WBLAHS seniors picked up their cap and gowns. There are several graduation ceremonies happening this month to honor our graduates. Transition Education Center's ceremony will take place on June 6 at District Center, Area Learning Center's ceremony will happen on June 8 at WBLAHS - South Campus and WBLAHS' graduation ceremony will be on June 9 at Aldrich Arena.

A fourth grade student from Lincoln Elementary was named the winner of the Manitou Days Button Design Contest. As part of his prize pack, Vinny received a pizza party with his class and the ultimate VIP treatment; a ride home from school in a Corvette convertible! His ride home was covered in last week's issue of the White Bear Press. See the article here.

Speaking of Manitou Days, the winners of the Manitou Days Writing Contest were recognized during a swimming party and pizza party prize and ceremony last week. This year’s theme was “A Century of Community”. The contest provides WBLAS students an opportunity to showcase their writing skills and learn more about our incredible community.

High school students acted out the ultimate mystery play, when they brought their production of "Clue", based on the iconic 1985 movie that was inspired by the classic board game, to the stage May 31-June 3. Audiences were captivated as they tried to guess who did it, with what, in which room. Get a behind the scenes look at rehearsals here.

The WBLAHS Boys' and Girls' Ultimate Frisbee teams have wrapped up fantastic regular game seasons. The Girls' team won the conference championship! The Boys' team also played well, taking home second place in their conference. Some highlights for the girls include a record of 17 wins - 2 losses, the East Metro Conference Championship title and heading into the state competition ranked #1 out of all Minnesota State High School girls teams.

Outdoor Adventures

WBLAHS - North Campus biology students stepped outside their classroom for a research project. Students ventured to the wetlands behind their building to estimate how many different types of plants they could find in a specific sample size. See their lesson come to life in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

Third graders at Oneka Elementary were visited by an expert from Wargo Nature Center. Students have been learning about adaptation and observation in their science class, so they used their knowledge to observe a turtle and insects they found near their school building. Students were seen in this video discussing what they noticed about the insects and what they think helps them survive in nature.

The district's Community Services & Recreation Department hosted their first “Bear's Explore Outdoors” event last week. They partnered with BAZTEK whose mission is to create fishing opportunities for communities. Community members were able to explore what the outdoors has to offer them in the White Bear Lake Area.

Birch Lake Elementary Extended Day held a family night with the theme: Plants & Popsicles. Families and students worked together to decorate flower pots, plant some flowers and of course enjoy a summertime treat, popsicles!

Registration is open for summer Youth Enrichment classes! These activities will be taking place at two district sites: North Star Elementary and Matoska Int'l IB World School. Learn more about the classes being offered and how to sign up here.

In the Spotlight

The WBLAHS Robotics Team 2207 was honored with a Gene Haas Foundation Grant. The education based foundation supports the future of manufacturing and students who are interested in manufacturing-based careers.

Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, WBLAHS junior Marshall Loeks, a new Minnesota National Guard recruit, was featured on WCCO in a story highlighting his family's tradition of service and the Guard's recruiting efforts. Watch the full story here.

A recent Star Tribune article mentioned the District's participation in a Food to Hog program, which recycles school lunch leftovers to feed animals. Read the full article here.

Two high school sports teams are welcoming new coaches to their programs for the 2023-24 season. WBLAHS grad and longtime assistant high school hockey coach, Chris Anderson, has been named the new Boys Hockey head coach. Read the White Bear Press article here. Meanwhile, the Boys Basketball team will be coached by Aaron Turner, who has coached several programs for the high school while serving in the school administration. Read the White Bear Press article here.

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.

Activities Updates

The Girls Track & Field Team finished fourth out of ten teams at the SEC Suburban East Conference meet. Top finisher was Katelyn Porter who placed first in the 800 meter. Find additional highlights here. The Boys Track & Field Team also did well at their SEC meet finishing fifth out of ten teams. The Bears won the 4x800 relay and Tolu Oyekunle was 110 high hurdles champion. Find more details here. A new head coach was named to the Boys Hockey Team. Learn more here. Learn more about the new Boys Hockey coach and Boys Basketball coach.

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

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Past Meeting Highlights

May 22 Work Session

May 8 Regular Session

Apr. 24 Work Session

View All News

District News

General Information

Family Notices

Free Summer Meals - Free Summer Meals are available for kids and teens, open to all children 17* and younger. There is no enrollment and no cost. The healthy meals are based on USDA nutrition guidelines. Learn more here.
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.
Sandcastles and Creatures Building Contest - Join White Bear Center for the Arts for this year's Sandcastles & Creatures Building Contest. Everyone is invited to Memorial Beach from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on June 17 to craft a sand creation, and vie for one of the prizes. This contest is free and fun for the whole family to participate in or watch. Bring a bucket and shovel. Judging starts at 12 p.m. Registration is not required.
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.
May 17 to Follow Regular Schedule - An upcoming Two Hour Late Start that had been scheduled to take place for students in grades 6-12+ on May 17 has been changed to a regular school day. Bus routes will run on their regular school day schedules as well. See complete information 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.
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.
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 - 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.
- 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:
- Sandcastles and Creatures Building Contest - Join White Bear Center for the Arts for this year's Sandcastles & Creatures Building Contest. Everyone is invited to Memorial Beach from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on June 17 to craft a sand creation, and vie for one of the prizes. This contest is free and fun for the whole family to participate in or watch. Bring a bucket and shovel. Judging starts at 12 p.m. Registration is not required.
- 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.