Community e-Newsletter

March 12, 2023

In Photos: Busy Bears

photo collage of wblas students and staff enjoying various activities

Student News

Discovery & Exploration

While Bear enjoyed exploring the great outdoors and playing in the snow over Spring Break, there were definitely times when Bear was thinking of warmer weather! We hope Bears of all ages had a safe and fun break away from the classroom and checked out the 2023 Spring Break video, which highlights a variety of responses staff members gave when asked what they're grateful for.

Several middle school and high school students spent their Spring Break exploring different countries as part of the Week Without Walls program. Week Without Walls is a multi-day trip to an international destination during which time students engage in experiential learning by partaking in service and activities. Nineteen middle school students and three staff members traveled to Costa Rica while thirteen high school students and two staff members visited Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

two groups of high school students in different countries

Central Middle School students in AVID classes are being exposed to a number of different career options throughout the year. As seen in this video, students are listening to different guest speakers explain the industry they work for, the training and courses they completed and what their day-to-day job requires. Before Spring Break, students were visited by two professionals who work for Parks and Recreation.

Students in Lakeaires Elementary's Extended Day program have been learning and exploring together. Over the last few weeks, students have worked on different design and art projects, enjoyed playing outside, sledding and simply having fun together!

photo collage of elementary students enjoying various activities

The White Bear Press recently interviewed Astronaut Josh Cassada, a 1991 WBLAHS grad, and the SpaceX Dragon Endurance crew about their mission aboard the International Space Station. The four Crew-5 astronauts have been living and working aboard the station since October 6, 2022 and are excepted to undock from the space station sometime in March.

screenshot of an article about outer space

District Kudos

Last year's WBLAS Teacher of the Year Mae Haley is one of 44 semifinalists in the running for the 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. Ms. Haley is a 4/5 grade teacher at Vadnais Heights Elementary. A panel will review the semifinalists’ portfolios again and select 10-12 finalists. Learn more about the process here.

sign congratulating the teacher of the year

Six WBLAS staff members were Glasrud Family Fellowships from The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF). They include: Maggie Skatrud (North Star Elementary), Traci Indlecoffer (Lincoln Elementary), Todd Weinhold (Sunrise Park Middle School), Amber Rustand, Calli Moreau (Central Middle School), Jenna Vollmer (Normandy Park Education Center) and Denise Callen (Sunrise Park and Central Middle Schools). Read more about the recipients here. Fellowships are awarded to teachers for personal professional growth with the hope that these awards will allow teachers to pursue professional development which would otherwise not be possible.

The WBLAHS Speech team competed in the You Lucky Dog! Meet in St. Anthony Village. Sophomore Evie Olson took home an Honorable Mention ribbon in Prose. Freshman Jinet Demanou received a 6th place Next-in ribbon in Poetry. Senior Shahd Hagelsafy received a 5th place Next-in ribbon in Creative Expression. Junior Alexander Her received a 2nd place Next-in ribbon in Informative. Freshman Ethan Christensen took 3rd in Varsity in Drama, and Junior Captains Sanyu Mwassa and Mariam Elias-Danjuma were both champions in their respective categories of Drama and Prose. The team also took home the Small Teams Champion Award.

high school speech team students before a competition

Love of Learning

Central Middle School's Knowledge Bowl Team concluded their competition season. Central entered two teams into four meets this year. One team took first place at regionals, then placed 5th at the State competition. As a member of Knowledge Bowl, Central students compete to show their knowledge of social studies, language arts, math, science, fine arts, and current events. Any student at Central can join the team.

middle school students holding green ribbons

Willow Lane Elementary students are enjoying an educational collaboration during the school year. Students have paired up with community members and district volunteers, who stop by each week to read with their buddy. The Reading Buddies program is helping students build confidence while forming important connections and it was featured in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

elementary students reading with their reading buddies

Local author Roxy Humphrey paid a visit to Otter Lake Elementary before Spring Break. She read two of her children's stories to students, explained her process for writing a book and answered questions. Ms. Humphrey has a special connection to Dean of Students, Leah Erickson, as she was her former teacher.

Lakeaires Extended Day students are getting ready to welcome in the Spring season. They made lightning bugs out of tealight candles and plastic eggs. Every month, students also create a mural. This month they chose the theme, lucky charms. Each student made their own name shamrock to display next to the large pot of gold.

Staying Active

The indoor walking track, located in the newly built field house at White Bear Lake Area High School - North Campus, is officially open for public use. Several community members were seen enjoying the track in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". The track is open from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday each week. Walking the indoor track is free to community members. Find more information here.

community members walking on an indoor walking track

The WBLAHS - North Campus field house also hosted Community Services and Recreation boys and girls youth basketball games. The end of the season tournament was a huge hit in the new space with many athletes, families and coaches enjoying the multi-court facility. 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.

White Bear Lake Area High School students received new knowledge of theatre productions after attending Gustavus Adolphus College's Theatre Day. The program offers high school students from across the state a taste of the collegiate theatre experience. Students took part in a variety of performances and technical workshops with Gustavus students and professors. Learn more about the program here.

screenshot of an article about a theatre camp

While junior Gracyn Lehner was competing in her first State Gymnastics meet, two White Bear Lake Area High School violinists, Lauren Collier and Kaylee Zimmerman, once again performed the National Anthem at the Girls State High School Gymnastics Meet. The seniors did such an amazing job performing at last year’s meet, they were highly requested to perform again this year.

Mark Your Calendars

flyer for a community event about food Thank Goodness It's Food is returning to the Senior Center! Enjoy a meal from Donatelli's on Friday, March 17 and Carbonne's on Friday, April 28. Both meals will have seating at 4:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Event registration can be found here.

WBLAS Community Services and Recreation will be hosting Pickleball Camps in the field house at White Bear Lake Area High School - North Campus on Tuesdays in March, May, June, July and August. Find more details and registration here.

Activities Updates

The Boys Hockey Team ended their season 20-6 after a loss to Gentry Academy in the Section semifinals. The Bears were also the Suburban East Conference champions. The Girls Basketball Team finished their season 22-5 advancing to the semi finals of the Section 4AAAA tournament. Find a recap here. The Speech Team took home a first place team award and several individual awards at a recent meet.

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

Feb. 27 Work Session

Feb. 13 Regular Session

Jan. 23 Work Session

View All News

District News

General Information

Family Notices

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.
Asynchronous E-Learning - Find information about the Communication and Student Responsibilities that would take place in the situation that an Asynchronous E-Learning day must happen at the bottom of the Emergency School Closings page of the district website.
Mariner Middle School - 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. See the full press release 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 have been changed to a regular school day. Bus routes will run on their regular school day schedules as well. See complete information here.
Environmental Club Tree Sapling Sale - WBLAHS Environmental Club members are partnering with the nonprofit Tree-Plenish to help make their community more sustainable. They hope to sell 440 saplings on April 22, 2023 to offset the school’s energy consumption from the past academic year. Residents of the community are able to help support the event starting now! They can order a sapling or sign up to volunteer to plant saplings on the day of the event. Saplings are $5 and residents can choose between Common Chokecherry, Paper Birch, and Red Maple saplings. Order a sapling by March 22, 2023 here.
Meal payment system change complete - Our switch from the SmartSchoolK12 system to SchoolCafé for meal payments has been made, so SmartSchoolK12 meal account balances have been transferred directly to SchoolCafé. Students will continue to use their current pin numbers for a seamless experience. Find information sent to families re: here.
2022 Annual Update - The district’s 2022 Annual Update is currently available in print at district buildings. See the publication 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.
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

Recognitions - The following celebrations and holidays will take place in March:
- March - National Nutrition Month, Music in Our Schools Month and Women’s History Month
- March 2 - Read Across America Day
- March 3 - Employee Appreciation Day
- March 6-10 - Spring Break (No School)
- March 6-10 - National School Breakfast Week
- March 12 - Daylight Savings Starts
- March 17 - St. Patrick’s Day
- March 22 - Ramadan Begins
- March 22 - Two hour late start for Gr 6-12+ Only

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.
Upcoming Activities:
- Pickleball Camps: Enjoy a friendly game of pickleball in the North Campus fieldhouse on Tuesdays in March, May, June, July and August. Find details and registration 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.
Upcoming Events:
- TGI Foods: Thank Goodness It's Food returns to the Senior Center on Friday, March 17 and Friday, April 28. Find menu options and registration information here.
- March 24-25: The Craft Corner Spring Boutique will be held from 9 a.m. - 7p.m. on Friday, March 24 and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 25.
- March 29: 10-11:30 a.m. National Vietnam Veterans War Day. Find more information here.
- April 22: Get helpful information during the Senior Housing Day happening from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Senior Center.
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.
- 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.
- Glasrud Family Fellowships Recipients - The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) awarded six Glasrud Family Fellowships to teachers in the White Bear Lake Area School District. Read more about the recipients here. Fellowships are awarded to teachers for personal professional growth with the hope that these awards will allow teachers to pursue professional development which would otherwise not be possible.
- Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator Award deadline to nominate someone is April 3, 2023! Lynn Mielke was a speech clinician and Special Education Coordinator in the White Bear Lake Area School District. This award was established to recognize an individual who has exemplified Lynn’s dedication and care for the students and staff in our district. Educators are nominated by colleagues, supervisors, students, parents or community members. Find additional information and/or to submit a nomination form 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.