Community e-Newsletter
March 26, 2023
Preliminary info about free meals for 2023-24
On 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. In the meantime, a key point to remember is that for the current school year, students who do not qualify for free/reduced meals will still be charged for all meals. Find additional information here.
In Photos: Spring Activities
Student News
Impressive Achievements
The White Bear Lake Area High School Adaptive Floor Hockey team qualified for State. They played two games in the tournament. The team also took third in conference play this season. Before the tournament began, students were captured in this video practicing and preparing for State.
The WBLAHS Boys Basketball team wrapped up their season by placing fifth in the State tournament with a sea of orange and black cheering them on. They defeated Andover 68-64 in the Consolation bracket. Find highlights of the game from The White Bear Press here, which includes Jack Janicki scoring his 2,000 career point. The White Bear Press also featured another accomplishment from Janicki who broke the school's all-time career scoring record during Section play.
In other basketball news, a fourth grade White Bear Lake Community Services & Recreation basketball team qualified for the State tournament. They competed against several teams and took home the championship trophy! Registration is currently open for a variety of different summer activities and programs. Find more details here.
Speech Team Members Alexander Her, Mariam Elias-Danjuma, and Sanyu Mwassa competed in the NSDA Central Minnesota District Tournament. Mariam placed 7th in Dramatic Interpretation. Sanyu placed 4th, qualifying to compete in the National Speech and Debate (NSAD) Tournament in Arizona in June. This is the first time a student from White Bear Lake has qualified for this meet. Mariam and Sanyu also qualified for the National Individual/Independent Events Tournament of Champions (NIETOC) competition in Chanhassen in May.
Important Lessons
Kindergarteners at Lakeaires Elementary where featured in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds" as they learned about the five senses. Students explored taste, through a taste test experiment sampling different foods including lemons, chocolate, pretzels, cheetos and cheese. Afterwards, students journaled about their favorite options.
Central Middle Schoolers celebrated Pi Day in their math classes. It was captured in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". Students played games to determine if numbers are rational or irrational. They also created irrational and rational bracelets that represent the mathematical symbol, held a memorization competition and enjoyed a slice of pie!
Fifth graders at North Star Elementary received important lessons from local law enforcement as they began the D.A.R.E. Program. Students listened to a presentation and received the workbooks they will use throughout the program. The important lesson was highlighted in this video.
Second graders in Ms. Humphrey's class at Lakeaires Elementary received an art lesson from two WBLAHS - South Campus students. They taught the younger Bears how to make a snake pot and a bear statue out of clay. This collaboration was made possible through the Ryan Art Grant awarded by the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation.
Bear Power
High school students who are members of FIRST Robotics Team are constructing and finalizing their robot. They are preparing for a Regional Competition where they will face teams from around the world by competing in a skills course. Their progress was featured in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".
WBLAHS - South Campus junior Wonser Mongrue spent time at the MN State Capital during this legislative session. Mongrue testified in front of the Senate and House in support of the Universal Schools Meal bill. On Friday, March 17 she joined Governor Tim Walz, elected officials and other students as Gov. Walz signed of the bill into law.
With Spring-like weather starting to blossom and the snow melting away, it's time for Bears of all ages to get their t-shirts out of storage. This future Bear was delighted to pose in their "Born to be a Bear" onesie! We are always looking for Bears sporting their spirit gear. Email photos to us here and you may find your little one featured in District publications!
Creative Minds
Matoska International IB World School students created colorful bowls using coffee filters, markers and starch spray during their Art Enrichment activity. The hands-on lesson helped students form connections with the school’s current IB Unit of Inquiry centered around science, wonder and exploration. They artwork was highlighted in this video.
Art students at Area Learning Center worked alongside guest speaker and artist Domonique Venzant. He taught students important lessons about pottery, how to work with clay on the wheel and told stories about his professional journey. The exciting visit was captured in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".
Speaking on getting creative in art class, students in Ceramics Two at WBLAHS - South Campus worked together to create slab pinecone wind chimes. They were seen in this video rolling out the clay and cutting it into sections to be assembled and glazed.
Extended Day students at Lakeaires Elementary were also busy getting creative together while working on an arts and crafts project centered around St. Patrick's Day. They created binoculars to help them look for Leprechauns!
Vadnais Heights Elementary organized their Snow Much Fun event and fundraiser. The student-led entertainment was highlighted in this video. Community members, families and staff were invited to watch a variety of student performances as well as check out the art, science and culture fair showcasing student projects.
Activities Updates
The Speech Team competed at the Rosebowl Tournament. Jinet Dimanou took first place in Merit Poetry, Brian Kum took first place in Next-in Storytelling, Sanyu Mwassa took second in Varsity Drama, and Mariam Elias-Danjuma took first in Varsity Prose. Mariam earned a spot in the NIETOC National Tournament in May where she will be competing with teammate Sanyu Mwassa. The Boys Basketball Team qualified for the State Tournament and finished in fifth place. Find highlights here. The Adaptive Floor Hockey Team also competed in the State Tournament. Tryouts for the 2023-2024 Cheerleading Program will take place on April 17, 18 and 20 (Varsity and Middle School) and May 22 and 24 (Elementary). Teams are available for students currently in grades 5-11. Find more information here, or e-mail andria.mattlin@isd624.org.
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 March 13 School Board regular meeting, School Board members recognized Visual Art students who earned Scholastic Art Awards as well as students who are members of the Girls' Gymnastics team, Boys' Alpine Skiing, Boys' Swim and Dive, Boys' Wrestling and the Central Knowledge Bowl team as they qualified for State competitions. Watch the Student Recognition video here.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Past Meeting Highlights
Mar. 13 Regular Session
Feb. 27 Work Session
Feb. 13 Regular Session
At the December 9, 2024 School Board Regular Meeting, the School Board approved the following calendars:
- 2025-26 Academic Calendar
- 2026-27 Academic Calendar
The White Bear Lake Area School Board recently approved an Elementary Spanish Dual Immersion program, set to launch in Fall 2025. The enrollment window for the 2025-26 school year will open on December 16, 2024.
At the September School Board Regular Meeting, senior Lydia Kleinhans was welcomed as the student representative for the 2024-25 school year.
Jim Galvin, long-time coach, teacher, and community member, has been honored by White Bear Lake Area Schools for his decades of service to the school community. The White Bear Lake Area School Board voted at its March 4, 2024 meeting to name the fully renovated White Bear Lake Area High School gymnasium “Galvin Court.”
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.
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.