Community e-Newsletter
October 23, 2022
Capital Projects Levy Renewal information
- A “4 Ts” video was recently published on the district’s Capital Projects Levy page of the website and was shared out as the Oct. 16 Community e-Newsletter Video Edition.
In Photos: Fall Adventures
Student News
Exciting Learning Opportunities
Students at Lakeaires Elementary demonstrated their Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) strategies during their AVID Showcase earlier this month. District leaders and educators from across the state observed students in their classrooms, toured the school and received training sessions related to AVID studies. The group also observed AVID strategies at WBLAHS - South Campus. The showcase was highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".
Exchange students from France and Germany visited our high school campuses. Both groups spent time inside the classroom with student hosts and enjoyed local field trips which were featured in this video. A fun highlight for the German students was a tour of the White Bear Police department, where students interacted with a White Bear grad who took part in the exchange program more than 20 years ago.
The Bright Bears Robotics team took part in Medtronic's Medical Device Conference last week. Medtronic is a sponsor of the team's robot and allowed our students to put on a display at the conference and participate in some of the events. This was a great opportunity for students to show off their robot and make connections with technology professionals from around the world.
Ninth grade science students at WBLAHS - North Campus learned about energy efficiency last week and it was featured in this video. Students listened to a guest speaker from the National Energy Foundation, who shared ways they can help their families cut down on energy at home and were each given an energy kit.
In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, the American Indian Education Program held a feast and activities at Willow Lane Elementary school. Attendees enjoyed a wide array of food while watching dancers and a drum blessing, took part in a beading table and listened to Elder Jerry Dearly.
Outdoor Time!
Students at Lakeaires Elementary soaked up the nice fall weather outside! They took part in a fun, but competitive game of football. Students learned how to pass, catch and intercept the ball. They then split up into two teams, the LA Vikings against the Matoska Packers, to put their new skills to the test.
Birch Lake Elementary second graders took a field trip to Pine Tree Apple Orchard in White Bear Lake. Students walked around the orchard, picked their own apple off a tree and were shown the process of growing apple trees in Minnesota. This exciting adventure was highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".
A morning sunrise and rainbow combination was the talk of the school among students and staff at North Star Elementary. Families and staff took time to capture the beautiful view as they dropped their students off or walked into work. Many staff and students said the sight made the day more peaceful and happy!
Bear Kindness
Otter Lake Elementary Student Ambassadors are learning about community service and giving back. Students bagged groceries at Cub Foods in Vadnais Heights and were they raised over $1,200 to donate to the White Bear Area Food Shelf. A guest speaker from the food shelf stopped by Otter Lake to explain how the food shelf works and how their donation will make a difference in our community.
Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) Leaders at Sunrise Park Middle School celebrated Unity Day with their peers. Students wrote positive messages in chalk on the sidewalks before school and invited their classmates to wear orange, the official color of Unity Day. The counseling team also sent positive messages about kindness to all students during the school day.
The Lakeaires Extended Day program celebrated "Lights On Afterschool" day with a family event. Students, staff and families took part in board games and gym games, decorated cookies and light bulbs, and enjoyed pizza and great conversation together. Thank you to our afterschool program staff members for extending our students' school days with fun opportunities to learn and grow!
District Kudos
The Star Tribune recently highlighted high school female quarterbacks, including WBLAHS football team member Heidi Barber. Read the full article here.
The Bears Volleyball team was all smiles after winning the Irondale Tournament 5-0. Find highlights from the White Bear Press here. The Bears are now 14-13 and will begin Section play on October 26.
WBLAHS football coach Ryan Bartlett was recently featured on KARE11 as he celebrates his fourth year cancer free. Coach Bartlett spoke to a reporter about how his diagnoses has shaped him on and off the field. See the full story in this video.
The WBLAHS boys' cross country team placed seventh out of 27 teams while the girls' team placed ninth of 24 teams at a recent Invitational meet in Alexandria. On the boys team, the Bears were led by Luke Williams who placed 11th while the girls team was led by Katelyn Porter who placed 36th. Find more highlights from the White Bear Press here.
The Pioneer Press recently highlighted WBLAHS football team member Rayshaun Brakes. In a recent 23-0 victory over Osseo, Brakes netted 99 yards in eight carries. Read the full article about Brakes and what Coach Ryan Bartlett is saying about the wide receiver/halfback here and find highlights from the team's win over Osseo from the White Bear Press.
Mark Your Calendar
Join staff from the Early Childhood Program on October 27 for the Truck or Treat event! Children under 5 and their siblings can visit decorated vehicle trunks and enjoy lots of games and prizes! The event runs rain or shine 4:30-6:45 p.m. at Normandy Park Education Center. Find more information here.
This year's fall musical, "Chicago" will be performed at 7 p.m. on Nov. 11-12 and Nov. 17-19. A matinee performance will also take place at 2 p.m. on Nov. 12. The matinee will have an American Sign Language Interpreter and will be free for senior citizens, who should receive tickets through the regular ticket process.
Activities Updates
Despite a loss to Irondale in a recent meet, the Girls Swim and Dive Team won 4 events. Find their highlights here. The Bears also placed 4th at the True Team Sections meet. The Bears Volleyball Team won the Irondale Tournament. Read their article here. The Bears Football Team took down Osseo 23-0 in a recent game. Find highlights here. The Girls Soccer Team ended their season after a loss to Woodbury in the Section semi-finals. The Bears finished their season 13-5. Find highlights here. The Girls Tennis Team ended their season 14-8 after losing to Mounds View in the Section 4AA semifinals. This year's Fall Musical, "Chicago" will be performed at 7 p.m. on Nov. 11-12 and Nov. 17-19. A matinee performance will also take place at 2 p.m. on Nov. 12. The matinee will have an American Sign Language Interpreter and will be free for senior citizens, who should receive tickets through the regular ticket process.
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 October 10 School Board regular meeting, School Board members recognized students and members of the Class of ‘22 who represented the district as AP Scholars, National Merit Semi-Finalists and National College Board honorees. Watch the Student Recognition video here.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Past Meeting Highlights
Oct. 10 Regular Session
Sept. 26 Work Session
Sept. 12 Regular Session
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 November 13, 2023 School Board Regular Meeting, the School Board approved the following calendars:
- 2024-25 Academic Calendar
- 2025-26 Academic Calendar
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.