Community e-Newsletter

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• Community Invited Watch Professional Musician Lesson - Professional Scottish tuba player Jon Hodkin will be a special guest at a WBLAHS Band practice that will take place from 6-9 p.m. on August 29 in the WBLAHS - South Campus Theater, and community members are invited to sit in and watch the lesson. Hodkin is riding his tricycle, towing his tuba behind him, up the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Lake Itasca performing along the way. He will share his story with the students and audience members as well as perform with students.
• Back to School Page of Website - We are excited to welcome students back for the 2023-24 school year! Families can find Back to School information, including School Supply Lists, ParentVUE information, beginning of the school year events, and district calendars, at the district’s website.
• #BackToSchoolBears Initiative - When we begin school in September, families, staff and community members are invited to share back-to-school pictures (along with why they are excited for the school year) on Facebook with a #BackToSchoolBears hashtag for a chance at being featured in the next Community e-Newsletter. Photo entries may also be emailed to us at communications@isd624.org.
• Application for Educational Benefits - Our school offers healthy meals each day. We are a part of Minnesota’s Free School Meals Program, which means that all students can get one breakfast and one lunch free of charge each day at school. Although no application is required to receive this free meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important because children may qualify for other benefits such as reduced sports/activity fees, reduced internet access and utility bills, reduced AP test registration and college application fees, reduced drivers training and more! Complete the Application for Educational Benefits online at www.schoolcafe.com/isd624. Paper applications can be requested by contacting Nutrition Services at 651-407-7515.
• Annual Family Update - Families are asked to complete their Annual Family Update, which is an important task done each year to ensure the district has current information for each student and family, via ParentVUE by Synergy. Final schedules will be opened and available on ParentVUE later this summer.
• 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.
• Spring MCA Results - Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) results were released this week. Overall, K-8 White Bear Lake Area Schools scores remain above statewide proficiency levels in reading, math and science. See the District News post here.
• Community Services & Recreation Fall Catalog - Registration is open for a variety of different fall activities and programs through White Bear Lake Area Schools Community Services & Recreation. Find more details 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.
• 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. 
• 2023-24 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.
• 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!
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• Recognitions - The following celebrations and holidays will take place in August:  
  • August 9 - International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

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

• Seasonal Catalogs - Seasonal catalogs are available now! The Community Services Fall 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.
• Senior Program
  • Check out the latest edition of The Voice.
  • Resources Guides - View our updated Resource Guides: Senior Services and senior housing; The Directory.
  • 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. 

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.