Community e-Newsletter

February 11, 2024

In Photos: February Fun!

photo collage of adults and children enjoying various activities

Student News

Love of Learning

Otter Lake Elementary kicked off their school-wide Reading Rodeo event with various themed activities for staff and students! The excitement was captured in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". Some of the activities included listening to guest reader Principal Nelson, enjoying a book in the Reading Ranch, learning to western line dance, and sharing their favorite books from home! As part of their read-a-thon, a school rodeo assembly was held with staff members participating in rodeo events and the WBLAHS Dance Line and Drum Line performed for students.

photo collage of elementary students singing, reading and having fun

Speaking of learning, Lincoln Elementary hosted their annual Carlson Art and Science Fair. Students were eager to show off their creative works to staff, families and community members. Projects included sea creatures, volcanoes, catapults and many more. Check out additional projects, experiments and works of art in this video.

elementary students showing off their science projects

Oneka Elementary students were highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds" as they learned about robots and coding. Students worked in groups to program robots to move in certain patterns, change colors and make different noises. Another activity students took part in was design coding to make their own character to play in different video games! Lessons with this technology are happening at several Elementary schools in the district due to a STEM Station grant from the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation.

Early Childhood families were able to enjoy hands-on interaction and exploration with a wide variety of sensory materials at their Messin’ & Movin’ event held at Normandy Park. Students were excited to get messy exploring with their senses. They could even climb up and down obstacles, paint and play with sand.

photo collage of preschool students playing

Lastly, students in Ms. Butters’ class at Lincoln Elementary was visited by several special guests last week: Tori and her amazing pets! Students have been engaging in social-emotional lessons about following the group plan, and group leader, whole-body listening, and self-control. They practiced these skills when interacting with Tori and her amazing pets which included hermit crabs, chinchilla, a ball python snake and more!

elementary students look at a chinchilla and a snake

Building Community

At Birch Lake Elementary, students learned how they can make a difference in their own lives by being active. They enjoyed an assembly to get excited about health and fitness with Minnesota Wild Mascot Nordy and two former Minnesota professional hockey players. They helped students learn about “The Faceoff For Fitness School Program'' which emphasizes the game of hockey, physical fitness, nutrition and healthy choices. Two students also participated in a hockey drill, with Nordy in the net. At the end of the activity, students learned Birch Lake was gifted a Minnesota Wild themed floor hockey set to use during their gym classes and at recess.

Minnesota Wild mascot Nordy visits elementary school

As seen in this video, Dr. Kazmierczak recently hosted his Middle School and High School Student Advisory groups. During the lunchtime meeting, students participated in a taste-testing activity and had discussions about AI, school pride and extracurricular activities. The groups meet with Dr. K and other district leaders periodically throughout the year.

high school students and adults sit at a table

Students at the district’s Transition Education Center participated in a hands-on activity. During their advisory time, each student painted a wooden statue to represent themselves, their interests, and their backgrounds. This informative and creative lesson was highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

Third graders in Ms. Thun's class at Matoska International enjoyed a Glow Party last week in celebration of their completion of a Light and Sound unit. Students wore bright clothes, painted with neon colors and enjoyed many other fun activities together related to their Light and Sound lessons.

Working Together

High school students who are members of the orchestra, band and choir participated in the annual Suburban East Conference Music Festival at Forest Lake High School. Our students spent the day working with several prominent music clinicians, polishing and perfecting their own musical skills, and listening to performances by their peers. Get a closer look inside the SEC Music Festival in this video.

Staff and students at Lincoln Elementary have been hard at work organizing a school-wide project to promote a sense of belonging and build a strong school community. The house system assigns students and staff to one of the five different “houses'' (groups): Fidus: House of Responsibility, Quantum: House of Respect, Compassio: House of Compassion, Fortitudo: House of Grit and Unitatis: House of Unity. The houses get together periodically throughout the year for community building activities and service learning opportunities. The house system gives students the chance to connect with students across classes and grade levels that they may not normally have a chance to interact with.

elementary students wearing colorful t-shirts

The White Bear Lake Girls High School Hockey Team recently hosted Teacher Appreciation Night, one of the teams' favorite events as it gives the athletes a chance to reflect on their educational journey and select someone who has profoundly made a difference in their life. Teachers from across the district were honored in a ceremony on the ice.

Students will work together this coming week to host the White Bear Lake Black Student Union's annual showcase in honor of Black History Month. The event will take place Thursday, Feb. 15 at WBLAHS - South Campus (3551 McKnight Rd, WBL). Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. and the show will commence at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. Student performances at the event include songs, dances, spoken word, games, and other activities that celebrate black joy. Find the flyer for this year's event here.

Building Our Future

The White Bear Press recently highlighted WBLAHS tours led by District staff members during the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation fundraiser breakfast. The tours showcased the work being done to bring students in grades 9-12 together in one building (current North Campus) this fall. Meanwhile, publisher Carter Johnson highlighted the mock interviews that recently took place at North Campus. He noted the design of the newly constructed spaces and the professional desire to learn displayed by the students during his experience as a volunteer interviewer.

article of adults taking a tour of a high school building

The WBLAHS Basketball Teams are hosting celebrations during their final games at South Campus at their Feb. 21 games vs. the Stillwater Ponies. See the flyer with complete information here. WBLAHS - South Campus will transition to Mariner Middle School this fall and 11 and 12 graders will move to WBLAHS (currently North Campus). These projects and the ones happening across the district were made possible due to the community's support to the 2019 Building Our Future Bond Referendum. Community members can follow along in the district’s Building Our Future Facilities Process to see all projects happening right now, what's been completed and the projects still to come.

Creative Minds

Students at Vadnais Heights Elementary let their creative minds loose and their imagination flow during Global Day of Play! This was an opportunity for students to have fun with a day of unstructured play where they could spread toys out around the room, enjoy crafts, play board games and have fun playing freely.

Creativity was also flowing in Ms. Gonzalez’s kindergarten class at Matoska International. Students were visited by Art Enrichment leaders who guided them through a clay creation activity. Students rolled out the clay and traced a fish design. Using different objects, they made various patterns and textures in the clay then formed their creation into a bowl shape. Get a closer look at their students' creations in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

little girl smiling and two boys focused on their work

We may not have snow outside but students at Lincoln Elementary are keeping the winter spirit alive! They created stained glass snowflakes. Students learned how no two snowflakes are the same and that each snowflake has six sides. They also loved telling each other stories of what they enjoy about the snow and wintertime!

Central Middle Schoolers worked on their culinary skills in their FACS class this week. Students practiced following a recipe, measuring ingredients and working as a team to make delicious cookies. See their lesson come to life in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

boy wearing a blue shirt and five girls smile in a group

Creativity is blooming in our After-School smArt Club! Students are having a blast exploring their inner Picassos, molding clay into playful creatures, and painting vibrant landscapes. But art goes beyond the final product. Students are learning critical thinking skills and unleashing their inner artist as their experiment with different materials. Another smArt Club class for students in grades 2-5 is opening on April 4. It will be hosted at Lakeaires Elementary. Find more information here. Speaking of creative opportunities, Youth Enrichment students took part in an exciting camp. From thrilling theatre games to hands-on crafts, students dived into the mythical world of Percy Jackson crafting their very own mythical characters and conquering mythic challenges in an epic obstacle course. Children's Performing Arts Teaching Artists hosted the camp at Hanifl Performing Arts Center and have two more camps coming up: Level Up: Video Games from Screen to Stage and Inside Out: Exploration of Emotions.

kids running on a wood floor and a boy wearing an orange sweatshirt

Bears in the News

WBLAHS grad Wyatt Newpower was recently recalled to Detroit Red Wings. Newpower was playing for the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. When playing for the Bears, the article mentions he compiled 73 points (19-54-73) and 81 penalty minutes in 101 games from 2012-16. Read the full article here.

White Bear grad Michael Djupstrom, a composer and pianist, is performing at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center on February 18 as part of a chamber music concert. According to the White Bear Press, program will also feature Gabriel Campos Zamora, principal clarinet with the Minnesota Orchestra, and Julia Harguindey, principal bassoon with the Nashville Symphony and Santa Fe Opera. Find ticket information here.

Activities Updates

Despite a loss to Stillwater, the Bears Gymnastics Team recorded their best team score of the season. Find additional details here. The Bears Wrestling Team placed third out of 16 teams at a recent invitational. Read more here. The Girls Basketball Team clipped Woodbury 63-47. Find highlights here. The Boys Basketball Team also secured a win against Woodbury. The Bears Varsity Cheerleaders placed second at the State Tournament. The Boys Hockey Team is 14-5-1 after a recent win over Roseville. The Boys and Girls Nordic Ski Teams competed in the Suburban East meet. Find additional details here.

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

Enjoy The Week in 62.4 Seconds videos highlighting weekly district activities throughout the school year.

School Board News

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Past Meeting Highlights

Jan. 22 Work Session

Jan. 8 Regular Session

Dec. 11 Regular Session

District News

General Information

Family Notices

Golf Tournament - The 24th Annual White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 17th at Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater. Find registration information and more here.
WBLAE Teacher of the Year nominations open - It's time once again to celebrate professional excellence as part of the White Bear Lake Area Educators’ Teacher of the Year program. The process begins with nominations from community members, families, students and colleagues. Please take the time to nominate an exceptional teacher who goes above and beyond and who makes White Bear Lake Area Schools a great place to send our students every day. Nominations are open until February 19th, 2024, at 4:00 pm. Once the nominees are announced, they may advance in the WBLAE Teacher of the Year selection process by submitting their responses to a series of questions regarding teaching and learning. Of those teachers aspiring to represent our district as the 2024-2025 WBLAE Teacher of the Year, six will be chosen as finalists. All nominees and finalists will be honored at a celebration event in May when the White Bear Lake Area Educators’ Teacher of the Year will be announced. A final date on that event will be announced soon.
Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator award - Another opportunity to recognize a WBLAS' staff member, is to nominate them for the Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator award. The deadline to nominate someone is April 8, 2024. 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 the nomination form here.
Enrollment Info - As middle school and high school students are deciding on their classes for next year and have been attending Welcome to White Bear registration activities, incoming kindergarten students are getting signed up for their K-12 career as Bears... including the excitement of knowing they'll receive an "I'm a Bear" t-shirt in the mail after they're officially enrolled! Find enrollment information here.
Youth Enrichment - Children's Performing Arts Teaching Artists is hosting two camps at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center: Level Up: Video Games from Screen to Stage and Inside Out: Exploration of Emotions. Click the links for registration information.
Bear Care Clinic - Bear Care School-Based Health Center has extended their hours! Find information about the Bear Care Health and Wellness Clinic, located at WBLAHS - North Campus but available to all district families, here. Bear Care now also offers Nutrition Counseling. See a flyer for this new service here.
Community Services & Recreation Winter/Spring Catalog - Registration is open for a variety of different winter/spring activities and programs through White Bear Lake Area Schools Community Services & Recreation. Find more details here.
Calendars approved - At the November 13, 2023 School Board Regular Meeting, the School Board approved the following calendars.
- 2024-25 Academic Calendar
- 2025-26 Academic Calendar
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.
DHS Announcement: Re-Enrolling in Health Care Coverage - The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that the Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare (Medicaid eligibility) renewals, which were paused post-pandemic, are now restarting the final timeline for annual renewals in public health care programs. View the full timeline. Please visit DHS's Renew My Coverage communications toolkit for resources in multiple languages.
SchoolCafé Automatic Payments - With school meals free to students this year, automatic payments through SchoolCafé have been removed in order to avoid unwanted charges from those families that used the automatic service in the past. If a family would like to set up automatic payments for extra entrees or ala carte purchases, they will need to log into School Café and re-set up that information. Instructions to do so can be found here. Those who have questions may contact the Nutrition Services Office at nutritionservices@isd624.org or 651-407-7515.
2023-24 Annual Notifications - Click here to find a variety of annual notifications, including notices related to: pest management pesticides, asbestos, indoor air quality and lead-in-water.
Bears Boards and More - Bears Boards and More is a student operated school-based business selling customized cutting boards and tumblers housed at the district's Transition Education Center. Find examples of student work here. Information on how to order can be found here.
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.
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.
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!
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.

Awards and Honors

WBLAE Teacher of the Year nominations open - It's time once again to celebrate professional excellence as part of the White Bear Lake Area Educators’ Teacher of the Year program. The process begins with nominations from community members, families, students and colleagues. Please take the time to nominate an exceptional teacher who goes above and beyond and who makes White Bear Lake Area Schools a great place to send our students every day. Nominations are open until February 19th, 2024, at 4:00 pm. Once the nominees are announced, they may advance in the WBLAE Teacher of the Year selection process by submitting their responses to a series of questions regarding teaching and learning. Of those teachers aspiring to represent our district as the 2024-2025 WBLAE Teacher of the Year, six will be chosen as finalists. All nominees and finalists will be honored at a celebration event in May when the White Bear Lake Area Educators’ Teacher of the Year will be announced. A final date on that event will be announced soon.
Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator award - Another opportunity to recognize a WBLAS' staff member, is to nominate them for the Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator award. The deadline to nominate someone is April 8, 2024. 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 the nomination form here.

Recognitions - The following celebrations and holidays are ongoing/upcoming in February:

February - Black History Month & Minnesota School Board Recognition Month
Feb. 12 - National African American Parent Involvement Day
Feb. 17 - National PTA Founders' Day
Feb. 19 - No School, District Center Closed

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 Winter/Spring 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.
Youth Enrichment - Children's Performing Arts Teaching Artists is hosting two camps at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center: Level Up: Video Games from Screen to Stage and Inside Out: Exploration of Emotions. Click the links for registration information.
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.

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 - 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.

Support WBLAS Students

Black History Month Showcase - The White Bear Lake Black Student Union's annual showcase in honor of Black History Month will take place Thursday, Feb. 15 at WBLAHS - South Campus (3551 McKnight Rd, WBL). Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. and the show will commence at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. Find the event flyer here.
Bears Boards and More - Bears Boards and More is a student operated school-based business selling customized cutting boards and tumblers housed at the district's Transition Education Center. Find examples of student work here. Information on how to order can be found 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.