Community e-Newsletter
June 2, 2024
Student News
In Photos: Learning Together
Exciting Opportunities
Six WBLAHS student-athletes participated in a spring National Signing Day at WBLAHS - South Campus. The exciting event centers around student-athletes officially committing to an NCAA Division I or Division II school by signing a letter of intent to play for a sports team at their chosen university or college. In total this school year, 16 students have signed NLI's. Also celebrated were 13 WBLAHS student-athletes who have committed to play a sport(s) at their chosen Division III university or college. Learn more about each student pictured below in this news story.
North Star Elementary students couldn't hide their enthusiasm for Field Day as they tested their skills on different obstacle courses. The three courses included an agility challenge with unique platforms to run and walk across, an inflatable course involving climbing, and a ninja challenge where students maneuvered on ropes and monkey bars. Students encouraged and cheered each other on while having fun together with their classmates and families who stopped by to watch.
Vadnais Heights Elementary students cruised through their Field Day challenges. Their activities included: rock climbing, hopscotch, ladder toss and so much more! Get a closer look at the exciting day in this video. Students also laced up their shoes and hit the pavement for a Color Run! They followed a trail along school grounds and at designated spots were surprised with staff members who doused them in different colors.
Wood chips were flying at the district’s Senior Center as community members enjoyed their weekly wood carving activity. With hands tools and projects, these master carvers enjoyed good company and the opportunity to learn new tricks and techniques from each other. Watch their works of art come to life in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".
Sunrise Park Middle School student Finn Cheesebrow was recently highlighted in the White Bear Press for his continued involvement in the Vadnais Heights Clean Up Day and for participating in the city's Adopt-A-Drain program. Finn told the WBP, “It’s easier when everybody is helping out instead of hearing people explain what they’re cleaning up. It adds up to a lot of work getting done at the end of the day.”
Enriching Experiences
Central Middle School seventh graders turned their math lesson into hands-on learning. Students designed different carnival style games based on probability and strategy earning tickets for each win! Their excitement for the assignment filled the classroom and was captured in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".
North Star Elementary fifth graders wrapped up their D.A.R.E. program lessons from local law enforcement with an exciting experience that was captured in this video. Students were visited by a K9 Officer and watched a training exercise. They also explored different first responder vehicles.
Oneka Elementary kicked off its new Bulk Milk program with fun lunchtime activities! Students enjoyed a special appearance by a Junior Dairy Princess, cow stickers and of course fresh milk from their new dispenser. The exciting event was captured in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".
Several Central Middle School students took a trip to Washington D.C. exploring the city filled with history. While there, they meet Marines and a Marine Color Guard from California. Students had the opportunity to ask them questions about their profession and inquire about their service.
Creative Lessons
Ninth graders closed out their Physical Science unit on levers with a grade-level showdown. Students built wooden trebuchets and tested their strength by launching wiffle balls at different items. Students then faced off against each other to see whose machine could knock down the most blocks. The lesson was captured in this video.
AP Psychology students also wrapped up their final project of the school year. They researched a psychology topic of choice and delivered their findings in a Ted Talk-style presentation to classmates and staff in the WBLAHS - South Campus theater. The presentations were highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". Students also had the option to create a podcast about their research.
Lincoln Elementary held their final Houses Assembly of the school year last week. The exciting school-wide event was highlighted in this video. Students participated in a relay race, those who earned the most house points were selected to pie a staff member in the face, students learned who the new House leaders were and who won the House cup which went to Fidus.
Birch Lake Elementary was visited by a special guest, Victor the Minnesota Vikings' mascot! Victor joined students to help kick off their Kindness campaign. Students played games and demonstrated what it means to be kind alongside Victor. After the assembly, students were treated to a Johnny Pop popsicle donated by the Minnesota Vikings.
Lakeaires Elementary Extended Day had a great time hosting their Family Night event last week. Students, staff and families enjoyed playing board games, decorating and eat tasty treats, winning prizes from the spin-the-wheel games and so much more!
Lincoln Elementary fifth graders hosted a Living History Museum for students, staff and family members. Students chose a person from the past or present that has had an impact or legacy in our world. Fifth graders researched their person, compiled reports, created display boards, and delivered speeches and facts about their person to those who visited the museum.
Activities Updates
WBLAHS track and field girls discus throwers Keira Windish (senior) and Karen Enow (sophomore) have advanced to the state meet after finishing first and second respectively at Tuesday's Section 4AAA meet. Find additional details here. The 4x200 relay team placed second, also qualified for State. For the boys' team, Caleb Anderson and Tomi Aminasaun each qualified for state in three events. Find highlights here. WBLAHS golfers Jack Stanius and Easton Fiddle qualified for the state tournament, and the team placed fourth in the Section 4AAA golf tournament. Read more 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
May 20 Work Session
May 13 Regular Session
Apr. 22 Work Session
School Board News Posts
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.
District News
General Information
District-wide News Posts
If winter weather is so severe that schools need to close, families will be alerted via phone, email and text to those with texting capabilities. The message will be posted on the district's website and social media accounts, and the information will also be available on local media outlets.
A Building Our Future Update 2024 video was recently created and shared out on the district's website. This fifth annual update video provides an overview of progress that has been made across the district since the comprehensive facilities review and planning work began in 2018 and the community supported the Building Our Future Bond Referendum in 2019.
Registration is now open for students entering kindergarten in Fall 2025! We offer strong neighborhood school programs and district-wide options with IB and dual immersion.
Students, staff, alumni and community members gathered for a pre-game reception and packed the game gym at White Bear Lake Area High School prior to the first Boys' Basketball game in the space for a Galvin Court Dedication celebration on Dec. 13.
At the December 9, 2024 School Board Regular Meeting, the School Board approved the following calendars:
- 2025-26 Academic Calendar
- 2026-27 Academic Calendar
Community members are invited to stop by throughout the academic year for an informal chat with Superintendent Kazmierczak over a cup of coffee at the Downtown White Bear Lake Caribou Coffee for the upcoming Coffee with Dr. K events:
- Feb. 27 from 12-1 p.m.
- May 6 from 7:30-8:30 a.m.