Community e-Newsletter

March 10, 2024

As we begin Spring Break, Bear contemplated what plans to make in a video shared with students, families and staff members last week.

Regardless of where you find yourself during Spring Break, we hope you are able to find some time to take a breather, read a book or learn something new, and get some fresh air spending time outside!

In Photos: Spring Adventures

photo collage of students and a bear mascot enjoying different activities

Student News

Go Bears!

The WBLAHS Girls' Basketball team is heading to the State Tournament! The Bears defeated East Ridge in the Section 4AAAA championship game 56-48. Find additional game highlights from the White Bear Press. They will take on Hopkins at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13 at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota Campus. Find ticket information here and general tournament information here.

photo collage of a high school girls basketball team winning a section game

The WBLAHS Boys' Hockey wrapped up their season with a trip to the State Tournament, defeating Hill-Murray in the Section 4AA championship game 3-0 to qualify. The White Bear Press highlighted the team's first round game in this article. Teammates Nolan Roed and Leo Gabriel were highlighted by the White Bear Press for being named to the Star-Tribune’s All-Metro second team. Roed was also named the East Metro Player of the Year by the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Another recognition during the State tournament went to Nate Celski who was awarded the Channel 45 TV 2024 Dr. Chuck Ells Hockey Hair Award with his homage to the Hanson brothers in the movie “Slap Shot”. In alumni news, the Bemidji Pioneer shared a story highlighting Nolan and his older brother Lleyton Roed, a WBLAHS grad, for both their recent accomplishments on the ice. Lleyton helped the Bemidji State Men’s Hockey team win the MacNaughton Cup on the same night Nolan and the WBLAHS Boys' Hockey team won the Section 4AA title.

photo collage of a high school boys hockey team competing at state

In more alumni news, WBLAHS grad Grady Gallatin, defenseman for the Janesville Jets, recently committed to play D1 hockey for Western Michigan University. Gallatin joined the Jets right after the 2023 NAHL Showcase. He was quoted in the article saying, "I am proud and honored to announce my commitment to play Division 1 hockey and further my education at Western Michigan University." Read more about his commitment here.

Here are two more "Go Bears" moments! For the first time ever, a White Bear Lake Area High School Knowledge Bowl team will compete in the state tournament! The Voidcats - Xanthea-Simon Carlson, Amelie Hodge, Jack Langenfeld, Ari Shimek and Rebekah Weiman - qualified at the Norlander Regional Meet last night. This same team also won the 2024 Lenius Award for the team that best exemplifies sportspersonship, a competitive spirit, and the love of the game as voted by metro area coaches. Meanwhile, Central Middle School's Knowledge Bowl sent three teams to the state tournament. Out of 32 competing teams, they placed fourth, 13th, and 21st. Together, Central's teams achieved some of the highest scores statewide.

WBLAHS - North Campus student Paige Downey recently learned she made the US Women's National Deaf Hockey Team. The team will be playing against Canada in Buffalo, NY at the Jeff Sauer International Deaf Hockey Series from April 11-14.

Some of the bus drivers who serve White Bear Lake Area Schools were recently highlighted in a White Bear Press article that mentions some of their favorite parts of the job including the ability to build connections with student passengers.

Exploring Interests

Otter Lake Elementary third graders wrapped up their current CKLA unit called "What's in Our Universe?" with an out-of-this-world activity! Students stepped into a Space-themed Escape Room which highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". They worked together to decode secret messages, solve different math problems and practice vocabulary words all while learning fun facts about the planets and moon phases. After completing the activities, students earned a special NASA Astronaut certificate.

elementary student working on a moon assignment

High school students in the CNA class tested their skills this week. They had the opportunity to practice hand washing, putting on their scrubs and gloves and working with other personal protective equipment (PPE). This classroom lesson provided students with real world experience in the field of healthcare. Their hands-on activity was captured in this video.

various high school students in a CNA class

Vadnais Heights Elementary kicked off their March Book Madness challenge. Each day during the month of March, students will listen to a mystery reader then vote on the books they liked the best until there is a winner. Students are also excited to guess the mystery readers and read new books all month. This exciting school-wide event was highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

student watching an announcement in class and a book bracket

Spring Activities

A vertical garden is growing in the Area Learning Center's science classroom. It was made using recycled water bottles that students collected. Several different varieties of seeds were planted in the water bottles. Students installed the garden setup and are actively watering the seeds waiting for the first sprouts to pop. Meanwhile, ceramics students cooked with their creations last week. They prepared french toast casserole and baked it in the clay ramekins they made in class. Students are preparing to make more clay creations to bake more tasty dishes in including banana bread and mac and cheese. See the students' work come to life in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

water bottlers with dirt hanging from a window and two students making food

The WBLAS Community Services and Recreation rec basketball season came to a close. Thanks to all the players, coaches, and fans who made it a great season! Registration is currently open for all summer activities and middle school opportunities which include boys' tennis, boys' and girls' golf, and track and field. Information about new intramural offerings can be found here.

Sunrise Park Middle School students in the Nation to Nation Affinity Group enjoyed tasty pancakes featuring maple syrup made from the sap pulled from the trees at District Center. Middle and high school students in the affinity group are tapping the trees as part of an American Indian Education Program project. It takes approximately 40 gallons of sap to produce a single gallon of syrup. Next school year at Mariner Middle School, each flex space will be named and decorated by each of our affinity student groups. While snacking on the pancakes, students brainstormed names for the flex space that they would name and decorate.

pancake mix and student kids making pancakes

In other maple syrup related news, preschoolers in the Early Childhood program at Tamarack Nature Center read a book called “Sap to Syrup”. It helped the students understand the process and time it takes to make maple syrup. Preschoolers had the opportunity to tap maple trees in the sugar bush at Tamarack Nature Center and collect the sap. With help from the center's Naturalists, students brought the sap to the Sugar Shack where it will be boiled down to make maple syrup. This hands-on activity was captured in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

With enrollment for the 2024-25 school year happening, we invite viewers to join Bear on a Bus Tour through the district to get a glimpse at each of our buildings. Those who wish to see the buildings in person are invited to reach out to individual schools for a personalized tour! We are also always on the lookout for photos of our youngest community members showing off their Bear Wear. Incoming kindergarten students receive "I'm a Bear!" shirts when they enroll and smaller "I'm a Bear" shirts are sent to toddlers as a reminder to families to participate in screening at age three. The smallest of them all is the "Born to be a Bear" onesie sent to families with newborns. Email photos to us here and you may just find your little one featured in a District publication!

little boy wearing an orange t-shirt rides on toy

Exciting Experiences

Professional trombone quartet, The Paper Clips, preformed for Central Middle School music students last week. One of the musicians, Chris Allen (pictured far left in the photo on the left hand side) is a 2010 White Bear Lake Area High School grad. The group played several songs for students, demonstrated different instruments in the trombone family and how to play them. Students also had the opportunity to ask questions about music to the professionals. In other musical news, during small group work time in orchestra class, violinists at Central Middle School learned how to play the notes in their E string scale, the highest notes in their register. Students practiced reading the notes and the proper hand and bow placement to play each note. Their lesson was highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

Members of the WBLAHS Boys’ and Girls’ Swim and Dive teams visited Willow Lane Elementary as part of their all-school summit. The theme for February was bravery. Two older students shared stories of a time in their lives when they needed to show bravery. The high schoolers also taught the elementary students a team cheer and gave out high fives to all the younger students.

high school students visit middle school students

Elementary schools across the district are taking the stage and perfecting their spring productions. Lincoln Elementary students got into character to practice their performance of Shrek the Musical, Junior for their classmates before they performed for families and the community March 1-3 at the WBLAS Community Auditorium. Their production was highlighted in this video and by the White Bear Press.

Creative Collaborations

Area Learning Center and Matoska International second grade students collaborated on a fun art project. Students worked together and designed friendship quilts using paper. The second graders read the book "Belle the Last Mule at Gee's Bend" which talks about unique quilts made by the Quilters of Gees Bend from which their project was modeled.

Speaking of collaborating together, Lakeaires Elementary Extended Day students are having fun completing puzzles. Check out this giant United States of America puzzle one group of students did. The puzzle was discovered at District Center. Students were excited to bring it back to life and that all the pieces were there!

In more collaboration news, Willow Lane Elementary Extended Day students are enjoying working with their Knitting Ladies! They stop by a couple of times every week to work with the older students, teaching them knitting basics. They have completed a “Scrubby” and are now working on a larger project.

Honors Orchestra students performed several of their pieces for Central Middle School students during Bear Time. The group is made up of seventh, eighth and ninth grade musicians from WBLAHS - North Campus and Sunrise Park and Central middle schools. Music teachers and students answer questions from the middle schoolers related to Honors Orchestra, the different instruments in the group and their sheet music.

Otter Lake Elementary Student Ambassadors have been hard at work. They created "Take One Posters" within their groups with help from their mentors. The purpose is to write a message on the bottom that can be ripped off. The posters included jokes, life advice, kind messages, positive thoughts and compliments. Students placed their posters throughout the community with the goal of sparking joy and putting a smile on community member's faces.

Activities Updates

Two teams recently competed in State tournaments including two members of the Boys' Wrestling Team (find additional details here) and the Boys' Hockey Team (read more here). The Girls' Basketball Team is headed to the State Tournament! Find highlights from their Section 4AA game here and State tournament ticket information here. The Boys' Basketball Team ended their season in the Section 4AAA tournament with a loss to East Ridge. Find highlights from the game here. High school Spring Sports are gearing up to start their seasons. Find more information about tryouts and practices 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

Honorary Naming of a Facility

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 to name the fully renovated White Bear Lake Area High School gymnasium “Galvin Court” at the March 4 regular meeting. Find a press release highlighting the decision here.

School Board Student Recognition

During the March 4 School Board regular meeting, School Board members celebrated students who have represented the district in various activities. Our Cheer Team competed at both state and national levels, and we had a member of our Gymnastics Team represent us at the State Meet. Additionally, we had students participate in honored state-level orchestra, band and choir events. Watch the video here.

student recognition slide

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Past Meeting Highlights

Mar. 4 Regular Session

Feb. 26 Work Session

Feb. 12 Regular Session

District News

General Information

Family Notices

Marketfest - The Marketfest Committee is seeking entries of original art for use on its 2024 Marketfest promotional poster and t-shirts. Participants must be a K-12 student that is a resident of White Bear Lake or in the White Bear School District 624. Artwork must be submitted by Monday, April 1, 2024. Find complete information here.
Golf Team Fundraisers
- The golf team is selling the Minnesota Golf Card, offering 2-for-1 Golf at over 160 golf courses in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. The card is only $35. If you are interested, contact Craig Nasvik.
- The team’s Gertens Plant sale is an online sale directly with Gertens. Go to https://www.gertensfundraising.com/, enter 259 which is our store #, enter the seller Naz. You can get plants or plant cards to use at Gertens. The sale goes until March 25th. Delivery is Friday, May 3 at WBLAHS - South Campus at 5 p.m.
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.
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.
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. See a new Bear Care flyer 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

White Bear Lake Area High School Boys’ Swim and Dive Assistant Coach Tia Quirk was named Section 4AA Assistant Coach of the Year.
The WBLAHS Girls’ Basketball team qualified for the State Tournament after defeating East Ridge in the Section 4AAAA championship game. Find additional details about the tournament here.
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 upcoming in March:

March - National Nutrition Month, Music in our Schools Month & Women's History Month
March 1 - Employee Appreciation Day
March 2 - Read Across America Day
March 4-8 - National School Breakfast Week & National School Social Work Week
March 11-15 - Spring Break
March 29 - Non-Student Day

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.
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

Golf Team Fundraisers:
- The golf team is selling the Minnesota Golf Card, offering 2-for-1 Golf at over 160 golf courses in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. The card is only $35. If you are interested, contact Craig Nasvik.
- The team’s Gertens Plant sale is an online sale directly with Gertens. Go to https://www.gertensfundraising.com/, enter 259 which is our store #, enter the seller Naz. You can get plants or plant cards to use at Gertens. The sale goes until March 25th. Delivery is Friday, May 3 at WBLAHS - South Campus at 5 p.m.
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.