Community e-Newsletter

November 19, 2023

In Photos: Great Things Happening

Student News

Spreading Kindness

Birch Lake student council members are empowering their peers through kindness and acts of service. Students met to brainstorm potential service projects and landed on a winter clothing drive that will happen in December. Council members also worked on details of their Kindness Club, aiming to spread joy throughout the school through kind words, good books and their High Five Friday activity where they greet students with a positivity tunnel as they walk into the building. Their recent meeting was highlighted in a video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

Students at Willow Lane Elementary are also brainstorming different ways they can pay it forward after a kind donation from White Bear Lake United Methodist Church and other anonymous community members allowed every student to take home a new book from a recent book fair. Some ideas students have come up with include drawing a picture and writing a kind note for someone, delivering cookies to a friend and helping their siblings with homework.

The joy of reading was spread throughout kindergarten and first grade classes at Lakeaires Elementary. The two grade levels took part in a book swap. Students spent weeks collecting books from home that they’ve read over and over to donate to the activity. Students had fun picking out several new reads to take home from the 1,300 books that were donated!

The White Bear Press recently highlighted current teachers Deb Hibbard and Megan Hibbard-Larsen, along with the late Allen Hibbard, for their service to the community as three generations of teachers in White Bear Lake Area Schools. Deb commented saying what makes White Bear Lake Area Schools special is that it is grounded in tradition.

Lastly, Lincoln Elementary students spread kindness into their community during a food drive. Through the support of families and community members, they raised over $450 and collected more than 30 boxes of food and personal care items for the White Bear Area Food Shelf. Students enjoyed filling the principal's office with canned goods throughout the week of the drive and having the opportunity to give back.

Empowered Lessons

Central Middle School seventh graders enjoyed a Veterans Day Assembly last week with special guest Major Barry Hendriksen, who spoke to the students about his experience serving in the military. The event was captured in this video. At the end of his time with students, Major Hendricksen announced the three winners of the Central Level of the VFW Patriot's Pen Essay Contest. They will move on in the VFW’s contest. Central Middle School teacher Carrie Reisdorfer was also chosen by the White Bear Lake VFW as the VFW Teacher of the Year. Reisdorfer will now continue on to the VFW district level of the program. Meanwhile, Central Middle School student Annabel Popp was recently named the winner of the White Bear Lake Lion's Club Peace Poster contest, an international program. Annabel will now move on to the district level of the contest.

Lakeaires Elementary Extended Day students worked on a special project for local veterans. This is the seventh year have created a Veterans Day poster for the White Bear Lake VFW. Students enjoyed honoring and paying respects to our local veterans by making this heartwarming poster for them with an added sweet treat: they tapped candy to the poster!

Vadnais Heights Elementary students learned last week with Nirvana Yang, one of the district’s Educational Equity Specialists. Students took part in hands-on activities, watched videos and listened to stories related to the Hmong New Year and were able to ask questions about special foods eaten and clothing worn during the celebration. Watch their lesson come to life in this video.

District leaders accompanied a team from Wold Architects and Engineers, the firm that designed the majority of the district’s construction projects made possible by the community’s support of the 2019 bond referendum, to present at the EDspaces “Designing the Future of Education” national conference. The annual event is described as the place where leaders and innovators unite to drive the future of learning environments, where technology, space and pedagogy converge. The district’s presentation focused on the design and construction of North Star Elementary, which opened in Hugo in the fall of 2022. North Star Elementary was carefully planned from the perspective of both the physical space and the pedagogical perspective to support student agency and flexibility.

Speaking of the bond referendum, construction continues at WBLAHS - North Campus, which will house students in grades 9-12 in Fall 2024. Work is currently being done on the remaining half of the building which will include additional educational spaces, a new area for music and art, a theater and more. Meanwhile, Central Middle School and District Center staff are enjoying the new views of Price Field. Construction on the field wrapped up earlier this fall in time for students to enjoy the field and the eight lane track. 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.

Impressive Accomplishments

Four members of the WBLAHS Girls' Swim & Dive team broke the school record in the 200 Medley Relay at the Section 4AA meet on Nov. 11. Congratulations to Lucy Borofka, Ella Maas, Charlotte McIntyre and Lily Jenkins who now hold the record with a time of 1:53.68. which was last set in 2017. The team placed 6th with several girls finishing in the top 8 ad top 16 in almost every event. Find additional details in the White Bear Press.

The Bears Varsity Competition Cheerleaders are headed to Nationals in Orlando, Florida. The team competed at the UCA (Universal Cheerleaders Association) 10,000 Lakes Regional Competition at Minnetonka High School. The team earned scores high enough to receive a bid to the National High School Cheerleading Championship happening at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando in February.

Here's another impressive accomplishment from our high schoolers! Ten students participated in National Signing Day at South Campus. The exciting event, captured in this video, 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. Congratulations to our students!

The White Bear Press recently highlighted the impressive showing from the WBLAHS Boys' Cross Country Team as they finished 6th place at the State meet. Senior Luke Williams finished 21st and was named an all-state athlete. Find additional team details here. The White Bear Press also highlighted the three members of the Girls' Cross Country Team for their participation in the State meet.

Mariner High School grad Mike Gebeke was highlighted in an article by Minnesota Athletes for his achievements in track and field at the high school, collegiate and international-levels. Gebeke was a State champion in the 1600-meter run in 1979 and was the Big Ten Champion in the 1000-yards Indoor race and the 1500-meter outdoor race for the University of Minnesota, becoming the first Gopher to win an indoor crown in 10 years. Find additional highlights on his athletic career here.

Lastly, WBLAHS grad Calla Frank, a University of St. Thomas Women's Hockey goaltender, recently received the Sterling Trophy WCHA Goaltender of the Week. During the game that earned her this recognition, Frank helped St. Thomas to a 4-1 win over Minnesota State allowing a single goal. Frank is currently 3-3 with 137 saves for the Tommies this season. Find more details in this Let's Play Hockey article.

And last but not least, White Bear Lake Area Schools recently received the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The district also received the Excellence in Financial Reporting Award from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO). These awards are the highest form of recognition a governmental agency can receive and represent a significant accomplishment for the finance department and its staff. This year’s recognition marks the 23rd consecutive year the district has received both awards. See complete information here.

Getting Creative

Several special guests visited Oneka Elementary last week. Titambe, a West African drumming and dance ensemble, performed for students. The group introduced students to the different instruments they play and taught students a traditional dance. This exciting event was captured in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

Vadnais Heights Elementary students were movin' and groovin' during a special gym class. Once setup, their teacher turned off the lights and revealed they were playing disco bowling to wrap up their bowling unit! Under the disco and string lights, students partnered up and bowled in their lanes aiming to get a strike!

Lincoln Elementary second and third graders in Ms. LaFrinier’s class took part in a hands-on lesson about Ancient Greece civilization. Students practiced their vocabulary words by establishing a movement that relates to each word in order to help them remember what it means. They also studied the city of Sparta and learned about spartan warriors and their culture. The lesson was highlighted in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

Activities Updates

Four members of the Girls Swim & Dive Team broke the school record in the 200 Medley Relay at the 4AA Section meet. Find additional team details from the meet here. The Boys' Cross Country Team finished sixth at the State Meet. Find additional details here. Three members of the Girls' Cross Country Team participated in the State Meet. Read their article here. Ten high school student-athletes signed Letters of Intent on National Signing Day committing themselves to play a chosen sport for an NCAA Division I or Division II school. The Girls Hockey Team defeated Eagan 6-0 in a recent match up. Find additional details here. The Bears Varsity Competition Cheerleaders are heading to Nationals after receiving a bid during a regional competition. Registrations are now being taken for the Nov. 29 & 30 WBL Cheer Basketball Season Youth Clinic. Find information 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

Calendars approved

At the November 13, 2023 School Board Regular Meeting, the School Board approved the following calendars:

School Board Student Recognition

During the November 13 School Board regular meeting, School Board members recognized students for state-level achievements. Watch the Student Recognition video here.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Past Meeting Highlights

Nov. 13 Regular Session

Oct. 23 Work Session

Oct. 9 Regular Session

District News

General Information

Family Notices

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
Holiday Angels - Each holiday season, the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation offers a special opportunity for families, students, school district staff, and community members to honor an educator, administrator, support staff, or community member with a donation to the Angel Fund. For more information on how to participate here.
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.
School Resource Officer (SRO) program resumes - The White Bear Lake Police Department (WBLPD) has resumed the SRO program that had been suspended in our secondary schools. The continuation of the program has come after the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General provided a revised opinion related to a new law passed by the 2023 legislature that placed certain restrictions on safety interventions school employees and agents, including SROs, can use when intervening with students. We value the relationship we have with our local law enforcement agencies and appreciate the work they have done to partner with us to keep students and staff safe. We recognize that the step of providing additional clarification about the new law is a short-term solution and that only through legislative action will this issue be permanently resolved.
WBL Cheer Clinic - Registrations are now being taken for the Nov. 29 & 30 WBL Cheer Basketball Season Youth Clinic. Find information here.
Youth Enrichment Fall Catalog - White Bear Lake Area Schools students searching for new opportunities for exploration, discovery and growth should check out our Youth Enrichment classes happening this fall. Click here to learn more.
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.
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.
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!
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

VFW Teacher of the Year - Central Middle School teacher Carrie Reisdorfer was chosen by the White Bear Lake VFW as the VFW Teacher of the Year. Reisdorfer will now continue on to the VFW district level of the program.

Upcoming Recognitions - The following celebrations and holidays will take place in November:

National Native American Heritage Month
Nov. 6-10 - National School Psychology Week
Nov. 9 - National Community Education Day
Nov. 11 - Veterans Day
Nov. 13-17 - American Education Week, Geography Awareness Week
Nov. 15 - Education Support Professionals Day
Nov. 16 - National Parental Involvement Day
Nov. 23 - Thanksgiving 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 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.

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

Fall Musical - Tickets are now available for the WBLAHS Fall Musical "Little Shop of Horrors," which will be performed Nov. 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 at the WBLAS Community Auditorium. Find complete information here.
Girls’ Hockey Youth Hockey Night - Thursday, November 16 is Youth Hockey Night at WBLAHS Varsity Girls’ Hockey’s 7 p.m. game vs. Eagan, which will take place at the White Bear Sports Center. The WBLAHA Association is sponsoring all youth girls - 8U, 10U, 12U and 15U girls attendance, with special events and activities offered as we cheer on our varsity team.
WBL Cheer Clinic - Registrations are now being taken for the Nov. 29 & 30 WBL Cheer Basketball Season Youth Clinic. Find information 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.