Community e-Newsletter

October 22, 2023

In Photos: Go Bears!

Student News

Excellent Accomplishments

Students and staff at Willow Lane Elementary celebrated a major accomplishment. For the first month of school, their building achieved an over 90% attendance rate! Carefully tracking attendance has been a major initiative for staff. They invited special guest Bear to come reward the students by announcing that they will receive 20 extra minutes of recess for their achievement!

Speaking of celebrations, an important way for Bears of all ages to celebrate is with a hardy "Go Bears" cheer! This exclamation is something everyone in our community should learn! You can practice at home with your pet or at school with your classmates! On the count of three, you try. One... Two... Three... Gooo Bears!!

In a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds", students were seen utilizing the newly-finished Price Field located at Central Middle School. The original grass was replaced with a turf field to allow for use by multiple activities and teams. Turning the field to run north-south created enough space to add an 8-lane running track - something that was not possible with the original field.

The White Bear Lake Area High School girls' soccer earned a trip to the State tournament after defeating Woodbury 3-0 during the Section 4AAA championship game. The Bears have not advanced to the State tournament since 2012. Find additional game details here.

Important Lessons

Extended Day students at Lakeaires Elementary used their engineering skills to map out what kind of tower they wanted to make, using spaghetti noodles and marshmallows as building materials. This STEAM related activity also allowed students to figure out, through trial and error. how to make their structures stand and what shape would be the strongest to make.

Students throughout the district participated in special hands-on lessons, created by our district's Indian Education Program coordinator, in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day on October 9. The lessons, which were captured in this video, were similar in nature, but tailored to fit the needs of students at different educational levels.

The WBLAHS Danceline visited kindergartener through second graders at Willow Lane Elementary last week. The older students spoke to the younger bears about areas of elementary school that were hard for them, how they worked through the obstacles and eventually figured it out. This conversation fit in with Willow Lane's Growth Mindset theme.

Working Together

Students involved with Project SEARCH are hard at work learning valuable skills alongside staff at Gillette Children’s Hospital. Each student completes three rotations working in different departments with varying tasks. Project SEARCH program is an evidence-based one-year internship which provides students the opportunity to practice employment skills in a professional environment and learn what it means to be a valued member of the workforce.

Central Beans is up and running for the school year. Students involved with the business make and deliver fresh coffee and other drinks to District Center and Central Middle School staff members who have ordered a delicious beverage. While tracking budgets, inventory and ordering supplies, the students learn valuable social and work skills. Get a closer look at the program in this video.

Tickets are now available for WBLAHS Fall Musical "Little Shop of Horrors". The musical-comedy follows Seymour, a down-on-his-luck florist and his co-worker Audrey. When he discovers a mysterious – and voracious – plant, suddenly Seymour and Audrey are thrust into an epic battle that will determine the fate of the entire human race! Show dates for "Little Shop of Horrors" are Nov. 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 7:00pm and Nov. 11 at 2:00 pm. at the WBLAS Community Auditorium. Find ticket information here.

Activities Updates

Registration is now open for Winter sports. Find more information here. The Girls Soccer Team is heading to the State tournament after defeating Woodbury 3-0. Find additional details here. The Girls Cross Country Team finished fourth out of nine teams in the SEC. Read their article here. The Boys Cross Country Team finished third in the Suburban East Conference. Learn more here. The Bears Football Team ended out Roseville 10-7 during a recent game. 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

School Board Student Recognition

During the October 9 School Board regular meeting, School Board members honored students and members of the Class of ‘23 who represented the district as AP Scholars, National Merit Semi-Finalists and National College Board honorees. Watch the Student Recognition video here.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Past Meeting Highlights

Oct. 9 Regular Session

Sept. 25 Work Session

Sept. 11 Regular Session

District News

General Information

Family Notices

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.
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.
Virtual Substance Abuse Awareness & Naloxone (Narcan) - The Rotary Club of White Bear Lake is partnering with the White Bear Lake Area Schools and Mahtomedi Schools to increase awareness and training of Naloxone as a life saving measure through a workshop to be administered via Zoom from 6:30-7:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24. Attendees will have access to receive a free Naloxone kit by scanning a QR code at the end of the presentation. White Bear and Mahtomedi residents are asked to register for the virtual event at mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com. See the flyer here.
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.
2024-25 Academic Calendars - Find the preliminary 2024-25 Academic Calendar 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

2023 AP School Honor Roll - White Bear Lake Area High School has been named a Silver member of the 2023 AP School Honor Roll, which recognizes schools for an AP program that is delivering results and broadening access for students. Schools can earn the Honor Roll recognition annually based on their ability to increase their school’s college-going culture, provide opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximize college readiness.
White Bear Lake Area High School - South Campus:

Achieved Silver status for college culture with 55% of the Class of 2023 experiencing 1 AP class before graduation.
Achieved Gold status by 37% of the Class of 2023 earning college credit with an AP Exam score of 3 or higher.
Achieved Gold status by creating opportunities for 11% of the Class of 2023 taking a total of 5 AP courses across their high school years, with at least 1 taken in 9th and 10th grade.

Ongoing/Upcoming Recognitions - The following celebrations and holidays will take place in October:

National Principals Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Oct. 9-13 - National School Lunch Week
Oct. 9 - Indigenous Peoples Day
Oct. 15-21 - National Safe Schools Week, National School Bus Safety Week
Oct. 15 - Hispanic Heritage Month Ends
Oct. 16 - National Boss’s Day
Oct. 19 & 20 - Education Minnesota Conference
Oct. 31 - Halloween

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

Partnership Updates

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.
Bear Care
- Find information about the Bear Care Health and Wellness Clinic, located at WBLAHS - North Campus but available to all district families, here. The Spanish version of the flyer is available here.
- Bear Care now offers Nutrition Counseling. See a flyer for this new service here.
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.

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