Community e-Newsletter

October 8, 2023

In Photos: Fall Fun!

Student News

Go Bears!

October 2-7 was Homecoming week for White Bear Lake Area Schools! Theme days and spirit activities took place throughout the district, including a community event with Bounce Houses and food trucks at WBLAHS - South Campus which can be seen in this video. Students, staff and community members also participated in homecoming festivities at the parade and football game.

large group of middle school students in parade float

Two new members were inducted into the White Bear Lake Area High School Athletic Hall of Fame last weekend. The event was captured in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". 2012 graduate Angie Guenther Petruk was a decorated Track and Field athlete in both high school and college and also ran Cross Country and played Basketball for the Bears. Wayne Slocum, whose family accepted the award on his behalf, began the Cross Country program at the high school in 1954 and served as head coach for the Track and Field team for a combined 26 years.

The district's fields have played host to other types of recognition happening in the district recently as well. White Bear Lake Area High School girls soccer team celebrated a staff appreciation night during on of their recent home games, with each player choosing a district staff member to accompany them and pose for a photo opp. It was a great opportunity to recognize the awesome work, encouragement and support our staff provide to our students.

Our little learners model their own Bear pride, with incoming kindergarten students receiving "I'm a Bear!" shirts when they enroll and smaller "I'm a Bear" shirts 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, shown off below by an adorable newborn Bear! We are always looking for photos of our youngest community members showing off their Bear Wear. Email photos to us here and you may just find your little one featured in a District publication!

District Kudos

The WBLAHS Boys Cross Country team won the 38 team Maroon Griak race on Friday, September 22. Leading the Bears to victory was Senior Luke Williams finishing 3rd out of 341 runners and Junior Vaughn Larson placing 11th. Find additional details from the White Bear Press. The WBLAHS Girls Cross Country Team placed 11th at the same invitational. Find additional details here.

At the first Community Services & Recreation Advisory Council of the school year, the Advisory Council honored current White Bear Lion and former WBLAS Principal Bob Lundberg, who stepped down from the council at the end of the 2022-23 school year after 38 years of service representing the WB Lions Club.

The Bears football team secured their first win of the season over East Ridge 42-29. The game was completed one day after it started, due to increment weather. Find additional details about the game here.

White Bear Lake Area High School has been named to the 2023 AP School Honor Roll with South Campus being honored as a Silver member. The AP Scholar Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are 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, to provide opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing 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.

Creative Minds

Author Eli Miletich visited Transition Education Center last week. Students read his book, Hairless Hamsters From Outer Space, in class and were excited to ask the author questions about the story and his journey to becoming a writer. His visit was captured in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

The Senior Center was filled with activities last week, including a Ukulele Bears practice session. The musicians played a variety of songs, ranging from toe-tapping tunes to more solemn and traditional, for a special guest Superintendent Kazmierczak. The experience was highlighted in this video. Dr. K was at the Senior Center for a special Coffee with Dr. K event. Additional Coffee with Dr. K events will take place throughout the year at Caribou Coffee in Downtown White Bear Lake on November 15 (4-5 p.m.), February 22 (12-1 p.m.) and May 7 (7:30-8:30 a.m.).

Central Middle School students are studying the Jeffers Petroglyphs in southwest Minnesota in their Minnesota Studies class. The site contains more than 5,000 ancient rock carvings of animals and humans by Native Americans. As part of their lesson, students created their own rocks using plaster and molds, then used different tools to carve images.

Working Together

Teamwork was the theme of a recent all-school assembly at Willow Lane Elementary. Students and staff surprised Principal Menier with t-shirts that say “Believe” on them, as his favorite phrase to tell the school is "I believe in you". The shirts were donated, along with a $10,000 check, by White Bear Subaru. The students also listened to guest speaker Taylor Heise, the first round draft pick for the Professional Women's Hockey League and former Minnesota Gophers Women's Hockey player. The Minnesota native spoke about the importance of teamwork and working together to achieve a common goal. The exciting event was highlighted in this video.

It was a packed room when district leaders joined White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce members for their Morning Networking event last week. Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Tim Wald and Principal Russ Reetz, who will lead White Bear Lake Area High School next fall when it houses grades 9-12, provided an update from the district, including information on the construction projects and what is next for White Bear Lake Area Schools.

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.

flyer for Oct. 24 Narcan virtual training

Otter Lake Elementary's Student Ambassador Program is looking forward to a year of service after enjoying their first meeting last week. Students kicked off the program by hosting a Connect and Chat activity in which Student Ambassadors met with mentors from the community and District Center. Students and mentors used a set of questions to guide their conversation, allowing the students to develop conversational skills as they get to know others. They also volunteered at Cub Foods yesterday, bagging groceries. The group will meet once a month and will participate in activities such as playing games and completing engineering challenges.

elementary students meeting with adult mentors

Last week, Hannah Harriman joined the district’s Transition Education Center (TEC) monthly community meeting. Hannah, who is DeafBlind, spoke to all TEC students about her life experiences, job experiences, and school/college experiences, including accommodations and the importance of self-advocacy. Hannah is a tremendous advocate for young adults with disabilities, so it is fitting that her visit came during October's Disability Employment Awareness Month in Minnesota, which recognizes the skills, experience and dedication that people with disabilities contribute to the labor force and our state's economy.

Activities Updates

The Boys Cross Country Team took home the first place trophy at the Maroon Griak race. Find additional details here. The WBLAHS Girls Cross Country Team placed 11th at the same invitational. Find additional details here. The Girls Tennis Team finished the regular season with a 7-10 record. The Bears Football Team secured their first win of the season. Find additional details here. The Bears Volleyball Team has won four straight matches lifting their record to 8-5. The Boys Soccer Team picked up their first victory over Forest Lake 3-2. 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 September 11 School Board regular meeting, School Board members recognized students for state and national-level honors on the Fishing Team and Trap and Skeet Team. Watch the Student Recognition video here.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Past Meeting Highlights

Sept. 25 Work Session

Sept. 11 Regular Session

Aug. 28 Work Session

District News

General Information

Family Notices

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

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.
- 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.

Navigation