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In Photos: Exploring New Opportunities

Student News

Exciting Happenings

It was a packed house for the November 25 Orchestra Concert, the inaugural event of the recently-completed White Bear Lake Area High School Performing Arts Center (PAC). Students spent several weeks rehearsing for their performance which was captured in this video. The next community events that will take place in the state-of-the-art space are the 7 p.m. Band Concert on December 5 and the 7 p.m. Choir Concert on December 16. 

The White Bear Lake Area High School gymnasium will be dedicated as Galvin Court, in honor of long-time coach, teacher, and community member Jim Galvin. The celebration will take place before the first boys’ varsity home basketball game at 6:30 p.m. on December 13.

It’s the battle of the winter sports! Members of the Alpine and Nordic ski teams participated in their annual soccer game. The friendly competition between the two sports helps students prepare for their seasons, build strong bonds among teammates and have some fun! The game was highlighted in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". Find meet schedules for both teams here.

Creative Lessons

North Star second graders turned into statues last week! They created a Greek Statue Garden in their media Center for other grade-levels to stroll through. Students researched different greek gods, learned fun facts about them and then dressed up as that god or goddess. Students had so much fun learning about their chosen person and sharing their knowledge with the school!

Oneka Elementary students enjoyed a cultural experience captured in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds"! They listened to Haitian dance and music group Afoutayi. The artists introduced students to different instruments and taught them interactive games and dances. In other Elementary school news, the Star Tribune recently highlighted the district's Elementary Spanish Dual Immersion Program, which is launching with kindergarten students next fall. Incoming kindergarten families will be receiving kindergarten information packets in the mailboxes soon. Those who wish to take a sneak peek at the info can check out the Kindergarten page of the website!

WBLAHS freshmen Evelyn Rivard was selected as the White Bear Press' Emerging Artist. Evelyn has been taking part in musical theater since third grade. She told the paper, "When you're singing, you're just in your own kind of mood. You're happy, you're dancing, you're having fun". In other creative news, the district's Senior Center is hosting a Craft Fair from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 7. Shop handmade crafts by Senior Center patrons and local Girls Scouts. Find more details here. 

Bears Giving Back

Willow Lane fourth graders presented their Minnow Tank projects. The activity, inspired by the show Shark Tank, taught students the value of service, teamwork and persuasive speaking. Their presentations were highlighted in this video. Students worked in groups researching different charities and organizations hoping to convince a panel of judges to select their charity of choice as the winner to receive a monetary donation. This year's winning groups were: The Sweet Lemons: Alex's Lemonade Stand (first place), The Sandwich Builder Kids: The Sandwich Man (second place), and The Wish Kids: Make-A-Wish and PAC - Second Chance Animal Rescue group both placed third. 

High school students who are members of National Honors Society (NHS), Student Council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) made over two dozen tie blankets! The blankets are being donated to Children's Masonic Hospital. Meanwhile, the WBL Meals on Wheels program, located at the district's Senior Center, was awarded a $1,500 grant from Edina Realty Foundations. 

Two Lakeaires Elementary students and siblings experienced a heartfelt reunion. Gabriel and Savannah London have not seen their dad, Jeffrey in over a year as he is a member of the Navy and has been stationed in Africa. Mom, Andrea, helped organize a surprise reunion at school when dad returned. Gabriel and Savannah did not expect their dad to be home until the end of December and were very surprised and excited to see him.

 Activities Updates

The Gymnastics Team is hosting a Youth Night at their home meet on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Mariner Middle School. The WBLAHS production of Legally Blonde, which features 4-legged supporting actors, was recently pictured in the White Bear Press. The Brookings Register included a write-up about WBLAHS soccer standout Jenna Maloy, who recently signed to play for the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits. The Boys Hockey Team defeated Duluth East in a recent matchup. Find highlights from the game 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.

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