Community e-Newsletter
December 29, 2024
2025-26 Kindergarten Enrollment
Kindergarten enrollment is now open, and we’re thrilled to welcome our newest Bear families! Important kindergarten information can be found on the district’s Kindergarten website!
Along with our strong neighborhood school programs and district-wide International Baccalaureate (IB) program, we’re excited to launch an Elementary Spanish Dual Immersion program starting in Fall 2025. This program will be offered at Otter Lake Elementary and Matoska International, with up to three kindergarten immersion classrooms at each school for a potential total of six classrooms district-wide. Transportation will be available to resident families throughout the district. Visit our Immersion website for more details, including links to flyers with information about Jan. 8 & 9 immersion open house events (English / Spanish).
In Photos: Embracing New Experiences
Student News
Winter Themed Activities
We hope everyone has a fun and safe Winter Break! If you're looking for some ideas of what to do while you're out of the classroom, check out the 2024 Winter Break video!
Bear and Dr. K were welcomed to the WBLAHS Daily ROAR studio to create a "Daily ROAR Winter Break Edition." Several high school students and staff members share different activities and ways Bears of all ages can stay active during the break! See you in 2025!
Before heading off on Winter Break, Central students and staff enjoyed a spirit week filled with themed dress-up days and activities during Beartime. One included a basketball shooting contest between staff and seventh graders in Mrs. Wolff's class. The total points scored from the top seven participants were added up. Staff won 25-20. In November, sixth graders participated in their basketball challenge against staff. Students in Mrs. Myette's class beat staff by six points. In January, eighth grade classes will go head-to-head to see who will compete against staff members in their grade-level showdown.
Artist Swetha Avula, from the White Bear Center for the Arts, lead an inspiring watercolor class at the Senior Center. Participants enjoyed painting winter themed cards, showcasing their creativity and learning new techniques. Swetha's patience and encouragement enhanced the fun as students explored their creativity together.
Hitting the Right Notes
High school music students showcased their talents to fifth graders across the district as they prepare for middle school registration. Band, orchestra and choir members performed different pieces and songs and answered questions about the three music options the future sixth graders can choose from. The musical performances were highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".
Speaking of music, high school choir students held their first concert in the WBLAHS Performing Arts Center. Students worked diligently leading up to their concerts on December 16. They perfected their songs during rehearsals, which ranged from classic to modern day tunes. Up next for high school music students is the 43rd annual Jazz Night Club event on Saturday, January 25 at 7 p.m. at WBLAHS.
Igniting Creativity and Teamwork
North Star Elementary fifth graders finalized their arcade games. Their creativity was highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". Students utilized the Engineer Model to create their projects. In groups, they brainstormed ideas, drafted a design, built the game and then tested the model before making final adjustments. Students had so much fun playing each other's games and opening an arcade for other grade levels to enjoy their creations!
High school CIS Political Science students in Mr. Mahlum's class had a special guest visit their classroom. Judge Keala Ede stopped by to review different court cases and have an open conversation with the students about Minnesota law. Judge Ede was appointed to the Court of Appeals by Governor Tim Walz in 2023 and elected this year.
In Mrs. James' science class at Mariner Middle School, students are studying the compasses and the basics of using one. During a hands-on activity, students worked in groups to navigate around the atrium. They had to read their compass which brought them to different letters scattered on the walls to decode a message. Which the exciting lesson come to life in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".
Willow Lane Elementary fourth graders recently learned about poetry. To celebrate the end of the unit and to kick off Winter Break, they hosted a poetry and pajama party. VIP guests were in attendance to see the students read their original works. The performances ended with time to mingle with the crowd and enjoy refreshments.
Shining a spotlight
The completed construction projects at WBLAHS was recently highlighted in Spaces4Learning. The article focused on the innovative, collaborative learning environment made possible by the community's support of the 2019 bond referendum.
Check out our 2024 video update of the district's Building Our Future facilities projects. This is our fifth annual update that we have put together for our school community. Additional updates and information on the Building Our Future facilities projects can be found on the district's webpage.
We are always on the lookout for photos of our youngest community members showing off their Bear Wear - "Born to be a Bear" onesie sent to families with newborns, "I'm a Bear" 3T shirts sent to toddler families as a reminder to participate in screening at age three, and "I'm a Bear!" shirts sent to kindergarteners when they are officially enrolled. Email photos to us here and you may just find your little one featured in a District publication!
Speaking of kindergarten, registration is open for students entering kindergarten in Fall 2025! We offer strong neighborhood school programs and district-wide options with IB and dual immersion. Find more information on the Kindergarten page of the website! You can also check out this fun video with messages about our programs from elementary principals.
White Bear Lake Area High School's student-run coffee shop, School Grounds, was recently highlighted in the White Bear Press. Featured in the write-up was mention of a flavor tasting class brought to the students by entrepreneurs who offered inspiration and real-world insights. The high school's Career Pathways and the district's Nutrition Services Departments have collaborated to make the unique opportunity possible for students.
Minnesota Hockey Magazine recently highlighted WBLAHS grad Nolan Roed, a forward for the USHL Tri-City Storm who was named an assistant captain for the team in December. In the article, Nolan talks about leading by example, doing whatever his team needs him to do, and playing the right way. He also mentions support from his older brother Lleyton, who currently plays for the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds.
Activities Updates
WBLAHS grad Jack Janicki was recently highlighted in the University of Wisconsin's BadgerBlitz.com for his work on the basketball court. Minnesota Hockey Magazine recently highlighted WBLAHS grad Nolan Roed, a forward for the USHL Tri-City Storm. Speaking of hockey news, the Boys Hockey Team defeated Stillwater 3-1 in a recent matchup. Find game highlights here. The Girls Hockey Team took down Shakopee and Lakeville South during the Lakeville Holiday Tournament. Find details here. The Girls' Alpine Ski Team finished 12th of out 22 teams at the Wild Mountain Invite. The Boys' Alpine Ski Team finished 16th out of 26 teams. The Cheerleading Team took home fist place in both the varsity small non-tumbler division and varsity game day non-tumbling division at the St. Michael-Albertville Invite.
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
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Past Meeting Highlights
Dec. 9 Regular Session
Nov. 25 Work Session
Nov. 12 Regular Session
![thumbnail with 2026-27 and 2027-28 calendars]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762919667/whitebeark12mnus/iuwlazab7sd6vqrij3kw/202627202728calendarsapproved.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762919667/whitebeark12mnus/iuwlazab7sd6vqrij3kw/202627202728calendarsapproved.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762919667/whitebeark12mnus/iuwlazab7sd6vqrij3kw/202627202728calendarsapproved.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762919667/whitebeark12mnus/iuwlazab7sd6vqrij3kw/202627202728calendarsapproved.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1762919667/whitebeark12mnus/iuwlazab7sd6vqrij3kw/202627202728calendarsapproved.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1762919667/whitebeark12mnus/iuwlazab7sd6vqrij3kw/202627202728calendarsapproved.png","width":2200}])
At the November 10, 2025 Regular School Board Meeting, the White Bear Lake Area School Board approved the following calendars:
![White Bear Lake Area School District - ISD 624 Logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1550240829/whitebeark12mnus/kmxoqvklysqyghq9wuld/WBL_624_pms166_thumbnail.jpg","width":156}])
White Bear Lake Area Schools has once again earned top honors for financial reporting, marking the 25th consecutive year the district has received both the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting.
![group photo of School Board members and student representatives]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1757519794/whitebeark12mnus/x9cvarycg9ljnjyu9ptx/_5H8A6019.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1757519794/whitebeark12mnus/x9cvarycg9ljnjyu9ptx/_5H8A6019.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1757519794/whitebeark12mnus/x9cvarycg9ljnjyu9ptx/_5H8A6019.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1757519794/whitebeark12mnus/x9cvarycg9ljnjyu9ptx/_5H8A6019.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1757519794/whitebeark12mnus/x9cvarycg9ljnjyu9ptx/_5H8A6019.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1757519794/whitebeark12mnus/x9cvarycg9ljnjyu9ptx/_5H8A6019.jpg","width":2200}])
At the September Regular School Board Meeting, the School Board welcomed the 2025-26 School Board Student Representatives: WBLAHS senior Thomas Reese and Alternate Student Representative WBLAHS junior Lillian Johnson.
![Board members at Board table]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741631094/whitebeark12mnus/gpeiaddwwnmb1ny3reid/March3SchoolBoardMeeting.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741631094/whitebeark12mnus/gpeiaddwwnmb1ny3reid/March3SchoolBoardMeeting.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741631094/whitebeark12mnus/gpeiaddwwnmb1ny3reid/March3SchoolBoardMeeting.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741631094/whitebeark12mnus/gpeiaddwwnmb1ny3reid/March3SchoolBoardMeeting.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741631094/whitebeark12mnus/gpeiaddwwnmb1ny3reid/March3SchoolBoardMeeting.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1741631094/whitebeark12mnus/gpeiaddwwnmb1ny3reid/March3SchoolBoardMeeting.jpg","width":2200}])
District staff, students, community members and board members enjoyed the first School Board meeting in the new board meeting location, the Community Room, at Sunrise Park District Service Center on March 3.
![three adults taking oath of office]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1736922686/whitebeark12mnus/mqyqvcqllhytrx2xktpr/aIMG_4006.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1736922686/whitebeark12mnus/mqyqvcqllhytrx2xktpr/aIMG_4006.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1736922686/whitebeark12mnus/mqyqvcqllhytrx2xktpr/aIMG_4006.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1736922686/whitebeark12mnus/mqyqvcqllhytrx2xktpr/aIMG_4006.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1736922686/whitebeark12mnus/mqyqvcqllhytrx2xktpr/aIMG_4006.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1736922686/whitebeark12mnus/mqyqvcqllhytrx2xktpr/aIMG_4006.jpg","width":2200}])
At the January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting of the School Board, the Oath of Office was administered by Superintendent Kazmierczak to newly elected School Board members Angela Thompson, Scott Arcand, and Dan Skaar.
![thumbnail of Spanish Dual Immersion Program Announcement video]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1730225865/whitebeark12mnus/t2fgass6qne6vzlsiyd0/SpanishDualImmersionProgramAnnouncementVideoThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1730225865/whitebeark12mnus/t2fgass6qne6vzlsiyd0/SpanishDualImmersionProgramAnnouncementVideoThumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1730225865/whitebeark12mnus/t2fgass6qne6vzlsiyd0/SpanishDualImmersionProgramAnnouncementVideoThumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1730225865/whitebeark12mnus/t2fgass6qne6vzlsiyd0/SpanishDualImmersionProgramAnnouncementVideoThumbnail.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1730225865/whitebeark12mnus/t2fgass6qne6vzlsiyd0/SpanishDualImmersionProgramAnnouncementVideoThumbnail.png","width":1266}])
The White Bear Lake Area School Board recently approved an Elementary Spanish Dual Immersion program, set to launch in Fall 2025. The enrollment window for the 2025-26 school year will open on December 16, 2024.
District News
General Information
District-wide News Posts
![Spring 2026 District Theatre Performances]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771013261/whitebeark12mnus/d8rdvly9s1tib13q9nvk/Spring2026TheatrePerformances.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771013261/whitebeark12mnus/d8rdvly9s1tib13q9nvk/Spring2026TheatrePerformances.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771013261/whitebeark12mnus/d8rdvly9s1tib13q9nvk/Spring2026TheatrePerformances.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1771013261/whitebeark12mnus/d8rdvly9s1tib13q9nvk/Spring2026TheatrePerformances.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771013261/whitebeark12mnus/d8rdvly9s1tib13q9nvk/Spring2026TheatrePerformances.png","width":1524}])
Schools throughout the district are performing on the theatrical stage this spring. Join us for a show!
![building community]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731353326/whitebeark12mnus/kr61z5jiapeqqsnz6whd/CoffeewithDrK.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731353326/whitebeark12mnus/kr61z5jiapeqqsnz6whd/CoffeewithDrK.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731353326/whitebeark12mnus/kr61z5jiapeqqsnz6whd/CoffeewithDrK.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1731353326/whitebeark12mnus/kr61z5jiapeqqsnz6whd/CoffeewithDrK.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1731353326/whitebeark12mnus/kr61z5jiapeqqsnz6whd/CoffeewithDrK.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1731353326/whitebeark12mnus/kr61z5jiapeqqsnz6whd/CoffeewithDrK.jpg","width":2200}])
The Feb. 25 Coffee with Dr. K event will take place from noon to 1 p.m. at White Bear Lake Area High School. Find important check-in details in this News post.
![Black History Month Events: Feb. 18 - White Bear Lake Black Student Union Presents “Black History Month Showcase: African Americans & The Arts” at the WBLAHS Performing Arts Center. Free admission. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 - Mariner Middle School students present “Mariner Black History Showcase” from 5-7 p.m. at the Mariner Middle School Theater. Free admission.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770662992/whitebeark12mnus/yuflqeqawiuq5yokifod/2026BlackHistoryMonthEventFlyers.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770662992/whitebeark12mnus/yuflqeqawiuq5yokifod/2026BlackHistoryMonthEventFlyers.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770662992/whitebeark12mnus/yuflqeqawiuq5yokifod/2026BlackHistoryMonthEventFlyers.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1770662992/whitebeark12mnus/yuflqeqawiuq5yokifod/2026BlackHistoryMonthEventFlyers.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1770662992/whitebeark12mnus/yuflqeqawiuq5yokifod/2026BlackHistoryMonthEventFlyers.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770662992/whitebeark12mnus/yuflqeqawiuq5yokifod/2026BlackHistoryMonthEventFlyers.png","width":2152}])
Join students and families for the upcoming Black History Month events:
- Feb. 18 - “Black History Month Showcase: African Americans & The Arts” at WBLAHS
- Feb. 26 - “Mariner Black History Showcase” at Mariner Middle School
![WBLAHS Wall of Fame nomination button]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770132057/whitebeark12mnus/i03lhkgvts9mi9qrdgya/WBLAHSWallofFamenominationbutton.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770132057/whitebeark12mnus/i03lhkgvts9mi9qrdgya/WBLAHSWallofFamenominationbutton.png","width":504}])
White Bear Lake Area High School is currently accepting nominations for Fall 2026 inductees to the Alumni Wall of Fame. The nomination window will close May 15, 2026.
![Building Our Future Update 2025 video thumbnail]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1766184709/whitebeark12mnus/tmxa9jghepfpitojj2xq/BuildingOurFutureUpdate2025thumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1766184709/whitebeark12mnus/tmxa9jghepfpitojj2xq/BuildingOurFutureUpdate2025thumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1766184709/whitebeark12mnus/tmxa9jghepfpitojj2xq/BuildingOurFutureUpdate2025thumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1766184709/whitebeark12mnus/tmxa9jghepfpitojj2xq/BuildingOurFutureUpdate2025thumbnail.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1766184709/whitebeark12mnus/tmxa9jghepfpitojj2xq/BuildingOurFutureUpdate2025thumbnail.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1766184709/whitebeark12mnus/tmxa9jghepfpitojj2xq/BuildingOurFutureUpdate2025thumbnail.png","width":2200}])
A Building Our Future Update 2024 video was recently created and shared out on the district's website. This sixth annual update video provides an overview of progress that has been made across the district since the comprehensive facilities review and planning work began in 2018 and the community supported the Building Our Future Bond Referendum in 2019.
![graphic of WBLAHS Field House Walking Track open 6-9 p.m. Monday-Thursdays. Wear clean, dry shoes.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760993086/whitebeark12mnus/qwooj5wrkadpdceuz63r/WalkingTrackOpenGraphic.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760993086/whitebeark12mnus/qwooj5wrkadpdceuz63r/WalkingTrackOpenGraphic.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760993086/whitebeark12mnus/qwooj5wrkadpdceuz63r/WalkingTrackOpenGraphic.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1760993086/whitebeark12mnus/qwooj5wrkadpdceuz63r/WalkingTrackOpenGraphic.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760993086/whitebeark12mnus/qwooj5wrkadpdceuz63r/WalkingTrackOpenGraphic.png","width":1430}])
The WBLAHS Field House walking track is now open for the season! Community members can walk the indoor track (for free) from 6-9 p.m. each week Monday-Thursday.
ISD 624 does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in employment. Complete information in SB Policy 522.