Community e-Newsletter

December 29, 2024

billboard image with kindergarten students working together and enrollment text

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.

collage of students reading poetry and mingling

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.

article about School Grounds coffee shop

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.

article about Nolan Roed with photo his White Bear team

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

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Past Meeting Highlights

Dec. 9 Regular Session

Nov. 25 Work Session

Nov. 12 Regular Session

View All News

District News

General Information

Family Notices

Elementary Youth Enrichment Classes - Explore our exciting Youth Enrichment Classes for elementary students! From hands-on science activities and creative art projects to fun Dungeons & Dragons adventures and team-building games, there's something for everyone. Find school specific flyers in this folder.
2025-26 Kindergarten Registration - 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!
Community Services and Recreation Winter Catalog - Registration for Community Services and Recreation classes is now open! Enjoy activities and events for Bears of all ages from arts and crafts to youth sports to STEAM based learning opportunities. Find more information here.
Nutrition Services Updates - Find important information about Nutrition Services in the following publications:
- Informational postcard (Spanish version here)
- Application for Educational Benefits flyer (Spanish version here)
Bear Care Clinic - Find information about the Bear Care Health and Wellness Clinic, located at WBLAHS but available to all district families, here. Bear Care now also offers Nutrition Counseling. See a flyer for this new service here. See a new Bear Care flyer here.
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.
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.
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!

Awards and Honors

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, 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

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.
- Cutting Boards examples and order form
- Tumblers: examples and order form

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 Legacy Breakfast fundraiser - The BEAR Legacy Breakfast fundraiser will take place from 8-9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at White Bear Lake Area High School. This event is free and tours of the newly renovated building will be available for all who attend. Find more information here.
WBLAEF 2023-24 Accomplishments - The Foundation is proud of our many accomplishments during the 2023-2024 academic year! Learn more here.
The Closet is a dedicated space in the district, housed in the ALC (Area Learning Center - 2449 Orchard Lane) where families in need are invited to shop for clothing, coats, and shoes for their students, free of charge. Students are referred to The Closet by school administration staff and they assist in scheduling a personal appointment for the family or student to visit. The Closet is open by appointment, Monday - Thursday. For more information, please visit https://www.wblaef.org/the-closet or email info@wblaef.org.
- The Closet - 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

Bear Care
- See an updated Bear Care flyer here. Additional language versions: Hmong, Somali, Spanish.
- Bear Care School-Based Health Center has extended their hours! Find information about the Bear Care Health and Wellness Clinic, located at WBLAHS - North Campus but available to all district families, here.
- Bear Care now offers Nutrition Counseling. See a flyer for this new service 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.
- The Closet - 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.
- BEAR Legacy Breakfast fundraiser - The BEAR Legacy Breakfast fundraiser will take place from 8-9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at White Bear Lake Area High School. This event is free and tours of the newly renovated building will be available for all who attend. Find more information here.
- WBLAEF 2023-24 Accomplishments - The Foundation is proud of our many accomplishments during the 2023-2024 academic year! Learn more 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.

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.

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