Community e-Newsletter

In Photos: Adventures with Classmates

Student News

Enriching Experiences

WBLAHS ninth grade Integrated Science students made impact devices. Students have been studying the energy conversions that happen when you drop an egg from different heights. They engineered their designs to keep the egg safe which was put to the test through various trial runs.

Third graders at Matoska International are taste testing different salad dressings! The activity was highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". They tried various flavors from savory to sweet and ranked their favorites. Students grew lettuce as part of their plant and animal life cycle unit. They even harvested enough lettuce to serve in their school cafeteria for the rest of the school year!

Central Middle School seventh graders turned their recent math lessons into hands-on learning. Students designed different carnival style games based on probability and strategy using items like dice and coins! They earned tickets for every win and kept track of their wins and losses. 

Tenth grade Language Arts students were seen in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds" using the power of persuasive speaking to pitch their Bear Tank ideas. Within this unit, students explored how original ideas can change the world. They developed, researched and created new products, organizations and business practices then received feedback on their ideas from community members. Some students are taking the project a step further by trying to establish their ideas within their school community!

Impressive Accomplishments

The Boys' and Girls' Golf Teams both placed second at their respective Section 4AAA tournaments! Three members of the Girls' Team are heading to the State tournament while two members of the Boys' Team qualified. Maddie Vang , Elaine Eddicus and Bailey Eddicus along with Eason Fiddle and Jack Stanius will compete in the State tournament June 10-11 at Bunker Hills. Find additional tournament details here.

The Girls' Softball Team is also heading to their respective State tournament after defeating Stillwater 5-3 in the championship game of the Section 4AAAA tournament! The White Bear Press shared highlights from the game. The Bears will take on Farmington at 10 a.m. in the quarterfinal game on June 3 at Caswell Park in Mankato. Find tournament information here.

Nine members of the Girls' Track & Field Team and five members of the Boys' Track & Field Team will represent WBLAHS at the State meet June 10-12 at St. Michael-Albertville High School. Both teams placed second at the Section 4AAAA meet. The White Bear Press shared individual and team highlights of the girls and boys meets. Find more information about the State meet for the girls team here and boys team here. Meanwhile, during their Conference Finals meet just a week before Sections, Sophia Haley, Lys d’Almeida, Grace Weierke, and Alyssa Hamlin broke the school's 4x100 record that stood since 2018 with a time of 49.35. 

Outdoor Activities

Central Middle School eighth graders visited Podvin Park for a fun activity! They flew kites and launched rockets together. Students spent several weeks constructing kites and learning about the inner workings of rockets in their math and science classes. This project was one of their final assignments of the school year. The exciting lesson was highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

Mariner Middle School students also enjoyed an outdoor science lesson. They launched bottle rockets filled with water using an air compressor. Students have been studying the impact of force when it comes to rockets then used that lesson to build their own. The goal of the project was to have the longest flight time. 

Oneka Elementary students took turns enjoying a Ninja inspired obstacle course! They tested their skills and agility by challenging themselves to complete the course by maneuvering on ropes, monkey bars and other equipment. Students had so much fun cheering on their classmates and encouraging each other to keep going and try something new! Watch the smiles and laughter come to life in this recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

Students at Vadnais Heights Elementary laced up their shoes and headed outside for Run Club! The group meets twice a week throughout the month of May, rain or shine, running or walking quarter mile laps with friends! Students receive stamps to help track their distance for the day and they try to challenge themselves each week to collect more. Their last meet up of the school year was highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". Over 180 students and 10 staff members are members of Run Club, which started in 2016. 

Bear recently starred alongside district staff members for a fun video the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation created to announce their 25th Anniversary Golf Tournament taking place on June 16. Learn more about the tournament and find registration details here. The WBLAEF has been providing support for White Bear Lake Area Schools students and educators since 1993.

Honors & Recognitions

Two groups of high school seniors were honored this week for their commitment to furthering their education and playing sports at their chosen college or university. Classmates, family, coaches and staff members gathered to celebrate these student-athletes who are participating in various NCAA Division I, II, III and junior college programs. The ceremonies were captured in a video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". Congratulations to our students, and Go Bears!

(top photo from left to right)

• Tyrese Behnken - Football at Minnesota State Moorhead
• Rithy Sain - Basketball at William Penn University
• Vaughn Larson - Cross Country and Track and Field at Drake University
• Ben Watson - Soccer at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

(bottom photo from left to right)

• Ella Stadtherr - Volleyball at Wentworth Institute of Technology
• Nathaniel Asiedu-Mensah - Soccer at Milwaukee School of Engineering
• Miles Anderson - Basketball at Beloit College
• Charles Casperson - Football at Rochester Community and Technical College
• John Johnson - Basketball at Rochester Community and Technical College
• Addie Post - Basketball at UW-Oshkosh
• Maddie Belisle - Hockey at Hamline University
• Amanda Smythe - Hockey at UW-River Falls
• Grace Bailey - Hockey and Track at Gustavus Adolphus
• Talia Domschot - Hockey and Tennis at Gustavus Adolphus
• Owen Farrington - Baseball at UW-Superior
• Jace Lombardi - Baseball at Bethel
• Tyler Alshouse - Baseball at Bethel

Winners of the Manitou Days Writing Contest gathered for a Pizza and Pool Party. Every year, the Manitou Days Committee sponsors a writing contest for White Bear elementary and middle school students. This year’s theme was “Bears Making History.” In honor of that theme, students wrote about history in their community. Five contest participants were chosen to receive $50, a pizza and pool party, a Cup and Cone token, and the opportunity to walk with White Bear Lake Area School District leaders in the Manitou Days Grand Parade.

Pictured (l to r): ​​Aminah Kendall, Piper Wilding, Eden Yang, Caitlin Krier. Not pictured: Paige Bailey.

White Bear Lake Area Schools was recently recognized as a Bronze Berry Honoree in the 2025 Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Awards for Farm to School and Early Care. This new contest recognizes K-12 school districts, early care centers, and family day cares that go above and beyond to promote and serve foods grown and raised by Minnesota farmers and producers. Some highlights from the WBLAS application include offering local options on the menu (cherry tomatoes, summer squash, mini bell peppers, purple sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, maple syrup, and edamame), sharing Pine Tree apples at community events, and supporting local food taste tests. See the district's full News item here.

Third graders at Willow Lane Elementary wrapped up their Minnow Tank project, inspired by the TV show Shark Tank, which teaches the value of service, teamwork and persuasive speaking. In groups, students created presentations which they delivered to a panel of judges hoping to convince them to select their charity of choice as the winner to receive a monetary donation. This year's winning group researched and presented about Habitat for Humanity. Second place went to Willow Lane Advocates and there was a tie for third place between Alex’s Lemonade Stand and H2O for Life. 

Different end of the year celebrations are taking place throughout the district! Central Middle School hosted their annual Awards Ceremony last week. Orchestra students kicked off the program by playing various pieces they learned throughout the school year.

Gina Kieger, a 2001 White Bear grad, was recently highlighted in the White Bear Press for her blossoming local flower business. She started Backyard Flower Farm LLC three years ago right in her backyard. Her business is known for its build-your-own bouquets. Gina told the White Bear Press, “I just dove into it. I love flowers, I love being creative and I know how to grow stuff … When I go in, it’s a little obsessive, but I’m all in.” 

 Activities Updates

Speech Team member Praise Oyekunle received the National Speech & Debate Association's Academic All-American Award. Fewer than 1% of the 141,000 student members of the association earn the award every year. Three members of the Girls' Golf Team qualified for the State tournament. Two members of the Boys' Golf Team also qualified for State. Read more about their Section tournament here. The WBLAHS Softball Team are Section champions and State bound after defeating Stillwater 5-3. Enjoy game highlights here. Nine members of the Girls' Track & Field Team and five members of the Boys' Track & Field Team are heading to the State meet. Read highlights from the girls' meet here and the boys' meet 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. 

Youth Enrichment Classes

Check out the opportunities to move and grove listed below!

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

District News

General Information