Community e-Newsletter

In Photos: Bears in Motion

Student News

Exciting Lessons

The district’s youngest bears, from birth through preschool, began their educational journeys earlier this month. Their first day was highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". Students in the early Childhood Program, with locations throughout the district, are creating lasting memories as they explore their classrooms, enjoy hands-on activities and make new friends. We are also always on the lookout for photos of our youngest community members showing off their Bear Wear. Incoming kindergarten students receive "I'm a Bear!" shirts when they enroll and smaller "I'm a Bear" shirts are 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 sent to families with newborns. Email photos to us here  and you may just find your little one featured in a District publication! 

Matoska International kindergartners had fun practicing their Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) skills together through various activities! The classroom excitement was captured in this video. Their first unit laid the groundwork for reading and writing. Students learned how to grip a pencil, practiced tracing and drawing lines, forming letters with popsicle sticks and worked together to identify words that rhyme.

Birch Lake Elementary was also filled with extra laughter, excitement and conversations. Members of the high school varsity football team and Bear stopped by to greet students as they walked into school. The older Bears then spent time with the younger Bears before everyone headed off to class. 

In Profe Callen’s Spanish class, Mariner Middle Schoolers learned about Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrated Mexican Independence Day! As part of their lesson, students made Papel Picado. Using tissue paper, they created different designs to decorate their classroom. Check out their amazing works of art in this recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

Creative Minds

In our music classes, sixth grade band and orchestra students at Central Middle School took part in music tryouts, which was highlighted in this video. Students had the opportunity to play different instruments including the trumpet, clarinet and cello. With guidance from their teachers and several instrument professionals, students were able to find our perfect musical match for the school year.

At the elementary-level, fourth graders  at Vadnais Heights enjoyed interactive music activities. Students got to know each other through a name game, clapped out a special rhythm and competed against their teacher in a listening game. The lessons were captured in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

High school photography students used their creative mindset to practice capturing silhouettes and motion. They are studying their camera’s shutter speeds, ISO and aperture to find the right settings. Students stepped outside their classroom and onto the fields behind their building to also practice documenting photos in different lighting situations. Watch their lesson come to life in this video.

In the Community

Members of the WBLAHS drum line and band participated in the University of Minnesota's High School Band, Cheer, and Dance Day. During a recent football game, student musicians, cheerleaders and dance teams from across the metro joined the U of M's Marching Band during half time and the post game show, performing together on the field. It was also a reunion for many Bears as a handful of alumni play in the University's marching band! Speaking of moments at football games, the White Bear Lake VFW Post 1782 Color Guard presented the flag during the national anthem at the first varsity football game played at the new WBLAHS Stadium.

White Bear grad Caroline Grubs was highlighted in the White Bear Press after winning the national swivel title. She was noted as a top show skier who performs complex tricks with elegance and precision, and she's now preparing fo the 2025 World Show Ski Tournament. Speaking other alums in the news, WBLAHS grad Lleyton Roed recently reminisced about his days on the ice as a Bear while being highlighted in a Seattle Kraken news story.

Marge Newmaster, current WBLAS school board member, was recently highlighted in the White Bear Press as she prepares to close this chapter with the district. Newmaster has been on the school board for nine years, but she has worked in the district since 1971 at Lakeaires Elementary in the Media Center. Marge said in the article, "I always thought White Bear was smart (with the 2019 referendum) in that they touched every school with something that was important to that school. Everybody had skin in the game … everybody got to have their wish be a part of it. We made it about the kids, and we made sure to say thank you.”

The district’s Nutrition Services Department’s farm-to-school initiative is in full swing as buildings across the district received their first shipment of locally grown produce. As seen in this video, Area Learning Center students had the opportunity to try grilled squash! This program helps support the local food economy while offering students and staff fresh, seasonal options during the lunch hour.

District Kudos

The WBLAHS Girls' Tennis team recently defeated Irondale 7-0. This marks the team's eighth straight win. Martina Chocarro won the singles while the pair Ellia Groneberg and Tally Domschot led a doubles sweep. Find additional details here. The Bears are currently 11-3. Up next for the Bears, an away matchup against Stillwater on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Find schedule details here. 

The Girls' Swim and Dive team is on a roll when it comes to invitational meets. Most recently the Bears won their co-hosted Polar Bears invite. They also took second place out of 13 teams at the Tartan Invite. This week the Bears are hosting their first home meet of the season against Forest Lake. Find schedule details here. 

WBLAHS Girls' Soccer player Jenna Maloy is the Star Tribune Prep Athlete of the Week. The Girls' Soccer team remains undefeated with their most recent win over Park High School 5-1. Find game highlights here. In other soccer news, the Boys Soccer team is sitting at one loss for the season so far, with a recent win over Park. Read more here. Speaking of amazing accomplishments,  Class of '69 Jim Steinmueller and '12 grad Eric Gebeke were inducted into the Bears Hall of Fame during a recent football game at the high school stadium. Read more details about the inductees in this White Bear Press article. 

Mark Your Calendar

 Activities Updates

The Girls Swim and Dive Team placed second out of 13 teams at the Tartan Invitational meet and won the Polar Bears Invite this  weekend. Find more details here. The Girls' Tennis Team recently defeated Irondale 7-0. This marks the team's eighth straight win. Find additional details here. The Girls' Soccer Team remains undefeated with their most recent win over Park High School 5-1. Find game highlights here. The Boys Soccer Team is sitting at one loss for the season so far, with a recent win over Park. Read more here. The WBLAHS FIRST Robotics Team will have their season start-up meeting on Sept. 28, 2024. This meeting is for any 6-12 grade students who are interested in being part of this year's team.  Middle school students, please be accompanied by a parent for the meeting. Those who are interested in checking out what FIRST Robotics is like can see this Check out this Regional Competion Match. We are Team 2207.

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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