Community e-Newsletter

In Photos: #BackToSchoolBears

Thank you to those who participated in our #BackToSchoolBears fun for a chance to be highlighted in today's Community e-Newsletter! We hope that Early Childhood families will post #BackToSchoolBears photos in the coming days, as our littlest Bears begin their 2024-25 early learning experiences this week!

Student News

Welcome Back Bears!

District staff members gathered at the WBLAHS football stadium to celebrate Opening Convocation, kicking off the school year and preparing to welcome students and families back-to-school. Staff enjoyed student performances and inspirational words from WBLAE Teacher of the Year Michele Norcross, MDE Commissioner Willie Jett, Superintendent Kazmierczak, and longtime coach and teacher Jim Galvin. With the 2024-25 school year starting, we're excited to share "The Week in 62.4 Seconds" videos each Friday on Facebook and Instagram. See last week's video, the first of the school year, here. "Like" the district on Facebook and Instagram to see upcoming issues!

Schools throughout the district played host to various "back to school" events during the first week of school. WEB leaders at Central and Mariner Middle Schools welcomed sixth graders, introduced them to their new buildings, played fun games and helped the sixth graders get to know their classmates! Middle school building leaders, along with other leaders from throughout the district, came together to kick off the year with a fun "Go Bears!" video alongside Bear. See the finished product, which was shared as last week's Community e-Newsletter Video Edition, here.

It’s been an exciting first week of school as Bears of all ages walked through their building doors ready to learn and grow. The excitement was especially felt at White Bear Lake Area High School as students in grades 9-12 started school together in one building for the first time in nearly 40 years. Before the first day, students enjoyed back-to-school activities and games with their classmates, toured their new space, and reconnected with old friends while making new ones. Students and families also got the chance to review the school's parking lot guidelines through a video shared by the school.

In preparation for the new school year, building and program teams across the district gathered together to reconnect and meet their new co-workers while getting ready to welcome back students. During the Nutrition Services professional development day, staff listened to motivational speaker and 2000 White Bear grad John Kriesel share his incredible story before taking a tour of the new high school building. 

Community Engagement

Staff at Mariner Middle School spent several weeks preparing to welcome students to the new building. The middle school is located in former WBLAHS - South Campus. Staff listened to a panel of Mariner High School grads and former colleagues share stories about their time in the building, hoping to energize, excite and inspire the middle school staff. They also welcomed students back during an open house event where sixth through eighth graders had the opportunity to walk through Mariner and meet their teachers before the start of the school year.

Thank you to all the community members who attended the Open House event at White Bear Lake Area High School and for sending us amazing photos of our new facilities and buildings! It was incredible to see the community gather together prior to the start of the school year and enjoy the updated spaces alongside our students. In collaboration with the MN Farm to School Institute initiatives, Nutrition Services sponsored Pine Tree Apples at the WBLAHS Community Open House. They were a hit, with community members actively seeking the kitchen to find them! A White Bear Press insert that was printed in conjunction with the Open House and contains school highlights and history, can be found here.

As school began, the district provided various updates to families and community members. Beginning of the Year letters including important information were sent to families as English and Spanish versions. The 2024-25 Calendar was mailed to district families and is available to community members who would like one at District Center. The fall issue of Bear's Bulletin, the flip-book to the District's Community Services Catalog, provided the community with an update of important information and activities happening. Dr. Kazmierczak's Movers & Shakers article, "Embracing our Future," that was published in the White Bear Press last week also offered community members a glimpse at district priorities this year. 

Impressive Accomplishments

The WBLAHS Girls' Volleyball team is off to an impressive start. They kicked off their season with two wins in the new Galvin Court. They defeated Hutchinson and Hill-Murray. Find additional highlights from both games in this White Bear Press article. 

The WBLAHS Girls' Soccer team is also on a roll! They are currently undefeated with their most recent win, 10-0, against Irondale. The Bears are currently 6-0. Find game highlights here. The Boys' Soccer team also brought a win home against Irondale in their recent matchup. In other soccer news, the new Central and Mariner Middle School Boys' and Girls' Soccer Teams were recently highlighted by the White Bear Press.

Mark Your Calendar

 Activities Updates

The Girls Swim and Dive Team finished second at the Duluth Invite. Find additional details here. The Girls Tennis Team defeated Woodbury 3-0 in a recent matchup. Read more here. The Girls Soccer Team remains undefeated after their latest win against Irondale. Find game highlights here. The Boys Soccer Team also brought home a win over Irondale. Learn more here. The Girls' Cross Country Team finished 10th at the Rosemount Invite. Read more here. At the same invite, the Boys' Cross Country Team finished second of 21 teams. Find highlights here. The new Central Middle School Boys' and Girls' Soccer Teams were recently highlighted by the White Bear Press. The Girls' Volleyball Team won its first two home meets at Galvin Court. Read more 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. 

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