Community e-Newsletter

In Photos: Bears Moving and Grooving

Student News

District Kudos

Six students from Mariner Middle School qualified for the National History Day competition taking place June 13-19 at the University of Maryland. Marley Hopkins, Charley Ross, Lily Smith and Dessa Sowles were the State History Day champions in the Group Exhibit category for their project "The Love Canal". Aubree Dowdle and Grace Newstrand placed second in Group Exhibit for their project "Jenson v. Eveleth". A total of 19 seventh graders from Mariner competed at State History Day. All participating students were highlighted in this News Story.

A group of students (and staff!) from Central Middle School's first ever Rubik's Cubing Club competed at a cubing competition in Eagan. Four of our students advanced to the second round, and two of our students claimed a spot in the "Top 3 Newcomers" and earned trophies to bring home.

Two White Bear Lake Area Schools leaders have been honored by the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals. White Bear Lake Area High School’s Joe Held was named Capitol Division High School Assistant Principal of the Year, and Mariner Middle School’s Christina Pierre was named Capitol Division Middle School Principal of the Year. Good luck to them as they move forward in the process for state-level recognition.

In other recognition news, for a second year in a row Mariner Middle School has been named a Gold Star Winner—the highest distinction—in the 2025-26 Star of Innovation Awards presented by the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP). The award honors schools across Minnesota for developing and supporting exemplary, innovative educational programs.

We're looking forward to our last Coffee with Dr. K of the school year. We will be at Caribou Coffee in downtown White Bear Lake from 7:30-8:30 a.m. next Tuesday, May 5. This is an opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, or just enjoy a good cup of coffee together.

Creative Minds

Middle School students wrapped up their production of “Matilda Jr.” - the delightfully funny musical which follows Matilda who uses courage and the power of imagination to make the world a better place. One of their rehearsals was captured in a video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

White Bear Lake Area High School senior Eli Murphy was highlighted as an Emerging Artist in the White Bear Press Arts and Culture Segment. The article captured his longtime theatre career with 24 shows since first grade. After graduation, Eli plans to join a new theater community at University of Northwestern, St. Paul in the fall.

At Transition Education Center, the Great Literature on Film Friday Club read chapters from Alice in Wonderland. Students have also incorporated American Sign Language into their lesson learning how to sign the names of the characters. In addition to reading and viewing film adaptations, students engaged in experiences happening in the book - including having high tea, just like the characters in the story. See the activity in action in this video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

Exciting Opportunities

In their physical education classes at Birch Lake Elementary, students are eagerly lacing up their rollerblades for a lesson. Students learned how to put on safety equipment, practiced balancing and skating with proper form all while smiling, laughing and encouraging each other as they embraced a new skill. Watch their lesson come to life in a video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

Kindergartners and third graders at Matoska International listened to a special presentation from Meteorologist Jamie Kagol with KARE-11 News. The visit was highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". He showed students how he tracks the forecast in the newsroom studio, explained how different weather patterns form and answered weather related questions including how rainbows are made and why the wind changes speed. Students have been learning about weather throughout their various Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) science lessons.

The spring sports season is currently underway. Moments from the varsity Boys' Lacrosse game against Irondale High School were captured in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". The team won 14-9. Students are participating in a variety of activities and honing their skills on the field, court, track and links. Find competition schedules on the Activities page of the district’s website to cheer on all Bears!

Sixth grade students at Central Middle School learned important lessons about internet safety from Officer Sorenson and Officer Sullivan who are members of the White Bear Lake Police Department. They explored what appropriate and inappropriate behavior is when online, thinking before they post, various safety precautions and more. Their lesson was highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". Another group of Central Middle School students enjoyed an educational experience. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), Multi-language (ML), and Black Student Union (BSU) students visited Mankato State University. During the visit, students had the opportunity to meet with the admissions department, participate in a guided campus tour and enjoyed lunch on campus. Throughout the day, everyone learned about college life and the resources offered to students. 

During the Spring Career Pathways Advisory Board meeting, several industry partners gathered at the high school to learn about our programs and toured the spaces. Also in attendance were a number of high school students who presented about their particular Pathway and how it's helping them work toward their future plans.

Mark Your Calendar

Bears in the News

White Bear Lake Area High School senior Graham Hennig won first place in the 2026 Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA) Senior Young Artist (SYA) competition. This is the highest competition level for MMTA. The musician's accomplishment was highlighted by the White Bear Press. Graham and his twin brother, Martin, a cellist, will give a senior music recital May 1 in Nazareth Hall at University of Northwestern, where Graham will perform the contest repertoire and additional solo works, and accompany Martin on several cello pieces. 

White Bear Lake Area High School grad Lily Pederson was a crucial part of the University of Oklahoma's Women's Gymnastics team becoming back-to-back NCAA National Champions. The college sophomore was highlighted in the White Bear Press. Lily landed impactful vault and floor exercise scores to help the Sooners take home the win. 

White Bear Lake Area High School grads, brothers Logan Neal and Connor Podewils, were recently highlighted by the White Bear Press. They fulfilled their dream of opening a restaurant in White Bear Lake with Bear Dogs, a niche restaurant with a sports hangout vibe.

Two District programs have been named finalists on the "Best Of" White Bear Lake Magazine lists. Matoska International's Spanish Dual Immersion program was selected in the category of "Best Language Immersion Program or School". While My Nature Preschool at Tamarack Nature Center was selected in the category of "Best Preschool Program". The winners will be announced July 1. 

 Activities Updates

White Bear Lake Area High School is currently accepting nominations for 2026 inductees to the Alumni Wall of Fame. The nomination window closes May 15. The Softball Team took home a win against Roseville 3-0 with pitcher Lily Martin earning a no-hitter. The White Bear Press shared game highlights. The Baseball Team secured a win over Park 5-2. Read game highlights in the White Bear Press. The Girls Golf Team placed fifth out of nine team during a recent competition. Find game highlights from the White Bear Press. The Boys Golf Team placed sixth out of ten teams at the opening Suburban East Conference meet. The Girls Track and Field Team placed third at the Hopkins Invitational with five team members placing first in their respective events. The White Bear Press shared meet highlights. The Boys Track and Field Team placed fourth at their home meet with the 4x100 relay team winning their event. The Boys Lacrosse Team defeated Irondale 14-9 during a recent home game. The Girls Lacrosse Team are having a great start to their season with a 3-0 record. The Boys' Tennis Team are 4-1 after a recent win over Roseville. 

Hudl Ticketing is the exclusive provider of online tickets for all of our White Bear Lake Area High School home regular season athletic ticketing needs. 

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.

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

School Board Student Recognition

District News

General Information