Community e-Newsletter

In Photos: Busy Bears!

Student News

Exciting Opportunities

Incoming Matoska International fourth grader Benny Kaetterhenry competed at the UNAA (Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association) World Finals Event in Dallas, Texas in July. He placed fourth in the World in his age group in a field of 136 boys from 15 countries! To qualify for this event, he had to place in the top of the field at both area and regional qualifiers. Benny has had to overcome many obstacles in his 9 years. With his determination, attitude and courage, he is described as an inspiration to those who know him.

The White Bear Lake Area High School Automotive Career Pathway was honored to be chosen as the recipient of a vehicle donation from two local car dealerships, Luther Cadillac and White Bear Subaru. In an effort to prepare students for a career in the automotive industry, while in turn supplying quality workers to our local industry partners, the donation of the 2018 Subaru Forester allows Automotive Instructor, Derek Doescher, to accomplish both. The average life for a shop car is about 2-2.5 years, according to Doescher, so this donation is of tremendous value to the Automotive program. It is with invaluable support from local industry partners that the WBLAHS Automotive Career Pathway was named the 2025 Automotive Secondary Program of the Year by the Minnesota Transportation Center of Excellence. The Automotive Career Pathway offers two industry certifications within its program, equipping students with skill sets and a resume to land them a job in the industry while still in high school. The Automotive Career Pathway is one of nine Career Pathways offered at WBLAHS. 

Staff leaders from across the district took part in a leadership and professional development retreat this summer in preparation of the 2025-26 school year. Some of their activities included team building exercises, goal setting for the school year and group discussions on a variety of topics.  

Summer Activities

White Bear Lake Area High School football players and their families reported to the high school Stadium for their "Midnight Madness" practice that concluded around 1 a.m. on August 11. The annual early morning event, which was highlighted in the White Bear Press, kicks off the start of the season and has been a tradition for several years. You can find meet and game schedules for all high school fall sports teams and activities on the Activities Page of the district's website. 

Middle School students in the FLEX program wrapped up their Olympic Games Challenge! Four teams competed in different activities including kickball, a three legged race, marshmallow balancing, trivia and more! Students had fun cheering their teammates on during the competitions. Team Yellow was named the winners!

WBLAS Freedom School wrapped up earlier this month. The program provides students an opportunity to explore how they can make a difference through literacy and education, social action and community engagement. During their finale showcase and Harambee, students performed songs for their families, enjoyed motivational activities and a video highlighting their experience. 

Mark Your Calendar

The White Bear Lake Area High School's Fall Musical production has been announced! Students will perform "Cinderella," Nov. 14-15 and Nov. 20-22 at the White Bear Lake Area High School Performing Arts Center (PAC). This will be the first high school Fall Musical production performed in the PAC. Those who wish to audition for the Fall Musical can find information here.

Back-to-school Excitement!

We are excited to welcome students back for the 2025-26 school year! Families can find School Supply and beginning of the school year information on the Back to School page of the district’s website. Families are asked to log in to ParentVUE and complete the Annual Family Update (instructions here), which is essential to provide schools with accurate and up-to-date information for every student. Families can also complete the Application for Educational Benefits for the opportunity to qualify for discounts on sports and activity fees, Advanced Placement test registration, college applications, and more. Find complete info here or at a QR code pictured on a postcard that was recently mailed home to district families.

When we begin school in September, families, staff and community members are invited to share back-to-school pictures (along with why they are excited for the school year) on Facebook and Instagram with a #BackToSchoolBears hashtag for a chance at being featured in a September Community e-Newsletter. Photo entries may also be emailed to us at communications@isd624.org.

Check out the completed construction projects at Central Middle School by joining us for a Community Open House event that will take place during Homecoming week, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24. The renovations are part of district-wide projects made possible by the community’s support of the 2019 Building Our Future bond referendum. Additional information about all projects included in the referendum can be found on the Building Our Future page of the district's website.  

Bears in the News

Incoming WBLAHS freshman Mallory Clem was recently highlighted as an Emerging Artist in the White Bear Press for time she's spent on the theater stage in various productions. She told the paper theater is helping her build skills for her future life plans saying, “Theater will teach you a so many things—being proud of yourself, accepting an audience and just talking… It is crazy how much theater can change a person".

Two White Bear Lake Area High School grads were featured in the White Bear Press for earning their Eagle Scout rank. Zach Carnes, Luke Baker and three other members of Troop 402 were recognized during The Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony at First Presbyterian Church. 

A group of sixth grade Bears were recently celebrated in the White Bear Press for their championship "McGlovens" accomplishment. Another group of baseball players were also highlighted by the White Bear Press. The White Bear Lake Post 168 Legion Baseball Team earned a trip to the State tournament after becoming Sub State 7 Champions. They wrapped up their season 22-6.

In other baseball news, incoming sophomore Aiden Hamlin was highlighted in the White Bear Press for starring in the Chicago Cubs “Take the Field” hype video this summer. It is shown on the Wrigley Field jumbotron before every Cubs home game. Aiden was cast in the video after submitting an audition tape. Following the release of the video, the Hamlin family was offered free tickets to a home game. After finding a weekend for a family trip to Chicago, the Hamlin's got a surprise call asking if Aiden would want to throw out one of the ceremonial first pitches!

The district's Senior Center was mentioned in a White Bear Press article about Helen Witwicke, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday and frequently plays dominos at the Center. See the article here.

 Activities Updates

Hudl Ticketing will be the exclusive provider of online tickets for all of your White Bear Lake Area High School home regular season athletic ticketing needs. Find games and purchase tickets here. High school fall sports teams are preparing for their first competitions of the season. You can find meet and game schedules for all high school fall sports teams and activities on the Activities Page of the district's website. WBLAHS is pleased to announce that Taylor Tvedt has been chosen to serve as the new Assistant Activities Director. The position became available when Adrian Turner left WBLAHS to accept an Activities Director position at Roseville Area High School. Find additional info 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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