Community e-Newsletter

March 15, 2026

In Photos: Spring Activities

photo collage of white bear lake area school students enjoying various activities

Student News

Creative Minds

Regardless of where you find yourself during Spring Break, we hope you were able to find some time to take a breather, read a book or learn something new and get some fresh air spending time outside.

We also hope you enjoyed this year's spring break video which was a powerful compilation of "hopes and dreams" we’ve been collecting from students, parents, staff, and community members throughout the year.

It serves as a reflection of our shared vision, and you are invited to join the conversation by responding with your own hopes and dreams for the future. Scan the QR code at the end of the video or visit this form to submit your answer.

Tenth grade Language Arts students used the power of persuasive speaking to pitch their Bear Tank ideas. Their lesson was captured in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds". Similar to the TV show “Shark Tank”, which the unit is modeled after, students explored how original ideas can change the world. Students developed, researched, and created new products, organizations and business practices. After sharing their idea, students received feedback from their classmates, community members and district leaders.

two high school students sit close together looking at a computer screen

Students at Area Learning Center are working together to design and create their 2025-26 yearbook. They are partnering with Treering Yearbook Company - which plants a tree for every book sold. Students are using their creative vision to craft an eco-friendly yearbook that truly captures the unique and diverse perspectives at the ALC. One of their work days was highlighted in a recent video issue of "The week in 62.4 Seconds".

a class of high school students sit together at different tables working on their computers

Mariner Middle School students who are members of the Black Student Union performed their Showcase for classmates. They hosted a community-wide event on February 26. The talented group of students danced, played various instruments, sang and more!

photo collage of middle school students performing on stage

Students at Matoska International finished some portrait artwork recently that's gotten the attention of professional hockey players in the state. The Minnesota Wild recently posted a YouTube video featuring players reacting to new team headshots, some of which were created by students at Matoska International!

video thumbnail with drawn player portraits created by elementary students

Trying Something New

Before heading off on Spring Break, Central Middle Schoolers celebrated Pi Day in their math classes. Pi Day is officially recognized on March 14 because the date corresponds to the first three digits of the mathematical constant (3.14). Students played games to determine if numbers are rational or irrational. They also created irrational and rational bracelets that represent the mathematical symbol and enjoyed a slice of pie!

three middle school students holding and making beaded bracelets in class

First and second graders at North Star elementary enjoyed an exciting activity in their physical education class! Students rotated through different games and stations with Dr. Seuss book themes including a Lorax bowling activity and a one fish, two fish throwing game! The class was highlighted in a recent video issue of "The Week in 62.4 Seconds".

A group of children are engaged in various activities, with some standing and others sitting on the floor in a room with wooden flooring and white walls.

A group of high school students and staff spent their Spring Break exploring Italy as part of the Week Without Walls program. Week Without Walls is a multi-day educational trip to an international destination during which students engage in experiential learning, ask questions, gain new perspectives and make connections to the world beyond the classroom.

group of high school students standing together for a photo during a field trip to Italy

The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) recently awarded five Glasrud Family Fellowships to teachers in the White Bear Lake Area School District. Fellowships are awarded to teachers for personal professional growth with the hope that these awards will allow teachers to pursue professional development which would otherwise not be possible. Read more about the recipients in this News Story.

photo collage of white bear lake area schools staff members headshots

The Senior Center's Get Up & Go fitness class celebrated March birthdays last week; Carol's 94th birthday and Marianne's 90th birthday. Their dedication to staying active is a true inspiration and a powerful reminder of just how meaningful senior programming can be.

large group of older adults gather around a woman sitting in a chair in a gym

Activities Updates

Congratulations to WBLAHS Golf Coach Craig Nasvik for being named one of the Top 8 Finalists for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA) National Golf Coach of the Year Award. The winner will be announced at the NHSACA National Convention in July.

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. Find games and purchase tickets 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.

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

During the March 2 School Board Regular Meeting, School Board members celebrated the achievements of:

the Girls' Gymnastics Team,
Middle School and Elementary Cheerleading Teams,
the DECA Team,
and members of the Boys' Swim and Dive Team,
Boys' and Girls Wrestling Teams,
Boys' and Girls' Alpine Ski Team,
Girls' Hockey and
MN Scholastic Art Award winners

who represented the district at their respective State competitions along with the Varsity Cheer Team who competed at State and National-level tournaments. Watch the Student Recognition video here.

The image shows a smiling young student against an orange and black background, along with text identifying her as Grace Scott, a DECA State Tournament Participant and Community Giving Project.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Past Meeting Highlights

Mar. 2 Regular Session

Feb. 23 Work Session

Feb. 9 Regular Session

School Board News stories

District News

General Information

Family Notices

Bear Claw Speech Invitational - The WBLAHS Speech Team is looking for volunteers to help support their second annual Bear Claw Speech Invitational taking place at the high school on Saturday, March 28. The team is expecting over 600 speakers from up to 30 high schools to participate in this tournament, which will wrap up their regular season.
- Sign up to volunteer for a shift.
- Sign up to donate breakfast items, beverages, desserts, snacks, and paper goods for the judges.
To make a monetary donation, contact Coach Traci at traci.bowermaster@isd624.org.
2026 Teacher of the Year Update from WBLAE - Please join us in celebrating the professional excellence of the 2026 class of WBLAE Teacher of the Year nominees. In accordance with Education Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year Program, eligible nominees, who are members of White Bear Lake Area Educators - Local #7286, now have the opportunity to submit written responses to a series of questions regarding teaching and learning as well as their personal educational philosophies for consideration by a panel of readers. From those responses, six finalists will be selected to interview with members of the community, administration and their fellow teachers later this spring.
Community Education and Recreation Summer Catalog - Keep an eye on your mailboxes, the Summer 2026 Community Education Catalog will be arriving soon. The catalog highlights enrichment and recreation opportunities available for all ages. It also includes Bear’s Bulletin, which covers district news and updates.
2026 Marketfest Artwork Contest - The 2026 Marketfest Artwork Contest, hosted by the Marketfest Committee, is an excellent opportunity for K-12 students within the White Bear Lake Area School District #624 or residing within its boundaries to showcase their artistic talent. Find complete information in the flyer linked above. For any inquiries or further information, please contact info@marketfestwbl.com.
Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator Award nominations - Nominations are being accepted through April 1 for the Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator Award. Lynn Mielke was a speech clinician and Special Education Coordinator in the White Bear Lake Area School District. This award was established to recognize an individual who has exemplified Lynn’s dedication and care for the students and staff in our district. Educators are nominated by colleagues, supervisors, students, parents or community members. For additional information and/or to submit a nomination form on the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundations website.
ParentVUE app - Synergy has a new StudentVUE and ParentVUE app available. Parents may get the message below when using the ParentVUE app on their phones. We added instructions for using the new app on the ParentVUE page on our website. The current StudentVUE and ParentVUE apps will be deprovisioned over the summer.
Calling all incoming 2026-27 kindergarten Bears! - Registration is now open for students entering kindergarten in Fall 2026! White Bear Lake Area Schools offers strong neighborhood school programs, and district-wide options for International Baccalaureate (IB) and Elementary Spanish Dual Immersion.
2026-27 Preschool Registration - Registration for the district's 2026-27 preschool programs are open! We offer a safe and nurturing environment for a child’s first school experience away from home in our four star (highest possible rating) Parent Aware rated programs! Find more information on the Early Childhood page of the website.
New Registration System for Community Education & Recreation - As of December 1, registrations for White Bear Lake Area Schools Community Education & Recreation programs have moved to Arux, our new and improved system for account management, payments, and enrollment. Be sure to save our new web address: whitebear.arux.app. Find additional details here.
2025 Annual Update - The 2025 Annual Update electronic was published on the district's website in December and is available in print at district buildings!
2025 Building Our Future Video - The 2025 update of the district’s Building Our Future facilities projects – made possible by our community’s support of the 2019 bond referendum – is now available on the district’s YouTube channel. This marks our sixth annual video update to the school community. This year’s video highlights work completed last summer at our middle schools and showcases ongoing construction that will allow the Early Childhood and Transition Education Centers to be housed at Sunrise Park beginning in Fall 2026. Additional updates and information about the Building Our Future facilities projects can be found at isd624.org/BuildingOurFuture.
Emergency School Closings - If winter weather is so severe that schools need to close, families will be alerted in three ways as soon as a decision is made:
- A phone message and email will be sent to all guardians. A text message will be sent to those with texting capabilities.
- A message will be posted on the homepage of www.isd624.org.
- Messages will be posted on the District's Facebook and Instagram pages.
- Information will also be available on local media outlets.
  Make sure you don’t miss the call. If you’ve had a recent change in your email or phone number, contact your child’s school to provide the updated information.
  Find complete information here.
Academic Calendars - At the November 10, 2025 Regular School Board Meeting, the White Bear Lake Area School Board approved the following calendars. More information on the decision can be found in this news story.
- 2026-27 Academic Calendar
- 2027-28 Academic Calendar
ParentSquare "Digest" settings - Are you overwhelmed with the number of emails, texts and app notifications you are getting from ParentSquare? Set your notifications to Digest and you will receive one email and/or one text and/or one app notification providing access to all ParentSquare information at the end of the day. Note: If you receive notifications by email, you'll receive a daily digest email from your district and schools separately if there are posts that day.
- Set Your Notification Method in a Web Browser:
  - Go to www.parentsquare.com and log in.
  - Click your name in the upper right and select Manage Account.
  - Click Notification Settings.
  - Select Off, Instant or Digest for each type of notification (Email, Text, App), and for each school or district if there is more than one.
- See a video outlining this information here.
Bear Boards and More! - Bear Boards and More is now taking orders! The student-operated business based at the Transition Education Center, specializes in customized cutting boards and tumblers. Check out the links below to view some examples of finished products and to place an order.
- Examples of Cutting Boards
- Examples of Tumblers
- Cutting Board Order Form
- Tumbler Order Form
Application for Educational Benefits - Has Your Family’s Income Recently Changed? Many families are feeling the impact of furloughs, job losses, reduced federal contracts, or cuts to SNAP (food assistance) funding as a result of the federal government shutdown. Families can apply or re-apply for educational benefits at any time during the school year.
While school meals are free in Minnesota, educational benefits may help qualify your family for discounts and reduced fees on:
- Sports and Activity Fees
- College Application Fees
- Driver's Training
- Internet Access and Utility Bills
- AP Test Registration Fees and more!
  Apply today! Visit the Educational Benefits page of our website or contact nutritionservices@isd624.org for more information.
Quarter-Century of Finance Awards for White Bear Lake Area Schools - White Bear Lake Area Schools has once again earned top honors for financial reporting, marking the 25th consecutive year the district has received both the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting. See the press release here.
2026-27 FAFSA Form is Live – Don’t Miss Out on Aid! - The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is now open at fafsa.gov. Completing the FAFSA form is a key to accessing federal, state, and institutional financial aid that can help cover the cost of college or career training. We strongly encourage all students to complete the form as soon as possible. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of maximizing aid. If you need help or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school counselor or college advisor.
Screen at Three - The District's Early Childhood Program has free "Screen at Three" screening dates available this spring and summer. This important step is required for all children and supports readiness for kindergarten while promoting health and development. Find additional information in this Screening flyer.
Bear Care Clinic - The Bear Care Health and Wellness Clinic is located at WBLAHS but available to all district families. Find more information about their services and to make an appointment here.
Receiving district messages - District-level emails are being sent from the communications@isd624.org email address. If you are not receiving emails from this account, it is possible that the email address is currently blocked in your email account. Find instructions to unblock the communications@isd624.org email address in different email platforms here.
Requesting an interpreter - Find more information about requesting a call with an interpreter in the language your family speaks.
We Are Hiring! - White Bear Lake Area Schools is hiring for a variety of positions, offering both school-day and out-of-school-time hours. Full- and part-time options are available, and many positions offer flexible hours if needed to accommodate family schedules. The district is seeking paraprofessionals, community services and recreation staff and coaches, and more. Find the online application page here.
Stay connected! - Join White Bear Lake Area Schools' social media circles - Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
School Linked Mental Health Services - Find information about School Linked Mental Health Services available to our families here.
Support Hub - The District's Support Hub provides families with resources to address barriers & enhance well-being. This comprehensive resource gives families and community members access to information for essential services including crisis response, basic needs, mental health and wellbeing, physical health, social emotional learning and more.
Calling all baby models - We're looking for "Born to be a Bear" photos! Email photos to us here and you may find your little one featured in District publications!
DHS Announcement: Re-Enrolling in Health Care Coverage - The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that the Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare (Medicaid eligibility) renewals, which were paused post-pandemic, are now restarting the final timeline for annual renewals in public health care programs. View the full timeline. Please visit DHS's Renew My Coverage communications toolkit for resources in multiple languages.

Awards and Honors

The following school- and employee-related recognition days are happening in March:
- March - National Nutrition Month, Music in Our Schools Month and Women's History Month

The White Bear Lake Area Educators recently announced its 2026 class of WBLAE Teacher of the Year nominees. In accordance with Education Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year Program, eligible nominees, who are members of White Bear Lake Area Educators - Local #7286, now have the opportunity to submit written responses to a series of questions regarding teaching and learning as well as their personal educational philosophies for consideration by a panel of readers. From those responses, six finalists will be selected to interview with members of the community, administration and their fellow teachers later this spring.

Community Education

The WBLAS Community Education and Recreation Department provides a wide range of services and opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all members of ISD 624.

Community Education and Recreation Summer Catalog - Keep an eye on your mailboxes, the Summer 2026 Community Education Catalog will be arriving soon. The catalog highlights enrichment and recreation opportunities available for all ages. It also includes Bear’s Bulletin, which covers district news and updates.
2026-27 Preschool Registration - Registration for the district's 2026-27 preschool programs is open! We offer a safe and nurturing environment for a child’s first school experience away from home in our four star (highest possible rating) Parent Aware rated programs! Find more information on the Early Childhood page of the website.
New Registration System for Community Education & Recreation - As of December 1, registrations for White Bear Lake Area Schools Community Education & Recreation programs have moved to Arux, our new and improved system for account management, payments, and enrollment. Be sure to save our new web address: whitebear.arux.app. Find additional details here.
Seasonal Catalogs - Seasonal catalogs, with multiple opportunities for community members of all ages, can be found here!
Digital Backpack - The Community Education Department distributes electronic flyers on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Flyers include announcements from the school district, as well as local organizations. Those who wish to request distribution of a flyer should email the files to Director Tim Maurer at tim.maurer@isd624.org.
Senior Program
- We've Moved! - The Senior Center is now located at District Service Center offices at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
- Check out the latest edition of The Voice.
- Resources Guides - View our updated Resource Guides: Senior Services and senior housing; The Directory.
- Community Bridge - Check out opportunities here. The Community Bridge Consortium is an adults with cognitive disabilities program supported by the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale, South Washington County, Roseville, White Bear and Mahtomedi School Districts.

Senior Program Updates

The White Bear Area Senior Center is a program of the White Bear Lake Area Schools Community Education & Recreation Department.

We've Moved! - The Senior Center is now located at District Service Center offices at Sunrise Park, 2399 Cedar Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
The Voice - Stay informed about the latest community offerings for seniors in the community through The Voice.
Community Bridge - Check out opportunities here. The Community Bridge Consortium is an adults with cognitive disabilities program supported by the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale, South Washington County, Roseville, White Bear and Mahtomedi School Districts.
Resources Guides - View our updated Resource Guides: Senior Services and senior housing; The Directory.
FREE Activity Pass for Senior Community Members (age 65+) - White Bear Lake Area Schools offer a variety of activities - home athletic contests, concerts, and theater productions to name a few. Join us! Please fill out this application and you will be sent the pass in the US Mail. If you have questions, please contact Rachael Markuson at 651-407-7563 or rachael.markuson@isd624.org.
Be a Bear! The district currently has many staff openings available! Find the online application page here.

Support WBLAS Students

Environmental Club sale - Support the WBLAHS Environmental Club and purchase merchandise for Earth Day! The WBLAHS Environmental Club is selling t-shirts, sweatshirts and reusable bags now through Monday, March 16. Purchase items here.

The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) is an independent, non-profit corporation promoting excellence in education in White Bear Lake Area School District 624 schools.

The Closet at Sunrise - The Closet is open and available to all students and families in need. Clothing, jackets, shoes, etc. Families need to connect to a building social worker, psychologist, nurse, or principal who can assist the family! As a reminder, the Closet has moved to the new District Center at Sunrise Park: 2399 Cedar Ave. Find additional information here.

Be a Bear! - White Bear Lake Area Schools is hiring for a variety of positions, offering both school-day and out-of-school-time hours. Full- and part-time options are available, and many positions offer flexible hours if needed to accommodate family schedules. The district is seeking paraprofessionals, community services and recreation staff and coaches, and more. Find the online application page here.

Partnership Updates

2026 Marketfest Artwork Contest - We are excited to announce the 2026 Marketfest Artwork Contest hosted by the Marketfest Committee! This is an excellent opportunity for K-12 students within the White Bear Lake Area School District #624 or residing within its boundaries to showcase their artistic talent.
- Contest Details:
  - Theme: Original artwork for use on Marketfest promotional poster and t-shirts.
  - Eligibility: K-12 students attending schools in the White Bear Lake Area School District #624 or living within its boundaries.
  - Prizes: The winner will receive a cash prize of $100.00, recognition in the White Bear Press, and a copy of the 2026 Marketfest poster and t-shirt featuring their artwork.
  - Submission Deadline: Artwork submissions will be accepted until April 1, 2026.
  - Notification: The winner will be notified in early May.
  - How to Enter: Please submit your original artwork to info@marketfestwbl.com or Eat!@Banning and 5th restaurant, 2202 5th St, White Bear Lake, MN 55110, by the deadline. Make sure to include your name, grade, school name, and contact information with your submission. Please see attachment for more details.
- We are immensely grateful to our Marketfest Artwork Contest sponsor for their generous support!
- For any inquiries or further information, please contact info@marketfestwbl.com.
The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) is an independent, non-profit corporation promoting excellence in education in White Bear Lake Area School District 624 schools.
- Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator Award nominations - Nominations are being accepted through April 1 for the Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator Award. Lynn Mielke was a speech clinician and Special Education Coordinator in the White Bear Lake Area School District. This award was established to recognize an individual who has exemplified Lynn’s dedication and care for the students and staff in our district. Educators are nominated by colleagues, supervisors, students, parents or community members. For additional information and/or to submit a nomination form on the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundations website.
- The Closet at Sunrise - The Closet is open and available to all students and families in need. Clothing, jackets, shoes, etc. Families need to connect to a building social worker, psychologist, nurse, or principal who can assist the family! As a reminder, the Closet has moved to the new District Center at Sunrise Park: 2399 Cedar Ave. Find additional information here.
- We are selling Dippin Dots at all indoor and outdoor games/meets throughout the year! Come support the Foundation!
- We are Hiring! - White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation is now hiring for a part time office administrator. Learn more: https://www.wblaef.org/career.
Bear Care
- The Bear Care Health and Wellness Clinic is located at WBLAHS but available to all district families. The clinic also offers Nutrition Counseling. See a flyer for this new service here.

Please contact the Communications Department (651-407-7578) to submit District News, General Information, Opportunities or Awards & Honors for inclusion in future publications.

ISD 624 does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in employment. Complete information in SB Policy 522.

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