Community e-Newsletter

In Photos: Ready for 2026-27

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Student News

Prep in Our Step

As we kick off the new school year, we ask that each family take a moment to log in to ParentVUE (instructions here) and complete the Online Annual Family Update. It is essential that schools have accurate and up-to-date information for every student as we begin the 2026-27 school year. Learn more about the Online Annual Family Update. Additional all-in-one back to school information is available on the district website at isd624.org/BackToSchool, along with reminders mailed to families recently and emailed out through ParentSquare (Subject: 2026-27 Beginning of the Year info).

Calling all Bears! We continue to hire for the 2026-27 school year! We offer competitive wages, flexible work hours, and a chance to make a difference for kids in our community. Start the process of becoming a Bear today at the Employment page of our website! And with summer winding down and school starting, now is the time to enroll for Fall 2026 if you haven't already. Bears benefit from student-centered instruction, expanded academic opportunities, empowered and supported learning, inspiring and nurturing educators, and transformative learning. Elementary families can choose from neighborhood schools, an International Baccalaureate (IB) option and Elementary Spanish Dual Immersion. 

New educators came together two weeks ago to learn about the district and be welcomed into the White Bear community, including posing for the always-a-favorite "Rec t-shirt group photo." Last week, staff members throughout the district gathered at their buildings and programs to collaborate and prepare for the school year. White Bear Lake Area High School had a special experience when Governor Walz dropped by the building as one of his back-to-school visits.

The Willow Lane Elementary team welcomed visitors to their back-to-school events as well. Members of the White Bear Subaru leadership team were on-hand during a teacher work day, sponsoring a food truck and surprising Willow with notice of a $10,000 donation that has been made to the school through Subaru Loves Learning® in partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org®. The donation will support classrooms throughout the school. White Bear Subaru has left their mark on the school through this nine-year partnership, which most recently included a donation of the school's Buddy Bench. 

Staff members from throughout the district came together to celebrate the beginning of the 2026-27 school year at our Opening Convocation event, titled "Beyond the Finish Line – The Next Chapter Begins With Us." The White Bear Lake Area High School's Performing Arts Center (PAC) was filled with staff members, who enjoyed student performances, addresses from Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak and White Bear's Teacher of the Year Dr. Katelin Held, and keynote speaker Todd Whitaker a writer, educator and speaker.

In the Spotlight

The White Bear Lake Area High School team that competed in the Make48 Regional competition earned first place and a spot at the Make48 National competition. They will go head-to-head against other regional winners from across the country in September. The winning team members are Logan Blalock, Ben Bower, Jack Firkus, with Health/PE teacher Eric Olson serving as the staff lead.

An August White Bear Press article highlighted the 1976 football team that won the state title 50 years ago, gathering feedback from team members to reflect on the achievement. The stories shared included maneuvers the team used to control the game, vows made as children that ended up playing out in real life when they were seniors, and mentions of coaches who motivated the students along the way.

They also highlighted current athletes with an overview of season openers for the WBLAHS fall teams. Competitions have already taken place for boys & girls soccer, volleyball, swimming and tennis. Yet to come are the tennis season opener on Sept. 3 and the boys & girls cross country opener on Sept. 4. The article pictured the football team taking it to the extreme by taking the field at 12:01 a.m. on the first day practice was allowed, a tradition dating back to 2011.

The Mothers Band – and White Bear Lake Area High School '26 graduates Freya Sanders, Luisa Maruyama and Holly Flood – were featured in a Quad Press story about a local flower farm that recently began hosting makers and bakers as well as the local music act. The article detailed the way the three students came together to form the band in middle school and covered their unique band name's origins. 

Newsworthy

District members were highlighted in local newspapers last week. Dr. Kazmierczak's recent Movers & Shakers article, "The next chapter begins with us," was shared in the White Bear Press and Vadnais Heights Press. In the message, he focused on three key ideas: We Built, We Have Become, and We Begin. The piece celebrates the building projects throughout the district, along with the building of a strong sense of what is possible when our community comes together around a shared commitment to students. District students also graced the cover of the issue, sharing what they are looking forward to in the new school year. The elementary and middle school students listed teachers, friends, locker decorating and hockey season as reasons they are excited.

News of Bears athletes can be found within the pages of recent White Bear issues as well. The Girls' Soccer team topped Centennial 3-2 in their season opener. Read more in this Press Publications article. The White Bear Press covered the WBLAHS Volleyball season home opener win vs. Hutchinson. White Bear's Max Butters was pictured in a White Bear Press highlight of the Bears U16 baseball team's Junior Legion state championship. He was named Most Valuable Player in the state tournament, played alongside other Bears teammates. 

Charlotte Russell, who has served as a nurse in the district since 2020, was also highlighted in a Press Publications Q&A for her accomplishment of publishing the “Charlie MacDew” series. The chapter books were designed for readers ages 10-12 who struggle with reading, including many with dyslexia. The books are based on her personal experiences, including characters named after her and her childhood neighbors.

White Bear's Communications team is looking for student news to highlight through our district communication channels, including social media and the Community e-Newsletter. We would love to hear about: academic, athletic, or extracurricular achievements; acts of kindness, leadership, integrity, or service; engaging classroom experiences, including guest speakers and community partnerships; learning beyond the classroom, such as field trips, service-learning projects and hands-on experiences; and other moments that showcase student growth, achievement and Bear Pride. If you have a story to share, we would love for you to submit a Bear News Alert! If you have any questions, please email communications@isd624.org. Thank you for helping us celebrate our Bears and the many ways they learn, grow and thrive each day!

Activities Updates

The Girls' Soccer team topped Centennial 3-2 in their season opener. Read more in this Press Publications article. The White Bear Press covered the WBLAHS Volleyball season home opener win vs. Hutchinson. 

The WBLAHS Activities page has gotten a refresh along with the district's website refresh. Check out the site to find activities highlights and listings, fan zone and registration information, and resources. The page also contains quick links to the competition schedule, the Hall of Fame, physical forms, the spirit store and ticketing.

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.

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School Board News

School Board Election Information

Four School Board seats will be on the Nov. 3, 2026 General Election ballot. Find additional information at the School Board Election Information page of the website.

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District News

General Information