News

Our school community is continuing to work through the impact of the hurtful and racist posts circulated on social media last week. Today (April 14), the White Bear Lake City Manager’s Office released a statement on the ongoing investigation. 

We are committed to continuing to work together as we create an environment in which all of our students feel heard and welcomed.

At the April 16, 2021 School Board Special Session, the School Board approved the School Start Time Change proposal to be implemented in the fall of 2021-22.

Key factors of the proposal include:

• Alignment with Strategic Plan.
• Alignment adolescent sleep research.
• Mitigation of traffic impact.
• A more efficient, three-tiered transportation system.

Following the state’s updated Safe Learning Plan, and in consultation with our Regional Support Team (MDE/MDH), we look forward to returning middle school and high school students to our buildings in a Hybrid 2.0 Learning Model beginning Feb. 22.

The WBLAE Teacher of the Year committee is proud to recognize the 600+ educators of White Bear Lake Area Educators, Local #7286 as this year’s Honorary Teachers of the Year (2020-21) and to celebrate the professional excellence of the 2021-22 class of nominees. Go Bears!

The 2021-22 Academic Calendar was approved at the January 11, 2021 School Board meeting. 

The district is currently hosting virtual registration events for the 2021-22 school year. Find additional information at www.isd624.org/welcome.

2020-21 “Coffee with Dr. K” events:

• 7:30-8:30 a.m. on Oct. 6
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Jan. 7
• 4:30-5:30 p.m. on April 6

Based on new guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education and Governor Walz, we are planning for our elementary students to return to in-person learning on a phased schedule.

Principals, Board liaisons, district leaders and construction partners gathered recently to celebrate groundbreakings at construction sites currently underway throughout the district. 

The projects include an additional gymnasium at the current South Campus; additions at Lincoln, Matoska International, Vadnais Heights and Willow Lane Elementary Schools; and a brand new Transportation Building.

The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) has named White Bear Lake Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak as the 2021 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year. Dr. K was selected for this honor by a panel of representatives from a variety of Minnesota education organizations. Nominees are evaluated on how each candidate demonstrates leadership for learning, communication skills, professionalism, and community involvement.

WBLAHS athletic contests are now available via live streaming provided by PrepSpotlightTV. The live stream arrangement is done in partnership with MSHSL and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidance.

A revised 2020-21 district calendar was approved at the September 14 School Board meeting. Three of the four days originally scheduled as school days September 5-8, 2020 will be made up on the following days: Wednesday, Oct. 14; Friday, Feb. 12 (at-home learning day); and Monday, April 5.

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 with a #BackToSchoolBears hashtag to have a chance at being featured in the Community e-Newsletter.

Find general Back to School information about school supply lists, the Skyward Online Family Update and free or reduced-price meal applications.

On Friday, August 7 the School Board approved a Fall 2020 Return to School Plan, during a School Board Special Work Session. White Bear Lake Area Schools will be offering a Hybrid Learning Model for all students K-12+. A Distance Learning Model will also be available for all families who choose that as an option. 

As the district continues the planning process for the new elementary school in Hugo and the new unified high school, an important component of the design and construction phases is to have a principal named for each building so that key decisions can be made to ensure a successful opening. 

At the July 13, 2020 School Board meeting, the School Board ratified the sale of the refinancing of leases related to the 2013 and 2014 gymnasium additions at Lakeaires, Matoska and Willow Lane Elementary Schools.

Please continue to give us your input by sharing your thoughts in the online conversation that was emailed to all staff members, students and families on the evening of Friday, July 10 about what we should consider as we prepare for a return in September.

Please see this message that was sent to Sunrise families this morning regarding library book weeding procedures.

The district recently mailed an end-of-the-year Bear's Update to all district residents.