came into play for every one of our construction projects . We prioritized the student learning experience to make some important changes , and we are seeing that approach pay off .”
Educators from across the nation have noticed what we have accomplished . For example , this fall , District leaders accompanied a team from Wold Architects and Engineers , the firm that designed the majority of the district ’ s projects , to present at the EDspaces “ Designing the Future of Education ” national conference . This annual event is described as the place where leaders and innovators unite to drive the future of learning environments - where technology , space and pedagogy converge . Our experiences are helping others approach teaching and learning differently .
The transformation of learning , made possible by flexible learning spaces and learning studios that ignite opportunities for communication , collaboration , creativity and critical thinking , has been noticed by visitors to our buildings as well . Minnesota Commissioner of Education Willie Jett recently enjoyed a student-led tour through North Star , the brand new elementary school built in the northern end of the district . He reflected as he was leaving that the positive energy and strong sense of camaraderie could be felt in the building , and that his young tour guides had exhibited the student agency and ownership that
staff members work hard to inspire and facilitate every day .
As we courageously build our future , we also honor our legacy . Events will be planned to celebrate the history of Sunrise Park Middle School and White Bear Lake Area High School - South Campus . We will also host events in the fall of 2024 to welcome community members to see the completed Mariner Middle School and White Bear Lake Area High School .
Until then , those who are interested are invited to follow the district ’ s progress virtually . Updates , presentations , photos and videos of the projects are available on the Building Our Future page of the district ’ s website , at isd624 . org / BuildingOurFuture
WBLAS ROBOTICS TEAM
BY VHEDC BOARD MEMBER CINDY O ’ DONOVAN
“ Bright Bears ” 2207 formed in 2007 and has been operating out of White Bear Lake Area Schools South Campus . The school ’ s program is coordinated by Technical Education Teacher Delroy Nyren , supported by volunteer mentors .
Joe Viavattine , Chief Engineer and Technical Fellow at Medtronic , was instrumental in creating this program , and coordinates the mentor team from Medtronic . Many members of the mentor team are White Bear Lake Area Schools alumni .
Medtronic has contributed over $ 175,000 to the program when you figure in yearly donations , volunteer matching at $ 1,000 per mentor , volunteering 50 hours and support through Tech Fellows funds .
This year ’ s program involves close to 50 students , some as young as middle school age . I toured the program on a Saturday morning , observing and interacting with excited , engaged students at work , using tools , computers and gaming
controls , as they worked together under the supervision of professional engineer mentors , student alumni , parent volunteers and Nyren .
The team faced off against 60 other FIRST Robotics Competition ( FRC ) teams in the Minnesota 10,000 Lakes Regional at the University of Minnesota , presented by Medtronic . This year ’ s regionals involved many top teams around Minnesota , and also included a team from Prague , Czech Republic . Students got to participate in a global competition and experience professionalism and cooperation .
The program provides an avenue for students to gain exposure to industrystandard machines , methods and equipment , as well as critical thinking , problem solving and team building skills .
Information : www . whitebearlakerobotics . com Contact : Delroy Nyren at delroy . nyren @ isd624 . org
54 Northeast Metro Business