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Welcome to
Otter Lake Elementary

Sitting on the northwest side of the White Bear Lake Area School District, the Otter Lake Elementary family consists of about 600 students and a dedicated staff. OLE recognizes that each child is unique, and works to recognize and encourage the development of that uniqueness as suggested by the philosophy.

This neighborhood school works hard to create a strong, positive bond between faculty, parents, students, and community.

Building Our Future Facilities Process
District Strategic Plan
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School News

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FREE Senior Activity Pass

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 school activities. Learn more.

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Enroll for 2021-22 School Year

White Bear Lake Area Schools are currently accepting enrollment for the 2021-22 school year. Families can choose traditional in-person school or the district's Distance Learning Academy.

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Free Summertime Meal Pick-up

Thanks to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Nutrition Services is able to extend free meal pickup this summer to any child 18 and under who is not receiving meals during on-site programming. Meals are also available to persons with disabilities, over age 18, who participate in school programs for people who are mentally or physically disabled.

2021-2022 Otter Lake School Supply List

School Board approves School Start/Dismissal Time Change for 2021-22 Academic Year

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.

2021-22 Academic Calendar approved

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

screenshot of Bear's Update large postcard

District publishes Bear's Update

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

November 2020 Groundbreaking Ceremonies

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.

Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak named Minnesota Superintendent of the Year

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.

OLE Spiritwear

The Otter Lake Spiritwear site is now available for shopping!

Board approves refinancing, savings approximately $890,000

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.

District Launches Support Hub Resource

The Support Hub is a resource available on the district’s website to provide families with necessary information to address barriers and enhance well-being. This support gives families and community members access to information for essential services including crisis response, basic needs, mental health and well-being, physical health, social emotional learning and more.

SchoolMessenger sign up for text capabilities

Families have the ability to opt in to text message notifications that will be shared (to those who opt in) when school and district messages are sent regarding emergency closings, attendance and nutrition services notices, general upcoming events, and other important announcements from the district or school. Learn more.

Reminder of Emergency School Closing Notification Information

Providing families with a reminder of emergency school closing notification information.

Free/Reduced Lunch Applications available

District families may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. To apply, families should complete the Application for Educational Benefits. Check out this flyer for more information.