Welcome to Mariner Middle School
Mariner Middle School strives to empower active learners in an emotionally supportive and engaging educational environment.
Mariner Middle School has been named a 2025-26 Minnesota School of Excellence, an honor awarded by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA). This status is given to a select group of Minnesota schools that sustained a one-to two-year commitment of research and self-reflection to improve their schools. Their peer-reviewed application is centered around six standards of effective schools. Through purposeful systems, collaborative leadership, and an unwavering focus on improvement, Mariner Middle School has built an environment where both staff and students are supported to do their best work.
In response to the honor, Principal Christina Pierre recognized the value of a supportive school team. “This honor reflects the incredible community that is at the heart of Mariner Middle School. I am proud of the work we have done to ensure that Mariner is a place where students, families, and educators can thrive.”
“Mariner Middle School is what excellence looks like through their commitment to listening deeply, acting with purpose, and investing in well-being,” said MESPA Executive Director Michelle Krell. “Their work demonstrates the powerful outcomes possible when leadership is responsive and asset-based.”
Mariner History
Mariner Middle School brings together the legacies of three White Bear Lake Schools: Sunrise Park Junior High (1958–1981), Sunrise Park Middle School (1993–2024), and Mariner High School (1972–1983).
Sunrise Park Junior High
Built in White Bear Lake’s first subdivision, Sunrise Park Junior High was the first junior high in the school district. Prior to its opening in 1959, junior high students were located in a wing of the high school. The junior high opened with 379 seventh graders, 305 eighth graders, and 314 elementary students. The average class size was 31 students. Sunrise Park Junior High was known for its interdisciplinary Spring Arts Festival and innovative Parent-Teacher Association. The school closed due to declining enrollment in 1981 and the building was designated to house the district’s offices.
Sunrise Park Middle School
Sunrise Park opened as a middle school in 1993. The middle school philosophy emphasized the social, emotional, and academic needs of early adolescents. Students and teachers were organized into interdisciplinary teams. Sunrise Park Middle School was known for its positive energy, diversity, and friendly atmosphere. Sunrise Park students enjoyed special events such as February Follies (an all-school field trip day), the Staff Show (a variety show put on by the Sunrise staff), and the Community Dinner (a fundraiser featuring performances by staff and students). In 2024, the students and staff of Sunrise Park moved into the South Campus of White Bear Lake Area High School, which would become Mariner Middle School. The Sunrise Park building would be renovated to once again house the district’s offices and other programs.
Mariner High School
Once upon a time there was a high school called Mariner. It survived twelve years. When Mariner was first created it was to be an innovative school with fresh ideas and much freedom for its students. As time went on the rules of the school became more strict. But a special quality remained through these transitions, the quality of caring between students and faculty. The techniques used in dealing with the students had often been looked upon with skepticism by many. But this did not diminish the pride and spirit of Mariner. If anything it only made those who cared more determined to prove that a young school with willing participants can make it work. And Mariner did prove just that. It was a school with no background or tradition but created its own and its spirit and joy were sensed in the prideful way students would say, “I go to Mariner.”
Albatross Vol. XI, p. 160–161, Mariner High School 1983 yearbook
We hail to you Mariner
So loyal we stand
Our faith goes to Mariner
The best in the land
We cheer for you
The yellow and blue
For the Dolphins of Mariner High
Our Mission
At Mariner Middle School, we:
- Love our diversity it is an important part of who we are
- Want our community to feel like a family that is nurturing, respectful and fun
- Value our students’ unique strengths and abilities, in and out of school
- Embrace each student’s growth and changing identity
- Strive to create quality, caring people who are lifelong learners
- Commit to the success of every student
I love the energy, enthusiasm and open-mindedness of middle school students. I enjoy spending time in classrooms, meeting with students, and collaborating with parents and teachers. During middle school, students become capable of learning more complex material. They also become increasingly independent and self-reliant. Middle school is an exciting and important time for students! I've worked in the White Bear Lake School District since 1994. I taught mathematics in the middle school and high school, then served as an associate principal at both campuses of the high school. I believe schools are most effective when school leaders work together with parents and teachers to help students succeed.
Mariner Middle School is an incredible place to teach and learn. As the associate principal at Mariner Middle School, my purpose is to ensure all students are safe, all students belong, and all students learn. I have been an instructional leader for White Bear Lake Area Schools since 2016. My teaching background is in physical education, adapted physical education, and health. I am a Google Certified Educator, Trainer, and Innovator. I am committed to continual improvement, and I believe in aligning initiatives to a shared strategic vision. This is going to be an incredible school year. I look forward to seeing you in the hallways. Go Bears!
Middle school is such a pivotal time in the lives of students and their families. I am beyond excited to serve during the process. As the dean of Mariner Middle School, I am committed to upholding the school's values around creating a safe and equitable learning environment for all students. I have served as an educator for over 12 years and most recently as the districtwide MTSS coordinator (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) here in WBLAS. My background is in equity and PBIS work (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports). I believe in proactive solutions that allow students the ability to maintain their dignity and unique characteristics! I look forward to the coming school year and being a part of the Mariner Middle School family. Go Bears!!