The Buzz

December 18th, 2020

Distance Learning Updates

As parents, you are the first and most important teacher for your child. It is our intent to partner with you so that your child will have a successful learning experience in distance learning 2.0. We realize this is different as you navigate through what this looks like for your child(ren). Each day we ask your child(ren) to access their daily schedule and log into their live session(s) with their face showing every day so that they have the opportunity to be engaged and ultimately learn. Attendance continues to be taken daily. Grading follows the typical grading structure.


Thank you for your support and teamwork with our staff! There is a direct link between consistent attendance and student achievement. If you have any questions or need support please know that we are here to help.

Free/Reduced Price Meals

Free/Reduced Price Meals

Nutrition Services needs your help! Don't forget to apply for Free/Reduced Price Meal Benefits. Even though meals are provided free this year, families who qualify for free/reduced price lunch also qualify for other educational benefits. In addition, strong participation in the free/reduced meal program helps ensure our district receives consistent funding for services to students in the next school year.


For eligibility guidelines and the application please visit the Nutrition Services Website.

Apply Online! Click Here for Online Meal Benefit Application

Need a Paper Application Instead? Click Here to Print the 2020-2021 Meal Benefit Application
Free/Reduced Price Meals
Distance Learning Photos

Distance Learning Photos

We love seeing the learning that's taking place at home. Please share pictures of students in their home learning space with us!


You can email them to:

Distance Learning Photos

Ranger Sweepstakes

Thank you to everyone for participating in our Ranger Sweepstakes! Winners will be drawn next week and will be announced on December 22nd via e-mail.

Help Us Thank Our Teachers!

Help Us Thank Our Teachers!

The PTA is calling all students, families, and community members. Help us show our staff how amazing they are by leaving a note, it is easy and quick to do! The link below will bring you to a Google Form where you can leave a note, or 10, for our dedicated teachers and staff. Thank you in advance for helping us support our schools.

Leave a note at https://forms.gle/5oGQtDAMiAn3bP8s7

Help Us Thank Our Teachers!
SEL Tips for Families

SEL Tips for Families

This time of year can be particularly stressful for families in a normal year. Add in a global pandemic and issues of social injustice into the mix and December 2020 has no lack of stressors. “Stressors'' can be both things we do not like (called distressors) and things that we are excited about (called eustressors). Both distress and eustress can impact human ability to function optimally, both for children and adults. During this incredibly stressful time, find times to take breaks and try as best you can to separate school and work from other aspects of family life especially while all these things might be happening under the same roof. Make to-do lists for children so they can concentrate on accomplishing one task at a time with some external executive functioning support. Another way to slow stress circuits is to literally slow down. Spend time deliberately moving, talking, breathing, and thinking slowly. Maybe have young children pretend to be in slow motion or act like sloths to help the body find relaxation.
SEL Tips for Families

YMCA Every Meal; Free Winter Meal Program

The Forest Lake YMCA is now offering the “Every Meal; Free Winter Meal Program” for all families. This program is free, has no qualification requirements, and no information is collected from families who participate. The program provides 4-5 pounds of nutritious, non-perishable food including a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, and entrees. To participate, families can simply go to the front desk at the YMCA, and ask for a bag of food from the Every Meal Winter Meal Program. This program is running now through the end of January, while supplies last. There will also be a flyer for this program included in your student’s school material pick up on Tuesday, December 22. If you have any further questions about this program visit www.everymeal.org/winter, or contact Mr. Soukup, school counselor (FVE), at (651)982-8236, or rsoukup@flaschools.org. Or contact Ms. Armitage, school counselor (FLE), at karmitage@flaschools.org.
Digital Backpack

Digital Backpack

Throughout the year, please check the link to the Digital Backpack that has links to programs/activities/athletic opportunities in our community.
Digital Backpack

Kinsa Thermometers Are Still Available

You have one more chance to order your free Kinsa thermometer and help our school stay healthy! Text the word “FLUENCY” to 900900 from your smartphone and download the Kinsa app. Follow the directions to order yours.

Shop Amazon and Support Our Schools!

Shop Amazon and Support Our Schools!

Now that it's the time for online shopping, you can help out our schools effortlessly! Bookmark the link below on the main screen of your computer or phone to have Amazon donate to our school with each purchase. Please note that the Amazon App does not qualify for this give back program.

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/27-5103263

Shop Amazon and Support Our Schools!
About Us

About Us

About Us
Thank you for your commitment in helping our students succeed. If you have any questions or need to connect, please use the resources below to connect with us!
Forest Lake Elementary School, 408 4th Street Southwest, Forest Lake, MN, USA knewby@flaschools.org 651-982-3200 flaschools.org/fle