With the start of the 2022-2023 school year just around the corner, The Country Messenger reached out to Forest Lake Area Schools Superintendent Steve Massey to talk about what’s new this year and what parents need to know about sending students back to school. .
“We have a new Principal at Forest Lake Area High School, Jason Miller. He has a lot of experience as a high school teacher and administrator,” Massey said. “We also have a new principal at Lino Lakes Elementary School, Sarah Stratton. She has a lot of experience in elementary school and school management.”
In addition, FLAS has filled all teaching positions with highly qualified and experienced educators. “Our exceptional and well-trained staff is ready to welcome students. We are excited to start the school year with great things happening every day in our classrooms.”
Forest Lake Elementary School students will receive a new, complete literacy curriculum this year. “In keeping with the promise made to voters in our last tax referendum, the county has adopted a new reading curriculum called Benchmark Advance,” Massey explained. “The new curriculum complies with all modern educational standards and is based on the latest research in the field of teaching reading. It includes a strong focus on phonetics, vocabulary and writing development and covers all literacy goals from kindergarten through sixth grade.”
According to Massey, “FLAS has implemented robust security measures in all schools, and administrators are thoroughly trained, and we are working in partnership with Washington County Emergency Management staff and the Sheriff’s Office. We also have strong partnerships with the Forest Lake Police Department and other law enforcement agencies in the cities and counties we serve.”
FLAS will also install cameras on buses, including exterior brake light cameras and interior cameras. According to Massey, “the cameras will give our students a high degree of security when getting on and off the buses.”
After two years of pandemic-related free school meals, the USDA has decided to end funding for the program. School meals will no longer be free for all students. Pricing is available on the school district website. Families can still qualify for free meals based on income and can apply for these benefits online.
We will continue to follow CDC and MDH guidance regarding COVID guidance. Currently, students who test positive for COVID must be quarantined for five days. Exposure to COVID does not require a person to quarantine.
Aside from some roof and parking repair projects, FLAS had no major construction projects this summer. “It is noteworthy that this is the first summer when we did not have significant construction activity. All projects related to the 2015 Construction Bonds have been completed,” Massey said.
Families should know that this year FLAS again faced a shortage of bus drivers.
FLAS is currently recruiting bus drivers. Anyone interested in applying can visit our website to apply.
“Parents and families can play an active role in their child’s education. Our schools are open to the public, so check with your child’s teacher(s) about how you can volunteer in class or school activities. Parents can also join their child for lunch. Contact the school to discuss visitor procedures.
“Attending school is just one way to take an active part in your child’s learning. We hope that families will also have regular conversations with their students about what they are learning and help with homework or other reinforcement at home. Parents are our most important partner in student learning.
“As you support your child’s education at home, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about assignments, curriculum, or learning activities,” Massey said.
