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Family Support Services
There are many services available to district families through the Family Support Services office. They include:
Free and Reduced Price School Meals & Reduced Activity Fees
The USDA is no longer providing pandemic relief through free school meals for all students. Beginning this school year, regular school meal prices will apply. Families who qualify for free and reduced price lunch must fill out the application in order to receive free meals.The Forest Lake Area School District sends school meal applications home at the beginning of each school year. However, you may apply for school meal benefits at any time throughout the school year by completing an Application for Educational Benefits online. In addition, other educational benefits are available for those who meet the income eligibility requirements. Factors considered in the application process are whether your family receives Minnesota Family Investment Income (MFIP) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or your household size and total household income.
- Online Educational Benefits Application (English and Spanish)
- For applications in languages other than English or Spanish go to:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/translated- applications
Free School Breakfast
If your child qualifies for Free and Reduced Price Lunch, they automatically qualify for free breakfast at school every day. All kindergarten students in the district qualify for free breakfast.
Reduced Activity Fees
Students who are on the free or reduced lunch program also receive a discount on school activities. If your child receives free lunch you still need to register on FeePay. At the point of check-out the fee will be discounted depending on your family's level of need.
Rangers Supporting Rangers Weekly Food ProgramThe RSR Food Program is intended to assist families in the district who have a financial need by supplementing meals on weekends and during extended school breaks. Each participating student receives a weekend meal pack containing 2 light breakfasts, lunches, and snacks every Friday during the school year.
If you would like your student to receive food through this program, please complete the online registration form.
For more information, please see our informational brochure or visit https://www.rangerssupportingrangersfl.org/
School Supplies Program
Rangers Supporting Rangers School Supply Information for the 2022-23 School Year:
The Rangers Supporting Rangers School Supply Program assists families in the district who have a financial need by providing backpacks and school supplies to their students. Rangers Supporting Rangers is currently accepting registrations from families with students attending Forest Lake Area Schools for the 2022-23 school year.
Backpacks and school supplies will be available before school starts in August at the school your student attends. Watch for an email from your school with more information later this summer.
To register for this program:
Please click on this LINK and register for the school your student will be attending during the 2022-23 school year.
For school supply assistance after the start of the school year, contact Rachel Peterson at rpeterson@flaschools.org or 651-982-3154.To help support this program:
Rangers Supporting Rangers is a 501(c)(3) organization. Financial donations are tax deductible and 100% of donations are used to support this project. Rangers Supporting Rangers is a volunteer organization. This program is entirely funded by grants and private donations.
To make a financial contribution:
Please make checks to “Rangers Supporting Rangers” and send to:
Rangers Supporting Rangers
8661 North Shore Trail N
Forest Lake, MN 55025If you have questions about making a contribution, please contact Stephanie Groff at 651-307-0969, sgroff22@gmail.com
To donate school supplies or for additional information:
Please contact Tracy Angelo at tangelo@flaschools.org or 651-982-8110.
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Community Closet
Our STEP program students have opened a community closet to provide free used clothing for families in need. We are ready to welcome families to come browse and take home items they need. All clothing items in the Community Closet are free. If you could benefit from this resource, contact communitycloset@flaschools.org to schedule a convenient time to visit.
The Community Closet is located at the STEP program center (in the former CLC building) at 200 4th St SW. Enter through door 7, which is on the back side of the building near 3rd Ave SW and 5th St SW in Forest Lake.
School Based Mental Health Program
In order to increase access to mental health services for students, the School Based Mental Health Program allows mental health agencies, with whom the district has an agreement, to provide mental health services to students within the school building during the school day.- Confidentiality maintained
- Removes barriers of access
- Lessens time loss for parents from work and students from school
- Parents can connect with agencies directly or ask for assistance from school
Click here for resources and a printable brochure on School Based Mental Health or reach out to your school counselor or dean for more information.
Supporting Students and Families Experiencing Homelessness
According to the McKinney-Vento Act, students and families experiencing homelessness are defined as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, including students/families who are:- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of adequate accommodations
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters
- Unaccompanied youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act provides students experiencing homelessness and highly mobile students with certain rights so they have access to opportunities that will help them meet the same high academic standards expected of all students in our district, including:
- Immediate enrollment in school
- Transportation to the school they attended when they became homeless (school of origin)
- Access to academic services and family support resources
- Automatic qualification for free school meals
These opportunities for students and families are funded through state and federal programs. For more information, please contact: Brad Ward or Rachel Peterson at 651-982-3154.
Finding Help
- County Health and Human Services Assistance Programs:
Washington County Community Services
Anoka County Assistance
Chisago County Financial Assistance - Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties: Find rent, utility, food, weatherization, health, and affordable housing resources for both Ramsey and Washington County residents.
- Bridge to Benefits provides an online tool for self-screening for public assistance benefits. By answering a few simple questions, you will be able to see if you or someone else may be eligible for public support programs. It does not ask you for information that identifies you. It’s easy, confidential and free!
- CALL 2-1-1 - United Way Assistance Toll-Free: 800-543-7709; Local: 651-291-0211 Or text your zip code to 898-211 https://www.211unitedway.org
