Forest Lake, MN (school district, college, military)

[nyguy123]

Hello everyone! I'm interested in a job as a teacher in the Forest Lake School District. Does anyone/any teachers have any experience with the school district? Is it a good school?

Any information is appreciated. Thanks!

[Cloudless]

I was a student in Forest Lake schools from 1993-2002. I attended Forest View Elementary, Central Junior High School, and Forest Lake High School.
All following data describe the structure, components, and arrangements of Forest Lake High School (FLHS).

Among the buildings and rooms of the school, there is a medium-sized auditorium used for theatrical performances and graduation ceremonies; a basketball court with surrounding mezzanine; a weightlifting room; male and female locker rooms equipped with lockers, benches, and showers; and an extra gym flanking the main basketball court used for volleyball and gymnastics practice and performance. In addition, there is an auto shop and garage, and industrial tech facilities for carpentry and metal molding and shaping. There is enough parking space on the premises behind the school for about 500 student cars.

There are military recruiters who advertise in the lunchroom once or twice a month. Regarding school security, there are numerous ceiling video-surveillance cameras and a police liaison (I can't remember whether he carries a gun), tasked to mediate between the Forest Lake Police Department and FLHS. Drug-sniffing dogs are brought in occasionally to scan the student lockers in order to find illegal substances. Perhaps they can also sniff and locate bombs. Detention and In-School Restriction/Suspension is given to disobedient, truant and delinquent students.

The Student Services staff consists of two assistant principals, three deans, and two administrative assistants, who are all assigned alphabetically to provide service and advice to the student body (comprising 1,770 students in grades 10-12). There is a special education department, and guidance counselors + psychologists who provide service to both regular and sensitive/special-needs students. Student Council was comprised of 55 members in 2001-02, but previous years' membership had been limited to 30 members. Circle of Support is an organization managed by three behavioral specialists and around 20 student peers, that operates to foster positive relations among students and to promote a positive school atmosphere. Homeroom (options) class is assigned to all students for periodic announcements and advisories from the principal. It is grouped according to students' surnames.

FLHS is renown for its agricultural education department, with its accompanying FFA program, which produces national leaders. The school wrestling program consistently produces wrestlers who advance to state level competitions.

Activities throughout the year include: Battle of the Bands; Talent Show; Fashion Show; Pep Fest; holiday rallies; concerts of band, orchestra, and choir; the annual Sophomore Retreat (I assume that it's still active); Senior Prom; and the college fair held for one day in March.

The school sports teams are named 'The Rangers'. There is a 'Ranger Wearhouse', which is a store inside the school that sells clothing and other merchandise featuring the Ranger logo.

Homecoming week, AKA 'Spirit week' occurs for one week in September. It includes these festive days: Get up and Go day, Crazy day, Scrubs day, Formal day/Dress-up day, and Maroon & Gold day (the school colors).

Daily schedule: There are 5 class periods, 8:00AM - 2:30PM, and 4 lunch periods, 11:35 - 1:10.

The student newspaper 'The Breeze' was discontinued in 2010 due to budget cuts. Too bad! At least high school yearbooks are still made.

"The district is committed to keeping class sizes as low as possible, and making sure classrooms are properly funded."

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