About Home

Forestview Middle School (FMS) proudly serves students in grades 5 through 8, providing a supportive and dynamic environment where every learner can thrive. Our innovative “schools within a school” model places students into grade-level Learning Teams, each led by a group of five to six dedicated teachers. This structure fosters strong relationships, personalized attention, and a genuine sense of belonging.

At Forestview, students benefit from rich classroom learning experiences and have the opportunity to get involved beyond the school day. With nearly 40 clubs, extracurricular activities, and student leadership groups—from Alpine Skiing to Robotics—there’s truly something for everyone.

Our school is also home to unique learning spaces that spark curiosity and creativity, including a permanent dome planetarium, a LEGO robotics lab, and a school forest that brings science and nature to life through hands-on exploration. At Forestview, learning goes beyond the classroom to inspire discovery, connection, and growth.

Letter from the Principal:

Welcome to Forestview Middle School!

My name is Dr. Sheila Eller, and I am honored to serve as the new principal of Forestview Middle School. Although I am new to Forestview, I bring almost 30 years of experience as a principal in a variety of schools in Minnesota, Illinois  and Virginia. I have served as principal at Riverside Elementary and Lowell Elementary here in Brainerd, and before that, I led Chippewa Middle School, Highview Middle School, and Bel Air Elementary School in the Mounds View School District. I also was a principal in the Stillwater, Mohtomedi, and Fairfax County (VA) Public Schools. 

Working with middle school students is truly my passion. They are energetic, curious, funny, and full of potential. I am excited to partner with you and your child to make this school year safe, positive, and successful.

Cell Phone Policy

To support student safety, focus, and well‑being, Forestview has a no‑cell‑phone policy during the school day. Students may not use or carry their phones between 7:30 AM and 2:45 PM. Phones must remain in lockers for the entire school day.

If a student is using or carrying their phone during school hours:

• 1st time: A staff member will take the phone to the office. The student may pick it up at the end of the school day.
• 2nd time: A staff member will take the phone to the office. A parent or guardian will need to come to school and meet with an administrator to pick it up.

Thank you for supporting this policy and reminding your child about it. It helps reduce distractions, social media conflicts, and other issues that can interfere with learning and student well‑being.

Chromebook Use

This year, Chromebooks will be used only during classes at school. This change reduces the number of lost or damaged devices and ensures students use technology in a structured, supervised environment.

Support in Grade‑Level Areas

Forestview is organized differently than many middle schools. Our counselors, social worker and administrators have offices located directly in grade‑level areas, allowing students to access support quickly and helping staff respond more effectively to student needs.

Please encourage your child to reach out to their teachers, counselor, or grade‑level administrator whenever they need assistance. We want every student to feel known, supported, and connected.

Our Partnership with You

I believe that students do better when the school and parents work together. We are committed to partnering with you for your child’s success. We are grateful you and your child are part of the Forestview community. I look forward to meeting you and working together to make this a safe, positive, and memorable school year.

Dr. Sheila Eller  

Principal, Forestview Middle School