St. Cloud Expands Free School Supplies For Young Students

ST. CLOUD (WJON News) -- The youngest students in the St. Cloud Area School District won't have to buy their own school supplies for the upcoming school year.

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The St. Cloud Area School District has announced the expansion of Ready, Set, School, an initiative that will provide classroom supplies for every preschool through fifth-grade classroom during the 2026-2027 school year.

This will impact more than 5,000 children ages three to 10.

The expansion of the program is made possible through a community fundraising effort that has generated nearly $130,000. The initiative began as a pilot at Talahi Community School and Quarryview Early Childhood Center during the 2025-2026 school year. Founding supporters Tom and Janet Grones and the St. Cloud Rotaract Club help launch the pilot. The district's expansion has been helped through a partnership with Greater St. Cloud based Impacks.

Anyone wishing to support the long-term sustainability of the initiative will have the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution through the Local Education & Activities Foundation.

District 742, St. Cloud Rotaract, and Impacks will host a community supply packing event on July 30th at Apollo High School.

Humourous St. Cloud Sign

For over two years, the sign outside the St. Cloud Vacuum and Sewing Center has been bringing smiles to drivers on Division Street. Check out some of the creative and funny signs that have been brightening the mood of St. Cloud.

Categories: From the WJON Newsroom, Newsletter, St. Cloud News