MAPS Connection District Newsletter

Even though the past week has been warmer, winter weather is still here. As we move further into the season, we want to make sure all students are prepared for outdoor activities. Please be sure your child comes to school with appropriate cold-weather gear. This includes:

• Hat

• Gloves or mittens

• Winter coat

• Snow boots

• Snow pants

If getting any of these items is difficult right now, just reach out and we can support your student. We are here to help and can assist in getting what they need to stay warm and comfortable.

Thank you for helping us keep all students safe and prepared this winter!

We often say that high school is the best time to explore; it’s a "low-risk, high-reward" window for students to dive into their interests. To help your family make the most of these years, we’ve added a brand-new Career Pathways feature to our Online Registration Hub!

Instead of waiting for college to "figure it out," students can now use these tabs to find courses that align with their natural strengths today. Our goal? To help you select classes that serve as a launchpad for their future, saving both time and tuition money down the road.

What’s New? You’ll find four specific industry clusters to explore:

• Business, Entrepreneurship, and Information Technology

• Human Services & Healthcare

• Construction, Engineering, & Manufacturing

• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Each tab provides a clear roadmap for grades 9–12, fully aligned with Minnesota’s 16 Career Fields. We invite you to sit down with your student and explore these roadmaps together!

Need Employees, Volunteers, or Student Enrichment Participants?

Secure high school aged talent and help local teens make their summer count by registering for the 5th Annual Teen Connect Event hosted by Mankato Area Public Schools. This event connects students with local employers, volunteer and enrichment opportunities in the Mankato area.

Teen Connect will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. at Mankato East High School. Approximately 600 MAPS high school students are expected to attend and will have the opportunity to visit with organizations during the fair and follow up after the event.

Registration includes a table in the Mankato East High School gymnasium, promotion to students and families, and on site supervision by school personnel. Registration closes February 13, 2026, and space is limited. Participation must align with the MAPS mission and vision. This is a recruitment only event for jobs, volunteering, and enrichment opportunities. No sales or solicitation permitted.

Looking for a meaningful way to give back?
Adult Basic Education (ABE) is looking for volunteers who want to make a real difference.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• EL (English Learner) Volunteer: Support adults as they build English language skills for everyday life, work, and community involvement.

• GED Volunteer: Help learners prepare for their GED by offering encouragement, guidance, and academic support.

If you’re interested or would like to learn more, we’d love to hear from you!

Email the Engagement Office at volunteer@isd77.org for more information.

Do you know someone who demonstrates leadership, courage, or integrity in our schools or community? Nominate them for the Spirit of Youth Award!

This award honors youth and adults who make a positive impact through their actions and example.

🗓 Nominations are open now through March 2, 2026.

Submit your nomination here: https://www.mankatocer.com/ref/spirit-of-youth-award

Mankato Area Public Schools uses the I Love U Guys Standard Response Protocol to help keep students and staff safe. One of these responses is called LOCKDOWN.

A Lockdown is used when there is a serious threat or dangerous situation inside the school building, such as an intruder or other immediate safety concern. During a Lockdown, classroom and interior doors are locked, lights are turned off, and students and staff move to secure locations out of sight. Teaching and normal activities stop while staff focus on keeping students safe and quiet until the situation is resolved.

A Lockdown is designed to protect students and staff from immediate internal threats. Families will be notified through Infinite Campus communication channels as soon as it is safe to share information and if the incident significantly alters the school day.

If you are the parent or guardian of a MAPS student, we want to make sure you're receiving all the necessary communication.

Please check the following:

Do you have an Infinite Campus Parent Portal Account?

• If not, please follow THIS LINK to create one.

Do you have an account, but you're unsure about your contact preferences?

• If so, follow THIS LINK to review and update your settings.

If you have checked your preferences and still haven't received a message, we recommend contacting your phone carrier, as some carriers may have issues with third-party or mass messaging services.

For further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to Infinite Campus support at icsupport@isd77.org

Kindergarten Connection is just around the corner at Mankato Area Public Schools! Families are invited to attend this special event on February 23 from 4:30–6:00 p.m. at your child’s future school.

This is a great opportunity to meet the principal and kindergarten teachers, tour classrooms, and get your questions answered as you prepare for the year ahead. We look forward to welcoming your family and helping your child feel confident and excited about starting kindergarten.

Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year is now open. Visit www.isd77.org/enroll to get started.
Questions about enrollment? Email centralregistration@isd77.org or call 507-387-2125.

We can’t wait to welcome your family to Mankato Area Public Schools!

Enrollment opportunities are still available. Families may schedule a tour at their neighborhood or focus school by contacting the school office directly.

We look forward to welcoming you and supporting your family through the enrollment process!

Early Childhood Screening is required before your child can start kindergarten. This free screening is an important step in supporting your child’s readiness for school. It helps identify strengths and areas where your child may need support in development, vision, hearing, and overall health—giving families and schools valuable information to ensure a strong start in kindergarten.

If your child has not yet been screened, please visit https://mapsisd77ecs.youcanbook.me/ to book an appointment. For additional questions about Early Childhood Screenings, please call (507) 625-4620.

Come support the Adapted Co-Ed Floor Hockey Team on Wednesday, January 21, with puck drop at 4:30 PM in the Mankato West High School Gym. Please note that this game has been moved from Franklin to the West Gym, but the start time remains the same.

Cheer on our team as they take on New Prague in an exciting afternoon of fast-paced action and school spirit. We want to pack the gym and make this a game to remember, and the Mav Machine Pep Band will be there to help bring the energy.

This is a free event, and your support truly makes a difference. Spread the word, bring your school spirit, and help us fill the stands and make some noise.

Jefferson Elementary School recently welcomed a new friend to the school. Some may recognize this special guest from Hoover Elementary, where he previously lived in the office. Now with a new name, Shelly the turtle is bringing nature-based learning outside the classroom and into the hallway where he now lives. Students can see Shelly in his habitat each time they walk through the hall. Jefferson has even created a reading corner where students can take a break and read to Shelly. Fun fact: Shelly really likes being involved in the conversation!

The School Board is proud to recognize Yasmin for her outstanding contributions to her school community. Though she was newer to MAPS, Yasmin quickly made a meaningful impact. She represented Kennedy BEST with kindness, integrity, and a genuine willingness to help others. Teachers and staff consistently described her as friendly, outgoing, and someone who made everyone feel welcome.

A hardworking, high-achieving student, Yasmin led by example. She demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges and brought a global perspective that enriched our school’s understanding and sense of respect.

Congratulations, Yasmin! We are proud of the positive difference you made every day.

The School Board is honored to recognize Kris Toner for an incredible 36 years of dedicated service to MAPS.

As a valued member of the Developmental Adaptive Physical Education (DAPE) team, Kris has devoted her career to ensuring students of all abilities have opportunities to move, grow, and thrive. Her student-centered mindset, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left a meaningful and lasting impact on both students and colleagues.

Beyond DAPE, Kris also supported students through athletics, serving as JV Volleyball Coach and Varsity Girls Golf Coach at West High School for 10 years each.

Thank you, Kris, for your passion, advocacy, and decades of service to our school community. We are grateful for all you have given to MAPS!

Join us for our annual outdoor adventure day in Mankato!

Date & Time:
Saturday, February 7, 2026
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location:
Spring Lake Park
650 Webster Ave
North Mankato, MN 56003

We are so excited to invite Mankato middle school students and their families to spend a day playing outside with us! We will have access to sledding, ice fishing, ice skating, the warming house and so much more for the day.

We will provide warm drinks (cocoa, tea, coffee, and cider) plus snacks and taco-in-a-bag for lunch.

We encourage families to bring your own sleds and ice skates but will also have options there to share (limited sizing and equipment available).

Mankato Area Public Schools is seeking Paraeducator - Special Education.

Summary of Duties:

• Assist the special and general teachers
• Assist children with meeting the goals of their Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• Support duties related to classroom management

Qualifications:

• 60-semester credits (or two years full-time at an institute of higher education)
• or an Associate's degree (AA, AS, AAS)
• or must pass the Paraeducator assessment before the first day of employment

Pay:

• Starting $17.78 - $18.96 per hour.

How to Apply:

Visit www.isd77.org and click on Employment Opportunities.

This position will be filled based on the experience, competency, and qualifications of the applicant, as well as the needs of the District. Mankato Area Public Schools (District 77) complies with all state and federal fair employment regulations.

Questions?
Contact Human Resources at 507-387-3017.

January 20, 2026

• School Board Meeting & Work Session

February 11, 2026

• 2hr Early Out

• Mankato West, east split rivalry hockey action - Free Press 1/13/26

• Prep roundup: Mankato West girls hoops throttles Albert Lea - Free Press 1/08/26

• Mankato East girl's basketball falls to Marshall - Free Press 1/10/26

• Prep roundup: Mankato East boys knock off Delano - Free Press 1/13/26

• Mankato East girls hockey storms past Mankato West - KEYC 1/14/26

Follow MAPS Facebook and Instagram for student celebrations. Want to subscribe to this newsletter? Scroll to the bottom and click the subscribe button.