MAPS Connection District Newsletter

As we wrap up another wonderful school year, we want to thank our students, families, and staff for all of their hard work and support throughout the year.

The final days of school are quickly approaching, and we are excited to celebrate our students’ accomplishments, milestones, and graduations. Please review the important dates below to help your family prepare for the end of the school year.

Important End-of-Year Dates

May 18

Classes End for Grades K–5

May 19

Graduation – Central High School & Freedom High School

May 20

Classes End for Grades 6–8 and Grade 12

Graduation – East High School & West High School

May 21

End of Quarter 4

Classes End for Grades 9–11

We would love to see your last day of school photos! Whether it is classroom celebrations, graduation moments, or fun summer send-offs, we invite families to share your favorite memories with us. Please use the link below to submit your photos for a chance to be featured in our digital newsletter and district social media pages.

Mankato Area Public Schools will celebrate the Class of 2026 with graduation ceremonies on Tuesday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 20. Family, friends, staff, and community members are invited to recognize students completing high school and equivalency programs and to honor their accomplishments and dedication.

Tuesday, May 19 – Lincoln Community Center

Central High School Graduation
5:00–6:00 p.m.

Adult Basic Education (ABE) – GED Graduation
7:00–8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 20 – Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center

Mankato East High School
Doors open: 5:00 p.m. | Ceremony: 5:30 p.m.

Mankato West High School
Doors open: 7:30 p.m. | Ceremony: 8:00 p.m.

Event Guidelines

Balloons and noise makers are not permitted to ensure clear sightlines and an environment where all guests can hear and fully participate in the ceremonies.

Students should bring their Chromebook, charger, and any school-issued accessories on their assigned return day. Please make sure all materials are fully accounted for before returning them during your school’s scheduled collection time.

Dakota Meadows Middle School and Prairie Winds Middle School

May 14–15

Central High School

May 18

East High School and West High School

May 19–21

Some families have recently received letters about negative lunch account balances. Please review your student’s account and make any needed payments by the last day of school.

Students with a negative balance should bring their account current as soon as possible. Unpaid balances at the end of the school year may be sent to collections and may include additional fees.

How to Make a Payment

Payments can be made at no cost through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal:

• Open the Campus Parent App
• Select “Food Service Pay”
• Click the blue “Pay” button next to your student’s name
• Enter an amount, add to cart, and submit payment

Payments may also be mailed to:
ISD 77 Nutrition Services
P.O. Box 8741
Mankato, MN 56002-8741

Questions

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Nutrition Services at (507) 388-7442.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and for supporting our school meal program.

At the May School Board meeting, the Board unanimously approved extending the district’s existing property tax levy for 10 years, securing about $5.5 million in annual funding without raising taxes and preventing a drop in revenue when the current levy expires. The Board also approved the creation of a School Forest at Jefferson Elementary, a “living classroom” that supports outdoor and nature-based learning. The space will provide hands-on environmental education, with early progress already underway through the planting of 200 seedlings to improve the landscape and reduce erosion.

To read more, click the link below.

The School Board proudly recognizes Dr. Brittany Ward, Mentor Coach for Washington, Kennedy, and Monroe Elementary Schools, for her dedicated service to Mankato Area Public Schools.

Over the past four years, Dr. Ward has supported teachers and strengthened reading instruction and best practices across all three schools, helping improve both instruction and student learning.

She is a trusted leader who builds strong relationships, fosters collaboration, and brings a balance of high expectations and care to her work.

Thank you, Dr. Ward, for your leadership and lasting impact.

The School Board is proud to recognize Thilamar (T), an 8th grade student at Prairie Winds Middle School, for her outstanding contributions to her school community. T is known for her kindness, respect, and willingness to help others, making her a trusted friend and a welcoming presence among both students and staff.

She has made a meaningful impact through her leadership and service, including welcoming new students, leading 5th grade tours to help incoming students feel comfortable and connected, and supporting the school social worker with backpack food bags. T also assists classmates with schoolwork and helps in the counseling office when needed.

In addition, T serves on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council, reflecting the trust placed in her voice and leadership.

T exemplifies compassion, leadership, and a strong commitment to helping others feel included and supported. Congratulations, T! We are proud of the positive difference you make every day.

Mankato Area Public Schools is celebrating a special milestone as the Fourth Grade Book Project marks 10 years of putting books directly into the hands of students. Each spring, fourth graders across the district receive a brand-new copy of Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, helping spark imagination and a lifelong love of reading. This year’s celebration included a visit to Kennedy Elementary, where students enjoyed a read-aloud experience that brought the poetry and humor of Shel Silverstein’s classic to life in their classrooms. Mankato East Senior Aubrey Britz joined as a student volunteer reader, sharing her time and enthusiasm for reading with younger students. A dedicated community volunteer, Aubrey also gives back through programs such as The Miracle League of North Mankato. Through this long-standing partnership, Mankato Area Public Schools continues to strengthen literacy, build excitement around reading, and connect students with meaningful community experiences that make books come alive.

Free Summer Fun in Your Neighborhood Parks

Rec on the GO! brings games, crafts, sports, STEAM activities, water days, and more directly to your local parks all summer long. It is a fun, welcoming way for kids and families to stay active, get creative, and enjoy time outdoors in the community.

No cost and no registration is required. Just show up and join the fun.

Weekly Schedule

Mondays (June 1 to July 20)

No program on June 29
Wings Over White Oak Park | 9:00–11:00 AM
Lion’s Park | 1:00–3:00 PM

Tuesdays (June 2 to July 21)

No program on June 30
Alexander Park | 9:00–11:00 AM
Peacepipe Park | 1:00–3:00 PM

Wednesdays (June 3 to July 22)

No program on July 1
Forest Heights Park | 9:00–11:00 AM
Wheeler Park | 1:00–3:00 PM

Thursdays (June 4 to July 23)

No program on July 2
West Mankato Park | 9:00–11:00 AM
Prairie Winds Park | 1:00–3:00 PM

All ages are welcome. Bring your friends, get outside, and enjoy a summer full of movement, creativity, and community connection.

Your summer starts here with Community Education. Explore opportunities for fun, learning, and adventure for all ages, all summer long.

Browse the full summer offerings here: https://www.mankatocer.com/ref/brochures

Programs include youth activities, adult classes, and family experiences designed to fit a wide range of interests and schedules. Whether you are looking to try something new, stay active, or spend more quality time together, there is something for everyone.

Summer catalog registration is now open, so now is a great time to plan ahead and secure your spots.

Start planning your summer today and make it one to remember.

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

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

Date: Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17

Time: 5:00 pm
Location: St. Peter High School
2121 Broadway Ave, St Peter, MN 56082

Link: https://projectsuccess.jotform.com/team/mankato/dorothy-2026

This event is FREE for Mankato Area Public Schools' students in grades 6–12

Dates: Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Orpheum Theatre
910 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Link: https://projectsuccess.jotform.com/form/harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-2

This event is FREE for Mankato Area Public Schools' students in grades 6–12

Our district continues to offer a variety of employment opportunities throughout the year. Open positions may include teachers, paraprofessionals, substitutes, custodial staff, food service, transportation, office support, coaching, and more.

We are proud of the strong team that supports our students each day and welcome individuals who are interested in contributing to a positive and student-centered school community.

To view current openings and learn more, please visit our district employment page.

May 13, 2026

• Early Release

May 18, 2026

• Last Day of School K-5
• School Board Meeting

May 19, 2026

• Central/Freedom High School Graduation

May 20, 2026

• Classes End Grade 12
• Classes End Grades 6-8
• East High School Graduation
• West High School Graduation

May 21, 2026

• Classes End Grades 9-11

• Aidan Oldenburg makes visit to Washington Elementary - Free Press 5/8/26

• Mankato district to extend 2017 operating levy - Free Press 5/8/26

• Weekend roundup: West baseball walks off New Ulm - Free Press 5/9/26

• Plenty of intrigue enters final stretch of season for Scarlets, Cougars - Free Press 5/8/26

• Mankato Area Public Schools to provide free breakfast, lunch through summer program - Free Press 5/11/26

• Mankato East softball tops Chisago Lakes - KEYC 5/8/26

• East softball wins big over West - KEYC 5/7/26

• West baseball bounces back in second meeting against East - KEYC 5/7/26

• Mankato boys lacrosse falls to Rochester - KEYC 5/7/26

• Greater Mankato Area United Way ‘Fourth Grade Book Project’ visits Kennedy Elementary - KEYC 5/6/26

• East baseball falls to Century - KEYC 5/5/26

• West softball wins big over John-Marshall - KEYC 5/5/26

• West softball storms past Albert Lea - KEYC 5/4/26

• Owatonna girls lacrosse takes win over Mankato - KEYC 5/4/26

• East softball’s comeback falls short to Northfield - KEYC 4/30/26

• West softball takes the win over Century - KEYC 4/30/26

• Mankato boys lacrosse takes down Northfield - KEYC 4/30/26

• East boys tennis edges past West - KEYC 4/29/26

• West baseball defeats Austin - KEYC 4/28/26

• East wins close game against Red Wing - KEYC 4/28/26

• Mankato girls lacrosse takes down RJM - KEYC 4/27/26

• Pioneer Bank promotes financial literacy with book donations - Free Press 4/30/26

• Area high schools adopt new CEO program for budding entrepreneurs - Free Press 4/28/26

• Spirit of Youth Award winners announced - Free Press 4/27/26

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