MAPS Connection District Newsletter

The School Board is proud to recognize Mary Kate Lewis Piroso, Distance Learning Specialist with Mankato Adult Basic Education, for her outstanding dedication to students and staff.

Since 2005, Mary Kate has served in many roles, always demonstrating a deep commitment to student success. She has been instrumental in expanding distance learning, ensuring all students have access to education regardless of location or schedule.

Mary Kate is also a valued mentor and problem-solver, helping staff navigate systems and strengthen daily operations with a strong focus on equity.

Thank you, Mary Kate, for your leadership and lasting contributions!

The School Board is proud to recognize Kathryn Huisken for her outstanding contributions to the Mankato East community. Kathryn is a dedicated leader who has made a meaningful impact by promoting mental health awareness and supporting her peers.

She is known for her strong academics, kindness, and willingness to help others succeed. As a Link Crew Leader, she also mentors incoming freshmen, helping them feel welcomed and connected.

Kathryn exemplifies compassion, leadership, and excellence. Congratulations, Kathryn! We are proud of the positive difference you make every day.

Join the Mankato East Mental Health Club for Sunset Serenity on April 15 from 6:00–8:00 PM at Mankato East High School. This event raises awareness for mental health while offering a fun, relaxing evening for the community.

Enjoy activities like an inflatable obstacle course, henna art, yard games, crafts, and sound bowl meditation + yoga. Grab food from local vendors and join the $1 cornhole tournament for a chance to win prizes. Mental health merchandise will also be available for purchase.

Bring your friends and come support mental health awareness!

The Mankato East Art Department warmly invites you to attend the opening night of our district wide secondary art show. Join us this Friday, April 17, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM to celebrate the incredible work of student artists from East, West, and Central.

The show is located at 523 S. Front St., Mankato, MN.

Can’t make it to opening night? No problem. The exhibit will remain on display for approximately three weeks.

This year’s show was curated and installed with the help of our AP Studio students. They gained hands on experience in gallery presentation and learned how artists professionally showcase their work.

We hope to see you there!

Summer ACES is open to all incoming MAPS K–5th graders, and we’d love for your child to spend the summer with us!

Hours: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Dates: May 27 – August 21
(Closed for Juneteenth and around Independence Day)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, lunch, and snacks included

Field Trips: Yes! We offer exciting off-site adventures throughout the summer

Cost: $41.00–$45.25 per day
(Based on the number of days per week your child attends)

Payment Options: Check, credit card, or Child Care Assistance (CCAP) accepted

Included: Sunscreen, bug spray, and a field trip t-shirt

Questions? Schedule a phone call or explore more details in the ACES Calendar

The Greater Mankato CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) Program invites juniors and seniors from Mankato Area Public Schools to gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience. Students learn from local business leaders, explore industries, and launch their own business ventures while earning academic credit.

• Application deadline: April 22
• Program start: Fall (first cohort)
• Credits: 1.5–2 academic credits
• Eligibility: Juniors and seniors; no GPA or prerequisite courses required
• Opportunities: Learn entrepreneurial skills, start a business, connect with the Greater Mankato business community
• Experience: Learn from 50+ local business leaders and develop a business venture

Email: info@greatermankatoceo.com

Explore new opportunities with Adult Basic Education classes designed to help you build the skills you need to succeed!

SCC Connects is a FREE program that connects future SCC students to:

• A course to get you ready for college (computer use, reading and career exploration)

• College application and registration assistance

• Guidance navigating the college computer system

• Financial Aid/FAFSA

• Grants and Scholarships

• College classroom support (Tutoring)

• Financial help with books, tuition, supplies and equipment

Learn more about SCC Connects by attending an Information Session!

• Tuesday, May 5 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Thursday, May 7 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026

Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Lincoln Community Center
110 Fulton Street, Mankato, Minnesota 56001

Link: https://projectsuccess.jotform.com/team/mankato/clue-4232026

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

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

Mankato Area Public Schools is hiring!

We are looking for an Early Learning Engagement & Process Assistant Specialist to support families, staff, and community partners while ensuring a smooth enrollment and registration experience.

Start date: As soon as possible
Schedule: 7.5 hours/day, Monday–Thursday
Pay: $23.88/hour

This role is perfect for someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about helping families and early learning programs thrive.

Responsibilities include:

• Serving as a liaison for families, partners, and school leadership
• Navigating systems like Infinite Campus and Eleyo
• Providing concierge-level family support
• Promoting ongoing family engagement

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

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!

We invite families to explore our high-quality preschool programs designed to support young learners as they grow, explore, and thrive. Linked below is the 2026–2027 Preschool Program Guide, which includes detailed information about our preschool offerings, enrollment process, and important dates.

We are excited to welcome new learners and partner with families for a successful school year.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact us at

(507)-625-4620. We’re happy to help!

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.

April 20, 2026

• School Board Meeting

• Damaged guitar turns into a lesson of human kindness - Free Press 4/11/26

• Mankato boys lacrosse gears up for 2026 campaign - KEYC 4/10/26

• MAPS partners with MSU for Adaptive Track and Field Day for special education program - 4/10/26

• Names and notables - Free Press 4/6/26

• As the state, districts celebrate rising graduation rate numbers, challenges still remain - Free Press 4/3/26

• East softball puts up dominant performance against Winona - KEYC 4/9/26

• West baseball defeats Northfield in home opener KEYC 4/9/26

• West softball tops Faribault - KEYC 4/7/26

• Mankato school district hosts local farmers and producers for “Farm to Kids” initiative - KEYC 3/27/26

• Kato Living - MAPS Early Learning Department - KEYC 3/25/26

• East boys basketball falls to Northfield in opening round at state - KEYC 3/25/26

• East boys basketball continues winning tradition - KEYC 3/24/26

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