MAPS Connection District Newsletter

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.

Today is Groundhog Day, and according to the groundhog, we are in for six more weeks of winter! Of course, here in Minnesota, we know winter weather can be unpredictable, but one thing is certain. Winter conditions are still with us.

As we move further into the season, we want to ensure all students are prepared for outdoor activities and changing weather. Please be sure your child comes to school dressed for the cold with appropriate winter gear, including:

• Hat

• Gloves or mittens

• Winter coat

• Snow boots

• Snow pants

If obtaining any of these items is difficult right now, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help and can support your student in getting what they need to stay warm and comfortable at school.

Thank you for helping us keep all students safe, warm, and prepared throughout the winter season!

Can you believe we’ve already reached the 100th day of school? This year has flown by, and before we know it, we’ll be wrapping up the school year in just a couple of short months this May. While the end of the year will be here soon, it also means an extended summer break to look forward to. To stay informed on important dates and upcoming changes, be sure to review next year’s school calendar.

Looking for the perfect place to celebrate your little one’s big day for ages 2 to 5? Host your child’s birthday party at the Center for Learning!

What’s included:

• Private use of our indoor playground and cafeteria
• A friendly staff member to help supervise and keep things running smoothly
• Two convenient party times to choose from: 9:30–11:30 AM or 1–3 PM
• Outside prepackaged food and beverages are permitted (to be enjoyed in the cafeteria only)

Give your child a fun, safe, and memorable celebration—without the stress!

Spots fill quickly, so book your party today!

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 EVACUATE.

An Evacuate is used when students and staff need to leave the school building quickly due to an immediate threat or dangerous situation, such as a fire, gas leak, or other hazards that make staying inside unsafe. During an Evacuate, staff calmly direct students to a predetermined safe location outside the building or to an alternate safe area, following established evacuation routes. Students and staff leave all personal belongings behind and focus on moving quickly and safely.

An Evacuate is designed to protect students and staff from external or internal threats that require leaving the building. Families will be notified through Infinite Campus communication channels as soon as it is safe to share information and if the incident significantly affects 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!

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.
View the Preschool Program Guide:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAG6SJ7iPns/paDExyA0H4Nh3DFysI5nUw/view?utm_content=DAG6SJ7iPns&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h1448e2d353

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.

Join us for an exciting night of East vs. West basketball action on February 6th!

• Girls JV at 4:30 PM

• Girls Varsity at 6:00 PM

• Boys Varsity at 7:30 PM
  (AAA Award presentation and Booster Club raffle drawing during halftime of the boys game)

Important admission reminder: Cash is not accepted at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the GoFan app or via our GoFan ticket link. Tickets may also be purchased at the door using card or digital payment (including Apple Pay).

The following will be accepted for admission: Cougar Cards, Scarlet Saver Cards, East and West Activity Passes, Staff Badges (must be presented), and Gold VIP Cards.

Come out, support our student-athletes, and enjoy a great night of basketball!

Please join us in congratulating Elijah Jacobs, Brynn Evans, Claire Roering, and Brodie Cox on being selected for the MSHSL ExCEL Award. This prestigious award recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, and community service.

We are incredibly proud of these students for their outstanding accomplishments and dedication. Their hard work and commitment to making a positive impact in their schools and communities serve as an inspiration to all.

Project Success is excited to invite families to our Second Annual Winter Adventure Day on Saturday, February 7!

This event is FREE for Mankato Area Public Schools' students in grades 6–12, as well as teachers, staff, and their families.

Participants can enjoy taco-in-a-bag for lunch, hot chocolate and apple cider available all day, plus tea and coffee. There will be a variety of fun outdoor activities to keep kids busy, warm, and having fun while we play outside.

We are also thrilled to welcome the Mankato Makerspace for the first time. They will be leading an art activity, and we cannot wait to see our creative students in action.

We hope you can join us for a fun and memorable winter day!

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.

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.

February 2, 2026

• School Board Meeting

February 11, 2026

• 2hr Early Out

• East girls basketball falls to Austin - KEYC 1/26/26

• West boys hockey tops East - KEYC 1/27/26

• East grapplers take down West - KEYC 1/29/26

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