MAPS Connection District Newsletter

The MAPS School Board will be adopting a revised 2025-2026 school calendar in order to provide additional time for construction in the summer of 2026.

The attached 2025-26 calendar option would:

• Start the school year before Labor Day.

• Hold school on November 25, November 26, January 2, March 13, March 23, April 1 and April 2.

• Hold Parent-Teacher conferences during the evenings in November and March and move the ‘no school days’ associated with conference days (teacher comp days) to the end of the school year.

• Set the last day of school as follows:

• Elementary: Monday, May 18, 2026
• Middle: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
• High School: Thursday, May 21, 2026 (graduation TBD)

The School Board is scheduled to determine next school year’s calendar at their meeting on April 7.

Don't miss out on Kindergarten Connection! It's the perfect opportunity for incoming kindergarteners and their families to explore their new school, meet teachers, and get excited for the year ahead. With hands-on activities and helpful info, you'll leave feeling confident and ready for this big transition. Join us and start building connections for a fantastic kindergarten experience!

Still need to register for Kindergarten?
Visit isd77.org/enroll to complete the registration process. Once enrolled, your child’s school will keep you informed about upcoming events and next steps.

Central High School

• Wednesday, June 4, 2025
• 5:00pm

• Lincoln Community School Auditorium - 110 Fulton Street, Mankato

East High School

• Thursday, June 5, 2025
• 5:30pm
• Mayo Health Systems Event Center - 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato MN 56001

West High School

• Thursday, June 5, 2025
• 8:00pm
• Mayo Health Systems Event Center - 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato MN 56001

Can't make it to graduation? No problem! We'll be sharing a streaming link so you can still celebrate your student's accomplishment from anywhere. Share the link with family and friends to join in on this special moment and cheer on your graduate!

The goal of the mental health hub is to make local resources more easily accessible to our community. Experts from Mankato Area Public Schools (District 77), Mankato Clinic, Mayo Clinic Health System, The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Center for Rural Behavioral Health at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato’s Mental Health Counseling Program, PrairieCare, and Wells Fargo developed and filtered the content for the website. Thank you as well to the subject matter experts that contribute to the website’s original content.

Hub link

Minnesota Bilingual Seals (MN SEALS) are an official academic recognition as legislated in 2014 under the Learning English for Academic Proficiency and Success (LEAPS) Act. Bilingual seals or certificates are awarded to Minnesota high school graduates who have met the required levels of proficiency in a world language and completed the English Language Arts credits needed for graduation.

The Seal recognizes a student's linguistic and intercultural competence, and it can enhance college applications and job prospects. The Seal can earn students free college credit. MAPS juniors and seniors are eligible to take this assessment and it is FREE!

Want to learn more? Visit the MN Bilingual Seals website.

The Mankato East boys basketball team secured a second-place finish at the state tournament, capping off a strong season with a deep playoff run. In addition to the team's success, Gandon Gosch, Lucas Gustafson, and Brogan Madson were named to the Class AAA All-Tournament Team.

Students from Central, East, and West High Schools have kicked off their Community Build Project. On March 26, they began WEB Construction, Inc. where they designed the foundation using the construction software Bluebeam and learned about job site safety. Over the course of April and May, the students will participate in key phases of construction, such as excavation, base preparation, framing, scaffolding, roofing, and exterior finishing. Throughout the project, industry professionals from companies like WEB Construction, Inc., Knutson, and BLK & Schmidt Windows and Siding will mentor the students, providing valuable hands-on experience and insights into construction careers.

Roosevelt Elementary teacher Lyndal Kosmatka was honored at the Mankato Scouts Event two weeks ago, where she received the Fretwell Outstanding Educators Award. This award recognizes her leadership and contributions to student development through scouting. Board Chair Sinning attended the event and had the privilege of presenting the award.

Need workers or volunteers? Mankato Area Public Schools is hosting a job fair to connect local businesses with teens seeking employment, volunteer opportunities, and enrichment programs. Employers looking for motivated young workers and teens ready to gain experience should attend.

Local businesses, don't miss this chance to make valuable connections for the summer!

$25 registration fee includes the following:

• A Table in the Mankato West Gymnasium

• Advertising to Students and Families

• School Personnel Supervision & Management

* Employer Table Registration closes May 7th. Registration Link

Step One : Register with MAPS - Visit the MAPS website to complete the general registration process.

Step Two: Apply for Preschool - Submit your application for the MAPS Preschool program.

Step Three: Schedule Your Early Learning Childhood Screening Appointment - Book your Early Childhood screening appointment the Early Learning Department to schedule a screening appointment for your child.

Step Four: Confirmation of Enrollment - Early Learning will contact you to confirm your child’s preschool enrollment once all steps are completed.

Monday, April 7, 2025

• 5:30 p.m. - School Board Meeting - Mankato Room, IGC

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

• Early Release

Thursday, April 10, 2025

• Kindergarten Connection

Friday, April 18, 2025

• No School K-12 - Good Friday

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

• Early Release

Monday, May 26, 2025

• No School K-12 - Memorial Day

Thursday, June 5, 2025

• Last Day of School

• Graduation

• East to host Cougar signing session for elementary students ahead of championship - Free Press 3/20/25
• East hoops headed to championship- The Free Press - 3/20/2025
• East Boys headline All-City hoops team- The Free Press - 3/20/2025
• Area schools preparing for Department of Education cuts - KEYC 3/21/25
• East boys basketball falls to Alexandria Area in Class AAA championship game - KEYC - 3/22/2025
• Local school officials faced with unknowns after Department of Education executive order - Free Press 3/23/25
• Ask Us: Privacy rules limit info on East gun incident - Free Press 3/23/25
• Prep Athlete of the Week, Kylinn Stangl of Mankato East - The Free Press - 3/24/2025

• Boys track and field: Local teams looking to peak at the end - The Free Press - 3/30/2025

• Prep Athlete of the Week, Amari Nobles of Mankato East - The Free Press - 3/31/2025
• Prep Athlete of the Week, Lauren Henkels of Mankato East- The Free Press - 3/31/2025

• Girls track and field: Local teams filled with talented returners - The Free Press - 4/2/2025

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