Jefferson Elementary

Greetings Jefferson Families,

It’s hard to believe that just one year ago we were stepping into something new—exploring a learning model centered around outdoor education. There was both excitement and some understandable hesitation as we adjusted our daily routines. Now, looking back, it’s impossible not to appreciate the growth, innovation, and joy that have come from embracing this change.

Our staff, students, and families have truly risen to the challenge, and the positive impact of this learning model is something we continue to see every day. I am incredibly grateful for the dedication of our staff and for the trust and commitment of our families, which made it possible to create this unique and meaningful learning environment.

We remain committed to continuing this work and to providing the very best learning experiences for our students and families as we move forward into 2026.

In an effort to continue to growth this learning model we would love to hear feedback from our students, staff and families. Please take a moment to fill out this brief Google survey to let us know how things are going for your family. We greatly appreciate your time and input!

Google Survey: https://forms.gle/iChGyXz8xnEirQLW9

Thank you for being such an important part of our Jefferson community. Have a wonderful winter break!

Melissa Brueske

There was a lot of winter exploration happening at Jefferson during the month of December. Students engaged in a variety of hands-on activities that enhanced their learning experiences. These included creating giant 3D snowflakes in third grade and constructing miniature houses in first and fourth grade. During exploratory time, our K–5 students also headed outdoors to search for evidence of animal signs captured in the snow as well as build habitats for animals. It’s been quite the adventure!

Students gathered for our semi-monthly all-school assembly, led by our fifth-grade leaders. During the assembly, students worked together to assemble a snowman, and we recognized our Rock Star Readers and Jammin JAGs. Students are nominated for these awards for demonstrating grit in their reading skills and consistently modeling our JAGS expectations as student leaders in our school. Congratulations to our Jaguars!

We hosted an exciting and enriching collaboration this week! We were thrilled to welcome Professor Beth Wisely from Minnesota State University (MSU), who led our Exploratory session all about the fascinating world of geology!

Students compared and contrasted what was a rock vs a fossil, learned about indigneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

This engaging experience was more than just fun; it was directly linked to the science standards students are currently covering in their classrooms, serving as a powerful reinforcement and expansion of core concepts. Our students gained valuable, university-level insights into the Earth's structure, rocks, and processes. We appreciate Professor Wisely sharing her expertise with our students!

When dropping off and picking up your student(s), please keep the following reminders in mind to help things run smoothly. All student drop-off and pick-up during designated times should take place in the lower lot by Door 3. The upper lot is reserved for buses and handicap-accessible vehicles, so please leave this area open by using the lower lot.

Morning drop-off begins at 7:40 a.m., and afternoon pick-up begins at 2:35 p.m.

During afternoon pick-up, please be mindful of the residents on Fairfield Avenue and keep all driveways clear while waiting. Car pick up, to ensure our line moves quickly, please display your car pick up number in your window.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Infinite Campus Parent Contact Preferences

If you are the parent or guardian of a MAPS student and you want to receive an email or text message about late starts or early outs, we want to make sure you receive all the necessary communications.

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 do not receive messages, 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.

Click HERE for a copy of the Winter Weather Information or call our weather hotline at 507-387-6046

Construction on West High School continues to move along! West High School will be the future home for some of our Jefferson Jags as they head into High School.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_W_jhDeHapTid-4BQY9-6pHQoZjg4hE5/view?usp=sharing

Students go outside for recess daily, weather permitting. Please ensure your child is dressed properly for the weather: snow boots, snow pants, winter jacket, winter hat and snow gloves. If your student is in need of winter gear please fill out this form linked here

In preparation, here is an important resource that is available on the ISD77 website for your review.
Our weather can change quickly during the colder months. In the event of a weather-related school closing or late start/early release, families will be notified as soon as possible through Infinite Campus.

Weather-related school announcements will also be posted on the district website at www.isd77.org, District Facebook and Twitter accounts, and shared with local media and radio affiliates.
You can also hear a recorded message on the District Notification Line at 507-387-6046.

● www.isd77.org ● katoinfo.com ● mankatofreepress.com ● southernminnesotanews.com ● keyc.com ● KEYC 12 - TV AND MANY MORE.

Click HERE for a copy of the Winter Weather Information.

Please Note: Blue Earth Area Schools is a smaller school district south of us. When you hear or see this, IT IS NOT Mankato Area Public Schools. Winter Closings are listed as Mankato Area Public Schools

2025-26 First Bell, Second Bell(start time) Late Start and Dismissal K-12

2 Hour Late Start - what this looks like:

Start times shift exactly 2 hours later than usual.

No morning ACES

Buses still run on 2 hour late starts. Example if you bus stop pick up time is 7:05, it will now be 9:05

9:55 - first bell head to class

Breakfast - students may take a grab and go breakfast from the kitchen

10:05 - second bell to start our day ~ Student should be in their classroom at this time

Lunch times stay the same

2:35 - students are dismissed

Early Dismissal - what this looks like:

We will close at the announced time.

No after school ACES

No My Place
No YMCA

We will follow the plan you have noted in your parent portal for each of your student(s) under Emergency Release Information. The options are Pick up, Bus (for current bus riders with a bus pass) or Walk.

Pick Up - Students marked for Pick Up will be sent to our car pick up line. Please use our car pick up loop off of Fairfield Ave.

Bus - Students marked for Bus will be sent on the bus. Students must be a current bus rider with a bus pass
Walk - Students marked for walking will be sent out door 7 to walk home.

We ask that you DO NOT call the school unless you have a major change of plans. The office is extremely busy during these hours of planning, and we need the phone lines open for emergencies. Thank you for your cooperation.

Infinite Campus Parent Contact Preferences

If you are the parent or guardian of a MAPS student and you want to receive an email or text message about late starts or early outs, we want to make sure you receive all the necessary communications.

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 do not receive messages, 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.

** If your student already attends Jefferson; you do not need to reapply :)

Key Dates for 2025-2026

October 1, 2025: Application window opened

January 23, 2026: Application window closes

February 13, 2026: Notification process of elected seats begins. Everyone who applied for the lottery will receive an offer or wait list notification

Deadline to Accept or Decline will be one week after the notification was sent. Please click here for additional l information around the focus school enrollment / lottery process. Link click here

**** An information session for Jefferson will be held on Jan 12th from 4:30-5:30.

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 the January PTO meeting on Tuesday, January 13 at 6:00 PM in the Jefferson Cafeteria. It’s a great chance to connect, hear updates, and help shape what’s happening at our school—all while enjoying free pizza and child care provided.

Traditionally, Jefferson has always provided after school child care on site through our ACES program. We are looking to provide that same care before school for our families who need it. If you are interested click on the link below for details.