MAPS Connection District Newsletter

Dear MAPS Community,

As we wrap up the school year, we want to take a moment to thank you for being an important part of our MAPS community.

This year was filled with learning, growth, and meaningful moments—none of which would be possible without the incredible partnership between students, families, staff and our community. Whether you’re celebrating a graduation, a successful year of learning, or simply the start of summer, we are proud of all that has been accomplished together.

To our graduating seniors: Congratulations! You’ve reached a significant milestone, and we’re excited to see where your journey takes you next. Thank you for leaving your mark on our schools and for being a part of the MAPS story. As you move forward, know that you will always have a place in the MAPS family.

We encourage everyone to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the summer months. For those returning in the fall, we look forward to welcoming you back.

Have a safe and joyful summer!

Warm regards,
Mankato Area Public Schools
Excellence. Equity. Empowerment. Every student. Every day

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! Livestream links are below!

Mankato East: https://tinyurl.com/mydn4xp3

Mankato West Graduation Link: https://tinyurl.com/2anp6bue

***LOCATION CHANGE***

Mankato West is no longer a meal location.

Free, nutritious meals are available for all kids 18 and under—no sign-up needed, just stop by and eat on site!

📅 June 9 or 12 (check locations)–August 15 (Closed June 19th, July 3rd, July 4th)

Meals must be enjoyed at the site—no takeout or pick-up options.
Let’s fuel up for a fun summer! 💪🍎

To find free meal sites near you, download the Free Meals for Kids app.

Want to review the entire calendar for next year? Find what need here 2025-26 calendar

The first day of 6th and 9th grade is a special one—each grade gets the school to themselves for the day! This unique start at a new school is all about helping students feel comfortable in their new building. It's a chance to connect with new friends, meet the staff, and ease into the school routine without the hustle and bustle of a full campus. Students can practice their schedule, try out their lockers, and get familiar with where everything is—all in a low-pressure, welcoming environment designed just for them.

Transportation registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open and available online.

If you're unsure whether your student qualifies for transportation, you can check eligibility here. If your student does qualify, please complete the registration form by clicking this link.

Families can visit the Central Registration Office at the Intergovernmental Center (10 Civic Center Plaza) to complete the form in person. Transportation for students receiving special education services will be arranged separately by the Special Education Office and your child’s case manager.

Have transportation questions? Contact Tricia Ries by email tries2@isd77.org or call (507)507-387-5949.

Want a behind the scenes look at what makes MAPS tick? Join our ambassador team!

The 2025-26 MAPS Ambassador Program is a five-session behind-the-scenes look at Mankato Area Public School system. This program is open to residents in the MAPS boundaries who would like to learn more about our schools and what we do. Topics include finances, operations, teaching and learning, and student services.

Learn more about MAPS Ambassadors HERE.

Apply to be a 2025-26 MAPS Ambassador HERE

One of the most special traditions in Mankato Area Public Schools is when graduating seniors take time to walk the halls of their former elementary and middle schools. These visits are more than just a walk down memory lane—they’re a celebration of growth, connection, and inspiration.

For our elementary and middle school staff, it’s a heartwarming moment to see former students return, now confident graduates ready to take on their next chapter. Teachers and staff love to reconnect with students they taught and supported years ago.

Younger students watch in awe, seeing a glimpse of their future and realizing that one day, they too will walk these same halls as graduates. It’s a powerful reminder of the journey through MAPS and the community that supports every step along the way.

These visits celebrate the relationships that make our schools special and remind us all of the lasting impact a strong educational foundation can have.

Thanks to voter support of the bond referendum, Mankato Area Public Schools is moving forward with a series of impactful facility improvements this summer—all designed to support safety, accessibility, and student learning.

🔹 Jefferson Elementary is receiving a secure entrance upgrade that includes a slight extension of the building and a reconfiguration of the main office to improve visibility and visitor access control.
🔹 Franklin Elementary will feature a new secure entrance with an accessibility ramp and a raised entry, allowing visitors to walk in directly at the office level for increased safety and convenience.
🔹 Monroe Elementary is also adding a secure entrance, reinforcing our districtwide commitment to safe, welcoming school environments.

At the secondary level:
🔹 Dakota Meadows Middle School is celebrating the completion of its pool and tennis court projects, expanding physical education and athletic opportunities for students.
🔹 Mankato West High School is receiving a new secure front entrance and expanded parking in the front lot. Additional work will enhance learning spaces inside the high school, supporting a student body and evolving instructional needs.

These projects are more than just construction—they’re investments in student safety, health, and academic success. We’re grateful to our community for helping us build schools that reflect our values: Excellence, Equity, Empowerment—Every Student. Every Day.

Geometry in ACTION, a high school course that integrates core geometric concepts with practical, hands-on construction skills. As part of this course, students planned and built two 8'x8' sheds from the ground up. A key feature of the experience was the opportunity to work directly alongside professionals from Schmidt Siding & Window, bringing classroom learning into real-world application.

Mankato East and West Intro to Health Occupations students recently received a breath‑taking look into Respiratory Therapy thanks to the amazing team from Mayo Clinic. Students dove into hands‑on learning—practicing with pulse oximeters, performing CPR, and even experiencing the oscillating respiratory vest. Later in the day, students got a shot of reality in the world of Medical Assisting when they heard from the Rasmussen University MA program director and a Senior Admissions Advisor about career paths and future opportunities. Students were practicing injection techniques, donning PPE to prepping the syringe, giving students invaluable insight into daily life as a medical professional.

Students had the opportunity to explore future career paths through hands-on experiences with the Big Ideas Trailer and the Center of Excellence's South Ag & Transportation trailers. From virtual reality headsets offering over 30 simulations—including veterinary science and heavy equipment—to welding, crane, excavator, flight, and combine simulators, they experienced it all. A big thank you to both programs for providing an unforgettable and inspiring day of exploration.

Our Community Education Summer 2025 Catalog still has classes open and registrations available! Whether you're looking for youth camps + classes, adult classes +trips or Aquatics Swim lessons— there's something for everyone this summer!

Don't miss out — secure your spot today!

Browse the Catalog: https://www.mankatocer.com/ref/brochures

Register at: https://mankato.ce.eleyo.com/

Questions? Call us at 507-625-4625

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

• Central High School Graduation

Thursday, June 5, 2025

• Last Day of School

• East and West High School Graduation

Thursday, June 19, 2025

• School Buildings and District Offices Closed - Juneteenth

Friday, July 4, 2025

• School Buildings and District Offices Closed - 4th of July

• Names and notables - The Free Press - 6/2/25

• Prep Athlete of the Week, Jayda Swalve of Mankato East - The Free Press - 6/2/25

• Prep Athlete of the Week, Jayden Knutson of Mankato West - The Free Press - 6/2/25

• East baseball advances in sections with gritty win over St. Peter - The Free Press - 5/31/25

• East baseball defeats St. Peter in Section 2AAA quarterfinals - KEYC - 5/31/25

• West baseball takes down Marshall in Section 2AAA quarterfinals - KEYC - 5/31/25

• Area schools begin summer construction push - KEYC - 5/30/25

• East, West shine at section track and field meet- The Free Press - 5/30/25

• Cougars beat New Ulm twice in section final to return to state - The Free Press - 5/29/25

• East softball defeats New Ulm in back-to-back games - KEYC - 5/29/25

• West baseball begins postseason play with win over Jordan - KEYC - 5/28/25

• Prep sports: East's Dean qualifies for state golf - The Free Press - 5/28/25

• Scarlets start sections with win over Jordan - The Free Press - 5/28/25

• A day at the lake - Free Press - 5/28/25

• East baseball opens Section 2AAA play with dominant win over Worthington - KEYC - 5/28/25

• Mankato girls lacrosse defeats Rochester Mayo in the first round of the Section 1A tournament - KEYC - 5/27/25

• East softball stays alive in Section 2AAA - KEYC - 5/27/25

• Cougars down St. Peter to reach section final - The Free Press - 5/27/25

• Prep Athlete of the Week, Jackson Henkels of Mankato East - The Free Press - 5/26/25

• New Ulm softball upsets East in Section 2AAA semifinal game - KEYC - 5/24/25

• New Ulm upsets Mankato East in section softball - The Free Press - 5/24/25

• East baseball gets the season sweep over West - KEYC - 5/22/25

• Cougars claim second straight Big Nine title with win over Scarlets - The Free Press - 5/22/25

• New Ulm softball defeats Mankato West - KEYC - 5/22/25

• East softball storms past Albert Lea in Section 2AAA tournament - KEYC - 5/22/25

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