MAPS Connection District Newsletter
MAPS Connection Newsletter
November 2, 2026
Explore Our Schools During Conference Week!
Are you interested in learning more about the unique educational opportunities available in our district? During conference week, families are invited to tour our Focus Schools and learn more about the programs, learning environments and experiences each school has to offer.
Visit Our Focus Schools
Families are welcome to attend an open house at any of our three Focus Schools to explore what makes each program unique. Meet staff, tour the building and learn more about the educational opportunities available to students.
Rosa Parks Elementary School | STEAM Focus: Monday, November 16, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Jefferson Elementary School | Nature-Based Focus: Tuesday, November 17, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Bridges Community School | Global Studies Focus: Thursday, November 19, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
New to the Area? Tour Your Neighborhood School!
If your family is new to the area or you are interested in learning more about your neighborhood elementary school, several schools will also be offering tours on Thursday, November 19, from 6:45–7:45 p.m.
Participating schools include:
Eagle Lake Elementary
Franklin Elementary
Hoover Elementary
Kennedy Elementary
Monroe Elementary
Roosevelt Elementary
Washington Elementary
These tours are a great opportunity to explore the school, meet staff and get a feel for the learning environment your child could be part of.
Whether you are exploring a Focus School or getting to know your neighborhood school, we welcome you to stop by and discover what makes our schools special!
Mankato East High School - The Outsiders
Dates: November 5,6, and 7
Time: 7:30 pm
Matinee Performance: November 7 at 2 pm
Location: Mankato East High School Auditorium
Link: https://beta.gobound.com/mn/schools/mankatoeast/calendar?date=2026-11-01
Tickets are on the Bound app or cashless at the door!
Mankato West High School - Frozen
Dates: November 19, 20, and 21
Time: 7:00 pm
Matinee Performance: November 21 at 2 pm
Location: Mankato West High School Auditorium
Tickets will go on sale ONE week before the performance and can be found on the Bound app or cashless at the door!
NOW LEASING! - Childcare Suite
Mankato Area Public Schools is excited to offer two brand-new child care suites at Eagle Lake Elementary.
Each suite includes classroom and storage space, with heat, electricity, water and sewer, snow removal, mowing & pest control, and facility maintenance included in the lease.
Eagle Lake Elementary
1,095–1,188 sq. ft.
$2,452/year
12-month lease
Contact Audra Nissen Boyer for more information.
aboyer1@isd77.org
507-387-5501
MN Permanent School Fund
What is Minnesota’s Permanent School Fund?
Created when Minnesota became a state in 1858, the fund provides annual support to public school districts and charter schools, including Mankato Area Public Schools.
This November, voters will consider a constitutional amendment that would change how annual distributions from the fund are calculated. The proposal does not raise taxes.
Community Education
Host Your Next Celebration at the Center for Learning
Searching for a fun and stress-free option for your child’s next birthday party or event? The Center for Learning is the perfect place to celebrate!
Children ages two to five can run, jump and climb in the indoor playground, then move to the cafeteria for snacks and gift opening. The gymnasium is another option for slightly older children. Children can play on gym equipment and do activities in one half of the gym, and the other half can be set up for food and seating. You are welcome to personalize your child's special day in either space by bringing games, food and decorations to create a fun celebration for everyone!
Contact us today to reserve your date before spots fill up! Call 507-387-5501 or email commed@isd77.org.
Standard Response Protocol - Secure
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 SECURE.
A Secure response is used when a potential safety concern exists outside the school building. During a Secure, schools lock all exterior doors and restrict student movement to inside the building. Staff take attendance, and learning activities continue as normal within the school.
A Secure helps keep students and staff safe from exterior situations. Families will be notified through Infinite Campus communication channels if the incident significantly alters the school day.
Enrollment
Middle and High School Tours
Come See What MAPS Has to Offer!
Know a family considering Mankato Area Public Schools for middle or high school? Invite them to come take a look! School tours are a great way for families to explore the school, learn more about programs and activities, ask questions, and get a feel for what student life is like.
Families can contact the school they are interested in to schedule a tour:
Dakota Meadows Middle School: 507-387-5077
Prairie Winds Middle School: 507-345-6625
Mankato East High School: 507-387-5671
Mankato West High School: 507-387-3461
We look forward to welcoming families and helping students feel confident and excited about their next chapter!
Enroll for the Upcoming School Year!
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!
PROJECT SUCCESS
Day of Design
Dates: Saturday, November 7 | Saturday, November 14 | Saturday, November 21
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Lincoln Community School
Link: https://projectsuccess.jotform.com/form/fall-day-of-design
This event is FREE for Mankato Area Public Schools' students in grades 6–12
Job Opportunities
Our district continues to offer a variety of employment opportunities throughout the year. Open positions may include teachers, paraprofessionals, substitutes, custodial staff, food service, transportation, office support, coaching, and more.
We are proud of the strong team that supports our students each day and welcome individuals who are interested in contributing to a positive and student-centered school community.
To view current openings and learn more, please visit our district employment page.
Calendar Reminders
November 2, 2026
- School Board Meeting
November 11, 2026
- Early Release
November 12, 2026
- End of Quarter 1
November 13, 2026
- No School
November 16, 2026
- School Board Meeting & Work Session
MAPS in the Media
Student Voices: Hope Squad members look to destigmatize mental health - Free Press 10/31/26
MAPS names interim Mankato East principal - Free Press 10/30/26
Mankato East's Krause wins Minnesota school counseling award - Free Press 10/29/26
In photos: Mankato West volleyball vs. Worthington - Free Press 10/28/26
Kozitza named Mankato Teacher of the Year - Free Press 10/28/26
- Principal Osman leaving East in November; will take position in Edina - Free Press 10/26/26
Informer: Mankato East hosts planetarium event - Free Press 10/17/26
West football advances to section championship with win over Chanhassen - KEYC 10/31/26
Mankato Area Public Schools names Jeff Dahline interim principal at East High School - KEYC 10/31/26
Mankato West boys soccer falls to Blake KEYC 10/29/26
West boys soccer team ready for first state appearance since 2019 - KEYC 10/29/26
West volleyball takes down Worthington - KEYC 10/28/26
Mankato East girls soccer falls to Mahtomedi - KEYC 10/27/26
East girls soccer team gears up for state - KEYC 10/27/26
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