Jefferson Elementary
Jaguar Journal August 14th, 2026
One of the FOUR Nature Banners that will be hanging inside our school!
Story Walk Sign QR Codes make this really interactive!
Grant Funded Opportunity!
Student Safety Updates
At Jefferson we prioritize student safety. One way we support student safety is be having routinue safety drills. We have 5 fire drills and 5 lockdown drills and 1 severe weather drill in the spring. These drills are designed to give students an opportunity to practice our safety routinues and feel prepared. Another way we support student safety is by providing avenues for communication and reporting. Please use the form below to report any safety concerns you may have throughout the school year. Student Safety Reporting Form Link: https://forms.gle/ThK7CXubEjDnyedK7
Dear MAPS families,
Each year, Mankato Area Public Schools asks our families to review and update census information through the online census verification. This ensures that student information is accurate. The 26-27 census verification is now open! We are asking that you complete your family's census verification online through your Campus Parent account by Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Below are the steps to complete the Census Verification process.
Step 1: Log into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account.
For assistance logging into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account, please send an email to: icsupport@isd77.org
Step 2: Select MORE from the menu along the left side of the screen.
Step 3: Select CENSUS VERIFICATION
Step 4: Select Begin Registration
Important information to know before you get started:
Only one parent/guardian per household will need to complete the Census Verification process.
- The Census Verification link is only active for one household per child.If your child has more than one household, the link will be active for the parent/guardian that lives in the household indicated at the time of registration as the child's primary household.
If you have questions, please email icsupport@isd77.org or call 507-207-4068
Does your child have medical needs that require a special plan at school?
If your student already has a medical or health plan in place, you can view/update it by logging into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal and clicking on the “Documents” tab. If you have a new medical plan need, the links below will get you what you need for your school plan.
Allergy Plan & Med Consent
Asthma Plan & Med Consent
Diabetes Emergency Plan
Generic Emergency Plan
Health Census Form
Immunization Form
Medication Consent Form
Seizure Plan & Med Consent
Self Administration of Non-Prescription Pain Med
Please return to the school nurse when completed.
*If you choose to fill out the form and email to the school, please download and save the form before filling in the fields.
School pictures will be during entrance / meet the teacher conferences.
Tuesday, Sept 8th from 8:00 - 6:00 PM
Wednesday, Sept 9th from 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Retake day will be (Wednesday) Oct 7th
Ordering information:
Lifetouch Email Flyer - link to preorder with code
Any question, please contact Lifetouch directly at 800-736-4753
Transportation registration for the 2026-2027 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.
🎒 Kindergarten FAQ: Things I Wish I Knew Before the First Day! 🍎
Starting kindergarten comes with lots of excitement...and LOTS of questions! Here are a few things to know before school starts:
When will I find out my child's teacher?
Watch for an email with instructions to create/log into the Parent Portal. You'll also use it to sign up for your child's entrance conference. They will not announce until a few weeks before school starts. Be patient!
Are entrance conferences important?
Yes! They're a great opportunity for you, your child, and the teacher to get to know each other before the first day. This sets up everyone for success!
When should I bring school supplies?
Please bring all supplies to your entrance conference so classrooms are ready before school begins. Kindergarten shares supplies, so the supplies you bring may not be the supplies your child uses.
Do I need to buy headphones?
Yes! Please send your kindergartener with a pair of headphones to use at school so students can use their own headphones rather than sharing! Thank you!
Can I donate anything extra?
Kleenex, hand sanitizer, baby wipes or wet wipes for hands and lysol wipes are always appreciated.
What kind of shoes should my child wear?
Please send clean gym shoes (these STAY at school!), and Velcro is best unless your child can tie their own shoes independently.
Kindergarteners are asked to bring a snack. Is that just for my child?
Nope! Kindergarten shares a community snack. Families provide snack about once each month for the whole class (around 24 students). Large bags/boxes or individually wrapped snacks are both great! As class lists get finalized, classroom teachers will let you parents know of food allergies at entrance conferences.
Where do kindergarteners enter in the morning?
Kindergarten students enter through door 2. More about drop off and pick up procedures will be discussed at entrance conferences.
Where do I drop off and pick up my child?
We'll share a simple drop-off and pick-up guide at entrance conference so you know exactly where to go.
How will I know if school is canceled due to weather?
Weather-related cancellations will be communicated through the district's notification system and district communication channels.
Have another kindergarten question? Email either kindergarten teacher Ms. Clauson dclaus1@isd77.org or Mrs. Jirak ajirak1@isd77.org or bring your questions with you to entrance conferences. We'd love to answer any questions and help everyone feel ready for an amazing first year.
Meet your PTO Executive Team
Our PTO Executive Committee meets monthly to support the Jefferson community. We want to take a moment to introduce our current team and recognize the service of our past leaders.
Recognizing Past Leadership We extend our deepest gratitude to Renata Perrizo, who served as PTO President since 2023. Renata has been the anchor of our team serving countless hours!!! Whether it was organizing events, building connections, and serving as a welcoming face for new families. From managing behind-the-scenes tasks like setting meeting agendas to serving as an active liaison between the PTO and school staff, her dedication and passion have left a lasting impact on our students, staff, and families.
Executive Committee Updates Renata is passing the torch to Annie Kenne, who is transitioning from Vice President to President. Annie will lead our efforts to keep the PTO strong, active, and engaged.
Another key member who we want to thank is Becky Bailey, who previously coordinated food nights, created newsletter updates, chaired Popsicles on the Playground, and volunteered at numerous events, is stepping down from her former roles. Whitney Dziurawiec is stepping up as the new chair for Popsicles on the Playground and is already busy planning this year’s event for September 1st.
We also have a few additional role shifts and team updates:
John Schlack is entering his second year as Treasurer, where he will continue managing and tracking our budget.
Amanda Stevens and Sonja Sowders continue their vital roles as active executive team members. Both are heavily involved in supporting PTO operations and organizing beloved Jefferson traditions, including the Book Fair, Neon Night, and the School Carnival.
Amelia Jirak serves as our Teacher Liaison, playing an essential role in bridging the needs of staff and students with the PTO, sharing monthly updates, and keeping communication fluid by taking notes and emailing updates.
Get Involved The PTO is always looking for passionate people ready to lead, assist, and support the work that makes Jefferson such a close-knit community. We are currently looking for an individual to fill the Vice President role, as well as volunteers willing to share their time and talents in other capacities.
Please consider joining our team (see the information below on how to get involved), and when you see these dedicated individuals around school, be sure to thank them for their time and hard work!
We’d like to share a quick reminder about playground use after school. Our ACES School Age Child Care Program uses the playground each day as part of its activities, so the space is reserved for ACES students until the program ends at 6:00 p.m.
After 6:00 p.m., the playground is open to the public.
We appreciate your help in making sure our ACES students have a safe and consistent space during program hours. If you are looking for other places to play before 6:00 p.m., the City of Mankato offers a list of parks here, a map of North Mankato parks can be found here, and Eagle Lake here.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Ms. Brueske
Jefferson Elementary
