MAPS Connection District Newsletter
MAPS Connection Newsletter
March 17, 2026
Need to Know
Raising Career - Ready Kids: Connecting Passion, Purpose, and Opportunity
Don't miss out on this FREE event for parents, HR professionals, business leaders, and educators!
Join Mark C. Perna, a nationally recognized generational expert and bestselling author, as he challenges our community to rethink how we motivate young people and connect education to meaningful career pathways. Younger generations possess tremendous creativity, resilience, and potential. The challenge–and opportunity–is learning how to tap into that potential by answering the most important question: “Why?”
Mark Perna helps connect, engage, and answer why for young people, giving practical strategies that inspire purpose, performance, and real-world success.
A variety of door prizes (grocery and fuel gift cards ranging from $25 to $100 in value) will be given away at the end of the program. Light snacks will be provided.
Date: Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Time: 6 PM
Location: Courtyard by Marriot Mankato
Summer 2026 Community Education Catalog
Our Summer Catalog Is Live!
The Summer 2026 Community Education Catalog is now available! We invite you to explore the many opportunities designed for learners of all ages.
Watch your mailbox:
Printed catalogs will arrive the week of March 30 – April 3.
From creative youth programs and enrichment classes to adult learning and family activities, there’s something for everyone this summer. Start planning your summer adventures with Community Education today!
Enrollment
Still Time to Enroll for the Upcoming School Year!
Enrollment opportunities are still available. Families may schedule a tour at their neighborhood by contacting the school office directly.
We look forward to welcoming you and supporting your family through the enrollment process!
Center for Learning
MAPS Preschool Application for 2026 - 2027
We invite families to explore our high-quality preschool programs designed to support young learners as they grow, explore, and thrive. Linked below is the 2026–2027 Preschool Program Guide, which includes detailed information about our preschool offerings, enrollment process, and important dates.
We are excited to welcome new learners and partner with families for a successful school year.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact us at
(507)-625-4620. We’re happy to help!
Early Childhood Screening
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.
School Board Senior Recognition
It was an especially exciting and busy time at Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS), filled with activities, celebrations, and achievements. Our district continued to thrive thanks to the dedication of our students, staff, families, and community. One highlight was the Senior School Board Recognition Awards, a meaningful tradition launched the previous year as part of the MAPS Strategic Roadmap 2024–2029. These awards honored seniors who exemplified the district’s core values of Excellence, Equity, and Empowerment through their leadership, growth, and commitment to inclusive school communities. Nominated by teachers and staff, this year’s recipients from Mankato East, West, and Central High Schools were honored at a ceremony last night. We are proud of this growing tradition and grateful for the continued support of our community as we work together to build a strong future for every student, every day.
Central: Billy Bunch, Marco Estevez, Asia Pech, Elizabeth Herzog, Amariah Enter
East: Maryama Ahmed, Naia Amaye, Calista Asker, Ella Barker, Elsie Bennett, Madison Bomstad, Emma Born, Aubrey Britz, Jackson Buboltz, Kayley Creech, Mason Diede, Johann Fuentes, Lincoln Funke, Lucas Gustafson, Emily Hacker, Gretchen Hahn, Lauren Henkels, Hayden Henning, Ella Hudspith, Claire Huettl, Kathryn Huisken, Nora Javens, Za Rontay Johns, Charles Johnson, Josiah Johnson, Hayden Johnston, Cynthia Kelley, Harry Kigen, Logan Kleist, Yurem Kosgei, Luke Lebens, Jaclyn Lopez, Adalynn Lurken, Maarit Mattson, Boston Meyer, Carson Mitzel, Jaxon Mosenden, Sahro Musa, Brielle Newton, Amari Nobles, Marlenika Owino, Ashlyn Rigdon, Nora Sipe, Jada Sivertsen, Diego Solorzano Cervantes, Jackson Stensrud, Blake Thielsen, David Tindall, Hayden Tischler, Dylan Vasquez, Evan Verly, Amelia Wayne, Carlie Wendinger, Hannah Westman, Fahima Yussuf
West: Abdiaziz Abdullahi, Elijah Ahmann, Lydia Banse, Gwyneth Blickem, Zachary Dake, Reilly Davis, Damian Dieken, Jaelyn Doss, Olivia Downs, Reese DuRose, Kiersten Ellingson, Kaya Enneking, Luz Escalera, Madyn Fowler, Ariana Garcia, Mekhi Gens, Maria Hagen, Fredrik Hemberger, Anna Kapsner, Madison Kaus, Brynnley Keegan, Laren Kelly, Mollie Kelly, Lexie Kiefer, Michael Klinkner, Addisyn Krause, Kameryn Kurtz, Emma Lewis, Zichun Lin, Andrew Luepke, Faith Macemon, Ruby Marble, Ameeriah McCoy, Audyn Mortensen, Salma Musse, Anna Olsen, Logan Peters, Madison Pike, Thomas Rykhus, Takreed Sarameh, Mason Schreiber, Trevor Sheldrup, Henry Smentek, Lucille Smith, Lily Stoltzman, Madison Uballe, Isaac Ulman, Luciana Velasquez, Kaylie Vong, Jerrell Weldon, Zoe Williams, Evan Zika
Project Success
Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka - Tuesday, April 7
Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka
Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Ted Paul Theatre
at the Earley Center for Performing Arts
Link: https://projectsuccess.jotform.com/team/mankato/willy-wonka-472026
This event is FREE for Mankato Area Public Schools' students in grades 6–12
Clue - Thursday, April 23
Clue
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Lincoln Community Center
110 Fulton Street, Mankato, Minnesota 56001
Link: https://projectsuccess.jotform.com/team/mankato/clue-4232026
This event is FREE for Mankato Area Public Schools' students in grades 6–12
Dorothy - Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17
Dorothy
Date: Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: St. Peter High School
2121 Broadway Ave, St Peter, MN 56082
Link: https://projectsuccess.jotform.com/team/mankato/dorothy-2026
This event is FREE for Mankato Area Public Schools' students in grades 6–12
Job Opportunities
Student Support Services Supervisor
Mankato Area Public Schools is seeking a full-time position available for a Student Support Services Supervisor - Futures
Summary of Duties:
- Assists in ensuring compliance with state and federal special education regulations
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Supports staff and programs serving students with significant behavioral and emotional needs
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Helps with daily operations of the Student Support Services Department
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Contributes to Extended School Year (ESY) planning and coordination
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Participates in and supports Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
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Assists with due process procedures
- Director of Special Education, K–12 Principal License, or currently enrolled in a program working toward licensure.
- Experience working with students in Setting III or Setting IV programs preferred.
- Knowledge of special education law, IEP processes, and due process procedures.
- Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
- $94,400 - $100,000
Visit www.isd77.org and click on Employment Opportunities.
This position will be filled based on the experience, competency, and qualifications of the applicant, as well as the needs of the District. Mankato Area Public Schools (District 77) complies with all state and federal fair employment regulations.
Application deadline:
April 1, 2026, or until filled.
Questions?
Contact Human Resources at 507-387-3017.
Calendar Reminders
March 19 - 20, 2026
- No School
April 3, 2026
- No School
MAPS in the Media
East boys basketball punches ticket to state - KEYC 3/12/26
East boys basketball advances to Section 2AAA title game - KEYC 3/7/26
East’s Bartell caps off high school career in style - KEYC 3/6/26
West boys hockey gears up for state - KEYC 3/3/26
Looking for a way to connect to MAPS?
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