Jefferson Elementary

As we close out the 2024–2025 school year at Jefferson, we’re reflecting on a year full of academic growth, social-emotional development, meaningful relationships, and lasting memories. It’s been a joy to watch our Jaguars grow and thrive.

We wish all of our students and families a safe, restful, and fun-filled summer. We can’t wait to welcome you back in the fall!

Our Kindergarten through Second Grade students had an exciting opportunity to learn from the Ney Nature Center, located near Henderson, MN. The Ney Center provides nature-based programming that connects people to the outdoors through hands-on learning experiences.

During their visit to Jefferson, the Ney Center educators led students through engaging lessons on animal adaptations, focusing on furs, skulls, and animal signs. The highlight of the day was a tracking hike through Rasmussen Woods, where students explored the natural environment and searched for clues that animals leave behind.

It was a wonderful adventure filled with curiosity, discovery, and connection to the outdoors!

Our 4th graders had an exciting on-site learning experience with Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, located just outside of Rochester, MN. The visit brought hands-on environmental education right to our backyard!

With the help of Eagle Bluff educators, students used GEOtracker tools to navigate Rasmussen Woods. As they explored, they practiced their observation skills to search for animal signs and uncover clues in nature. Along the way, students discovered a variety of fascinating finds—including unique plant life, insects, animal scat, and even a deer jawbone!

It was a memorable adventure full of learning, exploration, and excitement!

Our 5th graders brought learning to life through their Wax Museum project! Each student selected a famous historical or influential figure to research, diving deep into their life story and achievements.

After completing their research, students transformed into their chosen individual—dressing the part and presenting a first-person account of their figure’s life journey. It was an engaging and creative way to showcase what they’ve learned while building confidence and presentation skills.

Families and visitors were impressed by the students' knowledge, creativity, and dedication. Great job, 5th grade!

Our 5th graders took part in our 3rd annual tradition of adding their thumbprint to our Jaguar mural—a meaningful way to leave their mark on Jefferson as they prepare to move on to middle school. This special tradition not only celebrates their time here but also creates a lasting memory they can revisit when they return as future graduates!

Our annual Field Day was a huge success! With picture-perfect weather, students enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities that encouraged both physical movement and teamwork. It was a wonderful day filled with energy, laughter, and collaboration. Thanks to everyone who helped make it such a memorable event!

All teams (made up of 4th & 5th graders) worked hard to read the 10 books and participation during today's Final Battle was great! They all battled hard for 68 questions that were worth a total of 90 points with bonuses! First place ended in a tie of 78 points, Second place was close behind with 71 points and 3rd place with 62.

Pizza (1st), and Ice Cream treat (2nd and 3rd) will be provided for the teams to celebrate their hard work!

1st Place (tie) The Wilds and Da Cheetos (78 points)

2nd Place Bookie Monsters (71 points)

3rd Place The Sparkly Dragons (62 points)

As the school year comes to a close, we encourage you to provide feedback on Title I programming and your overall school experience. Your insights help us evaluate our Title I programs and plan for the upcoming school year. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a successful learning environment for your child.

🌿 Introducing the Jack Loso Chapter of the Izaak Walton League

A New Conservation Effort in Mankato

We’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new conservation group in our community — the Jack Loso Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, founded in 2024!

Created by local conservationists and community leaders, this chapter is committed to strengthening environmental stewardship in Mankato. Their mission centers on youth empowerment, local advocacy, and hands-on projects that make a real difference.

🌱 What They’re Doing:

• Green Crew – A youth-focused program designed to develop conservation leaders.

• Habitat Restoration – Restoring and preserving native ecosystems.

• Clean Water Initiatives – Protecting and improving local water quality.

• Sustainable Community Practices – Encouraging eco-friendly solutions in everyday life.

Built on the belief that local action leads to lasting change, the Jack Loso Chapter is inviting the community to join their mission to protect Mankato’s natural beauty for generations to come.

We’re excited to welcome students to middle school and want to make sure families feel informed and supported as we approach the start of the school year. The first day of school for our incoming 6th graders will be Monday, August 26. On this day, 6th grade students will have the building to themselves—a great opportunity to ease into middle school life. They’ll spend the day getting comfortable with their new surroundings, practicing locker combinations, walking through their schedules, and building connections with teachers and classmates. While the optional 6th grade transition camp is no longer taking place in the middle of summer break, this first-day experience is designed to offer all students similar support in a more focused, real-time setting.

Our 7th and 8th grade students will join us starting Tuesday, August 27. We’ve heard a few questions from families and elementary school staff about the transition camp, so we wanted to provide this update and will continue to communicate clearly as the first day approaches. We’re looking forward to a great start to the year for all of our students!

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.

Rec on the GO! is a free mobile recreation program bringing fun to parks near you! It offers a variety of activities like group games, arts & crafts, STEAM projects, water days, sports, and so much more— all at no cost to the community!

Find out what Rec On The Go offers this summer! Click HERE

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 TRies2@isd77.org or call (507)507-387-5949.

Things are really moving along at the construction site! We recently held our official groundbreaking ceremony, and the structure is now beginning to take shape. It's exciting to see the progress as our vision starts to become a reality!

The annual Jefferson School Carnival was a big success—despite a surprise rain shower! We had a fantastic turnout, and it was a wonderful evening of food, fun, and connection as our school community came together. A huge thank you to our incredible PTO and all the volunteers who made this special event possible!

Save the Date! First PTO meeting of the 2025-26 school year is on September 9 at 6 pm in the Jefferson Media Center. More information to come in the Fall. All are welcome to attend!

• Remind App**: Sign up for the Remind app to receive quick notifications and reminders straight to your phone. It's the best way to stay in the loop about school activities, deadlines, and announcements. Sign up for Remind app: https://www.remind.com/join/jefpto

• Facebook - Jefferson Elementary PTO**: Follow our PTO on Facebook for regular updates, event information, and opportunities to get involved. It's a great place to connect with other parents and stay engaged with what's happening at school. Subscribe/follow by following this link: https://www.facebook.com/jeffersonjagspto

Community Education

Your Step by Step Guide for MAPS PRESCHOOL Registration

Step One : Register with MAPS - Visit the MAPS website to complete the general registration process.

Step Two: Apply for Preschool - Submit your application for the MAPS Preschool program.

Step Three: Schedule Your Early Learning Childhood Screening Appointment - Book your Early Childhood screening appointment the Early Learning Department to schedule a screening appointment for your child.

Step Four: Confirmation of Enrollment - Early Learning will contact you to confirm your child’s preschool enrollment once all steps are completed.