Wildcat News

Principal Message

It has sure been nice to have some warmer weather as we begin a new month--happy February! A few reminders for the week:

~ Kindergarten Connection: IF you have an incoming Kindegarten student for the 2026-27 school year, please join us for Kindergarten Connection from 4:30-6:00 on Monday, February 23, 2026. This is an Open House style event, with a short informational session for parents at about 5:15pm. If you have any questions, please call Diane in the Washington office at 507-345-3059.

~ PTO Family Game Night will be held from 6:30-8:00pm on Friday, February 6 (flyer below). The PTO needs volunteers--please use this Sign-Up Genius link to help! Please, please, please volunteer...we need more people to sign up or we may not be able to host the event. Most spots are only 30 minutes, so please consider volunteering!!!! Also, we have had many AMAZING silent auction baskets donated. It's not too late to donate if you'd like--we'll accept donations up until Thursday.

~ OKAY Campaign: How's it going? For those of you who are new, the OKAY Campaign reinforces with students the importance of being a first-time listener! Hopefully you are encouraging your child at home by filling up the OKAY chart at home! We've already had some rocking Wildcats do this, and they have earned a special prize!!

Thanks for always being so supportive of our work!

Ann

Ann Haggerty

Washington Principal

ahagge1@isd77.org

Our next Early Release will be next Wednesday, February 11. Please complete this Google Form Link to let school staff know what your child's plans are for the 12:30 release. It helps us track the over 350 Wildcats for this day.

Staff Spotlight - Paula Ziegler

What do the students at Washington call you? Ms. Paula

What is your job at Washington?

Health Assistant

How long have you worked for Mankato Area Public Schools?

About 24 years.

What is one of your favorite things about your job?

Washington is a GREAT place to be! I enjoy getting to know and care for the students and the comradery of the staff. Everyday brings something new!

What is an interesting fact about you?

I love to sew, but I lack the ability to make clothing that fits! My sewing passion is making totes, handbags, wallets and just about anything crafty!!

Tell us about your family?

I am married with 4 grown/married children and 3 granddaughters and a grandson.

Minnesota State Mankato Athletics Ticket

MSU Mankato has generously provided our school with ticket vouchers for a Mavericks athletic event (excluding men's hockey). Each voucher is good for one free youth ticket with the purchase of one $5 adult ticket.

Your student will be bringing a voucher home. We are grateful for our community partners, and we hope your family can take advantage of this opportunity.

Goal #1: Increase consistent student attendance to 92%.

September 2025: 90.34%

October 2025: 89.69%

November 2025: 90.4%

December 2025: 90.73%

January 2025: 88.89%

Goal #2: Decrease the number of students who are chronically absent from 45 to 30 or fewer.

September 2025: 32 students chronically absent

October 2025: 32 students chronically absent

November 2025: 24 students chronically absent

December 2025: 32 students chronically absent

January 2026: 31 students chronically absent

Any student who has missed more than 9.5 days by the end of January is included in this count. Please continue to help us reach our goals!!!

Together, we can make this the best school year yet for our students. Every day your child is here, they are building a brighter future for themselves. We are so proud to partner with you and look forward to celebrating our progress throughout the year. Thank you for your commitment to our students and our school.