MAPS Connection District Newsletter

Monday, October 12 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. & 6–8 p.m.

The community is invited to explore Mankato West High School during our Community Open House on Monday, October 12! Come take a look around the building, see the updated spaces, and get a feel for what’s new at Mankato West.

Guided tours will be available at:

• 10:30 a.m.
• 6:30 p.m.

If you’re unable to attend one of the guided tour times, you’re still welcome to stop by and explore the school at your own pace with a self-guided tour.

Whether you join us for a guided tour or explore on your own, we look forward to welcoming the community to Mankato West!

Explore Your Options for K–5!

October 22 | 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Center for Learning | 15 Map Drive

Families are invited to discover what makes our K–5 focus schools special at the Exploration & Enrollment Fair. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our schools, explore unique programs and learning opportunities, and get answers to your questions.

Whether your child is preparing to start kindergarten or you’re exploring school options for any K–5 grade, all families are welcome!

At the fair, you can:

• Learn more about kindergarten registration and enrollment
• Explore our K–5 focus schools and their unique programs
• Meet staff and learn what makes each school special
• Get answers to your questions about enrollment and school options

Come explore the possibilities and find the right fit for your family!

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.

Join Mankato Area Public Schools as we cheer on runners during the Mankato Marathon! Our cheer team will be stationed at Mile 1.85, where we’ll encourage participants as they make their way through the course and help direct runners onto the fitness trail.

Mankato Marathon
6:50–8:00 a.m.
Mile 1.85

Bring your school spirit, energy, and enthusiasm to help make the race a memorable experience for runners. No sign-up is required. Just show up at Mile 1.85 and join the fun!

Come help us cheer for our community!

A new school year brings new opportunities to make a lasting impact. By volunteering with Mankato Area Public Schools, you can support learners of all ages and help strengthen our community.

Opportunities are available in classrooms across Early Learning, K-12 & Adult Basic Education.
To learn more about all of the volunteer opportunities and how to be a part of our team, please contact the Family and Community Engagement office by calling 507-387-5501 or emailing volunteer@isd77.org.

We are excited to work with you so please reach out today!

MAPS' schools are required by state law to hold 11 safety drills with students each year: 5 fire drills, 5 lockdown drills, and 1 severe weather drill. At MAPS, we use the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) from I Love U Guys, which uses simple, action-based terms so students and staff know exactly what to do to stay safe. You may hear some of this language from your child when they talk about drills.

The first action we are highlighting is Evacuate, which is used for fire drills.

Evacuate is the protocol used to move students and staff from one location to a different location in or out of the building. An on-site evacuation is conducted usually because of a mechanical failure that would disrupt the school day, such as a power outage. An off-site evacuation may be necessary when it’s no longer safe to stay in the building.

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!

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!

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026

Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Lincoln Community School
110 Fulton St. Mankato, MN 56001

Link: https://projectsuccess.jotform.com/form/the-39-steps

This event is FREE for Mankato Area Public Schools' students in grades 6–12

Dates: Saturday, October 24
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Andreas Theatre at the Earley Center for Performing Arts
MSU Mankato Campus

320 Maywood Avenue Mankato, Minnesota 56001

Link: https://projectsuccess.jotform.com/form/circle-mirror-transformation-102420

This event is FREE for Mankato Area Public Schools' students in grades 6–12

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

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.

October 7, 2026

• Early Release

October 12, 2026

• No School

October 15 - 16, 2026

• No School

• Heritage plaque installed Wednesday at Lincoln Community School - Free Press 9/24/26

• West girls soccer falls to Owatonna - KEYC 9/29/26

• Mankato East volleyball defeats Austin - KEYC 9/29/26

• East girls soccer wins big over Mayo - KEYC 9/24/26

• Lincoln Community School Now A Designated Historic Site - KEYC 9/23/26

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