Mankato

Olivia Heinis is an exceptional and well-rounded 8th-grade student at Prairie Winds Middle School, known for her strong leadership, thoughtful nature, and unwavering commitment to her school and community.

She is the president of the Conservation Club, a WEB Leader, student athlete, and musician in choir and orchestra.

THANKS OLIVIA for your leadership and we are PROUD of you!

Zach Kahmann, aka Mr. Zach, is an incredibly valued member of the Franklin Family. He regularly goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our students, families, and staff. Through two years of construction projects, some unexpected turnover in custodial staff, and all the issues that arise when you’re in charge of keeping a building safe and clean, Mr. Zach has always been there for the people he serves. He continuously puts others before himself, and his servant leadership makes our school better every day. Kids and adults appreciate his kindness, patience, and under-the-radar sense of humor.

THANK YOU Mr. Zach and we are PROUD to have you in MAPS!

Washington Elementary School, leadership development is a cornerstone of the student experience. A highlight of this initiative is the Lighthouse Team, a student leadership group composed of representatives from grades 3-5. Recently, Washington held interviews for this team, giving students the opportunity to articulate their ideas, demonstrate their interpersonal skills, and share their vision for the school. Once selected, these student leaders meet monthly to provide input on school initiatives, represent their peers, and contribute to creating a positive and inclusive school environment.

As the leaves changed and temperatures dropped, East and West High Schools heated up with an unforgettable season of fall activities. From the roar of the crowd at athletic events to standout performances in the arts, our students have showcased their talent, hard work, and Cougar and Scarlet pride.

Checkout these highlights or the many achievements of our student-athletes, performers, and organizations. Join us in celebrating their dedication, teamwork, and the incredible support of our coaches, advisors, families, and fans.

CLICK HERE FOR RECAP FOR EAST AND WEST.

We are excited to welcome your child to Mankato Area Public Schools in Fall 2025! Kindergarten is a crucial time for growth in academics, social skills, and emotional development, setting the stage for your child's K-12 journey.

Ready to Enroll?

Visit https://www.isd77.org/enroll to access the online enrollment form. The online enrollment form can be completed on a variety of devices including a computer, tablet or smartphone. Parents can also call 507-387-2125 or email centralregistration@isd77.orgto make an appointment with Central Registration staff if they need help completing the enrollment form.

Want to enroll in one of the three focus schools, here are your next steps!

No Action Needed:

• If your student currently attends Jefferson Elementary or Rosa Parks Elementary and lives within the school’s neighborhood boundary, you do not need to apply to stay at your school.
• Similarly, if your student is currently enrolled at Bridges Community School, no application is required for them to remain at their school.

Who Needs to Apply or Enrolll

• All incoming kindergarten students

• Students wishing to transfer to a Focus School (Bridges Community School, Jefferson Elementary, and Rosa Parks) for the 2025-26 school year
• Students living outside the MAPS district boundaries

Important Focus School Deadlines:

• November 25, 2024 - Application Window Opens
• January 24, 2025 - Application Window Closes
• February 14, 2025 - Notification to Families
• March 1, 2025 - Deadline to Accept or Decline Accepted Applications

**** See flyers below for times and location of the informational sessions for each focus school.

Learn more about Elementary Focus Schools here.

If you have questions about MAPS Focus Schools, please email focusschools@isd77.org.

It’s important for your child's contact information to be accurate. Our Infinite Campus Student Information System allows us to communicate important updates, share event details, and send emergency notifications.

To ensure you don’t miss anything, please take a moment to review your information in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal and update if needed.

Here are some common updates to check for:

• New phone number or email address
• Recent move or change of address
• Updated emergency contacts for your child

Did you know that you can find archived MAPS District Newsletters on the Communications page on the district website?

Follow this link to view the Communications page.

The Spirit of Youth Award recognizes youth and adults who inspire and enable positive change within the Greater Mankato community. By fostering an environment that uplifts these values, nominees serve as role models who contribute to creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all.

The 2024 Spirit of Youth Award nomination window will open on December 2, 2024, and remain open through March 1, 2025.

For more details on the nomination process and to submit your nomination, visit https://www.mankatocer.com/ref/spirit-of-youth-award

Community members 60+, we are happy that our school spaces can be utilized to assist you in staying well. The service is free to community members 60+, advance registration required. January 6, 2024 through March 19th, 2024. Please refer below for site(s) location and availability.

Dakota Meadows Middle School
1900 Howard Drive, North Mankato
Mon/Wed 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Lincoln Community Center
110 Fulton Street, Mankato
Mon/Wed 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Eagle Lake Elementary
500 LeSueur Avenue, Eagle Lake
Mon/Wed 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Requirements for building use

• Advanced registration required.
• Participants must be age 60 or over.
• Participants must wear their issued participation badge.
• Indoor walking is not available on school holidays or when school has been closed due to inclement weather.
• Entrance to the school is different for each site and details will be emailed to you upon completed registration.
• Wear indoor shoes. Benches will be available at the entrance. We do not have an area for coats/personal items. It is your responsibility to carry these with you or lock them in your vehicle.
• No food, pop or energy drinks (Gatorade/PowerAde) are allowed.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please contract Mankato Area Public Schools Community Education at 507-387-5501 or email commed@isd77.org

Monday December 9th, 2024

• School Board Work Session - 5:15-7:15 - MN River Room at IGC

Tuesday December 10, 2024

• Global Studies Focus School Informational Session - 6 pm - Bridges Community School Auditorium

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

• K-12 Early Release Day

Thursday, December 12, 2024

• Outdoor Nature Based Focus School Information Session - 6 pm - Jefferson Elementary

Monday, December 16, 2024

• School Board Meeting - 5:30-7:00 -Mankato Room at IGC

• STEAM Focus School Informational Session - 6 pm - Rosa Parks Elementary

• Mankato school district gearing up for West renovations in spring - Free Press 11/25/24

• Redesigned Spirit of Youth Award open for nominations - Free Press 12/4/2024

• Prep sports: West, East post big wins in girls hockey - Free Press 12/3/2024

• East's historic football season ends with 10 all-city selections - Free Press 12/5/2024

• Prep Athlete of the Week, Griffin Asher, Mankato East - Free Press 12/2/2024

• Prep Athlete of the Week, Penny Gorman, Mankato West - Free Press 12/2/2024

• Mankato School Board to take final action on proposed tax levy in two weeks - Free Press 12/3/2024

• Mankato Area School Board to hold property tax levy hearing Tuesday - Free Press 12/2/2024

• East girls hockey downs Red Wing - Free Press 12/5/2024

• Cougars use defense to down St. Peter in opener - Free Press 12/5/2024

  East boys hockey picks up first win of season against Hutchinson - KEYC 12/3/2024

• West girls hockey storms past Windom - KEYC 12/3/2024

Looking for a way to connect to MAPS?

Follow MAPS Facebook and Instagram for student celebrations. Want to subscribe to this newsletter? Scroll to the bottom and click the subscribe button.