MAPS Connection District Newsletter
MAPS Connection Newsletter
October 19, 2026
Exploration & Enrollment Fair
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!
MAPS Ambassadors
Go behind the scenes at MAPS.
The MAPS Ambassador Program gives community members a closer look at the people, leadership and day-to-day work behind Mankato Area Public Schools.
Across five sessions, participants will visit schools, connect with district leaders and staff, and gain a deeper understanding of MAPS.
Only 15 community members will be selected. Applications are open now!
NOW LEASING! - Childcare Suite
Mankato Area Public Schools is excited to offer two brand-new child care suites at Eagle Lake Elementary.
Each suite includes classroom and storage space, with heat, electricity, water & sewer, snow removal, mowing & pest control, and facility maintenance included in the lease.
Eagle Lake Elementary
1,095–1,188 sq. ft.
$2,452/year
12-month lease
Contact Audra Nissen Boyer for more information.
aboyer1@isd77.org
507-387-5501
MN Permanent School Fund
What is Minnesota’s Permanent School Fund?
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.
Community Education
As the seasons change, Lincoln Community School is seeing the familiar signs of fall, from cooler temperatures and changing leaves to increased activity in the building as students return for another exciting school year.
You may have also heard that Lincoln Community Center is now called Lincoln Community School. The new name better reflects the building’s role in serving students, families and the community.
Community Education continues to offer a variety of programs, services and opportunities for lifelong learning. Explore the Fall 2026 Community Education catalog to see what’s available this season: Community Education Fall 2026 catalog link
Safety & Security - Standard Response Protocol
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.
Enrollment
Middle and High School Tours
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!
Still Time to Enroll for the Upcoming School Year!
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!
Circle Mirror Transformation
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
Day of Design
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
Job Opportunities
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.
Calendar Reminders
October 19, 2026
- School Board Meeting & Work Session
November 2, 2026
- School Board Meeting
MAPS in the Media
Mankato district sees success in teacher recruitment initiative - Free Press 10/7/26
Mankato West open house set for Oct. 12 - Free Press 10/1/26
Students get up close and personal with wildlife at Minneopa State Park - Free Press 10/1/26
Test scores stagnant as MDE weighs impact of Metro Surge - Free Press 9/30/26
West girls soccer slips past New Ulm in Section 2AA semifinal - KEYC 10/15/26
Mankato East girls soccer takes down Marshall to advance to section championship - KEYC 10/15/26
Owatonna volleyball tops Mankato East - KEYC 10/13/26
Mankato East volleyball takes down Albert Lea - KEYC 10/6/26
West girls soccer falls to Northfield - KEYC 10/6/26
Mankato West boys soccer falls to Winona - KEYC 10/1/26
Mankato East girls swim and dive defeats Winona - KEYC 10/1/26
West girls soccer falls to Owatonna - KEYC 9/29/26
Mankato East volleyball defeats Austin - KEYC 9/29/26
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