MAPS Connection District Newsletter
Keep Track of School Days
To help families stay organized, we encourage everyone to refer to the official school calendar for information about no-school days, early dismissal days, and special schedules.
The calendar is the most accurate source for planning your week and avoiding confusion.
Checking the calendar regularly ensures you’ll always know what to expect and can plan ahead for holidays, teacher workdays, and early dismissals.
Winter 2026 Catalog
There’s Still Time to Register for Winter 2026!
Our Winter 2026 Catalog is open, and spots are still available—but classes are filling fast! Don’t miss your chance to join one of our programs. Online registration is quick and easy from the comfort of your home.
Browse the full catalog and sign up today:
https://www.mankatocer.com/ref/brochures
Stay active, try something new, and connect with your community this winter.
Spirit of Youth
Do you know someone who demonstrates leadership, courage, or integrity in our schools or community? Nominate them for the Spirit of Youth Award!
This award honors youth and adults who make a positive impact through their actions and example.
🗓 Nominations are open now through March 2, 2026.
Submit your nomination here: https://www.mankatocer.com/ref/spirit-of-youth-award
Standard Response Protocol - Shelter
Mankato Area Public Schools uses the I Love U Guys Standard Response Protocol to help keep students and staff safe. One of these responses is called SHELTER.
A Shelter is used when students and staff need to remain inside the school building due to a situation outside that may pose a risk, such as severe weather, a tornado warning, or hazardous materials in the area. During a Shelter, staff calmly direct students to predetermined safe locations within the building, away from windows and exterior doors when necessary. Students and staff remain inside and follow staff instructions to ensure everyone’s safety.
A Shelter is designed to protect students and staff from external hazards by keeping everyone safely inside the building. Families will be notified through Infinite Campus communication channels as soon as it is safe to share information and if the incident significantly affects the school day.
MAPS Preschool Application for 2026 - 2027
We invite families to explore our high-quality preschool programs designed to support young learners as they grow, explore, and thrive. Linked below is the 2026–2027 Preschool Program Guide, which includes detailed information about our preschool offerings, enrollment process, and important dates.
View the Preschool Program Guide:
We are excited to welcome new learners and partner with families for a successful school year.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact us at
(507)-625-4620. We’re happy to help!
Student Spotlight - Desmond Flintrop
The School Board is proud to recognize Desmond Flintop for his outstanding contributions to his school community. During his time at MAPS, Desmond has demonstrated strong academic growth, kindness, and a commitment to doing his best each day. He represents Monroe Mustang PRIDE through his preparedness, respect, integrity, determination, and excellence.
Teachers consistently describe Desmond as hardworking, humble, and endlessly curious. He approaches challenges with a positive attitude, treats others with kindness, and always strives to do the right thing. His thoughtful questions and genuine love of learning make him a joy to have in class and a leader among his peers.
Congratulations, Desmond! We are proud of the character and excellence you show every day.
Staff Spotlight - Ashlynn Montgomery
The School Board is proud to recognize Ashlynn Montgomery, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) teacher at Prairie Winds Middle School, for her outstanding dedication to students and school community.
As a leader of Prairie Winds’ PBIS team, Ashlynn helps drive school-wide incentives, spirit weeks, assemblies, and fundraisers that strengthen school culture while supporting both academic and behavioral success. Her passion for students shines through in everything she does, helping create a positive and connected learning environment.
In the classroom, Ashlynn played a key role in launching Prairie Winds’ first Unified Special Education FCS class, an innovative and inclusive program that fosters belonging, leadership, and meaningful learning experiences for all students.
Thank you, Ashlynn, for your leadership, compassion, and incredible impact at Prairie Winds Middle School. We are grateful for all you do for our students and school community!
Once Upon a Mattress
Once Upon a Mattress
Date: February 26th, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM, with seating starting at 6:30 PM
Location: Merely Players Community Theatre, 110 Fulton Street, Mankato, MN
This event is FREE for Mankato Area Public Schools' students in grades 6–12
Once Upon a Mattress is a musical comedy featuring music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Barer. It famously launched Carol Burnett's career in 1959 as the “shy” princess, Winnifred the Woebegone. The play was written as a humorous adaptation of the 1835 Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea".
February 17, 2026
- School Board Meeting