Wildcat News

Stay in the know...a few reminders:

~ PTO Meeting: We had a great first PTO meeting! Thank you to those who attended both in-person and virtually. As a reminder, our next PTO meeting is Tuesday, October 10th at 6:00pm in the Media Center. Child care is provided.

~ Early Release: Wow...thanks for paying attention to our communication around our first early release. Most students knew the plan and where to go, and all-in-all it was a relatively smooth transition. As a reminder, we do ask you to complete the google form each month, so be looking for that in your inbox as we near our October Early Release on Wednesday, October 11.

~ Walk-A-Thon: The envelopes for the PTO Walk-A-Thon fundraiser came home this week. The PTO goal is $12,000!!! A number of incentives are being offered as we move through the fundraising campaign (flyer will be coming home soon with this information!). The Walk-A-Thon will be held on Thursday, October 5 RAIN or SHINE. You are certainly welcome to join us on the Washington playground and walk with your kiddo(s)...the more the merrier!!!!! If it rains, it will be harder to join as we'll walk inside, but let's just hope for amazing weather!!!

The times are as follows:

1:10 - 1:30 - 1st grade & 3rd grade

1:35 - 1:55 - Kindergarten and 4th grade

2:00 - 2:20 - 2nd grade & 5th grade

~ Hy-Vee Receipts, Box Tops, Coke Rewards: These are all collected by the Washington PTO, and there is a bin in the entryway of door #1 that you can place these items. You can also send these with your child, and they can place them in the bin. BoxTops are all submitted electronically now with the app, AND it's super-duper easy! Really! Watch the 2-minute video below to learn how to do this. The dollars really do add up, so please consider getting this app and submitting receipts.

~ Walk & Bike to School Day: Mark your calendar...this is Wednesday, October 4.

~ Drills: So far this year, we have completed one fire drill and one lockdown drill. As you know, safety of our students and staff is priority #1. Completing these drills allows the adults to work out kinks and make adjustments to our safety plans. We will continue to do drills throughout the next few months to meet the state requirements and practice our safety protocols.

As always, thank you for your support as we begin a new year! It matters!

Ann Haggerty

Washington Principal

ahagge1@isd77.org

Voting Starts Friday, September 22nd!

On November 7, voters in our community will decide on two referendum questions to update and improve school facilities for today’s students, staff, families, and community as well as the next generation of learners.

For parents who live within the MAPS district boundaries, keep an eye out for a referendum informational brochure in mailboxes this week. The mailing explains the key building projects that the referendum will fund. The projects include:

Question 1: $105 million

• Safety and security at all district schools

• Early learning access for MAPS families

• Learning and wellness spaces for MAPS students and community members

Question 2: $15 million

• Outdoor activities spaces at high schools

The tax impact on an averaged priced home ($250,000) in the school district for Question 1 is $10/month. For Question 2, it is $2.50/month. You can calculate the estimated tax impact of your specific property here.

Learn the facts, and make a plan to vote on or before November 7. Voting is easy—even if you have never voted before.

1. You can vote by mail. Click here to download the application form.

2. You can vote early, in-person, starting Friday, September 22nd at Blue Earth County Courthouse during regular business hours 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

3. You can vote on Election Day, November 7, at your assigned polling place. Find your polling place here.

Find complete bond referendum and voting information at www.isd77.org/vote2023.

Dear Student Caregivers,

At Mankato Area Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are of the utmost importance. To ensure our preparedness for various emergency situations, we will be conducting a safety drill known as "Lockdown" on the following dates: September 21, September 29, October 4, and October 13.

Purpose of the Drill: “Lockdown” is designed to prepare students and staff for an exceedingly rare circumstance - when an intruder enters the school premises. During this drill, teachers will follow specific safety protocols, including locking classroom doors, turning off lights, moving individuals away from windows and doors, not opening doors, instructing students to remain silent, and ensuring that students remain out of sight.

Opt-Out Option: We want to inform you that, as per Minnesota Statute 121A.038, parents have the option to opt their student(s) out of this required safety drill. If you choose to opt your student out, please notify the school office. You will be able to pick up your student(s) 30 minutes before the drill begins and return them 30 minutes after it is completed. This absence will be excused, and no adverse actions will be taken due to their absence. If you plan to Opt-Out, please call Diane in the office for the exact time of the drills on the dates listed above.

Special Considerations: If your student has experienced violence or trauma that participating in this drill might reactivate, we kindly request that you notify the school office. We are committed to providing the necessary support and accommodations to ensure the emotional well-being of our students.

Our Commitment to Safety: Rest assured that these drills are conducted with the utmost care and attention to safety. Our staff is well-trained to oversee the process, and our primary goal is to equip both students and staff with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in emergency situations.

We sincerely hope that we never have to put this training into practice, but preparedness is an essential aspect of ensuring the safety of our school community.

Contact Information: Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the lockdown or our school's safety procedures, please feel free to contact me. We are here to address any inquiries you may have and to work together to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for our students.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

Sincerely,

Ann Haggerty

Washington Elementary Principal

Mankato Area Public Schools

Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) is committed to working together equitably, with families and communities, so that each learner has the knowledge and skills to be a successful and contributing citizen in a diverse global society.

Email: ahagge1@isd77.org
Website: https://we.isd77.org/
Location: 1100 Anderson Drive
Phone: 507-345-3059