MAPS Connection District Newsletter

Enrolling your child in kindergarten is an exciting milestone! Our kindergarten teams are dedicated to creating a caring, structured, and engaging learning environment where your child can thrive.

Why enroll now?
By enrolling early, your family will receive important updates and information to help prepare for your child’s kindergarten experience.

Get started today!
Visit isd77.org/enroll to complete the registration process. Once enrolled, your child’s school will keep you informed about upcoming events and next steps.

📅 Save the Date: Kindergarten Connection – April 10

Have questions or need assistance enrolling a child? Our registration team is here to help! Call us at 507-387-2125. We can’t wait to welcome your child to MAPS kindergarten!

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are annual tests in reading, mathematics, and science, based on Minnesota Academic Standards, to measure what students should know at each grade level. All students in Minnesota districts and charter schools take the MCAs, with reading and math tests given in grades 3–8 and high school (grade 10 for reading, grade 11 for math), and the science test administered in grades 5, 8, and in high school when students take a life science or biology course. The MCAs are primarily taken online, though some students with an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) or 504 plan may use a paper version.

Want to know when your school's assessments are happening? Find assessment calendars on the right hand side of webpage HERE.

Exciting progress continues at Dakota Meadows Middle School as bond construction projects transform the building!

• The windows are being installed, bringing in more natural light
• The storm shelter/gym now has flooring in place
• The pool, locker rooms, and entrance are also taking shape

While there’s still work to do, every day brings us closer to a finished space that will serve students for years to come. Stay tuned for more updates as construction moves forward!

The ExCEL Award – Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership – is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors who are active in school activities, leaders in their schools, and who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service.

MAPS would like to recognize our ExCEL Award winners, from Mankato East Adalynn Lurken and Aidan Burns and from Mankato West Zoe Williams and Mason Schreiber.

Both Adalynn and Aiden were chosen to represent East at the state level and they will participate in an on-court award ceremony during the Class AA championship game of the Girls Basketball State Tournament in March.

Student musicians from across the region gathered in Chaska for the annual South Central Minnesota Band Directors’ Association (SCMBDA) Honor Band. Selected through a rigorous nomination process, middle and high school students rehearsed under esteemed guest conductors before delivering a memorable public concert. Participating schools from Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) included Mankato East High School, Mankato West High School, Dakota Meadows Middle Schools and Prairie Winds Middle School. This event provided an opportunity for young musicians to refine their skills, collaborate with peers, and showcase their dedication to instrumental music.

Congratulations to all participants on an outstanding performance!

We invite you to experience the incredible talent of our students at StringFest 2025! StringFest features MAPS orchestra students in grades 6-12 from Prairie Winds Middle School, Dakota Meadows Middle School, Mankato East High School and Mankato West High School.

Date: Tuesday, March 11

Location: Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center – Grand Hall

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Admission:

$8 Adults, $6 Seniors, $5 Students, $20 Family Pass (No activity passes accepted)

This year’s festival is a record-breaking event, featuring over 325 students from:

Prairie Winds Middle School, Dakota Meadows Middle School, Mankato East High School and Mankato West High School.

Jefferson Elementary is proud to celebrate Jemaria Crumble, a dedicated and compassionate 4th-grade student! Her hard work and perseverance have led to incredible academic growth, especially in reading, and her "can-do" mindset sets her apart. Beyond the classroom, Jemaria shines as a leader, mentoring younger students and ensuring everyone feels included and supported. Her kindness, enthusiasm, and determination make Jefferson a better place—keep shining, Jemaria!

For the past two years, Jacob Rux has been a pillar of support, compassion, and dedication at Prairie Winds Middle School, ensuring students and families have the resources they need to succeed. From improving attendance to building a school social worker’s dream closet filled with clothing, food, and essentials, his commitment to student well-being is truly inspiring. Beyond his hard work, "Ruckus" brings laughter and positivity to the school, making a tough job not just manageable—but fun. We are grateful for his unwavering dedication and the lasting impact he has made on our school community!

Join our free nutrition classes and learn practical tips for fueling your family! Parents and caregivers, these sessions offer expert guidance on healthy eating habits in a supportive setting.

📍 Where: Center for Learning, 15 Map Drive, Mankato
⏰ Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Upcoming Topics:

• February 10 – Introducing Solids to Your Baby: A Guide for Parents
• March 10 – Fostering a Healthy Relationship with Food: Building a Strong Foundation
• April 7 – From Chaos to Calm: Mastering Meal Planning for Busy Households
• May 12 – Navigating Picky Eating: Practical Strategies for Parents

Classes are free, but registration is required. Sign up online at mankato.ce.eleyo.com under Early Childhood Family Education, or call 507-625-4620. Enjoy a stress-free approach to mealtime—register today!

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

• Early Release

Friday, March 14, 2025

• No School for K-8 Students - Prep for Conferences

Monday, March 17, 2025

• 5:30 p.m. - School Board Meeting & Work Session - MN River Room, IGC

Monday, April 7, 2025

• 5:30 p.m. - School Board Meeting - Mankato Room, IGC

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

• Early Release

Thursday, April 10, 2025

• Kindergarten Connection

• Pep Athlete of the Week, Charley Fernandez of Mankato West - The Free Press - 3/3/2025

• Prep Athlete of the Week, Elliot Bartell of Mankato East/Loyola - The Free Press - 3/3/2025

• No. 2 Marshall relentless against West - The Free Press - 3/1/2025

• Mankato Public Schools to consider changing 2025-26 calendar to accommodate construction - KEYC - 2/28/2025

• Prep sports: West's Mauri wins two events at section meet - The Free Press - 2/28/2025

• "Never again," Faith Larsen's loved ones install outdoor AED cabinets - KEYC - 2/27/2025

• Scarlets fall to Luverne in section final in double overtime - The Free Press - 2/26/2025

• Mankato West girls start sections with win over East - The Free Press - 2/26/2025

• Award-winning music educator brings home the Golden Apple - KEYC - 2/26/2025

• Prep sports: Mankato floor hockey headed back to state - The Free Press - 2/25/2025

• Makela, Krusemark are finalists for award - The Free Press - 2/25/2025

• Prep sports: Three East wrestlers to state - The Free Press -2/24/2025

• Prep Athlete of the Week, Brody Kunst of Mankato East/Loyola - The Free Press - 2/24/2025

• Prep Athlete of the Week, Grace Jacobson of Mankato West - The Free Press - 2/24/2025

• West boys hockey defeats New Ulm to advance to Section 3A championship game - KEYC - 2/22/2025

• Zimmerman propels Scarlets into section championship game - The Free Press - 2/22/2025

• East boys hockey falls to Luverne in Section 3A semifinals - KEYC - 2/22/2025

• East/Loyola falls just short in loss to top-seeded Luverne - The Free Press - 2/22/2025

• East girls gymnastics takes 4th place at state tournament - KEYC - 2/21/2025

• Prep sports: East gymnastics takes fourth at Class A meet - The Free Press - 2/21/2025

• West boys hockey wins big to advance to Section 3A semifinal game - KEYC - 2/20/2025

• East boys hockey defeats Minnesota River to advance to Section 3A semifinal game - KEYC - 2/20/2025

• 101st day of school at Roosevelt - The Free Press - 2/20/2025

• East, Waseca rank high in boys basketball polls - The Free Press - 2/20/2025

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.