MAPS Connection District Newsletter

Central High School

• Wednesday, June 4, 2025
• 5:00pm

• Lincoln Community School Auditorium - 110 Fulton Street, Mankato

• Thursday, June 5, 2025
• 5:30pm
• Mayo Health Systems Event Center - 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato MN 56001

• Thursday, June 5, 2025
• 8:00pm
• Mayo Health Systems Event Center - 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato MN 56001

Can't make it to graduation? No problem! We'll be sharing a streaming link!

Free, nutritious meals are available for all kids 18 and under—no sign-up needed, just stop by and eat on site!

📅 June 9 or 12 (check locations)–August 15 (Closed June 19th, July 3rd, July 4th)

Meals must be enjoyed at the site—no takeout or pick-up options.
Let’s fuel up for a fun summer! 💪🍎

To find free meal sites near you, download the Free Meals for Kids app.

Want to review the entire calendar for next year? Find what need here 2025-26 calendar

The first day of 6th and 9th grade is a special one—each grade gets the school to themselves for the day! This unique start at a new school is all about helping students feel comfortable in their new building. It's a chance to connect with new friends, meet the staff, and ease into the school routine without the hustle and bustle of a full campus. Students can practice their schedule, try out their lockers, and get familiar with where everything is—all in a low-pressure, welcoming environment designed just for them.

Mankato Area Public Schools values your feedback and wants to hear from you!

During the month of May, we're asking MAPS families to complete a short online survey to help us better understand your experience and perceptions of the family-school relationship. Your input will help us continue providing high-quality, rigorous learning experiences that support every student on their path to success in college, career, and life.

You will receive a survey link from your child’s school. Families are welcome to complete one survey for each child enrolled in MAPS. The survey only takes a few minutes and provides valuable insight as we plan and align our district priorities moving forward.

Thank you for sharing your voice and helping us grow together!

The Focus School experience at Jefferson has already started. Fifth graders recently experienced an incredible outdoor education adventure at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. This amazing trip gave students the chance to learn beyond the classroom through hands-on classes, naturalist programs, group challenges, and outdoor adventure activities that build critical thinking, teamwork, and environmental responsibility. Designed in partnership with Eagle Bluff’s expert staff, the experience was tailored to meet our school goals and align with state standards, ensuring both fun and academic value. Jefferson is proud to offer opportunities that not only support academic growth but also help students develop lifelong skills and lasting memories.

At the Global Studies Focus School, Bridges Bears were honored to host Ms. Whitney and Ta Fode, who shared not only their remarkable talent but also the rich cultural traditions and stories behind each rhythm and movement. Their engaging and interactive approach allowed students to not just hear the music—but to feel it, move with it, and understand its role in connecting communities across the globe. What an awesome experience!

Join the Lancer Cadets and learn marching and music fundamentals while having fun! This program wraps up with a performance at the end of the week—and participants will also be invited to perform with the Mankato 77 Lancers this fall!

• Open to: Students in percussion, woodwind, brass, and colorguard sections

• Who should join: PWMS and DMMS students interested in music and marching

Private Summer Lessons

Fine-tune your skills with one-on-one lessons over the summer! This is a great chance to get ready for a successful school year in band.

• Open to: Students entering grades 7–9

• Schedule: 4 lessons (30 minutes each) on Wednesdays – July 23, 30, August 6 & 13

• Scheduling: After registering, families can request a morning or afternoon time slot via questionnaire

Jumpstart - Beginning Orchestra or Band

Learn the basics of your instrument in a supportive setting!

• Open to: Students entering 6th grade or new to Orchestra or Band

• Format: 5 sessions

• Focus: Instrument fundamentals and proper care

• Note: Attend lesson week at your assigned school for Fall 2025

• Strongly Encouraged: If you plan to enroll in Orchestra or Band in the fall

Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) Community Education is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Spirit of Youth Awards. This award honors both youth and adults of the Mankato Area Public Schools community who demonstrate exceptional courage, integrity, accountability, and inclusive practices.

Did you know that anyone can attend for FREE and support our award winners? You can find us at Lincoln Community Center, 110 Fulton Street in Mankato at 6 p.m. on May 28th.

Monday, May 26, 2025

• No School K-12 and District Offices Closed - Memorial Day

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

• Central High School Graduation

Thursday, June 5, 2025

• Last Day of School

• East and West High School Graduation

Thursday, June 19, 2025

• School Buildings and District Offices Closed - Juneteenth

• Mankato boys lacrosse falls to Owatonna - KEYC- 5/6/2025

• East softball tallies win against Rochester Mayo - KEYC - 5/6/2025

• PHOTO GALLERY: Moving It - The Free Press - 5/7/2025

• No school at Kennedy school Thursday due to power outage - The Free Press - 5/7/2025

• Classes canceled Thursday at one Mankato elementary - KEYC - 5/7/2025

• Scarlets split doubleheader with Owatonna - The Free Press - 5/8/2025

• West softball splits doubleheader with Owatonna - The Free - KEYC - 5/8/2025

• Prep sports: Staunton leads Cougars to win - The Free Press - 5/9/2025

• Mankato West's Deichman continues family triathlon tradition - The Free Press - 5/10/2025

• Prep sports: Cougars fall in championship of home invite - The Free Press - 5/10/2025

• Prep Athlete of the Week, Maddison Hoechst of Mankato West - The Free Press - 5/12/2025

• Prep sports: Dean takes third for East boys golf - The Free Press - 5/12/2025

• Prep sports: West tennis tops East in sections - The Free Press - 5/13/2025

• West boys tennis takes down East - KEYC - 5/13/2025

• United Way, Olseth Family Foundation near 10 years of poetry book deliveries - The Free Press - 5/13/2025

• Signing Day: Area athletes ink National Letters of Intent - The Free Press 5/14/2025

• Signing Day: Area athletes ink National Letters of Intent - KEYC - 5/14/2025

• Prep sports: Mankato East softball clinches Big Nine title - The Free Press - 5/15/2025

• West plans festivities as softball diamond to be removed - The Free Press - 5/16/2025

• East softball falls to Randolph - KEYC - 5/16/2025

• West softball picks up win in final game at Scarlet Field - KEYC - 5/16/2025

• Prep sports: West baseball beats Marshall - The Free Press - 5/16/2025

• Prep sports: Banse leads Scarlets past Austin - The Free Press - 5/17/2025

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