MAPS Connection District Newsletter

Need Employees, Volunteers, or Student Enrichment Participants?

Secure high school aged talent and help local teens make their summer count by registering for the 5th Annual Teen Connect Event hosted by Mankato Area Public Schools. This event connects students with local employers, volunteer and enrichment opportunities in the Mankato area.

Teen Connect will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. at Mankato East High School. Approximately 600 MAPS high school students are expected to attend and will have the opportunity to visit with organizations during the fair and follow up after the event.

Registration includes a table in the Mankato East High School gymnasium, promotion to students and families, and on site supervision by school personnel. Registration closes February 13, 2026, and space is limited. Participation must align with the MAPS mission and vision. This is a recruitment only event for jobs, volunteering, and enrichment opportunities. No sales or solicitation permitted.

MAPS is redesigning grades 6 through 12 to create learning that is more engaging, relevant, and aligned with the skills students need for the future. This work focuses on stronger academic support, enhanced social emotional development, and meaningful pathways that help students explore interests as they prepare for life after graduation.

To support this effort, MAPS educators and administrators are learning from successful models across the region and country. In November, a team attended a national middle level conference in Indianapolis and visited Purdue Polytechnic High School to study career pathways, project based learning, and flexible scheduling. Additional visits to Tri City United Middle School and Wayzata East Middle School offered insight into STEAM integration and strategies that support strong student engagement. More visits are planned for January as MAPS continues shaping a modern secondary experience for all learners.

Registration officially opened Friday, January 2, 2026—don’t wait to secure your spot! Our most popular classes fill quickly, and online registration makes signing up simple and convenient from the comfort of your home.

Browse the full catalog and register today:
https://www.mankatocer.com/ref/brochures

Stay active, learn something new, and connect with your community this winter.

We can’t wait to see you in class!

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 SECURE.

A Secure is used when there is a potential concern or disruption outside the school building, such as nearby criminal activity, civil unrest, a wild animal, or other exterior issues. During a Secure, schools lock all exterior doors and restrict student movement to inside the building. Staff take attendance, and learning activities continue as normal within the school.

A Secure helps keep students and staff safe from exterior situations. Families will be notified through Infinite Campus communication channels if the incident significantly alters the school day.

There is still an opportunity to enroll in our schools, and we are excited to help you find the best fit for your student. Families are invited to schedule a tour at any school. This is a great chance to see our learning environments and meet our dedicated staff.

If you are interested in exploring your potential neighborhood school or a focus school, simply call the school’s office to schedule a tour at a time that works for you.

We look forward to welcoming you and supporting your family through the enrollment process!

Early Childhood Screening is required before your child can start kindergarten. This free screening is an important step in supporting your child’s readiness for school. It helps identify strengths and areas where your child may need support in development, vision, hearing, and overall health—giving families and schools valuable information to ensure a strong start in kindergarten.

If your child has not yet been screened, please visit https://mapsisd77ecs.youcanbook.me/ to book an appointment. For additional questions about Early Childhood Screenings, please call (507) 625-4620.

The Student Advisory Council held its second meeting of the year on Thursday at Central High School. The meeting included a presentation on student attendance by Director of Student Support Services Samantha Steinman, joined by Prairie Winds Middle School Assistant Principal Chelsea Anderson-Ball and East High School Assistant Principal Brittany Galetka.

Board members Erin Roberts and Liz Ratcliff facilitated the discussion, continuing to do an excellent job fostering thoughtful conversation and encouraging student questions.

Rosa Parks Elementary School is building a strong foundation as a STEAM School, expanding hands-on, integrated learning opportunities for every student. STEAM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, is woven throughout daily instruction to support creativity, problem solving, and real-world connections.

MAPS 7th, 8th, and 9th graders are invited to join the MSU Mav Machine Pep Band on Saturday, January 17 for a music clinic, a pizza lunch, and the opportunity to perform at the Taylor Center to cheer on the MSU Maverick’s Basketball team.

The clinic will be held at the Performing Arts Center
320 Maywood Avenue, Mankato, MN 56001
Saturday, January 17
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Lunch will be provided from 1:00pm – 2:00pm

After lunch, students will head across campus to get set-up and warmed-up in the stands at the Taylor Center from 2:00pm-5:00pm.
*Please note: students must bring their own personal instrument.

Families coming to see their student(s) perform during the game can check-in with a Project Success staff member at the Performing Arts Center by 2:00pm.

Mankato Area Public Schools is seeking Special Education Teachers.

Qualifications:

• Valid Minnesota teaching license in Special Education required

Compensation:

• $51,028 - $93,287 (based on the MTA salary schedule).

How to Apply:
Visit www.isd77.org and click on Employment Opportunities.

This position will be filled based on the experience, competency, and qualifications of the applicant, as well as the needs of the District. Mankato Area Public Schools (District 77) complies with all state and federal fair employment regulations.

Questions?
Contact Human Resources at 507-387-3017.

January 5, 2026

• School Board Meeting

January 14, 2026

• Early Out

January 19 - 20, 2026

• No School

• East and West gymnastics programs off to strong starts this season - KEYC 12/26/25

• Amid trainer shortage, OFC and MAPS partnership is strong - Free Press 12/23/25

• District moves forward with Eagle Lake child care project - Free Press 12/17/25

• East boys basketball tops West - KEYC 12/16/25

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