MAPS Connection District Newsletter

Nutrition Services will be moving to a new menu viewing page starting Monday, March 2. On the morning of March 2, we will be working as quickly as possible to post menus to the new site.

The current March menus are available now on our website.

ACES, the child care program of Mankato Area Public Schools, is excited to welcome families for Summer 2026 and the 2026–2027 school year!

Summer 2026 Registration Opens March 11, 2026

ACES summer programming is available at select schools and is open to all incoming kindergarten–5th grade students attending Mankato Area Public Schools.

2026–2027 School Year Registration Opens May 13, 2026

During the school year, ACES provides before- and after-school care at each elementary school.

Hours: 6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

We look forward to supporting your family with engaging, safe, and enriching care experiences. For more information or to register, visit mankatoCER.com, contact us at 507-387-5501, or email aces@isd77.org.

Don't miss out on this FREE event for parents, HR professionals, business leaders, and educators!

Join Mark C. Perna, a nationally recognized generational expert and bestselling author, as he challenges our community to rethink how we motivate young people and connect education to meaningful career pathways. Younger generations possess tremendous creativity, resilience, and potential. The challenge–and opportunity–is learning how to tap into that potential by answering the most important question: “Why?”

Mark Perna helps connect, engage, and answer why for young people, giving practical strategies that inspire purpose, performance, and real-world success.

A variety of door prizes (grocery and fuel gift cards ranging from $25 to $100 in value) will be given away at the end of the program. Light snacks will be provided.

Date: Wednesday, March 18th, 2026

Time: 6 PM

Location: Courtyard by Marriot Mankato

Enrollment opportunities are still available. Families may schedule a tour at their neighborhood by contacting the school office directly.

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

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:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAG6SJ7iPns/paDExyA0H4Nh3DFysI5nUw/view?utm_content=DAG6SJ7iPns&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h1448e2d353

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!

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.

Jack of Hearts Week at Mankato East may have come and passed, but the excitement and school spirit are still going strong! We want to take a moment to congratulate Carter Mullikin on being crowned this year’s Jack of Hearts.

Throughout the week, students and staff showed incredible enthusiasm, participation, and support. It was a wonderful celebration of school pride, community, and fun traditions that make Mankato East such a special place.

Congratulations again to Carter on this well-deserved honor, and thank you to everyone who helped make Jack of Hearts Week a memorable success!

The halls of Mankato West High School were filled with excitement and school pride during this year’s Snow Week celebration. From spirited dress-up days to fun-filled activities and events, students and staff made the week one to remember.

We are proud to recognize Trevor Sheldrup as this year’s Snow King. This honor reflects not only school spirit, but also the positive impact he has within the West community.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped create such a memorable week. Snow Week continues to be a tradition that brings our school together and showcases what it truly means to be a Scarlet!

La Fille Mal Gardee

Date: March 7th , 2026

Time: 1:00 PM

Location: East High School Auditorium 2600 Hoffman Rd, Mankato, MN 56001

This event is FREE for Mankato Area Public Schools' students in grades 6–12

A playful ballet classic with comedy, love and levity
In the spring Mankato Ballet Company is featuring their Performing Company dancers in a full-length ballet, La Fille Mal Gardee. This version set by Eryn Michlitsch, Benjamin Johnson, Ashley Burkland and Rebekah Selvey is a two-act version of the famous ballet featuring Ferdinand Herold’s famous score created specifically for this ballet. The ballet was inspired by Pierre-Antoine Baudouin’s 1765 painting, La réprimande.

La fille mal gardée, translates to “the poorly guarded girl” and is a story about a widow who is trying to marry off her daughter to a rich man’s son. Her daughter, Lise, is in love with a young man named Colas from her town. Through some funny situations they end up sneaking out to meet each other and avoid the arranged marriage her mother wants for her.

A playful ballet classic with comedy, love and levity

Mankato Area Public Schools is seeking a part-time position available for a Central Registration Specialist for 10-months a year (August-May), 6 hours per day (9:30-4:00) 5 days per week beginning as soon as possible.

Summary of Duties:

• Oversees district-wide student records compliance (FERPA, MARSS, state and federal regulations)

• Reviews and authorizes release of student information

• Monitors data integrity in student information systems

• Advises staff on records procedures and compliance

• Ensures accuracy, confidentiality, and continuity of enrollment records

Qualifications:

• High school diploma (post-secondary preferred)

• Secretarial and customer service experience

• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills

• Proficient in computer systems and data entry (Infinite Campus preferred)

• Knowledge of MARSS and FERPA regulations

• Detail-oriented with strong multitasking and prioritization skills

• Team-oriented with ability to interpret and apply policies

• Experience maintaining data integrity and resolving complex records issues independently

• $24.64 per hour

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.

Application deadline:
March 4, 2026, or until filled.

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

March 2nd, 2026

• School Board Meeting

March 11th, 2026

• Early Release

March 16th, 2026

• School Board Meeting

March 19 - 20, 2026

• No School

• Kato Knights gear up for state - KEYC 2/26/26

• West boys hockey wins 3OT thriller to advance to state - KEYC 2/26/26

• West boys hockey edges past East to advance in Section 3A - KEYC 2/21/26

• Kato Knights punch ticket to state - KEYC 2/17/26

• Mankato East girls hockey gears up for state - KEYC 2/17/26

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