News

New data shows the 70 percent of Mankato Area Public Schools' seniors who participated in Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) took at least one advanced placement exam--exceeding the national rate of 39 percent.  According to research, participation in advanced placement coursework and exams have a positive impact on a student's high school grade point average, college acceptance and retention and scholarship eligibility.  Of the most recent AVID graduates in Mankato Area Public Schools, 95 percent met four-year college entrance requirements.

"Mankato Area Public Schools places high value on advanced placement activity because of an outstanding return on investment to students who participate," says Superintendent Paul Peterson.  "This is one more of many offerings and opportunities all students have to begin preparing for career identification and their path while they're in high school."

"We congratulate students at Mankato Area Public Schools for their outstanding achievement.  Mankato Area Public Schools shares our deep commitment to preparing students for a successful future by building high expectations and fostering the knowledge and skills needed to succeed," says Chief Executive Officer of AVID Sandy Husk, Ph.D.

For more information about AVID results and opportunities, contact Marti Sievek, interim director of teaching and learning, at 507-387-1868.

At 5:30 p.m. on February 18 (Tuesday), the Mankato Area Public School Board will recognize Chad Surprenant, Mankato for their family's $100,000 donation for East High School opportunities.

"Our family feels indebted and loyal to the high-quality education provided at East High School," Surprenant says.  "Therefore, we wanted to make a gift.  Our goal is to help advance opportunities and lead by example.  This is a great place to live and raise a family and we're grateful for our journey at Mankato Area Public Schools."

For more information contact staff at 507-387-1868.

School start and end times for elementary, middle and high schools in Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) have been established for the 2020-2021 school year. New school times reflect the school district’s transition next year to a two-tiered busing system.

Beginning September 2020:

• MAPS Preschool 8 a.m. morning start time
• Elementary schools 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Bridges Community School 8:20 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
• Middle schools 8:35 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.
• High schools 8:45 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

After the new system was approved by the School Board in December, district leaders began developing plans to address areas of concern shared during a community input phase. These included: before and after school child care, student supervision, and the impact on co-curricular departure times.

"Having start and end times finalized now provides families and staff a significant amount of lead time in preparing for the next school year," says Paul Peterson, superintendent of Mankato Area Public Schools. "The times reflect input received while the school district was studying the concept and also since the School Board took action. An 8 a.m. start time for elementary schools aligns nicely with several areas we knew we needed to address, especially related to child care and student supervision."

District officials have developed detailed plans to assist in transition to tiered busing and will communicate regularly with families and the community in advance of the change. "This is a great move for our students and families, and we are committed to providing timely information for a smooth transition," adds Peterson.

For more information contact Mankato Area Public Schools’ administrative offices at 507-387-1868.

Mankato Area Public Schools’ complimentary “VIP Gold Card” is exclusively for seniors—age 62 plus—who live within school district #77.  It’s a great way to enjoy no cost admission to enjoy concerts, athletic and academic events, plays and planetarium shows.  To obtain a “VIP Gold Card,” simply contact Mankato Area Public Schools’ central office at 507-387-1868; or the activity offices at East High School 507-207-3628, or West High School 507-207-3921.

Students benefit from audience attendance, intergenerational and community involvement.  Quality schools positively influence quality of life, economic development and home values.