News

Mankato Area Public Schools is aware of a racist video made by a student and posted to social media. School administrators are in contact with the student and their family, and a thorough investigation of this incident is underway. Based on results of the investigation, disciplinary action will be taken.

Mankato Area Public Schools is committed to a safe and inclusive culture for all and we are thankful to the students and community members who alerted school staff to this matter. Racist behavior or comments will not be tolerated.

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

Register to participate in new summer programming including enrichment classes, aquatics programming and recreation camps offered through Mankato Area Public Schools Community Education and Recreation and ACES.

Updates reflect necessary changes in response to COVID-19 and includes new programs that meet current Minnesota Department of Health recommendations, can be done safely and are easily adaptable to changing guidelines. Considerations and precautions necessary for student and staff safety are continuously monitored to determine whether an offering will be held in-person, online or in a structure that blends both virtual and in-person sessions.

Spots are still available for ACES summer programming, which offers quality care for children entering kindergarten through fifth grade during the summer, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Friday, July 3). Registration can be completed online or by calling 507-387-5501. ACES is accepting registrations at all summer locations:

• Eagle Lake Elementary School, 500 Le Sueur Avenue, Eagle Lake
• Hoover Elementary School, 1524 Hoover Drive, North Mankato
• Jefferson Elementary School, 100 James Avenue, Mankato (ACES and Little ACES)
• Rosa Parks Elementary School, 1001 Heron Drive, Mankato 

Changes to ACES programming are ongoing to follow new guidelines and recommendations as they are released:

• Adhere to recommended group sizes and staff-to-student ratios.
• Following Option 1 of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention screening guidelines. The screening process requires families to screen at home prior to arriving to ACES each day. Upon arrival, a brief health survey will be administered for records.
• A variety of on-site engaging activities will take the place of field trips. Examples include outside play, theme days, team building games, reading, arts and crafts and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities to name a few.
• All shared toys, equipment and common areas continue to be sanitized and disinfected between uses.

Changes to Community Education and Recreation and ACES programs were made based on recommendations and guidance from the CDC, Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Education. 

For more information contact staff at 507-387-5501.

Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) has reviewed the current guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Health for delivering summer school programming.

Based on current public health guidelines, MAPS summer school programming will begin with a distance e-learning model. Throughout the summer, staff will continue to monitor guidelines for any changes that would impact the distance e-learning delivery model.  

Dates for summer e-learning programs

K-5 Reading Academy
July 27-August 13

K-5 Math Academy
July 27-August 13

K-5 English Learners Academy
July 27- August 13

PreK-Grade 12 extended school year (special education)
June 15-18 and June 22-25
July 27-30
August 3-6

Birth-2 (special education)
June 15-19 and June 22-26
July 13-17 and July 27-31
August 3-7 and 10-14

Middle school
June 15-July 9 

High school
June 15-July 29

Adult Basic Education
June 9- July 30

Further information for specific programs, including registration and device distribution, will be communicated to families by summer school staff in the coming weeks.

This distance e-learning format will not impact summer ACES programming

Mankato Area Public Schools was thanked by Mankato Clinic nurses and physicians for manufacturing masks and ear saver devices on the district’s 3D printers. From left to right: student Alex Berg, East High School; Mark Zenk, West High School teacher; Dr. Karl Roos, Mankato Clinic; April Oachs, RN, Mankato Clinic; Dr. Tara Denke, Mankato Clinic; Superintendent Paul Peterson; Dave Stahl, East High School teacher; and, Mike Shores, Prairie Winds Middle School teacher.

In response to the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), technical education teachers at Mankato Area Public Schools fired up 3D printers to manufacture 800 masks and ear saver devices for frontline healthcare workers at Mankato Clinic.

“Teachers saw an opportunity to help make a difference by using the tools available to create masks for frontline workers,” says Superintendent Paul Peterson. “The work also benefits the community who rely on these workers for their health needs.” 

As a key component of Mankato Clinic’s preparation efforts and PPE sustainment plan, the 3D printed masks will be available to frontline staff in the event of a mask shortage and surge of patients. Get Mankato PPE coordinated the effort with design files from www.makethemasks.com. Fitted and sanitized between uses, the 3D printed masks can convert one N-95 mask into six masks.

“Our community has truly come together to care for one another. We are extremely grateful to our teachers from Mankato Area Pubic Schools for using their skills and volunteering their time to protect frontline healthcare workers. We are deeply moved by the support of the district and our teachers,” said Dr. Tara Denke, obstetrician/gynecologist and vice chair of the Mankato Clinic board of directors.

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.