News

Due to the weather, Mankato Area Public Schools' West High School's orchesis shows scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. today (Saturday, January 18) have been rescheduled to 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday, January 19). Tickets go on sale one hour prior to the event and cost $5 for students and $7 for adults. Performances are held in the school auditorium, 1351 South Riverfront Drive. 

Anyone age 62 plus who lives within school district #77 can attend at no cost by showing their VIP Gold card. 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.

For more information contact staff at 507-207-3808. 

Mankato Area Public Schools will have no school for Kindergarten through grade 12:

• January 20 (Monday), to observe Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday
• January 27 (Monday), workshop and preparation day for teachers

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

Mankato Area Public Schools' West High School's "YES! Team" received a $5,000 grant from the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) to reduce the school's electrical usage on hallway lighting by nearly 50 percent by replacing more than 700 lightbulbs with energy efficient Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). It's estimated that $3,000 will be saved annually. The award is one of 35 grants given to innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in communities across Minnesota. 

"It's exciting to provide an opportunity for students to help make a difference and educate others about energy usage, costs and how to reduce personal energy consumption," says Eric Koser. 

"CERTs provides these seed grants with two primary objectives in mind," says Lissa Pawlisch, CERTs director. "First, to encourage implementation of community-based clean energy projects across the state. Second, to provide an educational forum for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and their economic, community and ecological benefits."

Through approval of the school district’s previous referendum, East High School was able to apply energy efficiency improvements when it was remodeled. Updated heating and cooling controls help reduce energy usage and electrical and plumbing code updates enhance efficiencies and safety. LED lights help reduce energy usage in conjunction with harvesting natural light.

For more information contact staff at 507-207-3875.

Mayo Clinic Health System – Mankato is generously sponsoring "Screenagers" movies at Mankato Area Public Schools' East High School auditorium, 2600 Hoffman Road.  Plan to attend these empowering no-cost viewings:

• 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., February 3 (Monday), Screenagers:  Growing up in the digital age--explores risks of screen time for young people and solutions for healthy use.
• 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., March 24 (Tuesday), Screenagers Next Chapter--uncovering skills for stress resilience, followed by a panel of Mankato area professionals.

Screenagers is an award-winning documentary viewed around the world about emotional wellbeing of young people related to internet consumption and video use.  Insights from testimonials, professionals including authors and brain scientists provide solutions to empower young people on navigating the digital world.

Screenagers movies are for all ages--everyone is welcome.  Parents are encouraged to bring their children.  For more information contact staff at Prairie Winds Middle School at 507-345-6625

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.