News

Mankato Area Public Schools will participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) summer food service program. Meals will be provided to children (18-years-old and younger) at no charge and served Monday through Friday. Breakfast is served between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.; lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:

Monday, June 10 through Friday, August 23 (closed July 4 and 5)

• East High School, 2600 Hoffman Road, Mankato
• West High School, 1351 South Riverfront Drive, Mankato

Thursday, June 13 through Friday, August 23 (closed July 4 and 5)

• Franklin Elementary School, 1000 Broad Street, Mankato
• Hoover Elementary School, 1524 Hoover Drive, North Mankato
• Jefferson Elementary School, 100 James Avenue, Mankato
• Kennedy Elementary School, 2600 East Main Street, Mankato
• Monroe Elementary School, 441 Monroe Avenue, North Mankato
• Rosa Parks Elementary School, 1001 Heron Drive, Mankato

Mankato Area Public Schools also has several sites designated for specific students based on services provided to them. Students who attend these sites will receive direct information.

Acceptance and program participation requirements and activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age or disability. Funding is provided by the USDA and based on the number of meals served daily. 

To file a discrimination complaint, complete the USDA program discrimination complaint form (AD-2037), found online or at any USDA office, or write a letter to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. 

Submit completed complaint form or letter USDA:

By mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

Fax: (202) 690-7442

Email: program.intake@usda.gov ; or call toll free 1-866-632-9992 (voice).

The institution is an equal opportunity employer.

For more information contact Darcy Stueber, director of food services, at 507-388-7442.

The Educare Foundation is pleased to announce $57,124 in Educator Initiative grant awards to support innovative learning across Mankato Area Public Schools. Grants will be awarded to educators at the annual Educare Benefit on May 17, 2019 at Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery. Tickets for the event can be purchased online at www.educarefoundation.org/spring-benefit.  

Grant awards for the 2019-20 school year include:

• Telepresence Robots by OhmniLabs for all K-12 schools, $10,775
  • The robots provide a unique communication experience through a combination of video cameras, video screens, and remote physical operation.
• STEM Kits & Buddies for Jefferson Elementary, $11,599
  • The STEM kits provide hands-on examples, puzzles, and challenges related to core STEM subjects.
• Mariachi Ensemble for East High School - $6,607
  • East High School would like to add depth to its musical ensembles by developing a mariachi ensemble.
• Multi-Process Welders for East and West High Schools, $11,529
  • Mankato Area Public Schools see more than 300 students taking welding courses, including students involved in Welding Internship and Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programs.
• Construction Pathway Expansion for Central, East and West High Schools, $16,614
  • The high schools are requesting funds to expand its construction trades program to purchase equipment that is outdated or non-existent in the program.

Educare also provides support through the Ed Waltman Mini Grants Program during the school year. The Foundation distributes up to $24,000 annually in mini grants, and with the Educator Initiative Grants awarded, Educare has funded more than $1.2 million in grants since its inception in 1995!

A non-profit public entity, the Educare Foundation provides financial support to Mankato Area Public Schools beyond the normal operating budget. Educare supports programs and activities that enhance educational opportunities for all students and encourages teachers to explore new ways of learning and provides a vital link between the community and the classroom. To learn more about Educare, visit www.educarefoundation.org.

Finalist interviews for Superintendent of Mankato Area Public Schools were completed this evening. The Mankato Area Public School Board has authorized Board Chair Darren Wacker to enter into contract negotiations with Dr. Paul Peterson. Job duties will begin July 1, 2019. 

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

Spirit of Youth Award honorees will be recognized 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 22 in the Lincoln Community Center auditoritum, 110 Fulton Street. 

Honorees:

• Drew Campbell--Outstanding Community Volunteer
• Ron Flynn--Outstanding Youth Worker
• Kelli Hanson Magnuson and Ayan Musse--Outstanding Parent Volunteers
• Dejanae I. Hampton and Tristan Altenburg--Outstanding Youth
• Marit Nelson, Megan Hiniker and Timothy Cain--Outstanding Youth
• Jen Grosland--Outstanding Educator
• Kelly Firkins--Outstanding Advisor

Spirit of Youth is an annual recognition event that honors outstanding youth, youth organizations, community volunteers, educators, businesses, and coaches/advisors for their work in youth asset building. Awards will be presented by members of the Mankato Area Public Schools’ Community Education and Recreation Department Advisory Council.

The public is invited to attend this no cost event. For more information contact staff at 507-387-5501.