March 25 update from Superintendent Paul Peterson:
Mankato Area Public Schools is committed to assuring learning excellence and readiness for a changing world, and we are in the midst of a significant change today. Governor Tim Walz has made two announcements that will affect how the school district moves forward for the next several weeks:
  • A Minnesota ‘Stay at Home Executive Order: The Minnesota Model‘ will go into effect at 11:59 p.m., Friday, March 27 to Friday, April 10.
  • PreK through grade 12 distance learning begins next week and is expected to be in place until May 4.
It’s important to note that these efforts are designed for the health and safety of everyone–our students, staff, and families. Parents, families, staff and students will be kept informed as the situation changes and evolves. Thank you for your support and understanding.
Social distancing and children
Parents/guardians, please reinforce social distancing expectations that are in place throughout the state with your children. For everyone’s health and safety, students should avoid gathering in large groups or attending social functions with friends. Although this can be challenging for all of us, it is important to ensure this is enforced. Thank you for your continued efforts on this important public health matter.
Educational material pick-up information
Pre-K through 5th grade materials are being packaged and will soon be ready for distribution. Work is being prepared for students in grades six to 12 as well.
Individual school sites will provide parents/families details, such as pick-up times, dates and logistics, related to specific distance learning plans. Please watch for messages from your student’s school in the next day or two.
Distance learning implementation
Distance learning begins across Mankato Area Public Schools on Tuesday, March 31. Each school has developed learning plans by grade-level and/or subject matter, and addresses various aspects of the educational experience, including English language acquisition, special education, mental health and health/wellness. PreK-12 faculty and staff have worked hard to strike a balance between academic and social-emotional components of Mankato Area Public Schools’ distance learning plans. Regular check-ins from school staff are intended to occur so students and families know they are cared for and that our support continues even though not physically together.
As implementation begins, please use the contact information provided by your student’s school to ask questions, share information and provide suggestions.
Changes to emergency childcare
Childcare options for those eligible for emergency care will change beginning Tuesday (March 31). Families in need of child care (per State of Minnesota employment guidelines) will have the option to sign their child(ren) up for MAPS Emergency Care and ACES Wraparound Care.
MAPS Emergency Care
MAPS Emergency Care will continue to operate from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at Monroe Elementary School, 441 Monroe Avenue, North Mankato; and Franklin Elementary School, 1000 North Broad Street, Mankato.
Families that qualify for MAPS Emergency Care may use the service at no cost and are eligible for transportation if needed. Complete a one-time online registration form to help ensure adequate staffing. Registrations received after 12 p.m. will be processed with a start date for child care two days later. Breakfast and lunch will be provided
MAPS Emergency Care and ACES Wraparound Care
Families in need of care outside of MAPS Emergency care hours may register for ACES Wraparound Care program available from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday at Monroe Elementary School, 441 Monroe Avenue, North Mankato; and Franklin Elementary School, 1000 North Broad Street, Mankato. Flat rate is $18 per child, per day.
All families are asked to complete a new registration for MAPS Emergency Care and ACES Wraparound Care online. Families will be notified once approved and provided a start day for child care. Families who have already received care from either program, will be contacted directly by staff.
Screening changes
Based on new guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health, new screening protocols will go into effect at MAPS Emergency Care and ACES Wraparound Care. Beginning immediately, children will have their temperature taken and a brief health survey will also be administered daily. This helps ensure everyone’s health and safety.
For more information call 507-387-5501 or email [email protected].
Nutrition services — Kennedy Elementary School services shift to Rosa Parks Elementary School beginning March 31
To help with efficiencies, beginning Tuesday (March 31), pick-up service at Kennedy Elementary School will transition to Rosa Parks Elementary School. The other sites available remain the same.
Services continue to be offered at other sites for students 18 and under. All pick-up services (drive through or walk) are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, through Friday.
  • All Saints Church, 605 Fourth Street, Madison Lake (north parking lot across street from church, just off of Highway 60)
  • Eagle Elementary School, 500 Le Sueur Ave, Eagle Lake, (door 2r in front of school)
  • Franklin Elementary School, 1000 North Broad Street, Mankato (door 6 near off of Broad Street)
  • Kennedy Elementary School, 2600 East Main Street, Mankato (through March 31)
  • Monroe Elementary School, 441 Monroe Avenue, North Mankato (door 1 on Monroe Avenue)
  • Hoover Elementary School, 1524 Hoover Drive, North Mankato (door 12 in the bus loop)
  • Rosa Parks Elementary School, 1001 Heron Drive, Mankato (door 3 parent pick up/drop off loop)
  • East High School, 2600 Hoffman Road, Mankato (door 20 in the bus lane behind the school)
  • West High School, 1351 South Riverfront Drive, Mankato (door 17 in the south/staff parking lot)
Families who are in need of assistance to access our nutrition program are asked to complete this form. For more information or questions call 507-345-5311 (8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday) or email [email protected].
Mankato Area Public Schools’ registration
Parents/families who need to register for Mankato Area Public Schools may still do so. Please contact Central Registration staff at call 507-387-2125.
Who to call
Anyone with questions about Mankato Area Public Schools’ and prevention efforts for COVID-19 may email: [email protected], or call 507-345-5311 (between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday).
The Minnesota Department of Health statewide coronavirus hotline is staffed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.–all 1-651-201-3920.
Anyone with medical questions are asked to contact their healthcare providers. In case of emergency, call 911.
Helpful links