Dakota Minute

This video was first time I have viewed the condemned pool at West. It was quite the experience.There will also be opportunities for Community Tours at West High School. Please see the save the date if you are interested. I want to encourage families to vote on November 7th. The result of the referendum vote will have significant impact on the educational experience our students at both Dakota Meadows and West. Thank you being a part of this great community.

Gratefully,

Principal Hyer

Question 2: A Vote to Update High School Outdoor Activity Spaces

The educational experience is much more than what goes on in the walls of a school. Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) is proud to offer comprehensive co-curricular programming that allows students to engage in high quality athletic, performing and fine arts activities. MAPS is also committed to offering physical education experiences and supporting community youth activity programs that give kids opportunities to learn skills such as teamwork and cooperation.

The greater Mankato area continues to expand its offerings for kids and families, and this expansion has created a need for multi-purpose spaces for recreation, practices and competitions. Watch this short video to hear from MAPS Activities Directors as they explain how outdoor facility improvements at Mankato West and East High Schools address this need.

Question 2 supports the following outdoor facility improvements including:

• 9 lane track

• Multi-purpose synthetic turf

• Restrooms, bleachers, lighting, ticket booth, concessions

There are two facilities questions on the ballot for the upcoming November 7th election – question 2 can only pass if question 1 (safety/security, early learning, learning and wellness spaces) is approved by voters.

Outdoor facility improvements in question 2 will cost $15 million and would have a property tax impact of $2.50 a month for a home valued at $250,000. Learn the facts, and make a plan to vote on or before November 7.

Quality One Hour Photo will be at DMMS for retakes on November 2nd. If your student missed their photo or needs to retake them they can do so at this time.

If you did not recieve a copy of your student photos, please reach out to One Hour Quality Photo directly. They should be sent home by Friday, October 27th.

Remember for dropping off and picking up at door 8 to:

Stop: your vehicle

Drop: off your student

Roll: your vehicle out of the parking lot

**It is OK to drop off by the basketball hoops. Please do not wait in the drop off lane.

Diagram here.

We will be opening up the cafeteria doors at 8am due to the cooler weather. Students will be supervised in the cafeteria by staff until 8:10 when the rest of the building is open. Please do not have your student/s wait in the foyer at Door 1. This creates a safety concern when substitues, visitors or staff cannot pass through these doors.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Principal Hyer.

Fall Conferences will be held at DMMS on Thursday, November 16th and Monday, November 20th from 4-8pm. A sign up link will be shared by November 6th.

6th grade families: will sign up with only the advisory teacher.

7th and 8th grade families: will sign up with the advisory teacher and or any teacher your student has that you may have questions for or need further support.

Snow and flu season are just around the corner! In preparation, here are two important resources that are available on the ISD77 website for your review:

Flu Information for Families - provides influenza information

Weather Related Information - includes details on where to find out about weather related closings and late starts. Please note the NEW MAPS Helpline: 507-387-6046.

Please contact your child's school with any questions or concerns.

Please see THIS "Ins and Outs of Anxiety" resource from Mattie, one of our Counseling Interns.

Two hour early releases will take place on the following dates:

November 8th, 2023. December 13th, 2023. January 10th, 2024. February 14th, 2024. March 13th, 2024. April 17th, 2024. May 15th, 2024.

There are no middle school practices on early release days. ALL DMMS student athletes should be picked up or use bus transportation home on these days.There is also no activity bus to Mankato West on Early release days. Student Athletes that participate at the high school level may have practices as normal but will have to provide their own transportation or contact their coach.

Hello DMMS families!

Fall is in full swing and with that, Dakota Meadows is ready to host their first school dance tonight and we are preparing for fall conferences! Below you’ll find all the information you need to get involved. As always, if you have any questions about any of the items listed, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at ptadmms@gmail.com.

1) Student Council is hosting a school dance TONIGHT, 10/27, from 6-8pm. We always welcome parent volunteers as chaperones. Please email me at the email above if you’re interested in joining us! Remember, students are allowed to wear costumes with the exception of masks and inflatable costumes.

2) We are still collecting money for the One and Done fundraiser! Our school doesn't sell wrapping paper or magazines, instead we just ask families for a one time donation to our general PTA fund. Donations are accepted all year long and a donut party will be awarded to the advisory with the highest collection of funds each quarter. Donations for the One and Done fundraiser can be made here: https://dmms.memberhub.com/store/items/907498 . Are you interested in helping with the promotion of the One and Done fundraiser? Reach out via email or facebook and let's connect!

2) School conferences are being held mid-November and our DMMS staff is slated to put in long days to ensure every family has the opportunity to connect with the teaching staff. As a thank you for their time, PTA will be providing dinner to the DMMS faculty each night. We need volunteers to help set up, serve, and clean up these meals. If you're interested in volunteering in this way, reach out and let us know! If you aren't able to volunteer your time but still want to help, we also need donations to help offset the cost of the conference meals. Donations for conference meals can be made here: https://dmms.memberhub.com/store/items/945681

3) Looking for the latest announcement? School and district updates? Ways to get involved? Like us on facebook and join us at our monthly PTA meetings! Our next meeting will be held 10/30, 6:15pm, at Dakota Meadows.

Thank you again for your continuous support as we work to create a positive environment for all at DMMS.

With Much Appreciation,

Please make sure to view the student calendar on our district website. This will have our early releases and no school days. In addition, the Google Calendar will have DMMS Specific information.