Kennedy News
10/27/2023
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.
How Do Outdoor Activity Spaces at the High School Impact Kennedy?
Improved outdoor activity spaces at East and West have a great impact on our elementary students. The East facility, Wolverton Field, is used by all ages of students for athletics and for community education programs. Youth football, track and field are just a few of the youth programs that connect our Cubs to the facilities. Kennedy has a great partnership with East High school and they open up the facility for us for different events including the mile run in the fall and spring.
We are proud that our Kennedy Cubs will be competing as East Cougars some day. We want them to have access to the best possible facilities now while they are developing their skills and in the future when they are competing at the junior high and high school level.
Kennedy families, please make a plan to get out and vote! Early voting is already open. Visit www.isd77.org/vote2023 to learn more!
Mr. Rustad Can Answer Your Referendum Questions!
Do you have questions about the upcoming referendum? Email me! If I don't know the answer, I will get it for you.
Steve Rustad: srusta1@isd77org
Cold Weather Update - Time to Bundle Up!
The cold weather is here and snow is in the forecast. Parents, please send you Cubs to school with a jacket, hat, and gloves. When the snow arrives, students will need boots for the outside to keep their feet warm and dry. Please plan to send your students with all the appropriate winter gear every day so that they are ready for recess.
If your Cub is in need of winter gear, please connect with our school social worker, Megan Schultz. Her email is MSchul5@isd77.org. She will work with you to get some winter items for your students.
Halloween Reminder - No Costumes at School
Families, please remember that students do not wear their Halloween costumes to school. Students who wish to celebrate Halloween are encouraged to wear an orange and black outfit.
Kennedy Spiritwear Store is Open for Business!
This store will be open and accepting orders all year long, at any time! All orders will be shipped directly to your home and 10% will come back to our Kennedy PTO. Take a look:
https://1stplacespiritwear.com/.../collection_detail.html...