Kennedy is a wonderful school that has been meeting the needs of students for over 50 years. In 2023, the needs of students have changed. Kennedy is need of some significant upgrades that would be met with the passing of the referendum.

• Safe and Secure Entrance: The new entrance at Kennedy would create space that has families check in at the office first before being able to bypass the office. Our entrance would become very similar to Rosa Parks and Prairie Winds. This is a crucial step in securing our building and being able to directly connect with every visitor to our school. This entrance addition would also include a new health office, new staff workroom, and new conference room and office spaces.
• Updated and Expanded Special Education Spaces: The renovation at Kennedy would also include updated spaces for our special education programs. It would include the addition of al ADA compliant bathroom for our Setting III ASD program and a larger classroom space for that program. Additionally, the current office area, workroom, and health office would be reconfigured into flexible classroom spaces for our special education programs. Finally, the main bathrooms for students at Kennedy will be renovated and updated to meet the needs of all students.

**Check out the picture below to see the changes planned for Kennedy!**

On November 7, voters in our community will decide on two referendum questions to update and improve school facilities for today’s students, staff, families, and community as well as the next generation of learners.

For parents who live within the MAPS district boundaries, keep an eye out for a referendum informational brochure in mailboxes this week. The mailing explains the key building projects that the referendum will fund. The projects include:

Question 1: $105 million

• Safety and security at all district schools

• Early learning access for MAPS families

• Learning and wellness spaces for MAPS students and community members

Question 2: $15 million

• Outdoor activities spaces at high schools

The tax impact on an averaged priced home ($250,000) in the school district for Question 1 is $10/month. For Question 2, it is $2.50/month. You can calculate the estimated tax impact of your specific property here.

Learn the facts, and make a plan to vote on or before November 7. Voting is easy—even if you have never voted before.

1. You can vote by mail. Click here to download the application form.

2. You can vote early, in-person, starting Friday, September 22nd at Blue Earth County Courthouse during regular business hours 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

3. You can vote on Election Day, November 7, at your assigned polling place. Find your polling place here.

Find complete bond referendum and voting information at www.isd77.org/vote2023.

At Mankato Area Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are of the utmost importance. To ensure our preparedness for various emergency situations, we will be conducting a safety drill known as "Lockdown" on a designated date.

Our first drill at Kennedy is on Thursday, September 21 at 10 AM.

Purpose of the Drill: “Lockdown” is designed to prepare students and staff for an exceedingly rare circumstance - when an intruder enters the school premises. During this drill, teachers will follow specific safety protocols, including locking classroom doors, turning off lights, moving individuals away from windows and doors, not opening doors, instructing students to remain silent, and ensuring that students remain out of sight.

Opt-Out Option: We want to inform you that, as per Minnesota Statute 121A.038, parents have the option to opt their student(s) out of this required safety drill. If you choose to opt your student out, please notify the school office. You will be able to pick up your student(s) 30 minutes before the drill begins and return them 30 minutes after it is completed. This absence will be excused, and no adverse actions will be taken due to their absence.

Special Considerations: If your student has experienced violence or trauma that participating in this drill might reactivate, we kindly request that you notify the school office. We are committed to providing the necessary support and accommodations to ensure the emotional well-being of our students.

Our Commitment to Safety: Rest assured that these drills are conducted with the utmost care and attention to safety. Our staff is well-trained to oversee the process, and our primary goal is to equip both students and staff with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in emergency situations.

We sincerely hope that we never have to put this training into practice, but preparedness is an essential aspect of ensuring the safety of our school community.

Contact Information: Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the lockdown or our school's safety procedures, please feel free to contact me, Steve Rustad, at (507)387-2122. We are here to address any inquiries you may have and to work together to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for our students.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

Sincerely,

Steve Rustad

Kennedy Principal

Check out the information below about the Bubble Run Fundraiser! We have raised over $5,000 so far and reached our first school-wide celebration of EVERY CUB GETTING A NEW KENNEDY T-SHIRT! The next celebration is at $8,000. When we hit that goal, THE TEACHERS WILL COMPETE IN A TUG-O-WAR COMPETITION! There are also multiple celebrations that classes can earn with their fundraising.

***Each student that raises $200 or more gets to do a limo ride with Mr. Rustad!***

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. Watch for sales and new items throughout the year! Right now, shop the BACK TO SCHOOL sale- 30% off everything- until Sept 21st! Take a look:

https://1stplacespiritwear.com/.../collection_detail.html...