West Side Story 2.0

We are heading into the final stretch of the school year.

For students, May is the time to reflect on your growth and finish strong. As the weather gets nicer and summer break is just around the corner, remember that there are still valuable opportunities in these final weeks. Stay focused, maintain good study habits, and ask for help if needed. Whether it's completing assignments, preparing for exams, or engaging in classroom activities, every effort counts.

Parents, your support and encouragement have been invaluable throughout this school year. As we approach the finish line, continue to be a source of guidance and motivation for your children. Encourage them to stay organized, manage their time effectively, and prioritize their well-being amidst the hustle and bustle of year-end activities.

Let's approach the end of the school year with optimism, gratitude, and a commitment to finishing strong. Together, let's make these final weeks memorable, meaningful, and filled with success.

The high school rankings have been announced, and Mankato West High School is ranked #21 in the best high schools in Minnesota. If you look at rankings for traditional high schools in Minnesota, we rank #12. We continue to rank #1 in the Big 9. US News and World Report collects data on the number of students taking an AP exam, math and reading proficiency, and graduation rate.

May 6th - 17th we will be administering hundreds AP exams. Specific test dates and times can be found on the family calendar

Check out this link to see what is happening in the Counseling Center.

May 6th - 10th is Teacher Appreciation Week! We are fortunate to have amazing teachers who truly care about our students, both academically and as human beings. Thank you, Scarlet Teachers!

Final exams will be June 5th and 6th. Seniors will need to take their finals for classes in hours 5-7 prior to June 5th, as they will have commencement rehearsal on June 6th. Teachers will be working with seniors to get those finals completed.

Our district values your feedback! To ensure we continue to provide high-quality, rigorous learning experiences that meet the needs of our learners and increase student readiness for life options after graduation, we need to hear from you. We are surveying Mankato Area Public Schools students, families, and staff to gain insight into their satisfaction with their school experience. We want to know what you think.

We safeguard your privacy by keeping your responses anonymous. The survey shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to complete and will be a valuable source of information for us as we work to make our schools and district a great place for our students, families, and staff. Participation of students, families, and staff is optional.

The family online survey will close on May 24th using a computer, tablet, or smartphone by visiting the website https://surveys.panoramaed.com/mankato/family24/surveys and choosing your school location.

Students will be invited to take the student satisfaction survey. Participation is optional.

We thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses. If you have any questions about the survey administration, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 507 387-3461.

Families, educators, and students (grades 8–12): Do you have ideas about how the statewide assessment results, like the MCA, could be shared with the public and school and district staff?

MDE is beginning the process of redesigning the statewide assessment reports. This includes evaluating how student results are organized and communicated (including the labels like "does not meet” or “exceeds" the standards, and what the reports will look like for new academic standards). The redesigned reports will be seen for the first time in summer and fall 2025.

Please take the survey to share your experience. It should take no longer than 15 minutes. The survey is now open for submissions until May 19. Responses are completely anonymous.

tinyurl.com/state-testing-survey

Your voice is important to this process. We appreciate your time and consideration.

Please reach out to mde.testing@state.mn.us with any questions or concerns about the survey or feedback process.

Teen Connect's Mission is to help high school students find meaningful activities during the summer.

Businesses and organizations will be present to provide Employment, Enrichment, and Volunteer opportunities for our students.

The event will occur on Wednesday, May 15th from 9-12:30 at the Mankato West High School Gymnasium.

We are excited to announce an incredible opportunity for our school
community to participate in the German American Partnership Program
(GAPP) by hosting students from Bremen, Germany. We are still. looking
for 8 families to host our German guests.

From September 25th to October 12th, 2024, we have the chance to
welcome these students into our homes, providing them with a unique
cultural exchange experience.

The GAPP program aims to foster cultural understanding and friendship
between students from Germany and the United States. By hosting a
student from Bremen, families have the opportunity to not only enrich
their own lives but also provide a warm and welcoming environment for
our German visitors. Mankato West High School has been a GAPP School
of Excellence for 15 years.

Hosting a student from Bremen involves more than just providing a bed
and meals. It's about creating lasting connections and memories that
will stay with both the host family and the visiting students for
years to come. During their stay, the German students will attend
school with their host siblings, giving them an authentic glimpse into
American student life.

As a host family, you'll have the chance to share your culture,
traditions, and way of life with your German guest. Whether it's
introducing them to your favorite local spots, sharing meals together,
or simply spending time bonding as a family, every moment spent
together will contribute to a rich and rewarding cultural exchange
experience.

We understand that hosting a student is a significant commitment, but
the rewards are immeasurable. Not only will you have the opportunity
to learn about another culture firsthand, but you'll also have the
chance to forge lifelong friendships with your German guests.

If you're interested in participating in this exciting opportunity and
opening your home to a student from Bremen, please contact German
Teacher, Kristine Barnes, at kbarne3@isd77.org for more information
and to sign up as a host family. Your willingness to participate in
the GAPP program is greatly appreciated and will undoubtedly make a
meaningful impact on both our school community and the lives of the
visiting German students.

Looking for Summer work - come join our MAPS Summer Grounds Team.

Play Leaders for Rec on the Go - Please fill out this form with your availability and interest! Share with anyone you think might be interested.

Check out our Summer Catalog!

Register online, anytime!

May 15

Early Out

May 27

No School

May 30

Senior Awards Breakfast

June 3

Parade of Graduates

June 5 & 6

Final Exams

June 6

Last Day of School

Commencement Ceremony 8:00pm Mayo Event Center