Wildcat News

August keeps marching on! I hope everyone is beginning to think about school, gearing up for what is sure to be an amazing year!

~ Construction Information: If you've been by Washington recently, you have noticed construction is in full swing! Our safe, secure entrance and updated ADA compliant bathrooms will be ready by the start of the school year. We also have some beautiful new flooring in many parts of the building, too! We cannot wait for you to see them!

That said, should you have questions or things you need, a phone call or email is still best--visiting is not yet a very viable option! Diane Winegar, our amazing secretary, can help you. She can be reached at 507-345-3059 or at dwineg1@isd77.org. Don't be alarmed if the phone doesn't get answered right away--we are busy moving and organizing, so just leave a message; we'll return the call, we promise!

~ Staffing Updates: There have been some teaching staff changes over the course of the spring and summer. We welcome Mariah Krusemark at third grade, as we added a third grade section. Alison Carlson will be moving from first to third grade this year in place of Jenni Pearson. Makenzie Evans will be joining the first grade team, coming from Monroe Elementary. We welcome Cindi Wacker to our Special Education teaching team, replacing Erica Manska. We are thrilled to welcome them all to our Washington family!

~ Washington Night at Mom & Pop's: Mark your calendar for a FUN Washington night at Mom & Pop's. This will be held on Sunday, August 25 from 1:00-4:00pm. This will be a school supply drive as well as a Washington PTO fundraiser. See flyer below.

~ Census Verification: This is a really important step to prepare for the new school year. If you have not yet done this, please complete this soon! Information below. Finding out who your child has for a teacher will occur sometime the week of August 21, 2024. Having the Census Verification completed is a critical step in this process, so please take the time to do this. If you need help, please just ask, either via email (ahagge1@isd77.org) or by calling (507-345-3059).

~ Mark your Calendar: The PTO has set many dates for the year. Please mark your calendar for the following PTO events:

• Entrance Conferences (and pictures): September 3 & 4
• Walk-A-Thon: October 10 (rain or shine, I believe)
• Fall Picnic: October 10 - 5:00-6:30 (rain date October 15)
• Fall Conferences & Book Fair: November 14, 18 & 19
• January 31: Washington Family Game Night & Silent Auction - 6:30-8:00pm
• PTO Meetings: We meet from 6:00-7:00pm on the following dates (child care provided):
• Sep 9, Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 9, Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14, May 12

Please enjoy the remainingn weeks of summer. Should you need anything, please don't hesitate to reach out. Email is best (ahagge1@isd77.org).

Ann Haggerty

Washington Principal

ahagge1@isd77.org

A photographer from Strawbridge Studios will be at Washington on September 3 & 4 during Entrance Conferences. You can use this link and code FM440991 to access the Washington Elementary form to order pictures. This link will allow you to sign up to receive updates via email regarding your child's school portraits. These updates include promotions, additional deals, and the ability to order more pictures at a later time. When entering student information, please be sure to enter the student's name as it is on file at the school.

Infinite Campus OPENS up Wedneday, August 21. To find out your child's teacher, login to the Parent Portal and click "schedule." Once you have the name of your child's homeroom teacher, you'll be able to sign up for an entrance conference (link to come next week). If you do not have access to a computer, or if you need help with any of these steps, please call Diane Winegar in the Washington Office anytime between 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM at 507-345-3059.

Entrance conferences will be held in your student/s classroom. You will receive an entrance conference folder and your child's bus pass during entrance conferences. We will also be having school photos during entrance conferences.

Need to meet with the school nurse? Paula will be available during Entrance Conferences to meet with you regarding any of your child's health needs.

Dear MAPS families,

Each year, Mankato Area Public Schools asks our families to review and update census information through the online census verification. This ensures that student information is accurate. We are asking that you complete your family's census verification online through your Campus Parent account by August 21, 2024.

Below are the steps to complete the Census Verification process.

Step 1: Log into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account.

Step 2: Select MORE from the menu along the left side of the screen.

Step 3: Select CENSUS VERIFICATION

Step 4: Select Begin Registration

Click here to view the Help Guide for Census Verification

Important information to know before you get started:

• Only one parent/guardian per household will need to complete the Census Verification process.

  • The Census Verification link is only active for one household per child. If your child has more than one household, the link will be active for the parent/guardian that lives in the household indicated at the time of registration as the child's primary household.

For assistance logging into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account, please send an email to: icsupport@isd77.org

2024-2025 Educational Benefits Application is HERE.

Even though Minnesota Public Schools provide breakfast and lunch at NO COST to its students, filling out the Education Benefits Application is important because it may have HUGE benefits for your family and school. Applications for Educational Benefits determine how much funding your child’s school receives for educational programs and supports.

Additionally, eligible families may qualify for other benefits, such as:

• WIC benefits
• Reduced or free athletic or activity fees
• Reduced fees for in-home internet
• Community Education classes offer scholarships and discounts

School Breakfast and Lunch Menus can be found on Schoolcafe.

1. Click on the Schoolcafe Menus.
2. Click on "View Menus (as a guest)."
3. Select Daily, Weekly or Monthly along the top header
4. Select the School and Meal Type from the drop-down options.

Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) is committed to working together equitably, with families and communities, so that each learner has the knowledge and skills to be a successful and contributing citizen in a diverse global society.

Email: ahagge1@isd77.org
Website: https://we.isd77.org/
Location: 1100 Anderson Drive
Phone: 507-345-3059