Kennedy News
10/12/2023
For over 70 years, Mankato West High School has been a cornerstone of our community, serving generations of students and families. Now, it is in need of critical improvements to its learning and wellness spaces in order to meet the needs of today’s learners and beyond.
Watch this brief video, where Principal Sherri Blasing and Activities Director Joe Johnson discuss the current facility challenges at Mankato West High School.
The November 7 referendum will fund the following updates and improvements at Mankato West High School:
Update and expand academic classrooms and flexible learning spaces
Renovate the existing gym area into a fine arts suite for band, choir and orchestra
Build a three-station gym, multi-purpose/wrestling room, locker rooms and classrooms
Convert the decommissioned 1950’s pool area into multi-purpose, flexible learning spaces for students
Build a competition and community use 8-lane pool at Dakota Meadows Middle School
These projects embody our forward-looking approach to providing our students with the best possible educational experience and fostering wellness within our community.
Learn more about the facilities bond referendum at www.isd77.org/vote2023 and make your plan to vote on or before November 7, 2023.
What Will the Improvements at West Look Like?
Diagram of Changes at West
This drawing highlights the changes that will occur at West High School when the referendum passes.
New Safe and Secure Entrance
West High School has not a clearly identifiable front entrance. This new entrance creates a safe and secure entrance that will lead directly into the main office.
New Westside Pool
The new competition pool will be built at Dakota Meadows. This will serve as a competition pool as well as be open to the community through community education.
How Do Improvements at West Impact Kennedy?
You may be asking yourself why a Kennedy newsletter is highlighting the changes at West High School when we are a feeder school to East? We have not changed our allegiance, we are still Cougars through and through. However, we are all part of the Mankato Area Public Schools team. We have been so fortunate on the Eastside of town that our secondary schools are beautiful spaces that are purposefully designed for 21st century learning. Prairie Winds Middle School and East High School are both top-notch learning facilities.
Pride in our schools extends beyond the specific educational pathways of Kennedy. As stated above, West has been a cornerstone of our community for generations. It is time for all high schoolers in Mankato Area Public Schools students to have access to spaces that meet the needs of current and future students.
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 Tonight!
Stop by and see me for more details in the front lobby tonight at the open house!
The Kennedy Open House and Book Fair is Today!
Families, the Kennedy Open House and Book Fair is on Thursday, October 12th 5:30-7. The bookfair will start immediately after school at 2:30 and will be open until 7 pm. More details will be shared with you soon!
Mrs. Dahline's First Graders Had a Blast Checking Out the Books!
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...