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  • Home Alone Safety (Parent & Child Class)

    Staying home alone for the first time is an opportunity eagerly anticipated by most kids; but with opportunity comes responsibility. This course covers a variety common scenarios and topics specific to children preparing to stay home alone, or stay home with younger siblings. We ask that a parent or adult guardian attend class with the child.
  • Intro to Svenska (Swedish Language) Club

    Join our Swedish Language Club, where students will explore the basics of the Swedish language while immersing themselves in Sweden’s rich cultural traditions. Through interactive lessons students will develop language skills and learn about Swedish history, customs, and daily life. About Middle School After School Clubs: Each club meets only 1 day per week to accommodate more students. Students are welcome to register for multiple clubs, but you may only attend the club on the day(s) you are registered. Each club has limited enrollment, so register EARLY if you intend to participate. Club ends at 5:00 PM and students must be picked up promptly. When changes are made to the original schedule, the Mankato Community Education office will communicate with parents via text or email, so please be certain that your eleyo account stays updated with accurate email and phone contact information. Middle School After School will be open from 3:25 - 5:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday afternoons. Students must be picked up promptly at 5 pm. No programming on Wednesday or Friday. Keep scrolling to learn about financial aid from Greater Mankato Area United Way Connecting Kids. WHERE TO REPORT Immediately after the final bell of the school day, students enrolled in Middle School After School should report to the cafeteria. You should report to MSAS with EVERYTHING you need for clubs or to take home. You WILL NOT be able to go to your locker after 3:30 pm when the academic wings are locked. There will be a sign indicating the check in area and MSAS site leaders will be ready to distribute a snack and take attendance. From 3:25 - 3:45 pm, students will be in the cafeteria having a snack, visiting with friends, and unwinding from the school day. Clubs begin at 3:45 pm and end at 5:00 pm. Site leaders will assure students are directed to the right location for their club or have proper supervision and age appropriate activities until picked up. All students participating in the Middle School After School program are expected to adhere to the same rules of conduct as during the school day. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated, and failure to comply may result in loss of access to after-school activities. If you have any additional questions about the program or your participation, please contact Michelle Biodrowski, Enrichment + Leisure Specialist with MAPS Community Education at mbiodr1@isd77.org. REFUNDS If you wish to withdraw your registration from a club, you must do so a MINIMUM of 4 business days prior to the start date of the club. Refunds will not be granted fewer than 4 days prior to the start date of the club and after the club has started. If space allows, you will be allowed to join a club after the start date, but the cost will not be pro-rated. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Greater Mankato Area United Way Connecting KidsFee discounts are available particularly for those who qualify for FREE or REDUCED lunch. For more information on possible scholarships, contact Jennifer Stratton at Connecting Kids: connectingkidsmankato@gmail.com or by phone at 507-207-3042. Visit the Connecting Kids website.You must complete the Application For Educational Benefits before requesting a scholarship. This application is available from your school.
  • Introductory Dance Classes For Adults

    DANCE CLASSES RETURNING TO LINCOLN COMMUNITY CENTER Dance is more popular than ever! Mankato Community Education at Lincoln Community Center has a great space for you to try something NEW! We brought dance back in the Fall and we hope to keep going strong into the new year. Sign up with a partner or come solo! if you do not have a partner, one will be assigned to you. INSTRUCTORS Brian & Lynette Dawley Our teachers have been dancing and competing together for over 16 years. They have taken over 2,000 hours of private coaching from some of the top Ballroom instructors in the United States as well as Canada, the United Kingdom and Argentina. SO MANY DANCES TO CHOOSE FROM! SIGN UP FOR ONE OR TRY THEM ALL! Beginning East Coast Swing - February 19 - March 22 (6:40 - 7:30 pm) Get moving with triple rhythm swing! Learn the basic steps in this fun, energetic dance! This is a great social dance for smaller floors and can be danced to a variety of music! Intro To Nightclub Two Step - February 19 - March 22 (7:40 - 8:30 pm) Join us for a fun date night as we learn the basics of nightclub two step. Learn soft, flowing patterns that glide across the floor as we dance to all those great ballads! Line Dance - March 26 - April 16 (6:40 - 7:30 pm) Shake off the winter blues with a line dance class! You will learn basic, beginner line dances to a variety of popular music. This is great exercise and you don’t need a partner! Wedding Dance Sampler - March 26 - April 16 (7:40 - 8:30 pm) Is there a wedding dance in your future? Feeling a little apprehensive about stepping out onto the dance floor? This class is for you! “Sample” three popular wedding dances: foxtrot, rumba and swing. You will learn the basic steps and a few simple moves in each dance. You will also be introduced to the concepts of lead, follow and frame to ensure your success on the dance floor and give you a night to remember! Couples and singles are welcome! Sign up solo or with a friend / partner. Fees are per person.
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  • Learn To Lancer - Performance In Color Guard Flags, Rifles + Poms

    Learn to Lancer is a NEW program for youth 7 years old to 15 years who would like to learn the artistry of dance, movement and twirling with Color Guard Flags, Rifles and Pom Poms. Participation in this course is introductory and will give youth the opportunity to learn skills that will lead to future success in the 77 Lancers Color Guard as well as our OWN performance opportunities at local events such as high school sports. Learn to Lancer program will perform at events and 1 showcase competition (non-competitive) - more information on date, time and location will be shared when finalized. Learn To Lancer fee is for program participation and use of program equipment. Costumes, hair, makeup, and shoes are purchased by families and are personal property of the child / family at the completion of the program. Transportation to any performances are provided by families of the participants. Participants will be held to responsible use standards of our performance equipment (rifles, poms, and flags). Equipment is property of Mankato Community Education and will stay in Mankato Community Education inventory at the end of the season.
  • Learn To Sew

    Learn to sew using a sewing machine! This course is a great deal at $18.75 a session! Join local tailor/seamstress/costumer Bianca Wilson for some beginner-friendly steps into the sewing world. In this course, we will learn about different parts of the sewing machine, their functions, and how to troubleshoot. Also included are spotlights on basic seams and finishes, darts, zippers (don’t worry!), buttons/buttonholes, basting, and gathering. *all sewing machines and materials provided
  • Leave No Trace Family Training: Exploring Nature, Protecting the Planet

    Join us for a fun and engaging Leave No Trace Training designed especially for families! This 3-hour hands-on experience will teach both kids and parents the simple yet powerful ways we can all enjoy nature responsibly. Through games, interactive activities, and outdoor exploration, families will learn the 7 Leave No Trace principles—from how to respect wildlife to keeping our favorite parks clean. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just enjoying a picnic in the park, these tips will help your family minimize your impact while having fun in the great outdoors. It’s a wonderful opportunity to instill a love for nature and a sense of stewardship in your little adventurers. Let’s work together to preserve our beautiful planet, one adventure at a time! Registration cost of $25 is per family unit. This workshop is being offered by the young adult leaders of the Green Crew. The Green Crew is a youth-led environmental education and conservation service program associated with the Minnesota Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America. The Leave No Trace curriculum is associated with the Center for Outdoor Ethics.
  • Leave No Trace Trainer Certification: Empowering Future Leaders in Outdoor Ethics

    Are you passionate about protecting our natural spaces? Join us for a transformative Leave No Trace Trainer Certification program over the first two April weekends! This comprehensive two-day training will equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a certified Leave No Trace trainer, empowering you to educate others on responsible outdoor practices. Day 1: A 6-hour training session at the Williams Nature Center on April 6th, will cover the 7 Leave No Trace principles in-depth, engaging you in hands-on activities and discussions. We will review the history of Leave No Trace. Day 2: Dive deeper with a 10-hour training at Williams Nature Center on April 13th, where you’ll participate in practical scenarios and learn effective teaching strategies for conveying these important concepts. Our expert instructors will guide you through real-world situations, helping you gain confidence in leading workshops and community events. This certification is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, educators, and leaders who want to make a difference in their communities. By becoming a certified Leave No Trace trainer, you’ll join a network of dedicated advocates committed to preserving our natural resources for future generations. Take the next step in your outdoor leadership journey and help shape the future of responsible recreation! This class is open to youth and adults but has been designed for young adults 14-21. This class is being offered by the young adult leaders of the Green Crew. Williams Nature Center: 54988 MN-68, Mankato, MN 56001 The Green Crew is a youth-led environmental education and conservation service program associated with the Minnesota Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America. The Leave No Trace curriculum is associated with the Center for Outdoor Ethics. The lead trainer Tom Crawford is a certified Leave No Trace Educator and an associate advisor with the Green Crew. He will be joined by a team of young adult-certified Leave to Trace Trainers.
  • Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills

    Introduction to Water Skills Must be at least 6 years old. Introduces basic aquatic skills, which continue to be built upon throughout Learn-to-Swim levels. A brief list of objectives includes: Open eyes underwater and retrieve submerged objects Back float (with assistance) Arm and hand treading actions (with assistance in chest deep water) Combined arm and leg actions on front and back Mankato Community Education and Recreation is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for participants, staff and the community we serve by following guidance from the Minnesota Departments of Health and Education.
  • Level 2 - Fundamental Aquatic Skills

    Fundamental Aquatic Skills Proof of Level 1 completion required. Builds on the fundamental aquatic and water safety skills from Level 1. Swimmers begin learning independent aquatic locomotion skills. A brief list of objectives include: Rotary breathing Changing direction of travel while swimming on front and back Combined arm and leg actions on front and back
  • Level 3 - Stroke Development

    Stroke Development Proof of Level 2 completion required. Expands proficiency of aquatic locomotion, safety and rescue skills of Level 2 by providing additional guided practice. A brief list of objectives include: Headfirst entry from the side in a sitting postition Survival floating on front (30 seconds) Front crawl and elementary backstroke Mankato Community Education and Recreation is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for participants, staff and the community we serve by following guidance from the Minnesota Departments of Health and Education
  • Lifeguard Training - Blended Learning

    Become a certified lifeguard through the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course, offered in a blended learning format. This course combines online learning with in-person skills sessions to provide a flexible and comprehensive training experience. Participants will complete online coursework at their own pace before attending scheduled in-person sessions to practice water rescue techniques, CPR, AED use, and first aid. Prerequisites: Participants must be at least 15 years old by the last day of the course and pass a swimming skills evaluation, which includes a swim-tread-swim sequence and a timed retrieval of a 10-pound object from a depth of 7-10 feet. Certification Requirements: To earn certification, participants must complete all online coursework, attend all in-person sessions, demonstrate competency in required skills, and pass the final written and practical exams. Note: Please bring a swimsuit and towel to in-person sessions. Detailed instructions for accessing the online portion will be provided upon registration.
  • Little Athletes - Running, Jumping, and Agility

    Preschoolers and kindergarten students will explore the fundamentals of athletic development through fun and engaging activities focused on running, jumping, and agility. Our young athletes will participate in playful drills and obstacle courses that promote movement, coordination, and confidence. Throughout the program, we’ll introduce simple skill "tests" to track progress, helping children see their improvement in areas like speed, balance, and hopping ability. This introductory course is perfect for energetic kids who love to move and want to experience the joy of physical activity!
  • Little Wigglers 13-24 months Non-separating

    Your one year-old is busy, curious and ready to play! Together you and your child will play with a variety of toys, use art materials, learn songs and finger-plays and enjoy lots of movement. A benefit of this class is that you and your child will remain in the same room together while parent education takes place. Outdoor experiences will be provided weather permitting.
  • MN TWINS VS Cleveland

    This is a loaded value of game ticket in the Legends Landing area of Target Field plus all you can eat concessions! We have taken care of all the details! You will be dropped off at the field to enjoy the game, eat your favorite concession treats, sip on soda or water and most importantly, cheer on our beloved TWINS! All the value for one registration fee paid up front. Leave the trip plans to us. Your job will be to support the home team! Concessions are located conveniently behind our seats for easy access to food, drink and your favorite Ballfield snacks. Registration Deadline: April 25th NO REFUNDS can be given for trips after the registration deadline, as we have to purchase tickets ahead of that deadline. *The all you can eat feature does not include alcoholic beverages or merchandise.If you wish to purchase such items, be reminded that Target Field accepts only credit or debit cards (no cash). Trip Itinerary: Arrive at WOW Zone, Mankato - 9:00 am Arrive at St. Peter Community Center (Washington Street) 9:35 am Game Begins - 12:10 Game Ends - 3:00 pm Arrive in St. Peter - 4:30 pm Arrive home in Mankato - 5:00 pm
  • Mankato Area Public Schools Preschool

    Where It All Begins! Exciting things are coming to the MAPS Preschool Program for the 2025-2026 school year! Applications open January 29th at 7:30 am MAPS preschool is a fee based program that offers high quality programming and age appropriate learning for 3 and 4 year old children. For more information, please visit our MAPS preschool website and review the program guide. Sliding fee and Income based scholarship opportunities are available for eligible residents of the district. Voluntary Prekindergarten funding is available with updated criteria due to legislative changes. Eligibility will be determined from your preschool application. NEW PROGRAM OPTIONS FOR 2025-2026 3 years old by September 1st Preschool 3's (T/W/TH) 8:15 to 10:45 am at the Center for Learning or Eagle Lake Elementary Preschools 3's (T/W/TH) 12:15 to 2:45 pm at the Center for Learning or Eagle Lake Elementary Cost $185/month 4 years old by September 1st Preschool 4's (M-F) 8 am to 2:30 pm at the Center for Learning Cost $650/month includes breakfast and lunch Preschool Plus (M-F) 7:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Center for Learning (7:30 to 8 am early care, 8 am to 2:30 pm preschool, 2:30 to 5:30 pm late care) Cost $1,000/month flat fee includes preschool, extended care, breakfast and lunch There is a $25 non-refundable registration fee for an accepted application. You will not be charged a registration fee if the class is full. January 29th Applications Open February 28th Round 1 Application Selection and Notification March - August Ongoing selection and notification May Scholarship Applications available July Scholarships Awarded Please reach out to our office if you need this information translated or need support with registration. Fadlan la xidhiidh xafiiskayaga haddii aad u baahan tahay in macluumaadkan la turjumo, ama aad u baahan tahay taageero luuqad kale oo diiwaan-gelin ah. Si usted necesita ayuda con la traducción de esta información en español o en otro idioma favor de llamar a nuestra oficina. Mankato Area Public Schools Early Learning- 507-625-4620
    Child Care Program
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  • Masters Swimming Program

    Ages 18 and Up, Under 18 must be accompanied by adult Payment options - $40 monthly (Automatic payment on the 1st of each month of the session) $5 drop-in fee (Processed at the pool. Cash, credit, or check). Card payments can be saved to make future drop-in payments without a physical card. Designed swim workouts, not swimming lessons. Lanes are divided by ability, and workouts are scaled to each lane. Each workout varies in distance, swim strokes, drills, and speed. Mankato Community Education and Recreation is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for participants, staff and the community we serve by following guidance from the Minnesota Departments of Health and Education. Aquatic programs are held at the Mankato East High School Pool. Please park in the far east parking lot near Thomas Park and enter the building through Door 9.
  • Messy Art

    "Paint, chalk, shaving cream, glue, glitter, spray bottles, squeegees, our hands and feet" what do all these items have in common? They are some of the tools we will need to "mess around" in the Messy Art class. Come prepared to get messy while you explore, create and have fun. The messy time will include children and their parent. There will be time for parents to discuss everyday parenting topics for ages 2-5 as well as the value of art and creativity.