West Side Story 2.0
Wednesday, October 18th, 2017
2017 Operating Levy Information and Voting
The Operating Levy provides funding for the people, programs, and day-to-day operations for all students and schools in the Mankato Area Public School district to supplement the gap between what aid is given to the district from the state and what the actual needs of our district require.
The current Operating Levy will expire on June 18, 2018. The newly proposed levy will take into account the needs of our growing student population, which is expected to increase by over 800 students by 2021.
Parents and community members are asked to vote on November 7th (Election Day) or in advance. Voters can vote early by mail or in person 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Mankato Area Public Schools’ Administrative Office in the Intergovernmental Center, Suite Two, 10 Civic Center Plaza.
For more information, see the Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Mankato Area Public School's Operating Referendum fact sheet or see the video below.
Additional information about voting procedures can be found on the District's website.
What's going on in the building?
Students can enjoy this opportunity thanks to an anonymous benefactor who has donated tickets to the district to promote education and the arts. This tradition has been in place for over 25 years. If we do the math, that's 180 students a year from East, West, and Central high schools that have the chance to attend a live production of a Shakespeare play performed by professional actors at no charge for a total of over 4,500 students benefitting from this generous gift.
The Dallas Brass at Mankato West: On Thursday, Oct. 26th the West High School and Dakota Meadows Bands welcome the Dallas Brass for a one-day residency and concert.
Since its founding in 1983 by Michael Levine, the Dallas Brass has become one of America’s foremost musical ensembles. The group has established a unique blend of traditional brass instruments with a full complement of drums and percussion, which creates a performing entity of extraordinary range and musical challenges. In addition to their solo engagements, the Dallas Brass appears with symphony orchestras nationwide.
The 8-12th grade band students will have the opportunity to work with the Dallas Brass in a clinic and rehearsals throughout the day. At 7 pm, they will join the Dallas Brass in concert in the West High School Auditorium:
WHAT: "American Musical Journey"
WHO: The Dallas Brass in Concert featuring the West and DMMS 8-12th grade bands
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7:00 pm
WHERE: West Auditorium
COST: Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance at the Music Mart (1014 N. Riverfront Dr.)
Preparing Students for Success: PLTW Biomedical Science
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a K-12 program that incorporates rigorous and transformative learning through hands-on experience in Computer Science, Engineering, and Biomedical Science. At West, students can participate in PLTW courses in Engineering and, new this year, Biomedical Science.
PLTW Biomedical Science students explore many of the same challenges faced by biomedical scientists in the real world. Students in this program use many of the same tools and processes as these professionals and have the opportunity to earn college credits along the way.
In the introductory course of the PLTW Biomedical Science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that led to the death of Anna Garcia. While investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life.
The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems. Examples of the activities include examining a crime scene, running gel electrophoresis, dissecting a heart, exploring patterns of blood spatter, and so much more.
When the students are done they will take an end of the year course exam. If they score high enough (4 out of 9) they can earn transcribed credit through SCSU.
College Knowledge Day
On Tuesday, October 25th, all seniors will be provided the opportunity to come to the West Media Center and visit various college and career stations. Students will receive a pass from the Counseling Center with a designated time to participate in the event. All students who participate in any of the activities listed below will also be given the chance to enter our drawing for college gear!
Station 1: Career Options --The first station will give students information about career options (college, work, military) for anyone who is uncertain which path to take after high school.
Station 2: College Applications & Transcript Requests -- The second station will be in the mac lab. Students who are ready to apply for college and request their transcript will be able to do so with the support of admissions officers from area colleges and West staff.
Station 3: "I Applied!" Poster -- Lastly, students who have already applied to college are encouraged to sign our “I Applied” poster and will receive an “I Applied” bracelet.
In addition to these events for seniors, sophomores and juniors are encouraged to attend the Minnesota Education Fair at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato from 1:00pm -2:30pm.
Additional Resources
- College Knowledge Month Calendar: http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/pdf/CKM_2017_poster.pdf
- List of Colleges Offering Free Applications in Minnesota: http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/pdf/CKM_2017-18FreeAppOpportunities.pdf
Please contact Amanda Bomstad at (507) 207-3908 with any questions.
Tuesday, Oct 24, 2017, 09:00 AM
Mankato West High School
2017 Fall Musical: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
WHEN: Thursday-Saturday, November 16th - 18th at 7:00pm. On Saturday, November 18th, there will also be a 2:00pm matinee performance.
COST: $12.00 Adults, 10.00 Students 18 and under.
Fall Sports' Recap and Upcoming Championship Events
Boys Cross Country
On Thursday, October 26, the team will compete at the Section 2AA meet held at Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista. Should the team or any individuals qualify for the state meet, that meet is held on Saturday, November 4, at St. Olaf College in Northfield.
Girls Cross Country
On Thursday, October 26, the team will compete at the Section 2AA meet held at Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista. Should the team or any individuals qualify for the state meet, that meet is held on Saturday, November 4, at St. Olaf College in Northfield.
Football
The Section 2-5A playoffs begin on Tuesday, October 24. The team will most likely be seeded #2 or #3. Dates for the Section 2-5A tournament are Tuesday, October 24; Saturday, October 28; and Friday, November 3. Should the team win the section, they would advance on to the state tournament. Dates for the state tournament would be Saturday, November 11 (quarterfinals at Shakopee High School - 6 pm); Friday, November 17 (semifinals at US Bank Stadium - 2 pm); and Saturday, November 25 (finals at US Bank Stadium - 4 pm).
Girls Soccer
The girls soccer team concluded an undefeated regular season and is the #1 seed in the Section 2A tournament. They won their first Section 2A playoff game against Waconia on Tuesday night. Next, they will play at New Prague in the Section 2A championship at 7:30 pm on Thursday, October 19. The seeding for the state tournament takes place on Saturday, October 21. The quarterfinals are held at various sites on 10/24, 10/25, and 10/26. The semifinals, third place, and finals will take place at US Bank Stadium.
Boys Soccer
The boys soccer team concluded its season on Monday, October 9, losing to Faribault 3-0 in the Section 2A tournament.
Girls Swim & Dive
The girls swim and dive team will compete in the Big 9 Championship Meet on Friday, October 27 (diving at Northfield) and Saturday, October 28 (swimming at Rochester). The Section 1A meet will be held on Wednesday, November 8 (swim prelims); Thursday, November 9 (diving); and Friday, November 10 (swim finals) at the Rochester Rec Center. The state swim and dive meet will be held Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18 at the U of M Aquatics Center.
Girls Tennis
The girls tennis team advanced to the Section 2AA semifinals before losing to Prior Lake. The doubles team of Sydney Douglas and Tegan Townsend played Tuesday, October 17 in the Section 2AA doubles tournament where they lost to a doubles team from Prior Lake.
Volleyball
The volleyball team will play in the Section 2AAA tournament on Wednesday, October 25. Should the team continue in section play, the dates are October 27, October 31, and November 4. The state tournament is held November 9, 10, and 11 at Xcel Energy Center.
End of First Quarter
Students should be in communication with teachers regarding missing work and/or missed assignments to ensure that this first quarter reflects their efforts. Please encourage your student to check in with his/her teacher with any questions by the end of this week.
Coming Soon: Other Important Dates
- Thursday - Friday, October 19th - 20th: No School (MEA Conferences for Teachers)
- Tuesday, October 24th: College Knowledge Day
- Thursday, November 9th: End of First Quarter
- Friday, November 10th: No School (Teacher Prep)