Thursday, October 20, 2022

Welcome to the first edition of the Principal's Update!


Once a week, Principal George Clement will use the Principal's Update newsletter to share thoughts and recent observations from around the school, as well as notices about upcoming events for students, parents, teachers, and staff.

The Rhythm of Routine

The rhythm of routine 

Steady structure so serene 

Unearths the unseen 

 

Predictably, as the weather cools and fall colors proliferate, the school year settles into October and routines are evident. Observing classes, students show they know their teachers’ routines for moving into small groups or collecting work. Teachers talk about the art and science of instruction at formal meetings and during informal chats at lunch. Parents and staff engage in conversation, sharing ideas to support kids through the tribulations of the teen years. 

 

Routines have value. Nature’s routines remind us of that there is something larger out there than ourselves. Classroom routines reduce confusion and increase attention toward discovery and new learning. The routines of knowing where and when colleagues/teachers are available, promote the relationship building that is key to positive climate. Routine communication between home and school helps foster the best outcomes for our students.

 

While September is new like a shiny penny of firsts like the first day of school, the first school dance, and the first club meetings, October is a coin sorter, wrapping each individual deposit into a greater total. The goal of our routines is the ensure success is a plan, not an accident.

 

October marks the establishment of routines, and if we trust them and keep following them, they will lead us to achievement. 


-Mr. Clement

Strong Fall Sports Season for Revolution


Minuteman High School's fall sports teams have been on fire this season! The Golf Team, Boys' and Girls' Cross-Country Teams, and Girls' Soccer Team have ALL secured slots in their respective state tournaments. The Boys' Soccer Team will learn their fate this week and are likely to make it as well.


The brand new Girls' Volleyball Team (junior varsity) has won three of its five meets. Volleyball is doing very well for its first-ever season! We salute the Football Team for its continued effort and early-season win over Excel.

Happening Now!

STEM Week BINGO and Activities


It's STEM Week in Massachusetts, which is a great opportunity to highlight how the skills our students are currently learning in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) can propel them to new heights!


A fun way to get students involved is STEM BINGO, which was launched by librarian Kara Gleason. Students can complete the activities on a "STEM BINGO card" this week and compete for a gift card as part of a raffle prize.


Minuteman has several STEM industry experts visiting the school this week to meet with students. Dr. Joanne Kamens, founder of the Boston chapter of the Association of Women in Science and former executive director of Addgene, will speak about the gender gap in STEM fields with students in the Horticulture, Biotechnology, and Environmental Science majors. Minuteman will also host professionals from MITRE, an innovative, technological research center, who will meet with Programming and Web Development students for workshops on digital logic and tech programming. Engineering and Robotics students will receive a visit from "Spot the Robot" of Boston Dynamics thanks to a Minuteman parent/employee.


Additional visitors will include Laura Brattain, associate in materials science and engineering at the Harvard University Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, who will hold a workshop with Engineering and Robotics students; and Tony Madiros, owner of RazorMill, who will meet with Advanced Manufacturing students.

Coming Up Soon!

Hall of Fame Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 4

The 2022 Hall of Fame Ceremony will be held at Minuteman High School, in the Paul Revere Conference Room, on Friday, November 4, from 5:30-9:00 PM. The evening will include a reception, dinner, and awards to celebrate this year's inductees -- alumni and former teachers/staff who exemplify the spirit of Minuteman. Details and tickets online.

Battlegreen Run to Raise Money for Scholarships on Sunday, Nov. 6

The annual 5K/10K Battlegreen Run in Lexington will take place on Sunday, November 6. Consider joining the Minuteman Parents Association (MPA) team, which is raising funds for student scholarships for graduating seniors. You can choose to join the MPA team here.

Community Service Opportunity on Saturday, Oct. 22

On Saturday, October 22nd, the Commander's Mansion, a Watertown owned historical venue, will host a "Haunted Joyride" between 5:30 and 8:30 PM. The director of the event is looking for volunteers to dress up as live characters for the various spooky scenes that will be staged on the grounds. If you like dressing up for Halloween and acting, then this is for you! Earn community service hours AND have some spooky good fun! Please email Ms. Connie Maynard if you are interested in volunteering. 

Open House is on Sunday, Nov. 20

The Minuteman Family Showcase (Open House) will be held at Minuteman High School on Sunday, November 20, from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM. Please register online if you plan to attend.


The Open House is a great opportunity for families of 7th and 8th grade students to tour the school, meet teachers and students, ask questions and view the various career technical education programs, academic courses, sports, clubs and activities that are available to all students. Learn more at minuteman.org/admissions

Save The Date!

Minuteman Multimedia Film Festival

Sunday, Nov. 19


Students from the Multimedia Engineering career major will showcase their films at the second-annual Minuteman Multimedia Film Festival on Sunday, November 19, at 6:00 PM in the theater at Minuteman High School.


Tickets will be required for entry. Tickets will be on sale about two weeks before the event. Students, parents, and staff will be notified.

About Minuteman
Minuteman is an award-winning regional career and technical high school and continuing education institution that integrates robust academic and technical learning. As an accredited member of the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC), Minuteman challenges all students to aspire to their full potential, accelerate their learning, and achieve success in the 21st-century global community. Located in Lexington in a new state-of-the-art facility, Minuteman’s member towns are Acton, Arlington, Bolton, Concord, Dover, Lancaster, Lexington, Needham, and Stow. Learn more at minuteman.org.
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin  Youtube  
Minuteman High School | www.minuteman.org