Friday, December 16, 2022

Auto Students Repair Donated Car for Woman In Need

It's the 11th Vehicle They've Fixed Up for Second Chance Cars

On Tuesday, a donated 2005 Toyota Sienna that was repaired by students in Minuteman's Automotive Technology career major was given to Kiara Higgs of Springfield in a ceremony with Second Chance Cars, a Concord non-profit organization.

This Week's Updates from Principal George Clement

On Tuesday, Minuteman High School’s Automotive Technology students unveiled a donated car they repaired for a person in need thanks to our ongoing collaboration with Second Chance Cars, a non-profit organization in Concord.

The slogan “Make a Difference” framed the heading of the Second Chance Cars poster that sat in front the 2005 Toyota Sienna. The recipient of the vehicle is Kiara Higgs, a single mom who overcame many difficulties and needs the minivan for work and to transport her 3-year-old child. Ms. Higgs danced with joy as she accepted the keys to a vehicle that promised an open roadway to a better life.

The vehicle that was provided to Ms. Higgs was the 11^th that our students have worked

on for Second Chance. They are currently repairing three additional vehicles. 

Standing beside the 9^th graders experiencing their first Second Chance ceremony, I thought about two important lessons gained from this occasion. First, there is dignity in all work. The mission of this program is to help people maintain fruitful employment, and the students witnessed how work produces independence and prosperity.

Second, we are all artisans called to make a difference. Whether we can bandage a wound, design delightful decorations, or fix an automobile, Minuteman students can contribute skills that uplift the dignity of others and make a positive impact.

Congratulations to Automotive teachers Mr. John Primpas and Mr. Don Melanson, and all the students for their outstanding community service efforts.   

Middle photo caption: Dr. Kathleen A. Dawson, Superintendent, with Kiara Higgs. Bottom photo: Automotive students with Ms. Higgs, along with Minuteman CTE Director Kathleen Bouchard and Automotive teachers John Primpas and Donald Melanson.

Season of Giving Continues

Students in the Minuteman High School Chapter of the National Honor Society collected 183 gifts for children in need this holiday season. A big thank you to everyone who donated! These gifts will be delivered to deserving children through the Toys for Tots program!

Pictured from left are National Honors Society students Mariana Woolf, grade 12, of Arlington; Annabella Olsen, grade 11, of Stow; Alexander Qazilbash, grade 12, of Arlington; Dylan English, teacher and faculty advisor; Paris Capehart, grade 11, of Arlington; and Leah Woolf, grade 12, of Arlington.

Community Activism for Menstrual Equity

The Senior Class and members of Minuteman’s SkillsUSA Chapter are looking to work with a community organization to help ensure others have equitable access to menstrual and health care products. If you know of any organization that might welcome student fund raising efforts, please contact us.

Here at Minuteman, our students can pick up free tampons, pads, and other supplies for emergency use for free outside the Nurses’ Office.

Plant Sale Open to the Public

Minuteman High School’s Plant Shop will be open to the public to sell holiday arrangements, birch logs, house plants, and more.

The sale will take place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Friday, December 16; Wednesday, 21; and Thursday, December 22.

All the plants and arrangements were created and assembled by students in the Horticulture and Plant Science career major.

Parents and members of the public are welcome to come by. Please enter on the side of the building at the Plant Shop entrance. (Cash or check only.)

We’re located at 758 Marrett Road in Lexington.

Coming Up Soon

Attend a Parent Town Hall Meeting!

Minuteman's Superintendent, Dr. Kathleen A. Dawson, recently announced she is holding town hall meetings for parents and guardians in each of the district's nine towns. Dr. Dawson would like to hear from parents as part of her "L.O.L. engagements" — Listen, Observe, and Learn. The first meeting will take place in Arlington on Tuesday.

Upcoming Meetings:

BOLTON: Saturday, December 17, 10:00-11:00 AM

Bolton Public Library, 738 Main St.

ACTON: Saturday, December 17, 12:30-1:30 PM

Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St.

STOW: Wednesday, January 11, 6:30-7:30 PM, Hale Middle School Auditorium, 55 Hartley Rd.

View all the meeting times and locations on minuteman.org

Registration Open for 15-Week FREE*

Adult Workforce Development Programs

Minuteman Technical Institute (MTI), the adult evening program of Minuteman, is offering 15-week FREE* courses beginning in January in Carpentry Pre-Apprentice, Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machine Operation, Facilities Management, Plumbing Code, and Welding. Registration is now open at minutemanti.org.

*These 15-week courses are free for unemployed people or those earning less than $63,900 in Middlesex County or $44,500 in Worcester County; most recent high school graduates qualify.

MTI also offers 10-month tuition courses in Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, and Electricity, which will begin in August 2023. Registration for those programs opens in January.

Visit minutemanti.org for more information, email us, or call 781-861-7151.