Friday, December 9, 2022

Five Winners So Far! of Principal's

Quarterly Civics Challenge

Conrad Anderson, a grade 9 student from Arlington, received a patriotic token of appreciation (an American flag bandana) from Principal George Clement for reciting the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by memory.

This Week's Updates from Principal George Clement

Clement's Civics Challenge:


The teaching of civics is a state requirement, and reciting lines from memory is a lost art. To bolster the former, and resurrect the latter, I have been challenging students with “Clement’s Civics Challenge.” The new challenge is to memorize and recite the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Connor Whelan-Bellio, grade 11, of Lexington, has retained his position as the first student to recite the First Amendment from memory. Also completing the challenge this week were: Eric Ross and Conrad Anderson, both in grade 9 and from Arlington; Nathan Lubets, grade 12 of Acton, and Gavin O’Brien, grade 12 of Arlington.


I feel excited when students stop me in the morning or at lunch to show off their memorization skills. I wish I could give away better gifts, but my token of appreciation is a bandana with an American flag motif. Luckily, the students seem satisfied with their bit of Americana swag! This challenge will remain in place for a few more weeks, and I remain open to suggestions about what students should memorize next as part of the civics challenge.  

The Harmonious and Congruent Class of 2023:


The Class of 2023 is already gearing up for exciting new adventures after they leave high school. But before they graduate, the seniors move through a school year with a lot of “lasts” as Minuteman students: their last pep rally, their final high school sports games, and their last holiday season.


But on Tuesday of this week, I witnessed a first – a spontaneous karaoke sing-along during a Senior Class Meeting. Student Brendan Cotter joked with Ms. Diane Dempsey, our lead guidance counselor, about singing some karaoke, and the final 15 minutes of the meeting turned into a full-on karaoke sing-along. Students Angel Rivera, Gary Maurice, and others formed a group that culminated with Ilan Balzac bringing down the house with a show-stopping performance of Giants in the Sky.

In my three decades in education, I can’t quite recall the last time I witnessed students breaking out into song quite like this. It was a wonderful testament to their unity, initiative, and personality. Rock on, Class of 2023!

Opportunity to Help Others:


Additionally, the Interact Community Service Club is hosting a coat, hat, and mitten drive to benefit a large influx of people who recently arrived from Brazil who are about to face their first New England winter. Let’s help them out by donating new or gently used coats, jackets, mittens of gloves. There are containers located near the entrance of the school. Please drop off your items prior to Friday, December 16.

Fall Student Athletes Honored at Sports Awards Ceremony

Members of the 2022 Girls' Soccer Team. From left, back row: Cameron French, grade 11, Arlington; Sabina Doyle, grade 11, Arlington; Alice Dalton, grade 12, Arlington; Annie Brosnan, grade 12, Arlington; Achol Manyang, grade 9, Arlington; Ellie Kolowski, grade 11, Lancaster; Zoe Katsiaficas, grade 9, Arlington; Emily Grandon, grade 10, Medford; Reena Treadwell, grade 9, Arlington; Dakota Mulliner, grade 11, Lexington; front row, from left: Sam Monaghan, grade 10, Needham; Kaytaki Pathak, grade 10, Arlington; and Angie Lazarova, grade 9, Arlington.

Minuteman High School honored its fall student athletes at the 2022 Fall Sports Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, December 8.


Twenty-four students received awards for their athletic performance on the following Minuteman Revolution teams: Cheerleading; Cross Country (Boys and Girls); Football; Golf; Soccer (Boys and Girls); and Volleyball.


Minuteman prides itself in having a "no cut, no fee" policy, ensuring all students can play. This year, it launched the Volleyball Team amid growing student interest.

"Congratulations to the Minuteman Revolution scholar athletes who all showcased their dedication, teamwork, and commitment this fall season," said Dr. Kathleen A. Dawson, Superintendent. "Your accomplishments are the result of your outstanding efforts and support of each other. I also commend all the coaches and parents who helped our students reach the top of their game. Go Revs!"


Read the full list of student awardees on minuteman.org.

Middle photo caption: From left: Boys' Soccer Team players Nolan Griffin, grade 12, Arlington; Branden Carta, grade 9, Arlington; Shane Carta, grade 11, Arlington; Alex Perhanidis, grade 12, Arlington; and Drew Sandstrom, grade 10, Bolton.

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:


DOVER: Tuesday, December 15, 6:30-7:30 PM

Dover Public Library, 56 Dedham St.


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.


View all the meeting times and locations on minuteman.org

Homework Club on Tuesdays After School


Teachers are offering after-school coursework help for students every Tuesday from 2:30-3:30 PM in the library. We encourage any student to attend. Contact Mr. Gene DiPaolo with questions.

Winter Cheerleading Registration Open

On Website


We are looking for additional cheerleaders for the winter sports season. Please sign up online if you are interested. If you have questions, please contact Assistant Athletics Director John Fusco.

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.

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.
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