January 2021: Application Deadline, Expansions
Construction has begun on three synthetic turf athletic fields on the Minuteman High School campus in Lexington. Photo taken in January 2021.
January 2021
Dear Minuteman High School Community,
Like most of you, I am optimistic about 2021. Our students, teachers, and staff continue to rise to the occasion during these challenging times. I am inspired by everyone’s enthusiasm to not only maintain high-quality teaching and learning, but to grow and expand opportunities for Minuteman High School students now and in the future.
There is a lot going on at Minuteman: Construction has begun on three synthetic turf athletic fields, we’re preparing for this fall’s new Animal Science/Veterinary Assisting career major, and we were awarded a state grant for the expansion of our Robotics and Engineering majors, to benefit both students at Minuteman High School and adult students in Minuteman Technical Institute. In addition, the priority deadline of February 15 for new student applications is fast approaching.
Priority Deadline is February 15
The priority deadline for new students to apply for the fall of 2021 is February 15. (Visit minuteman.org/admissions for more information.) We are predicting another notably high number of applications from prospective students living in our nine member towns of Arlington, Acton, Bolton, Dover, Concord, Lancaster, Lexington, Needham, and Stow. As of this writing, nearly 80% of our applications for the 2021-2022 school year are from students living in member towns compared to 68% at this time last year. This year’s freshmen class is composed of nearly 90% of students from our nine member towns. Clearly, there is a growing demand from our communities for high-quality education at Minuteman.
Expanding Student Capacity to 800
To meet this growing enrollment need, which may be sustained for years to come, we are exploring how to expand our capacity to serve more students. I have begun discussions with the Minuteman School Committee to examine how to increase the school capacity from the current 628 to potentially 800 students. With creative scheduling of our new building and utilizing other spaces on our campus, I believe that Minuteman can accommodate a higher enrollment with minimal expense.
Athletic Fields
Construction has begun on three synthetic turf athletic fields on the Minuteman campus, which recently received approval for installation of lights, providing additional hours of use and enjoyment by Minuteman, our member towns, and other sports groups. The fields will support Minuteman’s football, boys’ and girls’ soccer, cross country, baseball softball, and boys’ lacrosse teams, with a potential future girls’ lacrosse and girls’ field hockey teams.
Animal Science Major
Minuteman is excited to offer a new career major for students beginning in the fall of 2021: Animal Science/Veterinary Assisting. Students enrolled in the program will understand the fundamentals of animal science, be introduced to a variety of species, breeds, and characteristics, and more. Students will earn college credits and industry-recognized certifications.
Expansion of Robotics and Engineering
In the Robotics Automation and Engineering career majors, Minuteman has established a team for the national FIRST Robotics Competition and is integrating this effort with our Girls in STEM Club. Additionally, Minuteman was awarded $300,000 from Governor Baker’s Skills Capital Grant, which will provide for state-of-the-art technology supporting student credentials in “Industry 4.0,” also called, “The Fourth Industrial Revolution.” These credentials, which can be applied toward the fast-expanding automated supply chain management industry, including mechatronics, hydraulics, industrial sensors, and more. The expanded programming will also benefit Minuteman’s adult evening program, Minuteman Technical Institute.
I remain hopeful for 2021. With extremely low COVID-19 case numbers at Minuteman this school year, along with a responsible school community that follows common-sense health and safety measures, I am optimistic that we will provide more in-person learning opportunities in the coming months.
Thank you for your continued support of Minuteman High School.
Sincerely,
Edward A. Bouquillon, PhD
Superintendent-Director
Minuteman High School
