FINAL School Committee Minutes November 16 2021.pdf

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Ms.Nourse asked if the interest in majors is as expected and following the usual patterns.Ms. Bouchard responded that with the preliminary numbers, we had high numbers in the computer-based programs, such as multi-media and DVC as those programs had trended heavy for the past couple of years. She added that multi-media and animal science are popular, as the new programs typically are popular, and that surprisingly,welding was extremely popular with a lot of students. Mr. Stulin asked if there was any reason that is happening in the marketplace or in high schools to explain why students would be so interested in welding. Ms. Bouchard noted that she does not have a specific answer as to why. d. Lexington BattleGreen Run Highlights The Lexington BattleGreen run was held on November 7th. Ms. Bouchard shared that it was a beautiful day with great Minuteman participation. The Culinary Arts Depal lruent had a tent that served over 16 gallons of chili. It was a sell out! She noted that there were over 20 students and staff either volunteering or running in the race, health students shadowed the on-site medical team that was on duty, and other students guided runners along the route and handed out water. One of our seniors placed first in his age group for the 5K. She shared that it was a great day for the community and a terrific event that raises money for scholarships for Minuteman. e. Test and Stay Program Update—Dr.Amy Perreault Dr. Perreault provided an update on the Covid-19 Test and Stay Program and reported that there are 364 students who have signed up and given consent to participate in the Test and Stay Program. To date, 66 tests have been run,and while that is not many tests,she believes it is a testament to the school community following the protocols and guidelines that have been set up,as well as the diligence of our Health Office tracking and ensuring that students and staff are not coming to school until they have been cleared. We have had one student and two staff members test positive for COVID the entire school year. She shared that the 66 tests number is low as the school has not had to do a lot of contact tracing and testing five days in a row. According to our nurses,when students are symptomatic,they choose not to test and stay because they are exhibiting so many symptoms that it would require them to get a test with their pediatrician or primary care doctor. She added that the program is being used as it was intended and Minuteman is benefitting from using it, but we are not using it a very high rate which shows that staff, parents, and students are following the protocols. f. Fall 2022 Admissions Update—Anthony Chiariello o Applications Received to Date(final item in the report) o Showcase Day—Wednesday,November 10th o Open House Events—Sunday,November 21" o Virtual Family Information Session—November 15, 2021 Mr. Chiariello provided an update on the admission events which have taken place and the application numbers received to date. 4