Conference moira::parenting

    I had alot of friends who went to Minuteman.   Mind you, this was years
    ago, but in my eyes, then, was that they wanted the easy way out, no
    homework, etc.  
    
    As I look back now, many of the girls became hairdressers and I know of
    some that own their own business now.  Yes, its been over 10 years they
    have established themselves a great business.  I also know many men who
    own their own landscaping and carpentry business.  In fact, several men
    build houses and have their companies.
    
    I also remember that these people met people from "the city" and me,
    being from "the woods" couldn't fathom the idea of going to parties in
    Arlington and when I did those few times, it was a much faster crowd
    then the one that I was used to at Nashoba Regional in Bolton where
    three towns join together to form a highschool.
    
    The last time I visited this school was when my neice wanted to go. 
    This was in the mid-to-late 80's and it seemed like a city to me. 
    There was a bank, a McDonald's etc.  I thought to myself, jesus there
    is no need for these kids to skip school, they have everything they
    need here.  FWIW, she didn't end up going but the research that I did t
    talking to some of the teachers led me to believe that they were much
    more involved in sports then they used to be.
    
    Cheers,
    cj

FWIW, I get the impression that Minuteman has changed a lot in recent years. 
They seem to have a big technology bent (They changed the name a year or two
ago to "Minuteman Science and Technology High School," or something like that). 
What I've heard seems pretty good.  It's worth at least looking into them. 

						Brian

    I'm not that familiar with technical schools, but it's my understanding
    that they don't really offer "college prep" courses ... instead they're
    designed for the "not as bright" kids who want to prepare for work out
    of high school, rather than going on to college.
    
    Would she even be able to take college prep courses at this school?  If 
    not, would it ultimately prevent her from "qualifying" to even get into a 
    2 or 4 year college upon graduation?
    
    Doe she have any sense or idea of what she wants to do when she
    graduates?  How do you feel about her going (or not going) to college? 
    I think that you have to realize that this decision now (at 15-16 years
    old) could impact the rest of her life ... what kind of career she has
    ... what types of jobs she can get ... etc.
    
    Another option might be to insist that she finish high school in
    suburbia ... and then when she graduates, she could go to some type of
    technical school to learn a "skill".  That way you'd be assured that at
    least she has the credits/courses for college.
    
    Though on the other hand ... if she keeps getting "F"'s ... she might
    have a tough time getting into any college ... and at least if she went
    to technical school, she'd have some kind of skill when she graduated.

    Hi, I hope my comments help you with your decision.
    I attended a VOC TECH high school and went on to a 
    4 year college as well as completed my masters.
    
    It can be done.  
    
    Help you daughter to remain focused.  Some of the
    college information that would of been available at
    a regular high school may not be available at a 
    VOC TECH but if you can commit to accomplish some of
    the leg-work that she'll need her future can include
    college and graduate studies.
    
    Some of the graduates of the VOC TECH I attended have
    become very successful. 
    
    The reputation of a setting for kids who just would'nt
    fit into a suburban setting was not my experience.
    
    Amazing as it may be there are kids out there in their
    mid-teens who know just what they want to do with their
    life.  
    
    Don't let yourself be fooled by others who don't or cannot
    appreciate the knowledge and skill many trades require.
    
    There are good and bad teachers everywhere.  If you stay involved
    and meet with her teachers, express your desire to see your
    daughter challenged.  I don't know where the comments regarding lack
    of homework were coming from, I spent many an afternoon at the library
    as well as home preparing for class.
    
    I hopes this helps!
    
    

    When I was in HS they had a program where the student would spend 1/2
    day at the local HS and the other 1/2 at the Voc Tech school.  These
    students actually spent more time in school per day than the others. 
    If I remember right they didn't come home from school untill 4:30-5:00. 
    But what they go in return was college prep and a trade.
    
    Check with your daughters guidence council they would really be able to
    direct you better.
    
    Good luck!
    
    Joyce

    I agree with .4, there are good and bad teachers at each school.
    
    I know people who went to "great" high schools and are now
    in there 30's and are taking classes to learn how to read.  In the same
    group are individuals who went on to become engineers and doctors.
    
    I also have friends that went to Tech schools and the same applies. 
    Some have their own companies and some are having trouble staying
    afloat.
    
    If your daughter is interested in Minuteman because the school offers 
    something that appeals to her, it might be a good idea. However, if
    she's looking to the school for an "easy" out, then it's probably not
    the best solution.
    
    I only know 2 people who attended Minuteman in the early 80's. 
    One of them took the computer science shop and went on to college 
    rec' his masters and is working at Harvard University. The other took 
    the hairdressing and is working at an exclusive shop and making 
    money hand over fist.
    
    The school has impressed me when I shop at the school, especially around 
    the holidays,  they have great deals on the Dickens Christmas Collection. 
    The kids really seem to know their stuff.  
    
    Hope this helps.
    Good Luck!
    
    P.S. they have a really great bakery!
    Kim

    What is this shopping at Minuteman?  Could you elaborate -1? 
    Thanks...cj

    
    I have a friend whos daughter attends Minuteman now and she loves it. 
    Its a long commute from our town and her friends are all far away
    but this isn't always a bad thing.   She wasn't doing well in the 
    local school..but has really come around at Minuteman. 
    
    Teri