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Leominster High School reports enrollment shifts, MCAS reminders and attendance challenges
Summary
LHS principal provided updates on student activities, enrollment increases in English learners and low‑income students, MCAS testing, safety upgrades to the school entrance and ongoing efforts to raise attendance toward a 95% target.
Leominster High School administrators updated the School Committee on school activities, enrollment trends, academic measures and facilities work.
The principal reported an enrollment of about 1,050–1,060 students and said the school has seen increases in students learning English and students qualifying as low‑income; the proportion of low‑income students has hovered around 48–52% in recent years. He said these shifts require expanded supports and more flexible approaches to assessment and instruction.
The principal noted MCAS testing begins this month; while the tests are no longer a local graduation requirement, the district still administers them to grades 3–10 to comply with state and federal assessment rules and to inform interventions. He said certain subgroups lag the overall gains in test scores and listed steps the school is taking, including a new science curriculum, professional learning communities (PLCs), common assessments and instructional learning walks.
Safety upgrades at LHS include a restructured front entrance with a secure vestibule and a staffed entry point to reduce uncontrolled entry. The district’s facilities team is also installing a new track.
Attendance remains a concern. The principal set a target of 95% attendance and reported that seniors’ attendance can decline late in the year; the district has added an attendance monitor who conducts outreach, home visits and family meetings to address causes of nonattendance.
Why it matters: Enrollment shifts and chronic attendance issues affect resource needs and student outcomes. The school’s interventions — curriculum updates, PLCs, safety work and attendance outreach — are aimed at addressing gaps in student achievement and school climate.
Ending: The principal said he will provide additional data (including chronic absence figures and club/adviser participation numbers) to committee members on request and encouraged families to order yearbooks and note upcoming events including proms, exhibitions and athletics playoffs.
