The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
January 20, 2020 - Volume 2 - ISSUE 19
Welcome to the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School Newsletter! It is designed to keep everyone (parents, students, staff, and community members) informed of the many events that are happening in and around the school. It contains links, pictures, and videos so that you have a more interactive experience and the ability to learn more about various topics.
Communication is incredibly important to understanding so we ask that you share our news as much as possible. We also welcome feedback! It is the only way to continuously improve. So, please interact, get involved, and let us know what you think by contacting us and sharing our news!
Important Dates to Plan
January 21 - Quarter 2/Semester 1 Ends
January 22 - Quarter 3/Semester 2 Begins
January 23 - Combined Honor Society Induction 6:30PM in Performing Arts Center
January 24 - Early Release – District Grading Day
January 29 - Semester 1 Report Cards available n Parent Portal
February 5-6 - MCAS Biology Retest
February 7 - Early Release – District Professional Development
February 13 - HS Delayed Opening
February 13 - Panther Praise 8:15AM in Performing Arts Center
February 17-21 - No School - Winter Break
March 2 & 4-5 - MCAS ELA Retest
March 3 - No School for Students – Presidential Primary Election
March 5 - HS Delayed Opening
March 6 & 9 - MCAS Math Retest
March 17 - Shakespeare & Company Grade 12 students
March 18 - Naviance Night 6:30PM in Room 159 & 161
March 19 - HS Delayed Opening
March 23 - Spellman Contest 6:30PM in Performing Arts Center
March 24-25 - MCAS ELA Grade 10 Students
March 27 - District Early Release – Professional Development
March 27 - Junior Prom – Canoe Club 7-10PM
WGBH’s High School Quiz Show® has announced the 17 schools from across Massachusetts that will compete on the 11th season of the public television academic tournament. Hosted by Boston media personality Billy Costa, the broadcast competition tests students’ knowledge in math, science, civics, literature, history, current events and more.
Our school is one of the 17 schools who has qualified to be on High School Quiz Show this season. Coached by Christopher Szkutak and Julie Giglia, students Catherine Cronin, Adam Everidge, Michael Doucette, and Benjamin Turner, with the support of alternates Nicholas Femia and John Molisse, will play head to head against teams from all across Massachusetts.
The first match will be against Boston Latin on January 25th at 4pm at the WGBH Studios in Brighton. Tickets to be in the studio audience are FREE and are available at http://bit.ly/whquizshow! We want to see our community “fill the studio” with our school colors and spirit! Your support will be greatly appreciated. All are welcome to be there, we hope to fill the studio with Panther Pride!
Our episode will air on February 29th at 6:00 PM on WGBH-2!
Please invite friends and family to join in supporting our quiz team.
Thanks for your support!
2019-2020 SEPAC meetings
All meetings held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm
in the Whitman Hanson Regional High School library
Please check out our website for more information
February 11th – Anxiety Presentation Part 2 - Parents - 6-8pm
March 10th – BCBA Presentation - (6-8pm Middle & High School)
April 14th – Occupational Therapy Presentation - 6-8pm
May 12th – Speech and Language Presentations on Language Pragmatics (meeting will be held in WHRHS Courtyard Café due to Arts in Bloom being held in the WHRHS library) (6-8pm Middle & High School)
June 9th – Planning 2020-2021 meetings, general discussion - 6-8pm
Dr. Christopher Jones
It Takes Character to Be Embattled
This week I take three minutes to just touch on what I mean when I say that forced harmony often leads us to not reach our potential. Take some time and answer the following question while reflecting on the last time you held your opinion back because it would have caused some discomfort for those you disagreed with:
What would have been different or have changed if you had given voice to your beliefs and values instead of remaining silent?
Being open, honest, and authentic is really the only way to build valuable relationships and reach your fullest potential.
Our Story...
Take a look and feel free to comment...this is our story...and everyone is part of it.
Mrs. Ruth Carrigan
FAFSA Workshop at WHRHS - Thursday, January 30, 2020 - 5 – 7:30 PM
Seniors and their parents who have not yet completed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid are invited to a FAFSA Workshop, sponsored by MEFA and MASFAA. The program will be held in WHRHS computer labs on January 30th from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Parents and students attending will receive assistance to complete and submit their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online. Space is limited and families must register to attend. Since this program is open to the public, please register as soon as possible to secure your spot. FAFSA Workshop Registration Link .
Another source for FAFSA filing assistance is American Student Assistance. They are located at 231 Main Street, Suite R, Brockton. Call 508-586-3111 to make an appointment. Walk-in services are also available.
Junior Parent College Planning "Coffee with the Counselors" – Friday, January 24, 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
As a follow-up to the College Admissions Seminar, junior parents are invited to attend our Junior Parent “Coffee with Counselors” on the morning of January 24, 2020 from 7:30 am – 8:30 am. We’ll be providing timely junior college planning tips and information in an informal setting. This will provide a more casual environment for parents and counselors to get together and further discuss the college search and application process. We recognize that many parents have similar questions regarding how to navigate through the college admissions maze, and our program is a great opportunity to meet other parents who share common concerns as well as provide information and resources to help make this a less stressful and less overwhelming experience. Please RSVP in advance by following this link: Junior Parent Coffee with the Counselors Link
Scholarship Assembly for Seniors - Wednesday, February 26, G Block
A scholarship assembly for seniors will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2010 during G Block for all seniors. Information will be presented on both Dollars for Scholars and Local and Community Scholarships. All seniors who are planning to attend post-secondary education should plan to attend.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your school counselor.
Mrs. Carrigan - Ruth.Carrigan@whrsd.org
Mrs. Garrett - Maureen.Garrett@whrsd.org
Mrs. Selig - Courtney.Selig@whrsd.org
Mrs. Cunha - MaggieCate.Cunha@whrsd.org
Mr. Amado - Domingo.Amado@whrsd.org
Upcoming Dates
Saturday, January 25, 2020 - All-State Chorus in Shrewsbury, MA
Thursday, February 6, 2020 - “All Band Night” Concert 7:00 pm W-H PAC.
Saturday, February 8, 2020 - LIPSYNC battle! W-H PAC Time TBD
Saturday, February 29, 2020 - Nutmeg Show Choir Festival Windsor Locks High School in Connecticut
Friday, March 13, 2020 - “Alumni/Community Band” Concert 7:00 pm W-H PAC
Show Choir/Pit Band
They will continue to work hard to prepare for their first competition, the Nutmeg Show Choir Festival on February 29, 2020 at Windsor Locks High School in Connecticut.
Raffle Ticket sales for the VIP parking spot will be on sale at lunch at the end of January to win this prime parking spot for the month of February.
Chorus
Congratulations to the Chorus for their performance at the Tri-County Festival on Saturday, January 18, 2020 hosted by Whitman-Hanson. The W-H chorus along with 6 other area high schools performed songs together with Stepanie Riley, the grade 8-12 Choral Music Director at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School. This was a fun filled day for all.
They will continue working hard and improving their talents for the 2020 spring concert.
Band
They will continue working hard and improving their talents for the 2020 spring concert.
The High School and Middle School Bands are preparing for the “All Band Night” Concert on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at 7:00 pm in the W-H PAC.
The High School Concert Band is preparing for the “Alumni/Community Band Concert on Friday, March 13, 2020 aat 7:00 pm in the W-H PAC.
“Something Natural” A Capella Group
Congratulations to “Something Natural” for their performance at the Tri-County Festival on Saturday, January 18, 2020 hosted by Whitman-Hanson.
They will continue working hard and improving their talents for the 2020 spring concert.
New members always welcome!
Drama Club
Meetings are Mondays & Fridays 2:00-3:00
We have been having so much fun already in rehearsals with this talented cast!
If you have any interest in getting involved, please email Brookescriven@gmail.com
Lipsync Battle
We are looking for 10-12 teams(teams clubs - students-parents) to enter our Whitman Hanson LIPSYNC battle!
Earn money for your club or team by entering! RAP! ROCK! COUNTRY! POP! Prizes and awards given.
Saturday, Feb 8th Whitman Hanson Performing Arts Center
Get practicing, have some fun, and earn money for your club or team while you challenge your fellow students and teachers! Email Brookescriven@gmail.com for rules and details
Mrs. Margaret Baker & Mrs. Kathleen Joyce
~Panther Health Clinic~
The Mass. DPH requires the school to do the following health screenings each year:
- Height and Weight, including BMI –grade 10
- Scoliosis Screenings- grade 9
- Vision and Hearing –grade 10
- SBIRT Screenings- grades 9 and 10
Please contact the school RN if you DO NOT wish your child to participate in any of the health screenings in writing. Scoliosis screenings will begin the month of January.
Flu Information
Flu season has returned! Please Note: There were approximately 61,000 deaths during the 2018-2019 flu season- ( per Centers for Disease Control). It is not too late to receive your flu shot for yourself and /or your family! The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. Please contact your child’s physician to schedule a flu shot.
Many pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, and Duval’s offer flu shots. The vaccine is free with a copy of your child’s insurance card.
Remember- the flu can be deadly!
Medication during the School Day
Please refer to the student handbook or the Health Services website regarding medication to be administered by the school RN during the school day. All prescription medications must be in the original prescription bottle with a written MD order and signed parental consent form. These forms may be downloaded from the website. Students are NOT allowed to carry medication with them during the school day. Please call Ms. Baker at 781-618-7452 or Mrs. Joyce at 781-618-7430 for any questions regarding medication.
Please do not hesitate to call the clinic at any time with any questions/concerns concerning your child’s health- we are here to keep your child healthy!
Athletics - Coach Bob Rodgers
The Whitman-Hanson Girls Track & Field team participated in the MSTCA's Division 3 Relays held Sunday at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center. Standouts in the event included Seniors Riley Hurley and Courtney Woodward, Junior Isabel Amado and Sophomores Myah Kamperides and April Keyes. Myah Kamperides closed the Distance Medley with a 5:38 Mile to lead her team of Isabel Amado, Ryley Hurley and Courtney Woodward to 4th place finish. April Keyes cleared 4' 5" in the High Jump pacing the team which included Ryley Hurley and Courtney Woodward to a 7th place finish. Ryley Hurley ran her 400 Meter leg in a time of 64 seconds to led the Sprint Medley team, along with April Keyes, Hailey Minicucci and Isabel Amado to a 9th place finish.
On the boys side, Boys 4 x 50 was 17th out 32 teams. Jacob Donovan, Graham Stewart, Dyllan Burns, and Jake Caterer. Boys 4 x 50 Shuttle Hurdles 10th out of 17 teams. Vinnie Mascio, Julian Anderson, Chase Baker, and Graham Stewart. Boys 4 x 200 15th out of 34 Jacob Donovan, Pat Bui, Dyllan Burns, and Jake Caterer. Boys 4 x 400 9th out of 20. Chris Blackman, Pat Bui, and Dyllan Burns. Boys Distance Medley 13 out 23. Liam Cafferty, Jacob Donovan, Nick Hanley, and Theo Kamperides. Boys Sprint Medley 14 out of 31. Jeremy Linn, Jacob Gannon, Matt Avery, and Gordon Johnson. Boys Long Jump 13 out of 22. Jake Caterer, Graham Stewart, and Ryan Smith. Many of the boys teams improved over last years performances and 4 x 200. 4 x 400 and 4 x 800 should be qualified to run in the State Division 3 Championship.
The Whitman Hanson girls basketball team (8-3, 4-3) had to battle through all four quarters to pull away with a 49-41 victory Friday night against Marshfield. The Panthers trailed 20-15 at the break and were searching for offense. Junior Rylie Harlow led the team in the second half with 11 points on three 3 pointers. Sophomore Megan Stone gave the Panthers solid minutes off of the bench with 9 points. Whitman Hanson is on the road Tuesday night when they travel to Hanover.
In boys basketball, Senior Stevie Kelly recorded a triple double (24 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds) and senior Jonathan Zeidan to power Whitman Hanson to an 82-68 win over Marshfield. Senior Colby Ahern came off the bench to score 12 points while Cole Levangie added 10 to help the Panthers (9-2, 6-1) record their 7th straight win.
The Whitman Hanson /Silver Lake girls hockey team beat Quincy 7-2 at Bridgewater Arena Wednesday to even the record at 5-5 winning for the 5th time in the last 6 played. WHSL was led by 2 goals from Alyssa Murphy, other goal scorers were Kendyl Peterson (1st varsity goal), Shea Kelleher, Emily MacDonald, Bridget Cardarelli and Caleigh Tompkins. Kat Gilbert got the win in net. Saturdays game with Marshfield was postponed.
Boys hockey picked up a couple of nice wins this week, easily defeating Rockland on MLK day and also recording a come from behind road win at Silver Lake, 4-1. Whitman-Hanson goal scorers were Matt Solari, Chris Stoddard, Adam Solari and John Ward. The defensive corps of Kevin Willis, Jack Allen, Sean Doucette and Mike Savicke played strong in front of goalie Bob Siders who had 20 saves for the victory.
Although they lost to Hanover (133.3), the WH gymnastics team had a strong meet with their 2nd highest team score of 120.35. Highlights include Sarah Bombardier's 8.6 vault and Riley Getchell's 7.85 beam score. The team also had their highest combined beam score of the season. The girls are having fun and improving their routines each meet. The next competition is Wednesday night at the Hanover Y at 7:30pm against Scituate.
Whitman-Hanson Wrestlers traveled to Oliver Ames for a Quad meet today. WH finished the day at 2 wins and one loss, loosing a close fought match to host OA 46-33. In the second round WH prevailed 42-33 over Joshia Quincy and finished the day with a big 64-12 decision over Northbridge. Top winners for the Panthers included with 3 wins each Senior Captain Steve Brooks, 3 pins (18 total pins for the season) at 160 pounds, and Mike Gardner with 3 pins at 182 pounds. Tyler Cullinan also finished with 3 wins, 2 by pinfall at 170. Finishing with 2 wins each on the day included both Rocco Ruffini with 2 pins at 220 and Declan Hanaphy with 2 pins at 285. Pat Collett at 152, Joe Boss at 106, and Myles McInnis at 126 also won 2 matches each. Shane Belcher finished 1-0 on the day at 138 pound. Next up for the Panthers is Hingham at WH on 1/22/20. The Panthers are 0-1 in the Patriot league and 5-3 overall. On another note, Bethany Ralph took home second place in a girls tournament on Monday.
The Swim Team took on Bishop Stang this week, the girls won 97-77, the boys lost 73-88. Madison Navicky swam in the 100 Free and the 100 back, she also assisted the 200 Medley-Relay and the 400 Free-Style Relay. Mariella Crowley had her personal best in the 100 Free with a time of 1:11:99, she also assisted in the 200 and 400 Free-Style Relay. Katelyn Sweeney also had her personal best times in the 100 Fly with 1:47:48 and 100 Back with a time of 1:30:47. Erin Tilley assisted in the 200 Free-Relay. Abby Bonney also assisted in the 200 Free-Relay. Olivia Norwood swam in the 200 Medley-Relay. Sabrina O'Connor had a personal best time in the 50 Free-Style with a time of 32:96, she also assisted in the 200 Free-Relay. Girls 5W-1L Boys 5W-1L
Sports Short Wrap Up 1/13/20 - 1/19/20
There is so much going on with all our athletic teams, but you can catch up on all of it by reading Athletic Director Bob Rodgers' update and watching this weekly round up of the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School Panthers' athletic teams in action!
Hit subscribe and follow to catch them all!
Contact Us
Email: christopher.jones@whrsd.org
Website: https://www.whrsd.org/our-schools/whrhs
Location: 600 Franklin Street, Whitman, MA, USA
Phone: (781) 618-7020
Twitter: @DrCSJones