The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
March 1, 2020 - Volume 2 - ISSUE 24
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
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 13 – Alumni/Community Band Concert 7:00PM in Performing Arts Center
March 17 - Shakespeare & Company Grade 12 students
March 18 - Naviance Night 6:30PM in Room 159 & 161
March 19 - HS Delayed Opening
March 24-25 - MCAS ELA Grade 10 Students
March 26 - Spellman Contest 6:30PM in Performing Arts Center
March 27 - District Early Release – Professional Development
March 27 - Junior Prom – Canoe Club 7-10PM
April 1 – Quarter 3 Ends
April 2 – HS Delayed Opening
April 2 – Quarter 4 Starts
April 3 – Early Release – District Grading Day
April 8 – Quarter 3 Progress Reports available via Parent Portal
April 8 – “Meet the Teacher” available to book Parent-Teacher Conferences
April 10 – No School – Good Friday
April 14 – HS Early Release – Parent-Teacher Conferences by appointment only 12PM-2PM & 6PM-8PM
April 16 – HS Delayed Opening
April 20-24 – No School – Spring Break
DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS TO HOLD “A TASTE OF WHITMAN AND HANSON”
Whitman & Hanson Dollars for Scholars will be celebrating the 13th Annual “A Taste of Whitman and Hanson” on Thursday, March 5, at the VFW Post #697 in Whitman from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Up to two dozen local restaurants and food service providers will be offering samples from their menu to the general public.
Tickets are $15 per person in advance and $20 at the door with limited capacity. Ticket sales begin on February 15th at Duval’s Pharmacy, Ford’s Insurance, Sandy’s Coffee Corner and the Town Clerk’s Offices in Whitman and Hanson. Tickets may also be purchase online at Eventbrite.com.
A list of participating restaurants will also be available at that time. All proceeds from the evening will benefit Dollars for Scholars in the form of scholarships at Awards Night.
For more information, please contact Michael Ganshirt at 781-252-9683.
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
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
Be Flexible in Your Focus
We often talk about how important it is to be focused on our goals. While this is an essential strategy if we are to accomplish what we set out to do, it can also serve as a negative if we do not stay agile or flexible in our thinking. Especially if or inevitably when, we hit obstacles along the way.
When we run into a barrier to our success we sometimes get even more frustrated because we stay rigid in our thinking when it comes to possible solutions. This is because we are so focused on the goal that we are only able to see the end according to the plan we originally created. When this happens it is important to apply the idea of the not too tight but not too loose strategy to our thinking.
Doing this will allow us to step back, objectively study the situation, and create new avenues of success based on a different perspective. Think about the familiar saying:
Go through your obstacles.
If you can't go through, go over.
If you can't go over go around.
It is not about avoiding. It's about understanding that while you need to focus on the result, you also need to be willing to see and take the different paths that may be necessary to get there. Success is ultimately found in the process; not the destination.
Check out the video below for more on this topic.
Our Story...
Take a look and feel free to comment...this is our story...and everyone is part of it.
Mrs. Ruth Carrigan
Naviance Night
The WHRHS School Counseling Office is pleased to invite grade 10 & 11 parents/guardians to Naviance Night for Parents on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. This program includes a hands-on workshop in WHRHS computer labs that will teach you how to do conduct a comprehensive on-line college search. You will get acquainted with Whitman-Hanson’s Naviance Family Connection program that offers:
- College Match – narrows down choices by location, size, surroundings, and more.
- College Look Up – read profiles of specific colleges
- Scattergrams – matches your student’s GPA and SAT scores with recent graduates to find great college choices for your child
Student Trooper Program
Please see the link below for information regarding the MA State Police/American Legion’s Student Trooper Program that will be held at the Mass State Police Academy in July. This program is open to male or female students ages 15 to 17 who are in good academic standing and are interested in the field of law enforcement. Space is limited and the deadline for completed applications (including payment and American Legion authorization) is April 20, 2020. Students are encouraged to apply early since space is limited. This is an excellent program for students interested in the field of law enforcement. For more information on the Student Trooper Program, please refer to the program information on the link or check in with your school counselor: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/student-trooper-program
Scholarships for Seniors
A scholarship assembly for seniors was held on February 26. Information was presented on both Dollars for Scholars and Local and Community Scholarships. Applications for Local and Community Scholarships are available on the WHRHS website and are due to the school counseling office on 4/8/20.
Dollars for Scholars
Applications are now available on the DFS website at www.whitmanandhanson.dollarsforscholars.org. Completed DFS applications must be completed and submitted online on or before March 15, 2020.
If you have any questions on any of these programs, please reach out to your school counselor.
Mrs. Carrigan - Ruth.Carrigan@whrsd.org
Mrs. Selig - Courtney.Selig@whrsd.org
Mrs. Cunha - MaggieCate.Cunha@whrsd.org
Mr. Amado - Domingo.Amado@whrsd.org
Upcoming Dates
Friday, March 13, 2020 - “Alumni/Community Band” Concert 7:00 pm W-H PAC.
March 20-21, 2020 - Senior SEMSBA Festival
Saturday, March 21, 2020 - Show Choir Competition, Andover MA
Monday, March 23, 2020 - Show Choir Chipotle Fundraiser 5pm-8pm Derby Street Chipotle
Saturday, April 4, 2020 - Show Choir Competition, Waltham, MA
Tuesday, April 7, 2020 - Music Department Spring Concert 7:00 pm W-H PAC
May 1-2, 2020 Junior SEMBSA Festival at Silver Lake Regional High School
Show Choir/Pit Band
Show Choir had a great day at the first competition of the season, The Nutmeg Show Choir Festival at Windsor Locks High School in Connecticut. They finished second overall in their group receiving a silver medal! Lauren Bain (Senior) received the Judges Award for Outstanding Performer
Raffle Ticket sales for the VIP parking spot will be on sale at lunch at the end of March to win this prime parking spot for the month of April.
Ticket Prices: $1 - 1 tickets $3 - 5 tickets $5 - 10 tickets $10 - 30 tickets
On March 23rd, show this flyer to your cashier at the Hingham Chipotle and help support High Frequency!
Chorus
The new semester has started and we are working hard and improving our talents for the 2020 spring concert. We have some beautiful arrangements for you to hear, including feature soloists, Dylan Reed (Tenor) Paul Shaugnessy (Bass) and Kiley Concannon (Soprano).
Band
The new semester has started and we are hard and improving our talents for the 2020 spring concert.
The High School Concert Band is preparing for the “Alumni/Community Band Concert on Friday, March 13, 2020 at 7:00 pm in the W-H PAC.
GOOD LUCK! to clarinetist Rachael Conca who will attend the Junior SEMBSA Festival at Silver Lake on May 1st and 2nd
“Something Natural” A Capella Group
We are so excited to be working on new, fun songs for the 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
Ms. Margaret Baker & Ms. Lisa Tobin
Nurse’s Corner - Winter 2019
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 in the spring.
Vaping
We have all heard about the increase in vaping in recent years- especially in children. There have been at least 34 reported deaths due to vaping in 2019 in the US. Vaping remains under investigation by the Mass. DPH and the CDC.
Attached are 2 pertinent articles from the Surgeon General of the U.S.:
- a fact sheet about vaping in youth
- a parent tip sheet for talking to your child about e-cigarettes. that offers further resources.
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. Tobin 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
For the first time in school history our boys hockey and boys basketball teams have advanced to the sectional semifinal in the same season. The hockey team outlasted Scituate on Saturday, 2-0 (empty netter) before a packed house at Gallo Arena in Bourne. The Panthers earned the victory behind a great defensive effort from Kevin Willis, Jack Allen, Mike Savicke and Sean Doucette. Bob Siders got the shutout in net making timely saves all game. Adam Solari got both goals for the Panthers. Chris Stoddard did a great job on face-offs the entire game. Whitman Hanson will be back at Gallo on Tuesday at 7:30pm in the sectional semifinal to take on top seeded Canton.
The boys basketball team is in familiar territory advancing to the sectional semifinal for the fourth time in five years after beating North Quincy Sunday before a capacity crowd, 75-47.
Four players scored in double figures (Stevie Kelly 17, Nate Amado 15, Ben Rice 12, Cole Levangie 10) as the Panthers have now won 20 straight and improve to 22-2 to advance to Wednesday nights (5:30pm) sectional semifinal at Taunton High School against Westwood.
Whitman-Hanson Senior Wrestling Captain Bethany Ralph placed 2nd at the Mass State Girls Wrestling Championships today at Methuen HS. Bethany finished her High School career as runner up in the State Tournament. Bethany pinned her first 2 opponents on the way to the finals but lost in the 120 pound Finals. This is the second straight year that Bethany has placed runner-up at the State Tournament.
Senior captain Steve Brooks ended his career at all states by dropping his matches. But he ends with 32 pins this season (ties school record) and 38 wins - absolutely incredible. Most importantly he was a fantastic leader and a selfless servant to his team and our school.
The first round of the MIAA state tournament kicked off Wednesday night for the #9 Whitman Hanson girls basketball team and the girls came away with their first tournament victory since 2012. The Panthers defeated #8 Barnstable by the score of 45-33. Whitman Hanson was solid all night on defense, led by Junior Rylie Harlow. Senior Brittany Gacica paced the Panthers with 12 points and Junior point guard Reese Codero followed up with 11 points. The first half was closely fought throughout and the Panthers found themselves trailing 16-15 at the half. In the third quarter, the Panthers found some breathing room when they outscored the Red Raiders 16-5. Unfortunately the ride ended Saturday losing to a powerful Bridgewater Raynham squad. But it was an outstanding season and we will miss seniors Olivia Martin and Brittany Gacicia who have been instrumental in building a strong foundation for the future of our program.
The Whitman Hanson /Silver Lake girls hockey team lost a very competitive game in the State Tourney Thursday to a very good Waltham team 5-3. Senior Alyssa Murphy had 2 goals and an assist to end her high school career, while Emily McDonald scored the other goal for WHSL. Shea Kelleher finished off a great freshman year with 2 assists. Kat Gilbert played great in net to keep the team in the game with 5 breakaway saves among her 28 saves. Alyssa finishes the year with 31 goals and 8 assists for the season and 124 career points.
Sports Short Wrap Up 2/24/20 - 3/1/20
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