The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
November 11, 2018 - Volume 1 - ISSUE 10
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
November 14 - All honor society applications due
November 14-15 – MCAS Math Retest
November 15 – Parent-Teacher Conferences by Appointment Only 12-2PM, 6-8PM
November 17 - Senior yearbook photos & bios are due
November 21-23 – Thanksgiving Break
November 26 l- Winter Sports Start
November 29 - Delayed Opening
November 29 – Grade 8 High School Orientation 6:30PM
November 30 - Career Connections Fair 8:30AM – 9:30AM, in the Library.
December 6 – National Honor Society Induction 6:30PM in Performing Arts Center
December 7 - Early Release – professional development
December 11 – High School Winter Concert 7:00PM in Performing Arts Center
December 13 - Delayed Opening
December 22 - January 1 – Holiday BreakSenior Photos and Biographies are Due! Last chance to get your photo taken November 13!
- Prestige will be in to take senior portraits for the last time on November 13th.
- Each person who has not gotten their portrait taken by prestige was automatically generated an appointment time. (See Attached schedule)
- If you had your portrait taken by another photographer, you can disregard the appointment or call to cancel.
- If you have NOT gotten a portrait taken, you should call and confirm the time and be sure to get it taken. You do not have to buy a package but your photo will still be sent to the yearbook.
- All Senior photos must be submitted by November 17th regardless of who took the photo. Photos from the Nov. 13 sitting will be sent directly to us.
- Everyone who used Prestige, regardless of when the photo was taken must go to their site and select the one that should appear in the yearbook.
- Senior Bios are also due on Nov. 17 (Go to our website listed below and click Information then Senior Bios)
Links and info for all your yearbook needs can be found at:
Get Involved and Make a Difference!
The Panther Education Trust (PET) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), community-based organization committed to enriching the quality of public education at the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School (WHRHS). We do this through sponsoring community-based events and by raising money that is used to fund programs that enrich the educational experiences for all of the students at WHRHS.
Funds for the PET's programs are generated through fundraising activities, individual contributions, grants, and in-kind donations from local and national businesses.
Next Meeting:
Monday, Dec 3rd
7:00pm @ Meadowbrook Restaurant, Hanson
Like and follow the Panther Ed Trust Facebook Page for upcoming news and events.
John & Abigail Adams Scholars Announced!
The Whitman-Hanson Regional High School Counseling Office is pleased to announce that 73 members of the Class of 2019 have been honored as recipients of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. Adams scholars qualify for four year scholarship award at Massachusetts public colleges and universities.
Recipients from Whitman-Hanson include:
Alyse Anderson, Jared Badger, Leah Badger, Anthony Barone, Helena Beeloo, Charlotte Berman, Benjamin Brain, Alexa Brown, Marah Burt, Noelle Cataldo, Evan Clark, Tyler Connella, Michael Cook, Rebekah Crannell, Kayla Crawford, Shane Curran, Daniel Davis, Kathleen Davis, Dorothy DiMascio-Donohue, Robert Dodge, Anna Franklin, Damar Fry, Jonathan Gillis, Lauren Godbout, Mason Gorman, Samantha Gregory, Khalil Haboub, Allison Hanlon, Emily Hartford, Kira Hendriksen, Matthew Hickey, Jessica Jacobsen, Grace Leary, David Leonard, Erynn Libro, Brooke Loring, Connor MacRae, Matthew Madden, Kyle Makkas, Nathan Manley, Rachel McAleer, Erin McCoy, Joshua McDonald, Kayla McTernan, Kaitlyn Molito, Devon Murphy, Ashley O’Brien, Brandon O’Brien, Marissa Pellerin, Jade Pesente, Gabriela Petrus, Ethan Phelps, Joshua Previti, Joelle Puopolo, Jason Reilly, Abigail Rinker, Gavin Rose, Matthew Rubin, Natalie Rubin, Shane Schraut, Nicole Scott, Edwin Scriven, Emilee Shakespeare, Olivia Sheehan, Emily Stearns, Brendan Sullivan, Morgan Thomas, Gabrielle Trongone, Madison Trongone, Ryan Trongone, Samantha Whitman, Cameron Williams and John Youngman.
Dr. Christopher Jones
It's All About Behaviors
If we want to achieve a life of significance we need to change our focus from the end result of success to the small behaviors and habits that get us there. If we do that, success will come sooner, more often, and in a greater fashion.
All too often we see people who fit our definition of success and immediately ignore how much work and how many failures it took to get there. This behavior takes many forms, but usually sounds something like: "They are always so lucky," "They get all the breaks," or "What is their secret?" The negative outcome of this belief is that it reinforces the idea that we are not in control of our responses to life. It perpetuates the belief that success just happens and is an immediate outcome to one single action.
In reality there is a secret to people's success. Here is the recipe:
- 2 Cups of Desire
- 1.5 Cups of Determination
- 1 Cup of Responsibility
- 2 Tablespoons of Change
- 2 Tablespoon of Good Habits
- 1 Teaspoon of Accountability
- 1 Teaspoon of Belief
Combine all the ingredients, add a generous portion of character, and mix well until you can't mix anymore...then continue to mix.
If we want to be more successful than we currently are, we have to change our behaviors to make that possible. Once we change those small everyday behaviors on a consistent basis, they become our habits. That is where success comes from because the ability to become significant is found in the process of getting there; not in the arrival.
Watch the video, take the challenge, and challenge others to follow suit.
Our Story...
Take a look and feel free to comment...this is our story...and everyone is part of it.
Mr. David Floeck
Quarter 1 Grades/Progress Reports
We are so proud of our students for getting off to a strong start this academic year. Continue the hard work and perseverance you have displayed and we look forward to celebrating your successes along the way. For those students who have experienced some difficulties this quarter I encourage you to seek extra assistance from your teachers or attend our after school program to help get you back on track and prepared for future success. Your grades matter and deserve your full attention. Do not struggle in silence; reach out for help and then be willing to accept the assistance offered. Best of luck to all our students moving forward.
Counseling - Mrs. Ruth Carrigan
Whitman-Hanson Career Connections Fair
Students in grades 9 – 12! Thinking about what you might want to be when you grow up? Maybe you’ve thought about it, but just aren’t sure where to start. The School Counseling office invites you to the annual Career Connections Fair on Friday, November 30th in the library during A block (8:30 – 9:30). Come talk to some really cool professionals and see what their careers are all about! All are welcome to join us for an hour of informative conversation and displays! The program will feature approximately 25 career professionals representing fields of business, management, marketing, law enforcement, art and design, protective services, health care, architecture, communications, skilled trades (HVAC, electrician), technology, and more! Research shows that the single most popular influence on students’ career paths is exposure to various careers. You might find something that will spark your passion! Students in all grades are encouraged to attend. Check your e-mails from the School Counseling office for our sign-up form and permission slips! Any questions can go to Ms. Carrigan or Mr. Jeghers in the counseling office. Sign up for the Career Connections Fair by following this link: Career Fair Sign Up!!
Dual Enrollment - Bridgewater State University and Massasoit Community College – Spring 2019
Information is now available for Spring 2019 Dual Enrollment classes at Bridgewater State University and Massasoit Community College. Dual Enrollment gives high school students (primarily grades 11 and 12) an opportunity to take college classes and receive both high school and college credit. At BSU, this program is open to qualified students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students with a GPA of 2.50 – 2.99 will be considered on a case by case basis. Massasoit Dual enrollment is available to students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Instructions and application materials were sent to grade 11 and 12 student email accounts this week. After reading these documents, interested students should contact their counselors with any questions. The deadline to apply for the Bridgewater State Dual Enrollment Program is November 27, 2018.
Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Exam
All graduating seniors are eligible to compete for the ALF-CIO scholarship. To qualify, students must register on-line by December 14, 2018 at: www.massaflcio.org/scholarships The exam will be administered at Whitman-Hanson on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school counselor.
Mrs. Margaret Baker & Mrs. Kathleen Joyce
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
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 December.
Flu Information
Flu season has returned! 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 generally free with a copy of your child’s insurance card.
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 either Ms. Baker at 781-618-7452 or Mrs. Joyce at 781-618-7430 with 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 - Mr. Bob Rodgers
Please also be aware of the academic requirements to play a winter sport. You must have 5 passing grades (only full credit courses count) on the recently released progress report.
And now to our weekly update -
Whitman-Hanson Cheerleading won the South Regional Championship at Franklin High School Sunday night They now move on to the State Championship at Worcester State next Sunday. The girls have won every competition they have participated in this Fall.
On Saturday, the Boys and Girls Eastern Mass Cross Country Championships were held at the Wrentham Developmental Center.
The Boys team included SO Theo Kamperides, JR Brandon Hager, JR Captain Adam Solari, SO Liam Cafferty, FR Evan Jewett, SO Christopher MacDonald, and JR Nick Hanley, finished 18th overall with an average time on the 5K course of 18:10.
The Girls team finished 17th overall with an average time of 22:29 and included JR Victoria Boss, SR Captain Maeve McDonough, JR Niki Kamperides, JR, Victoria Carleton, SR Dorothy DiMascio-Donohue, FR Sarah Boulger, and SR Captain Maeve Rooney.
The football team demonstrated a lot of character Friday playing their last regular season game before Thanksgiving in a driving rain at Bridgewater-Raynham and despite spotting the Trojans a 14-0 lead, the Panthers scored the next 15 points to win the game 15-14 and improve their record to 7-3. Rian Schwede got the scoring started with a 40 yard run (Jake O'Brien Kick). Nate Beath later added 2 points by recording a Safety. Billy Martell would put the Panthers ahead to stay with a 54 yard run. Billy was the workhorse with 12 carries for 101 yards.
The girls soccer season came to a disappointing end in the quarterfinals of the state tournament when Hingham's Lilly Reale snapped a 1-1 tie with one minute to play by ripping home a laser from 30 yards out. Riley Bina scored the lone goal for Whitman Hanson.
Sports Short Wrap-Up
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