The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
September 30, 2018 - Volume 1 - ISSUE 4
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
October 2 – MEFA College Financing 6:30PM in Performing Arts Center
October 6 – SAT at WHRHS
October 6 – Homecoming Dance 7-10PM in Gym
October 8 – No School – Columbus Day
October 9 – Picture Retakes
October 10 – CFL Grade 12, PSAT Grades 10-11, Class Elections Grade 9
October 18 – Early College Planning 6:30PM in Performing Arts Center
October 23 – High School Fall Concert 7:00PM in Performing Arts Center
October 25 – FASFA Night 5:00PM
November 8-9, 13 – MCAS ELA Retest
November 9 – Quarter 1 Grades Available on Parent Portal, Appointment Plus Open for Parent-Teacher Conferences
November 12 – No School – Veteran’s Day
November 14-15 – MCAS Math
November 15 – Parent-Teacher Conferences by Appointment Only 12-2PM, 6-8PM
November 21-23 – Thanksgiving Break
November 26 l- Winter Sports Start
November 29 – Grade 8 High School Orientation 6:30PM
December 6 – National Honor Society Induction 6:30PM in Performing Arts Center
December 11 – High School Winter Concert 7:00PM in Performing Arts Center
December 22 - January 1 – Holiday BreakKnitting for a Cause!
The 'Knitting for A Cause' group meets Tuesday afternoons in the Whitman-Hanson Library and knit (or crochet) hats & scarves for the homeless.
Their first project of the year is to work with the Lion Brand Yarn Company that is knitting blue hats to be distributed to schools on October 1st for World Day of Bullying Prevention. Check out what we've done so far! We should have a few more finished to mail out to Lion Brand at the beginning of next week.
WH Volleyball PINK Game This Tuesday, October 2nd!
WH Volleyball is hosting our 3rd annual PINK Game to benefit the Ellie Fund on Tuesday 10/2. Freshmen & JV play at 4pm and Varsity starts at 5:15. WH will be hosting Pembroke who will also be participating. At the door we will be collecting “Coins for Hope” that will go directly towards the Ellie Fund. Prior to the game we will be set up at tables Mon 10/1 and Tues 10/2 before school. Please join us and wear PINK!
The Ellie Fund is a local organization that assists women and their families effected by breast cancer. WH Football and Cheerleading will also be joining us throughout the month of October to benefit the Ellie Fund.
Please come out to support a great cause and WH Volleyball.
Credit for Life Fair
Class of 2019 Yearbook!
Your time has come, your year is here!
Senior Photos & Bios are due no later than November, 17th, 2018.
This is the form for your senior bios, please complete and submit before Nov, 17th!
You will need to create or log in with an existing google account in order to access.
You are able to make changes by visiting the same link, logged into the same account, up until the deadline. Although digitally is the preferred method, If you would rather complete your bio via pen & paper there are physical copies available.
Since the bios are a reflection of your personal tastes, we understand your need to include jokes, nicknames, and/or private moments. Inappropriate content will not be included in the Yearbook publication. For example, if you have a nickname that makes sense to you but would be questionable to the administration and/or the Whitman-Hanson community, you must explain the nickname on the sheet you submit. Due to time constraints and the volume of bios we will be receiving, we will not notify you if content in your bio is deemed inappropriate. Although, you will be required to sign off on the final copy. If you feel your bio would be in jeopardy of removal, feel free to contact a yearbook staff member or Mrs. Maher or Mr. Casey. We strongly recommend that you have your parents read and approve your bio prior to submission. This is your chance to make a lasting impression, so make it a good one. Please read the requirements/directions on the attached form. If you do not submit a bio in the time allotted a general bio will be added for you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Senior Photos can be uploaded via the yearbook website.
Related Arts, Fine Arts, Yearbook Advisors
Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
x7112/x7121
Dollars for Scholars Hold Fundraisers!
1st Annual Pumpkin Great Pumpkin Classic Car Show - Sunday, October 7, 10-3 at Whitman Middle School
Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family for the event which will include a costume
Contest, music, raffles, prizes, food and Halloween candy for trick-or-treaters.
Dr. Christopher Jones
3 Ways to End Your Day
Routines are incredibly important if we are to make the most of our day. But one of the most important aspects of this is often overlooked. We are always trying to do so much during the course of the day that we forget when it is time to stop one activity and move to the next.
Unfortunately, this often leads to a feeling of being overwhelmed, dwelling on setbacks, and a lack of presence for our current situation. So how do we stop? Here are three suggestions that work for our jobs, sports, or even after school activities.
1. Set a time for when you will complete work and then make sure it's honored.
- Personally, I try to stop "office work at 4PM each day. I find that any work I need to do after that point can be done from my phone or at home.
- Select what time you will do the current activity until and then give it your full focus, effort, and attention until that time. You will find that your productivity will increase in a shorter amount of time.
2. Clear your "to do" list for the day.
- I look at my list, prioritize it and then create my list for the following day. This allows my mind to accept the fact that it is time to move on.
- Try planning your week on Sunday evening. This will allow you to stay focused on your goals each day. In turn you can measure your progress so that you can more easily re-prioritize your tasks at the end of each day.
- It takes me 25 minutes to get home. I use this time to listen to fiction on Audible. This allows my mind to understand it is time to move to the next stage of my day. For example, I am currently listening to the Percy Jackson series so I can discuss it with my son at home.
- Find an activity or short reading that let's your mind escape the last task and open itself to the next. This allows you to stay present in the next phase of your day, which helps you have a more full experience. It also stops you from ruminating on what occurred, which is a great way to adjust your perspective.
So remember...
How you end is just as important as how you start.
Check out the video below to hear more.
Our Story...
Take a look and feel free to comment...this is our story...and everyone is part of it.
Assistant Principal - Mr. David Floeck
I would like to give a shout out to all of our bus and van drivers who safely transport our students to and from school each day.
They are the first people to greet our students in the morning as they begin their day. I am thankful that we have such caring and dedicated drivers who care so deeply for every one of their passengers.
Our drivers have asked me to remind parents and students to use the cross walk in the parking lot during drop off and pick up times.
Counseling - Mrs. Ruth Carrigan
Quincy College Dual Enrollment – WH students currently enrolled in Precalculus and Sociology have a great opportunity to earn Dual Enrollment credit through Quincy College. Students who choose to sign up for this program will earn both high school and college credit. Mrs. Carrigan met with classes this week and provided information about signing up. Over the past 7 years, nearly 300 students from Whitman-Hanson have earned college credit through this partnership. If you have any questions, or need additional information, please email Ruth.Carrigan@whrsd.org.
Financial Aid/College Financing Workshop – Please join us in the PAC from 6:30 – 8:30 PM on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 to learn more about the financial aid process. A representative from the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) will be presenting. Please note that all students and parents, not just grade 12, are invited to attend this program. Learning about financial aid early in the process can be beneficial.
PSAT Administration – The PSAT will be administered to all students in grade 10 and 11 during the school day on Wednesday, October 10th. The PSAT/NMSQT assesses the critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills students need for college and beyond. The PSAT is a great practice for the SAT and will help determine college and career readiness of students.
Credit for Life Fair - - The Credit for Life Reality Fair will be held for members of the senior class on October 10 during the school day. The Credit for Life Fair is a nationally recognized program designed to help high school students develop personal financial management skills that they will use throughout their lives.
Getting Ready for College - Early College Planning - Our annual Getting Ready for College - Early College Planning workshop will be held in the PAC from 6:30 - 8:00 PM on Thursday, October 18th. This program is geared toward grade 9 and 10 students and parents and will cover Mass State University Admissions Standards, making the most of the high school experience, choosing classes to enhance the college application, Naviance Family Connection for college and career planning, and college admissions and services for students with disabilities.
FAFSA Workshop for Seniors and Parents - Senior parents that would like assistance filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) are invited to attend our FAFSA Workshop on October 25 at 5 PM. Parents attending will work in WH computer labs to complete their FAFSA applications with the help of representatives from American Student Assistance. Space is limited and pre-registration is necessary. Please follow this link to sign up for the program: https://goo.gl/forms/SveMH6dyDCo82AAH2
Prudential Spirit of Community Award - Students in grades 5 - 12 who have made a difference through volunteering over the past year may want to apply for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award program. This prestigious award program has honored nearly 100,000 middle and high school students at the local, state and national level over the past 24 years for volunteer work. Applications are available at http://spirit.prudential.com/ or http://www.nassp.org/spirit. The deadline to apply on-line is November 6. 2018.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school counselor.
Special Education Coordinator - Mrs. Lauren Mathison
Best Buddies Attend the Red Sox!
A Workshop for High School Students and Their Families
Navigating the College Search Process for
Students with Learning Differences, AD/HD & Executive Function Challenges:
Please join us for an informative presentation on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 from 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. at Curry College (1071 Blue Hill Avenue, Milton, MA) featuring Paula Cocce and Lori Lubeski from the Program for Advancement of Learning at Curry College.
For more information, or to register for this event, please contact Michelle Bracken, Associate Director of Admission or (617) 333-2106 Space is limited!
After-School Enrichment - Mrs. Maureen Leonard
Afterschool Enrichment Opportunities - Does your son or daughter need help with homework? If your answer is yes, we hope you will consider our Afterschool Enrichment Program In addition to homework help, the following classes are available: Let’s Find Success, Art Therapy, Our Minds Matter, Healthy Cooking, and Cultural Club. There is a late bus available at 4PM Monday through Thursday. Please contact Maureen Leonard at 781-618-8020 for more information.
Nursing - Mrs.Baker & Mrs. Joyce
Absences: Please call the sick line when your child is going to be absent. Send in any physician notes when your child is seen by his/her MD. If your child is out for 5 consecutive days, they must return with a physician note clearing them to return to school.
Assistive Devices: In the school setting assistive devices are casts, crutches, orthopedic related boot and braces, wheelchairs, etc. Any student needing to utilize an assistive devise must have supporting physician documentation for such.
Dental: Any student returning to school after a dentist or orthodontic appointment where a local anesthesia, numbing medication is used must have physician documentation to return to school.
Thank you in advance for helping us ALL stay healthy!
WHRH School Nurses:
Margaret and Kathy
Athletics - Mr. Bob Rodgers
The anticipation for our brand new scoreboard continues to grow and the excitement was heightened this week as the board was installed. It will not be operational until this week but everyone got the sneak preview. At the football game on Friday night, the Frisoli family was out special guest and they presented school committee chairman Bob Hayes with a check for $25,000 from the JJ Frisoli foundation toward the project. We will hold a scoreboard dedication ceremony before the homecoming football game on Friday night. We have so many people to thank as this was certainly a community effort.
Also this week, we held our first Hall of Fame meeting and it was quite productive. We will be prepared to send out a call for nominations as early as this Wednesday. Tentatively the committee is planning the first induction ceremony for March.
Whitman Hanson is proud to announce that we have partnered with the NFHS Network and plan to broadcast our Panthers athletic events LIVE. That means that if you or family members can’t make it to the game, the live action can be watched from anywhere on your phone, tablet, computer or smart TV. As part of the partnership with the NFHS Network, they will return a part of each subscription sold back to us! To watch just follow these simple steps!
1. Go to NFHSnetwork.com
2. Enter Whitman Hanson in search box
3. Click “Follow” so you can stay up to date on all upcoming Panthers broadcasted events
4. Click “Subscribe” for all subscription options for our school. We also have a direct link on our website at www.whathletics.com.
Thank you for you continued support of Whitman Hanson.
Here is our weekly rundown...
Whitman Hanson golf may be off to their best start ever. Mother Nature has wreaked havoc on the schedule but the team finally returned to play Thursday at Furnace Brook Golf Course to face Quincy. They defeated the Presidents 275-291 to improve to 5-1 overall and 4-1 in the league.
The team battled through the windy conditions and soft fairways and greens to keep their winning momentum going. Senior captain Owen Manning was match medalist with a 7 over 42, which was good enough to earn his 3rd "Dude" ball honor this season!
The Panthers heads into the weekend looking to get some quality and meaningful practices in with a handful of away matches ahead of them at some very challenging courses, including Widow's Walk and Plymouth Country Club.
The hard work the girls cross country has been putting in paid off is week with their first win of the season beating Plymouth North, 26-31 Wednesday afternoon. The Panthers top finisher was Junior Tori Boss who covered the 5K course in 22:21. Others scoring for Whitman-Hanson included Junior Niki Kamperides (4th, 22:48), Senior Captain Maeve McDonough (5th, 22:52), Senior Captain Maeve Rooney (6th, 23:17) and Junior Tori Carleton (9th, 22:47.)
Whitman Hanson Boys Cross Country (1-3) lost a close one to visiting Plymouth North Wednesday afternoon 25-30. Scoring for the Panthers on the 5K course were Sophomore Theo Kamperides (3rd, 18:30), Junior Brandon Hager (4th, 18:40), Junior Adam Solari (6th, 19:05), Junior Nick Hanley (7th, 19:07) and Freshman Evan Jewett (10th, 19:32.) The coaches are thrilled with the teams progress and so excited about the future. Both boys and girls cross country plays host to Hingham on Tuesday.
The field hockey team suffered 2 heartbreaking nail biting 1-0 losses this week (at Duxbury and at Situate), but we are all so impressed with their play. In the Duxbury game, The Panthers and Dragons played an entire half with no goals between both clubs. Both teams had their opportunities, but neither could capitalize due to some very stingy defensive play. The Dragons were able to sustain more offensive pressure in the second half than the Panthers, but were still unable to score. The Panthers defense, made up of Olivia Sheehan, Kathryn Dunn, Noelle Cornetta, Skylar Leonard and goalie, Maddie Savicke, had the work cut out for them dealing with Duxbury's offense. The Dragon's broke the tie with a late goal after of a fury of saves by Maddie Savicke within the last 7 minutes of the game. The Panthers had some rushes of their own in the second, but couldn't cash in. The girls look to bounce back Monday at West Bridgewater.
The girls soccer team remains unbeaten after rallying from a 2-0 deficit at Plymouth South to earn a 2-2 tie. Anika Floeck hit a blast from 35yds out to make it 2-1 at the half. Olivia Borgen took a ball from out in front of the net and slotted it into the corner to tie the game. Despite numerous chances to go in front the Panthers were unable to score. Whitman Hanson is now 5-0-1. All eyes turn now to one of the marque matches on the season as the Panthers travel to Hingham Monday to play the defending champions.
It was a busy week for the boys with the highlight being a 4-1 win over Plymouth South. Junior captain Jason Brodeur got on the board in the second minute assisted from Brendan Nehiley. Plymouth South answered in the 24th minute 1-1. Jason Brodeur was at it again in the 19th minute assisted by Brad Pelissier. Ending half 3-1 W-H. In the second senior Nolan Clack scored for W-H.
W-H overall record 3-3-1. Patriot League 1-3-1.Whitman-Hanson volleyball hosted Hingham Friday for a league match and the Panthers lost 1-3. The set scores were 25-20 (WH), 11-25 (H), 23-25 (H) and 18-25 (H). The Panthers began the match strong with a win in the first set but couldn't compete with strong Harbormen attacks. Coach Jeffers described their play, "Their transitions were flawless." WH fought hard with fantastic rallies in pace with Hingham. Leaders on the court include senior setter Kylie Gervasio with a solid 3 sets of play and 15 assists. Junior captain right side Olivia Martin played phenomenal defense and made 2 electric kills. Senior middle Erin Leahy held strong with 12 kills and Senior captain libero Nicole Scott held the team together on defensive leadership with 25 digs. The Panthers are 2-6 overall, 2-5 in league play and host Pembroke Tuesday 10/2.
WH Volleyball is hosting our 3rd annual PINK Game to benefit the Ellie Fund on Tuesday 10/2. Freshmen & JV play at 4pm and Varsity starts at 5:15. WH will be hosting Pembroke who will also be participating. At the door we will be collecting “Coins for Hope” that will go directly towards the Ellie Fund. Prior to the game we will be set up at tables Mon 10/1 and Tues 10/2 before school. Please join us and wear PINK! The Ellie Fund is a local organization that assists women and their families effected by breast cancer. WH Football and Cheerleading will also be joining us throughout the month of October to benefit the Ellie Fund.
The football team had a tough time Friday getting on track offensively dropping a 27-9 decision to Duxbury. The score doesn't accurately depict how well the Panthers played on defense as Duxbury's offense was buoyed by several W-H turnovers. The defense, which forced a safety, was led by Quinn Sweeney, Mike Connors, Nate Beath, Ryan Trongone and Sean Joanis. Senior captain Mike Connors had 11 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown. Nate Beath had 12 carries for 44 yards and John Zeidan was 10-20 passing for 91 yards. The team now prepares to take on Quincy for homecoming Friday night.
Our cheerleaders are excited to see the calendar flip to October as that means the competition season is here. In the meantime, the girls had a terrific halftime performance at the football game.
Remember to follow @whathletics on twitter and at our website. All of the game schedules are available at both locations.
Sports Shorts
Sports Short Wrap-Up 9/13/18 - 9/20/18
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