The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
March 31, 2019 - Volume 1 - ISSUE 26
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
April 2 – Quarter 3 Ends
April 4 - Advanced Placement Information Night at 6:30 in the PAC
April 5 – Early Release & Junior Prom
April 9 – Quarter 3 Grades available on Parent Portal
April 9 - Spring Concert – 7:00 in the P.A.C.
April 11 – Parent/Teacher Conferences
April 15-19 – Spring Break
April 25 - Delayed Opening
May 6-17 - AP Exams
May 20-23 - Senior Finals
May 21-23 - Early Release for Seniors Only
May 23 - Senior Prom at Venezia, Dorchester
May 27 - No School – Memorial Day
May 28 - Senior Banquet
May 29 - Scholarship Night
May 30 - Community Evening School Graduation 6:00PM in Performing Arts Center
May 31 - WHRHS Graduation 6:00PM in Gymnasium
Advanced Placement Classes!
Advanced Placement Information Night
An Advanced Placement Information Night will be held on Thursday, April 4 2019 at 6:30 in the Dr. John F. McEwan Performing Arts Center. Students who have signed up for AP classes for the 2019-2020 school year and their parents are invited to attend. We will be discussing the WH AP Program, course and student expectations, and the changes to the College Board AP Program for next year.
Habitat for Humanity - Ms. Finn
Attention All Athletes!
Faculty is Winning Duck the Halls!
WHRHS' March Madness game of "Duck the Halls" is being won by faculty! there are still 23 ducks left to be found!
Ms. Kelly Tanis
Upcoming Community Service!
The Whitman-Hanson Day of Service will be held Saturday, April 27. All students, staff, clubs and teams are invited to participate.
As of today, service projects include working with Annie’s Kindness Blankets, Camp Kiwanee, both the Whitman and Hanson food pantries, Green Hanson’s annual Clean Up-Green Up, Whitman Public Library and the Best Buddies 5K.
For more information, please see Kelly Tanis or Ellen Galambos.
Cut-A-Thon to Support Dollars for Scholars
John Russell Studio Salon & Day Spa at 587 Washington Street in Whitman will be hosting a Cut-A-Thon in support of Whitman & Hanson Dollars for Scholars 2019 fundraising drive. The event will be held on Sunday, April 7 from 10AM – 12PM with all proceeds to be donated to the scholarship fund. The Cut-A-Thon is for wet cuts only including: Womens Cuts, Mens Cuts and Childrens Cuts (under 10yrs). Manicures will also be available. Appointments are encouraged and can be made by calling 781-447-1100. Walk-ins will also be welcome.
John Russell Studio Salon & Day Spa has been in business since 1989. Whitman & Hanson Dollars for Scholars is a local chapter of Scholarship America established in 1962. Community volunteers raise scholarship funds for graduating high school seniors from the two towns.
For more information, please visit WhitmanAndHanson.DollarsforScholars.org.
Attention Parents of the Class of 2019 Graduates!
PET has partnered with Flowers Forever in Whitman to offer Graduation Flower Bouquets for only $20! CLICK HERE to order online at our website
Order online by May 18th and your bouquet will be ready for you to pick up at the door entering the Graduation Ceremony on May 31st. All proceeds go directly to Panther Ed Trust to fund future enrichment programs!
Be Part of the Solution!
If you would you like to get involved with PET, join us at an upcoming meeting:
April 1st, May 6th and June 3rd at 7:00pm in the High School Library
Thank you for your support!
Follow us on Twitter @PantherEdTrust
Like us on Facebook Panther Ed Trust
Dr. Christopher Jones
Do the Dance!
The past two videos have been about communication. First was listening and the second was about talking. So how do we do both at the same time? I equate it to a dance routine in the video below. In short, we watch body language and engage in non-verbal cues to increase our ability to make meaning and build a shared understanding together rather than separate.
When we don't listen we don't hear. When we wait too long to speak we forget. The only answer we have if we are to avoid the limiting state of subjective understanding is to engage in the dance of communication.
Check it out...
Our Story...
Take a look and feel free to comment...this is our story...and everyone is part of it.
Counseling - Mrs. Ruth Carrigan
SAT Registration – Attention Juniors – The on-time registration deadline for the May 4 SAT is Friday, April 5. Students should go to www.collegeboard.org to register. WHRHS is a test center (#22892) for the May SAT. Any student receiving free or reduced price lunch should see their counselor for an SAT fee waiver.
Service Academy Night – Any students interested in attending one of our nation’s service academies are invited to a Service Academy Night on May 3rd at Mass Maritime Academy from 6 – 8 PM. The program will be held in the dining hall. Attendees will learn about the Congressional nomination process, gain insights into the type of candidates sought by the academies, and have a chance to ask questions of service academy graduates. Representatives from all of the major service academies, Mass Maritime Academy, and Norwich University will be in attendance. If you plan on attending the information session, please register by calling Congressman Keating’s Plymouth District Office at 508-746-9000 or email Michael.Jackman@mail.house.gov
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 the end of April. Students are encouraged to apply early since space is limited. This is an excellent program for students interested in the field of law enforcement. If you are interested in this option, please follow the link below. Hard copies of the application are available in the School Counseling Office. For more information on the Student Trooper Program, please refer to the program information on the link below or check in with your school counselor:
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/student-trooper-program
Scholarship Info Seniors
Applications for Local and Community Scholarships are available on the WHRHS website. Completed scholarship applications including transcript, goal statement, resume, and letters of recommendation for each application are due to the Counseling Office on or before Wednesday, April 3, 2019. Check your email for additional scholarships and scholarship updates!
Advanced Placement Information Night
An Advanced Placement Information Night will be held on Thursday, April 4 2019 at 6:30 pm in the Dr. John F. McEwan Performing Arts Center. Students who have signed up for AP classes for the 2019-2020 school year and their parents are invited to attend. We will be discussing the WH AP Program, course and student expectations, and the changes to the College Board AP Program for next year.
MEFA After the College Acceptance Seminar – Monday, April 8, 2019
Parents and students are invited to attend the free seminar “After the College Acceptance” on Monday, April 8th at 6:30 PM in the Dr. John F. McEwan Performing Arts Center at WHRHS. This seminar is offered through MEFA, the Commonwealth’s authority on planning, saving, and paying for college. An experienced MEFA representative will provide an overview of the college payment process, including the details of financial aid award letters, using payment plans, different financing options, and how to minimize debt. Before the seminar, be sure to visit MEFA’s website — mefa.org — to download a copy of the seminar presentation and explore other tools and resources to assist you in the college planning process. Also, you are welcome to bring your child’s financial aid award letters with you for questions after the seminar.
If you have questions regarding any of the programs mentioned, please feel free to check in with your child’s school counselor. They are assigned by student's last names:
A-B Mrs. Carrigan
C-F Mrs. Garrett
G-L Mrs. Selig
M-P Mrs. Cunha (Covering for Mrs. Bianco)
Q-Z Mr. Amado
Administrative Assistant Mrs. Getchell
#WHPantherPride
The #WHPantherPride section is filled with shout outs to staff and students here at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School. They are our way of recognizing hard work, creative thinking, and characteristics that make us proud to be part of this community. Please contact Dr. Jones if you wish to give a "#WHPantherPride" award to someone!
English - Mrs. Danielle Diogenes
Superhero Success!
Behind the Mask, superhero class did a great job introducing everyday heroics last Friday. Dressed as their super-selves groups visited numerous classrooms and brought messages of kindness and helpfulness to the students and faculty of WH.
Marine Biology - Ms. Jones
Ms. Kelly Tanis
Best Buddies - Mrs. Bouzan
Nurse - Mrs. Margaret Baker
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. Vision and hearing screenings are currently in progress!
Flu Information
Flu season is waning but still active! Please Note: There were approximately 80,000 deaths during the 2017-2018 flu season- 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!
We all love the coming of spring! However, spring allergies soon appear with increased pollen counts and the blooming of leaves and plants. How can you tell the difference between a common cold and seasonal allergies? Here is a very helpful article to reference which will help you decide: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy
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 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
It may not always feel like it outside but spring has arrived for WH Athletics and our teams have been hard at work for the last couple of weeks in preparation for this opening week of action.
Boys Lacrosse, under the direction of first year head coach Tyler Sabens, will kick off the spring season by hosting North Quincy tomorrow at 4pm.
The girls team, also under the leadership of a new coach (AC Decker), will travel to Hull on Tuesday at 4pm.
The boys and girls track teams will open their season at home on Tuesday against Plymouth North while girls tennis also plays at home on Tuesday hosting Abington.
Our softball team has enjoyed an outstanding pre-season with new head coach Jordan McDermott. They will host Rockland on Wednesday. Baseball and boys tennis do not open until Monday April 8th.
All of the spring schedules can be found here - http://miaa.net/athletics/calendar/schedule.php?school_id=1480&team_type_ids=58,25,81,78,51,20,120,123,80,17,18,65,77,19 . The link to the schedules can also be found at www.whathletics.com.
It is highly recommended that all parents follow us on twitter @whathletics so you get the very latest news, information and schedule changes. Another great resource is the MIAA App. It is available on your smartphone as a free download.
In other news, our Whitman Hanson Majorettes hosted the Miss Massachusetts Majorette competition on Sunday. The entire team, led by coaches Peter and Colleen Maccini, did an amazing job running this prestigious event. We will send out results and a recap on twitter and www.whathletics.com when they become available.
A reminder that third quarter grades come out soon (teachers will be entering grades no later than April 8th). These grades determine eligibility for the remainder of the school year for grades 9-11 (seniors will have one final marking period before the season ends). Sometimes students look at this third quarter as only a progress report however these grades determine eligibility so it is imperative that all students place academics as their number one priority.
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