The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
May 19, 2019 - Volume 1 - ISSUE 32
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
May 20-23 - Senior Finals
May 21-22 - Math MCAS
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 - Senior District Tour
May 28 - Biology MCAS Field Test
May 29 - Scholarship Night
May 30 - Community Evening School Graduation 6:00PM in Performing Arts Center
May 31 - WHRHS Graduation 6:00PM in Gymnasium
Nora Rooney
Nora Rooney takes home Top Delegate Award!
Graduation News!
Two great, reflective conversations with four National Honor Society students caused me to pause & reflect on a tradition.
THANK YOU Leah Badger, Kaitlyn Molito, Emily Hartford, and Madison Trongone! You are true examples of Leadership Character, Service, and Scholarship to all. #WHPantherPride
Graduation Yard Signs!
Whitman-Hanson 3D Printer Camp!
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:
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
Running From "Trouble"
This week's message is about perspective, focus, and energy.
Think about this quote from Brer Rabbit...
"Ain't no sense in runnin' from trouble; ain't no place that far."
I remember it so well because one of my son's decided he liked it enough to repeat it for a few months after we saw it at Splash Mountain in Disney. It means more to me than that now though because from a certain perspective it also defines how and what we do in our lives. Think about it. How often do we try to change how we see, experience, or remember things to something we are comfortable with instead of how they really are at that moment. Whether it is about our goals, an event, a mistake, or even success; we tend to shade the truth to make us less a main contributor and more a victim. While this is comfortable, it slows down our ability to solve problems and obtain success; no matter "how far we run."
The best option is not to run from reality to fit your narrative because there "ain't no place that far." Rather, use it to make a new narrative of your existence. What trouble are you currently running from? Do you ever think you will find a place that far? Try confronting it, changing, and becoming even more successful.
I talk more about all this in the video below. 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
Dual Enrollment - Massasoit Community College – Summer and Fall 2019
Information is now available for Spring 2019 Dual Enrollment classes at 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. Massasoit Dual enrollment is available to students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Instructions and application materials were sent to grade 10 and 11 student email accounts this week. After reading these documents, interested students should contact their counselors with any questions.
SAT Registration – Registration for the 2019/2020 school year is currently available. Any juniors planning to take the August 2019 are encouraged to register now. Spaces go very quickly for this test date. To register, go to www.collegeboard.org.
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!
Attendance Appeals Committee
Model UN - Mr. Brian Walsh
Whitman-Hanson Model UN team finishes 2019 strong!
Help Those in Need!
The National Honor Society is collecting new school supplies for SOWMA (Schools on Wheels of Massachusetts). It's an organization that helps provide homeless children in MA with necessary school supplies. Over the summer, SOWMA works to fill backpacks with these donations, which will be handed out to children in need. The collection will run until June 7. Collection boxes will be located in the main office, the library, the school counseling office, and room 272.
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 has been an unprecedented spring in terms of the amount of rain we have endured which wreaks havoc with all of our schedules. It is a tribute to Ernie Sandland, Matt Carew and the entire facilities crew that we have been able to navigate with limited interruption. The field at the high school which has the most difficulty in handling the water is our varsity baseball field. We owe the Whitman DPW and the Whitman Recreation department our thanks and appreciation for welcoming our team to use Memorial Field the last several days. This field has been renovated in such a fashion that is rivals the varsity fields used by other schools. Once again this spirit of cooperation demonstrates how lucky we are to be a part of this community.
Here is the latest in WH Athletics
The boys lacrosse team celebrated senior night in fine fashion on Friday by beating Cardinal Spellman, 16-3 under the lights. Senior co-captain Mario Troiani made 12 saves between the pipes and co-captain Ryan Trongone anchored the D causing 5 turnovers and picking up 4 ground balls. Junior long-stick middie Adam Solari was a wizard on the carpet as he picked up 8 ground balls on the day. Senior co-captain Shane Ross(6g) led the offensive charge with 6 goals while Ryan Downing (4g) was impressive with 4 goals for himself. Senior Captain Mason Gorman(2g, 3a) was stellar as always on both ends of the field chipping in for 5 points. The senior dynamic duo of Sean Joanis (2g) and Riley White(2g) had several exciting plays that energized the crowd. Both Joanis and White had two goals each. Senior Griffin Nickerson won 70% of the face-offs helping the Panthers control the ball all game while fellow senior Brady Lasky was a force on the wing during face-offs and in transition. Whitman-Hanson is now back to .500, but they must win their last game against Marshfield next Tuesday in order to remain tournament eligible. Face-off is at 5:30 next Tuesday at Marshfield High School.
The girls lacrosse team will celebrate their senior night on Tuesday June 28th before their game with East Bridgewater. It has been an impressive season for the girls despite losing many players to graduation last year and dealing with a slew of injuries. Even though the team lost to Plymouth South 9-8 on Thursday it was one of the most uplifting games of the spring to watch as Maddy Tassey stepped up to play goalie for the first time ever. Not only did she play great stopping 8 of 17 shots but the rest of the team rallied behind her and her incredible effort. If you were in attendance and watched the team spirit and support for each other you couldn’t help but be impressed. The team bounced back the very next night by beating Cardinal Spellman in a thriller, 9-8. This time it was Brooke Beuregard getting her shot in net and she too was brilliant stopping 7 of 15 shots. Zoe Lydon had 5 goals while Emily Sterns, Samim Whitman, Katie Mulligan and Emily Berthiume all scored one.
The baseball team has hit a tough stretch after dropping three straight this week. Despite dropping into third place in the league, the Panthers are only 2 games behind first place and still have a shot to win their third straight league title. On Saturday, Rian Schwede pitched well in the 6-1 loss to Silver Lake while helping his own cause by belting a long RBI double in the first inning. Junior Devin Coulstring was the tough luck loser on Friday as former WH star Brandon Josselyn led his Duxbury Dragons to a 5-2 win over the Panthers. Despite some early struggles in the game, Coulstring battled back and turned in his first varsity complete game retiring 10 in a row at one point. The Panthers will have to right the ship this week as they travel to Hingham on Monday to try and avenge one of their 4 losses on the season.
The softball team recorded a great win on Friday beating Duxbury 8-3. The team pounded out 11 hits including a three run homer by Abby Cleary who also notched the win on the mound. Victoria Ryan, Annie Cook and Emily McDonald all has multi hit games. The team will play host to Hingham tomorrow (Monday 5/20) as they will celebrate their senior night.
The girls track team earned the sportsmanship award for the Patriot League this week. This is a testament to the great program our coach Steve George leads. The girls participated in the league meet this week where Olivia Borgen took the top spot in the 200 meter while crossing second in the 100 meter. Ryley Hurley was second in the 400 meter hurdles. In the 2 mile, Myah Kamperides and Anna Sullivan took first and second respectively. Samantha Perkins won the Javellin. The girls finished third as a team with 77 points.
On the boys side, Patrick Bui and Dyllan Burns took 5th and 6th respectively in the 400 meter while Brandon Hager was third in the mile. Theo Kamperides was first in the two mile while teammate Nathan Tassey was 5th. Shane Schraut was the 5th place finisher in the 400 meter hurdles. The boys finished 7th as a team with 55 points.
Whitman-Hanson boys tennis team celebrated their seniors in a match against North Plymouth. All five seniors, Matthew Hickey, Griffin Pulkinen, Jared Badger, Nolen Smith, and Edward Acorn saw varsity playing time. Cameron Lindsay and Brian Fox also played in their respective match slots.
The girls tennis team notched a crucial win on Wednesday beating Plymouth North in a thriller, 3-2. In 1st singles junior Lexi Connolly won 6-1,6-2 and in 3rd singles sophomore Julia Benvie won 6-1,6-0. The 2nd doubles team of junior Chloe Wilson and sophomore Divya Kumardefeated their opponents 6-0,6-2. The girls are 7-7 and must go 3-3 over their final 6 matches to qualify for the state tournament.
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