The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
October 6, 2019 - Volume 2 - ISSUE 6
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 10 - Delayed Opening
October 14 - No School – Columbus Day
October 15 - Lifetouch Picture Retakes – Grade 9-11 PAC
October 16 - Credit for Life – Grade 12, PSAT – Grades 10 & 11, Freshman Elections & Presentation – Grade 9
October 18 - Early Release – District Professional Development
October 24 – Delayed Opening
October 31 – Quarter 1 Ends
November 1 – Early Release – District Grading Day, Quarter 2 Begins
November 6 – Quarter 1 Progress Report Grades available on Parent Portal, book Parent-Teacher Conferences via
November 6-8 – MCAS ELA Retest
November 7 – Delayed Opening
November 11 – No School – Veteran’s Day
November 13-14 – MCAS Math Retest
November 14 – Early Release – Parent-Teacher Conferences
November 15 – WHRHS Red Cross Blood Drive
November 21 – Delayed Opening
November 26 – Rally
November 27-29 – Thanksgiving Break
December 2 – Winter Sports Start
December 6 – Early Release – District Professional Development
December 12 – Delayed Opening
December 23 – Alumni Day
December 23-January 1 – Holiday Recess
January 2 – Students Return from Holiday Recess
Whitman-Hanson Parents!
Looking to get involved at school? The Credit For Life Fair is coming up and we are looking for parent volunteers. The Credit for Life Fair will be held on October 16, 2019 and the time commitment is 8:00AM to 10:30AM. It’s a great event where seniors are provided with a real life budget experience. Seniors are informed of their salary in their selected career and must come up with a budget by visiting various booths. It is a very valuable experience for them.
We enjoy providing this event for the seniors – but we need help! If you can volunteer your time please contact the parent volunteer coordinator Nina Consolini.
Thank you!
Get Your's Now!
Yearbooks are the best possible deal.
Price will go up October 25, 2019.
Parent Recognition Ads are available now. Choose from a variety of sizes and prices.
Senior photos and bios are due by Nov. 25.
All links and info needed are online 24/7 at https://whpanthers.wixsite.com/yearbook
GREAT PUMPKIN CLASSIC CAR SHOW PLANNED
The Whitman Recreation Department will be hosting its 2nd Annual Great Pumpkin Classic Car Show from 10AM to 3PM, Sunday, October 13 at Whitman Middle School, 100 Corthell Avenue. The rain date will be Saturday, October 19. Proceeds of the event will benefit Whitman & Hanson Dollars for Scholars and Whitman Recreation programs.
Admission fee is $5 per person or $15 per family for the event which will include a kids costume contest, music, raffles, food and Halloween candy for trick-or-treaters. The entry fee for vehicles in the show is $10 per show car. Dash plaques will be issued for the first 50 cars registered. Show car entry begins at 7:30 AM. Awards will be given in the following categories: Best in Show; Best in Decade---pre-‘40s; Best in Decade ---‘40s; Best in Decade --- ‘50s; Best in Decade ---‘60s; Best in Decade --- ‘70s; Best in Decade ---‘80s; Best in Decade --- ‘90s; Best in 2000 and up; Best Dragster/Funny Car; Best Decorated Car and Halloween display.
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
October 8th – Annual Parent Rights & Transitional Feedback
November 12th – ExSel Presentation (ExSel – Excellence through Social Emotional Learning)
Focus: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, relationship skills, and social awareness
January 14th –Anxiety Presentation Part 1 - Students (7-8pm Middle & High School)
February 11th – Anxiety Presentation Part 2 - Parents (7-8pm Middle & High School)
March 10th – BCBA Presentation (focus topic TBD) (7-8pm Middle & High School)
April 14th – Occupational Therapy Presentation
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) (7-8pm Middle & High School)
Teacher of the Month - Ms. Bree Asci
The Whitman-Hanson Regional High School Student Council celebrates staff members every month for the outstanding work they do to make our school and awesome place. Staff members are nominated by student vote. Students are asked to write short thoughtful paragraphs explaining exactly why they wanted that staff member nominated The staff member of the month is recognized at the monthly staff meetings and presented with a small gift and the nomination papers that have been written by the students.
Here are just a few examples of what students had to say:
- “Ms. Asci deserves this nomination because she was always putting a smile on students faces and she super helpful with algebra and other out of school situations.” - Mia Campitelli
- “Ms. Asci is easily the best teacher in this school. She helped me have a great year in math last year and she always says hello to me in the halls even though I don't have her this year.” - Joey Walker
- “My reason for my nomination is that she is kind, helpful, hardworking, accepting, and understanding.” - Anna Pedersen
- “Ms. Asci” is not only a very good teacher and knows how to teach every individual student the way they learn best, but she gets to know her students and other people in the school personally so that she has a special connection with everyone. She spreads a positive vibe and helps people with other work that has nothing to do with what she's teaching. She supports her students by watching them play their sports after school and cheers them. Ms. Asci has helped me a lot throughout High School.” - Brendan Nehiley
Make sure to congratulate Ms. Asci if you see her. This is a fine example of the impact of hard work, dedication, and building relationships
Dr. Christopher Jones
Our Counseling Program Is Leading the Way!
A comprehensive counseling system is what all schools need. In turn, administrators need to support their counseling departments as systems that integrate academic, social emotional, and personal interest into the everyday experience of students. Our counseling department is doing just that! Check out this short video below on the system we are using at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School to assist students in planning for their post-high school experience.
Our Counseling Department is focused on making sure students are better prepared for any future by assisting them in discovering their interests and the careers with which they match. As I like to say, it isn't about college and career readiness; its about career readiness. Some careers require college while some require other training. The important point is that our counseling department works hard to ensure students are ready for and understanding of the path best suited for their success.
Due to the quality of our Counseling Department, I am lucky enough to have been asked to represent Whitman-Hanson Regional High School by sitting on a panel discussion with the Massachusetts Commissioner of Education (Jeff Riley) about the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's role in getting other schools across the state to implement this program.
Vaping Resources Update!
Last week, the Governor declared a public health emergency in response to the outbreak of severe lung disease associated with e-cigarettes and vaping products and the epidemic of e-cigarette use among youth. With the approval of Governor Baker, Commissioner Bharel of DPH issued an Order to pause all sales of e-cigarette and vaping products for four months. Learn more at: www.mass.gov/vapingemergency.
It's important to take this moment to consider all the Massachusetts quit vaping/tobacco resources and recognize nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Youth Quit Vaping/Tobacco Resources
- This is Quitting powered by truth® is a free and confidential texting program for young people who vape. Young people can text “VapeFreeMass” to 88709 to get started. In partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
- Parents and other adults can also text “QUIT” to 202-899-7550 to sign up to receive text messages designed specifically for parents of vapers.
- My Life, My Quit has youth coach specialists trained to help young people by phone or text. Young people can call or text "Start My Quit" to 855-891-9989 for free and confidential help or visit www.mylifemyquit.com to sign up online.
- Visit www.teen.smokefree.gov for tools and tips.
- Encourage young people to ask their school nurse or counselor, athletic coach, doctor, parent or other trusted adult for help.
- For more information, young people can visit www.mass.gov/vaping
- More information for parents/adults is available at www.GetOutraged.org
- Feeling irritable, restless, or jittery
- Having headaches
- Increased sweating
- Feeling sad or down
- Feeling anxious
- Feeling tired or groggy
- Having trouble thinking clearly or concentrating
- Having trouble sleeping
- Feeling hungry
- Having intense cravings for e-cigarettes/tobacco
Please know the signs of addition and resources available to those who are in need. Taking these steps could save a lot in the end; maybe even a life.
Our Story...
Take a look and feel free to comment...this is our story...and everyone is part of it.
Mr. David Floeck
Don't Struggle in Silence
We have now been in school for almost thirty school days and teachers and students are in full swing. As more assignments and assessments are administered we are getting a better picture of how our students are performing in their classes.
I encourage parents to look at your child’s infinite campus and talk about where they are in their respective classes. Reach out to teachers if your child is struggling in a particular class or classes. If they are struggling with homework completion, organization, etc contact your child’s school counselor to discuss the afterschool enrichment and academic support program. They are a great resource for helping students succeed academically and emotionally.
Progress reports will be out on November 6th so it is important to reach out for assistance if needed. We don’t want any student to “struggle in silence”. Reach out and let’s work together towards continually growth and improvement.
Mrs. Ruth Carrigan
Common App Thursdays – During the month of October, counselors will be available every Thursday on a drop in basis during the school day to provide help with the Common Application. Any seniors needing assistance with their Common Apps are welcome to stop by School Counseling Office during Academic Seminar or Lunch. If you need help after school, please check in with your counselor to make a plan.
AP Exam Registration Deadline
Students enrolled in AP (Advanced Placement) classes who will be taking AP exams in May are reminded that AP exam registration forms and exam fees ($94 per exam) are due on October 15. Students that receive free or reduced priced lunch are eligible for a reduced exam fee of $40 per exam. Information on payment plans can be found on the AP Exam Registration Forms that were sent home with students enrolled in AP classes earlier in the month. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Carrigan at Ruth.Carrigan@whrsd.org
PSAT Administration – The PSAT will be administered to all students in grade 10 and 11 during the school day on Wednesday, October 16th. 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 16 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 24th. This program is geared toward grade 9 and 10 students and parents and will cover Mass State College/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 30 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://forms.gle/rYvHYP64XJZSfL9j9
If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school counselor. Have a wonderful week!
Ms. Kelly Tanis
Veteran's Day Donations!
The French Honor Society will be collecting toiletry items, socks, puzzle books, crafts, etc. that will be donated to the Brockton VA Hospital in honor of Veteran's Day. Donations will be collected until November 6 and boxes can be found in the library, the office, and room 272. Your generosity is greatly appreciated !
Mrs. Jana Risko
Sophomores and Appositive Phrases
Mrs. Risko decided to start this lesson with a “fun” grammar activity. She capitalized on a pun by having students create “a positive” appositive phrase about any student in class.
They have been reviewing other grammar techniques in class, so they had to include a semicolon, transition word, and sophisticated diction as well. Each student grabbed a small whiteboard and marker on their way up to put their phones in the phone holder. Then they had to compose the sentences. Students enjoyed the positive tone in the classroom and offered to have their pictures taken to show off what they had done.
Mrs. Amy Floeck
A Chance to be Heard!
Any student in grades 9-12 are welcome to participate in the annual VFW Voice of Democracy competition. This year’s topic is “What makes America great?” “Student entries should be submitted (along with a completed entry form and audio recording) to our local VFW Post 697. The deadline for both contests is October 31, 2019. A complete entry form along with the rules may be found here!
The Veterans of Foreign Wars address is:
VFW Post 697
95 Essex Street
Whitman, MA 02382
Experiential Learning - Mrs. Courtney Selig
Mrs. Cathy Brunelle
What’s Happening This Month in the library
What to Read: New and Recommended books
It Takes a Village. Who’s Helping in the Stacks?
Mrs. Margaret Baker & Mrs. Kathleen Joyce
~Panther Health Clinic~
Too Sick For School ?
Sometimes it is a tough call as to when your child should stay home, so here are a few guidelines to help you make the decision whether or not you should keep your child home. We realize that many of you work outside the home and it is sometimes difficult to keep your child home. However keeping children at home when they are sick makes a tremendous difference in preventing the spread of illnesses throughout the classroom.
Fever:
Fevers are generally signs of infection. Your child’s temperature should be less than 100 degrees for 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medications such as Tylenol or Motrin, before they can return to school. While your child is at home, encourage them to drink plenty of fluids and get rest, which will allow them to recover from their illness.
Stomach Ache, Vomiting, Diarrhea:
A child with vomiting and or diarrhea should be kept at home until their symptoms have resolved for approximately 12 hours, and the child has demonstrated they can keep food and liquids down.
Cold Symptoms, Cough, Sore Throat :
Your child may attend school if their symptoms are not associated with a fever. They should also be free from significant discomfort from their cold symptoms so they are able to participate in their schoolwork. If your child has symptoms of a persistent cough or thick, yellow/ green nasal discharge that lasts longer than a week or he/ she complains of an earache, you should consult your Doctor for possible treatment. If your child has been diagnosed with Strep throat, they may return to school after being on antibiotics for 24 hours to assure that their infection will not be contagious to others.
Red Eye:
Red, irritated, itchy eyes with drainage could be caused by a bacterial infection, allergies, or a virus. If the white part of the eye appears red and produces a yellow or green crusty discharge with matted lashes, your child may have conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis or “pink eye”, as it is commonly referred, is a contagious infection, which needs to be treated by a Doctor. Your child may return to school after 24 hours of prescribed treatment.
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.
Medication Administration:
Any student requiring medication to be administered at school by the school nurse must have written physician documentation and signed parent consent. Please note that students are not permitted to transport medication to/from school per the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District Policy, therefore an adult must deliver the medication to the school nurse. Please deliver the medication to the school nurse in a pharmacy or manufacturer labeled container, bottle or box. Please ask your pharmacy to provide a separate container/bottle/inhaler/epi-pen/diastat for school and home. No more than a thirty day supply of the medication should be delivered to the school.
If you are called to pick up your child because of illness, he/she must be picked up swiftly. Please be sure that Infinite Campus has the most recent up-to-date emergency contact information, so that we have someone who can act on your behalf, if we are unable to reach you. This person should live locally.
Thank you in advance for helping us ALL stay healthy!
WHRH School Nurses:
Margaret and Kathy
Athletics - Coach Bob Rodgers
Whitman Hanson Athletic Hall of Fame Holds First Induction!
From left to right - Coach Bob Bancroft, Dennis Lozzi, Sue Moss, Coach Kevin Black, Shayna Ross Micol, Noel James, Mike Frisoli, Sean Conover, Coach Jim Daley and Rob Clifford. World Cup winner Samantha Mewis could not attend because she is touring with the team. We hope to have a special night for her soon.
In WH athletics action...
The football team made it two straight wins with a dominating 35-14 win over Plymouth North. Nick Dolan had a huge game with a 40 yard td run and a blocked punt for another td. Will Stafford had 101 yards rushing on 8 carries and Jason Murphy threw two touchdown passes to Colby Garden. The defense lead by Joe McStravick and Hunter Baker stifled Plymouth North. The team is back in action Friday night at Marshfield.
The volleyball team is closing in on a post season berth as the team improved to 8-4 with a 3-0 win over Hanover. Junior Delaney Rowell led the team in kills with 7. Not too far behind Rowell was sophomore Abby Martin with 4 kills. Senior Brooke Beauregard continues to step up to the plate as libero with an impressive 15 digs and 1 kill. The girls are back in action on Monday when the face Marshfield.
The Whitman Hanson girls’ soccer team battled back from a 2-0 deficit Friday to tie Patriot league opponent Hanover. Hanover took a 2-0 lead early in the second half. The Panthers kept pressing and with about 9 minutes remaining Kelsey Wozniak took an Alexis Billings cross and snuck it into the corner. Billings then served a driven corner to the head of Erin Wood for the tying goal with about 5 minutes remaining. Whitman Hanson continued the pressure but could not get the winner. Sam Perkins and Ava Melia had strong games in the Panther defense. The Panthers travel to Marshfield tomorrow.
The boys soccer team won 2 of 3 this week beating East Bridgewater 7-1 and Hanover 4-1. Friday the Panthers fell behind 1-0 at the half but then carried the play in the second scoring 4 unanswered goals. Sophomore Jacob Donovan scored first for W-H to tie it. Junior Joel Arsenault scored twice on his birthday and Brendan Nehiley added 2 assists. Senior captain Jason Brodeur added one goal and sophomores Alex Chichlowski and Adam Sousa added assists. W-H is 6-5-1 overall 4-5 in the Patriot League. The team is back in action tomorrow at home against Marshfield.
The field hockey team is playing great defense and hasn’t given up a goal in the last 2 games. Unfortunately the team didn’t score so both games finished in a scoreless tie. Maddie Savicke posted both shutouts as the Panthers improves to 2-5-4.
In a tri-meet at Hingham Tuesday afternoon Whitman-Hanson boys cross country (3-2) fell to Hingham 25-30 while winning over Pembroke 15-50. Junior Theo Kamperides finished first overall for the Panthers in a time of 16:09 over the 2.98 mile course. Also scoring for the Panthers were Sophomore Nathan Tassey (5th, 16:42), Senior Brandon Hager (7th, 16:54), Junior Liam Cafferty (8th, 17:06) and Senior Adam Solari (9th, 17:08.)
On the girls side, Sophomore Myah Kamperides finished 1st overall in a tri-meet at Hingham Tuesday afternoon. Kamperides covered the 2.98 Mile course in 19:47. But Hingham placed the next 9 runners to win 20-43. Whitman-Hanson (2-3) downed Pembroke 15-50. Also running well for the Panthers were Anna Flynn (21:06), Niki Kamperides (21:07), Bryn Miller (21:24) and Victoria Boss (21:48.)
The WH golf team hung close to the undefeated Hingham Harbormen last week but lost by just 1 stroke 224-225 to fall to 3-9 overall. This was the best team effort of the season by the Panthers led by Capt. Brian Fox with his match low 1 over 35 - this earned him his 2nd Tiger ball honor! As far as the rest of the team:
* Jr Aidan Miller shot a 3 over 37
* Capt Matt Korzec carded a 4 over 38
* Capt Ian Brown turned in a 5 over 39
* Jr Graham Stewart and Soph Pat McBroom both scored a 6 over 40
Despite the loss, the team competed to the very last stroke against the Goliath of the league. The team travels to Plymouth North tomorrow.
Sports Short Wrap Up 9/30/19 - 10/6/19
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