The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
November 3, 2019 - Volume 2 - 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 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
SAVE THE DATE
This Mindful Parenting event, sponsored by Minding Your Mind and the BRYT Program, will provide strategies for more mindful parenting, especially during difficult parenting moments, managing anxiety and depression, skills to empower yourself and much more! Please feel free to reach out with any questions to: Kaitlyn Robichaud or 781-618-7437.
MEAT RAFFLE TO BENEFIT LENNIE BAKER SCHOLARSHIP FOR MUSIC
Whitman Knights of Columbus #347 and Whitman & Hanson Dollars for Scholars will be hosting a meat raffle in support of the Lennie Baker Scholarship for Music at the Whitman Knights of Columbus Hall located at 1195 Bedford Street in Whitman on Saturday, November 9 from 3 – 6 PM. Proceeds from this event will be split evenly between DFS/The Lennie Baker Scholarship for Music and the Knights of Columbus. There is no admission fee. Refreshments will be available.
Special musical guest for the event will be The Spellbinders. The Spellbinders is a classic rock band which began as Albi and The Spellbinders in the 60s. The band concentrates on tunes from the mid fifties to the late eighties. As a classic rock band, The Spellbinders have enjoyed playing warm up for such headliners as Mitch Ryder, Chubby Checker, Shirelles, Drifters, Happenings, Angels and Ink Spots. Whitman native Lennie Baker often sat in with The Spellbinders at their local performances.
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
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)
Dr. Christopher Jones
"Never underestimate the power of people's need to belong and be accepted."
Just think about the last time someone said something negative that you didn't agree with, but stayed silent. Or when you behaved differently because you knew the people near you at the time wouldn't agree with or like what you said. Are there times you go along to get along? I know I have personally fallen victim to all of these scenarios.
Think about and then do the following:
Accept who you are and the fulfillment that comes from that. Its always easier to be who you are rather than trying to fit in with a specific group. Fulfillment comes from relationships built on who you really are when nobody else is watching.
Realize and accept that people are different. That doesn't necessarily make them wrong; just different. You don't have to be friends with everyone. It is perfectly fine to disagree. Just make sure to reflect on the fact that everyone is different based on their experience in life.
Don't get caught up in living another person's life. Sometimes you need to walk away from someone else's needs, but can't seem to do it. These are the times it is most important. Other people's problems are not always yours. Even when they want to make them.
The main way to live out of this shadow of need is to identify our belief system. These three strategies are easy to understand, but difficult to consistently implement. Go out, discover who you really are, and then give being yourself the best shot possible.
I explain this more and from a different perspective in the video below and on my blog. Take a look and consider hitting that subscribe button.
Our Story...
Take a look and feel free to comment...this is our story...and everyone is part of it.
Mrs. Ruth Carrigan
Career Connections Fair - The 2019 Career Connections Fair is quickly approaching! Students in grade 9 – 12 are invited to attend on Friday, November 22, during D block. There will be a variety of professions, colleges, and other post-secondary opportunities attending. Careers represented include Healthcare, Public Service (Police, Fire, EMS), Sports and Entertainment, Video Production, Education, Human Services, Cosmetology, Business, Politics, Engineering, Trades/Unions, and more. This is a great opportunity for students to talk to professionals in careers they may be interested in. To sign-up for the career fair students should use this link https://forms.gle/qCNW2vHFxV2Rnwp48.
Attention Grade 10 Students - Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Foundation (MAHOBY) – Deadline - November 30, 2019
The Massachusetts Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Foundation (MAHOBY) is once again sponsoring a leadership conference the weekend of June 12 – June 14th at Bentley University in Waltham, MA. Participating in this program is a great opportunity for grade 10 students to grow as leaders and bring those skills back to Whitman-Hanson. Sophomores interested in representing WHRHS as our candidate at this state-wide leadership program, should submit a brief written statement (no more than 200 words) to their counselor by November 30, 2019. The statement should include the student’s reasons for hoping to participate in the MA HOBY leadership program. If you'd like more information about the MAHOBY program, please visit the website at https://www.hoby.org/programs/state-leadership-seminars/ or contact your counselor.
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 20, 2019 at: www.massaflcio.org/scholarships . The exam will be administered at Whitman-Hanson on Wednesday, February 10, 2020. In order to be eligible for a scholarship, students must take the Labor History Exam. The Massachusetts AFL-CIO publishes a Labor History Study Guide, which covers a broad range of the history of working people organizing for justice in the United States. New for 2020, an interactive study website will be available, featuring supplemental materials and quizzes to test your knowledge.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your school counselor.
Mr. Ernie Sandland - Mr. Nilton Teixeira - Mr. Paul Docanto
Mr. Sandland, Mr Teixeira, and Mr. Docanto are all part of an incredibly important facilities crew here at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School and it shows.
"I just wanted to give a shout out via email...because these individuals do not attend faculty meetings. Yesterday I emailed Ernie Sandland about a minor maintenance issue that arose in my classroom. He responded immediately and also helped me process 2 other maintenance issues I’ve had for a while. As promised, Nilton and Paul were up in my room taking care of the issues by the end of the day. I know this team has a LOT to do so I very much appreciate the importance they put on assisting me with what may have been seemingly small issues. Having them fixed, and by very kind, patient and helpful people, makes my days easier in a BIG way. Thank you all!" - Mrs. Amanda Ferrara
Mr. Kevin Solomon
"I would like to give a shout out to Kevin Solomon. The entire tech dept really is such a great support. They are always quick to respond to issues that arise and patient with me and my limited understanding of technology. Kevin is always willing to help no matter how busy he is. He helped me with a multitude of issues last year and one at the beginning of this year despite having a million tickets pending. He always makes himself available to support me as I try to navigate the technology aspect for the esports team. I know how challenging it can get being pulled in a million different directions so when people like Kevin are still able to maintain patience, kindness, and support when issues arise, it makes all our days easier and more enjoyable. Thank you Kevin!" - Mrs. Amanda Ferrara
Spanish - Mrs. Thomas
“El Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead)
Students of Spanish decorated the World Language hallway this week in recognition of “El Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead). This holiday is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd in many Spanish-speaking countries; each with their own various traditions. It is common to decorate cemeteries and build altars in honor of loved ones that have passed away. The altars often contain a picture of the person, flowers, sugar skulls, candles, food & drinks the person enjoyed in life. It is a time to spend with family, remember loved ones that are lost, and celebrate life.
Mr. Stephansky
Art in Action Club - Mrs. Christina
Club to Show "Monuments Men"
Join Us Wednesday, November 6th at 6:30 in the WHRHS Dr. McEwan Performing Arts Center. Free Admission/ Donations to Art in Action are appreciated.
Trailer
This film is rated PG-13 Content is appropriate student middle school to adult.
Some classes will offer extra credit with a signed pass received at the end of the movie.
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. Cathy Brunelle
Mrs. Margaret Baker & Mrs. Kathleen Joyce
~Panther Health Clinic~
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!
WHRHS School Nurses:
Margaret and Kathy
Athletics - Coach Bob Rodgers
These are special days at Whitman Hanson with many of our student athletes competing in the post season and with it our seniors playing their final games of their careers. Each senior night is special in its own way but for the girls soccer team, it was a night no one will soon forget as World Cup Champion Samantha Mewis joined us and was inducted into the athletic hall of fame at half time. Samantha demonstrated once again why she is so loved in Panther nation. She not only signed every autograph, but she took the time to talk to and inspire all of the young soccer players who braved the rain to join us. Please check out our facebook page (search Whitman Hanson) for more from this special evening.
The student-athletes in the Whitman Hanson athletic department will be honoring the veterans in our community next week by performing free community service for any veteran in either town. If you are a veteran or know of someone who could benefit from an “Army” of student athletes doing a yard cleanup or other chores around the house, please email me at robert.rodgers@whrsd.org . The team of students will be doing the work from 10am-noon on Veterans Day.
A reminder to all student athletes that in order to be allowed to play sports at Whitman Hanson you must be making satisfactory progress in the classroom. With the winter season coming up, students are reminded that you could be told you cannot tryout for your team if you are not making your classwork a top priority. Students should be staying after for extra help and doing all they can to be sure that grades do not prevent them from playing this winter. Also, if you want to play a winter sport, your parents must sign you up online at www.whathletics.com . Please check the list in the athletic hallway to be sure your name is on the list. If it is not, this means your parents have not filled out the permission slip. Also be sure you have a valid physical (physicals expire 13 months from the day it was performed) and a valid impact test.
Now to our update for each fall team:
The volleyball team wrapped up a terrific season with a hard fought 3-2 (10-25, 25-22, 21-25, 25-10, 13-15) loss at Durfee High School on Halloween in the first round of the MIAA Division 1 South State Tournament. Senior captain Alexis Connolly played her heart out, she led the team in kills with an impressive 20. Sophomore Lily Welch was not far behind with 19 kills. Welch led the team in solo blocks with 5. Senior captain Maya Faich was a strong presence in the back row with 15 digs. Faich also did not make a single service error in her 27 serves; she did, however, serve 3 aces. The Panthers end there season 8-6 in the league, 0-1 in the state tournament.
The Whitman Hanson football team saw its playoff life come to an end Friday with a 41-12 loss against Stoughton. The Panthers were lead by CJ Guiliani who had 133 yards rushing on 20 carries and scored a touchdown. Jason Murphy ran for 60 yards on 12 carries and was 10-12 passing for 127 yards. Tom George had a great night on the defensive side with 3 pass break ups and 4 tackles, Colby Garden scored on a 58 yard flea flicker from Murphy. While the team is out of the playoffs, under the MIAA format the season continues with two weeks of consolation games. The Panthers will host Scituate Friday night at 7pm and the following Friday will travel to Bridgewater Raynham. This year the Thanksgiving game will be on the road at Abington.
The girls soccer team wrapped up the year by beating a tough Notre Dame team of Hingham, 2-0 on Thursday night. Kelsee Wozniak got the Panthers on the board when she collected the ball in midfield and raced 30yds before depositing the ball in the back of the net. Despite constant pressure the Panthers had to settle for a 1-0 lead at the half. Whitman Hanson continued the pressure and doubled their lead when Nora Manning took an Olivia Borgen cross and fired it into the goal. The defense of Erin Wood, Sam Perkins, Ava Melia and Courtney Woodward was outstanding all night and helped keepers Kylee Colclough and Reese Codero earn the shutout. Whitman Hanson finishes the regular season with a 15-1-2 record and with it the number 3 seed in the Division 1 tournament which starts on Tuesday night here at Whitman Hanson as the Panthers host Braintree High School.
The boys soccer team wrapped up the regular season with an impressive 9-3 win over East Bridgewater. Senior captain Jason Brodeur scored 3 for W-H while fellow Senior captain Steve Kelly scored 2. Senior captain Andrew Sullivan played well in net. Steve Bagley played very well in the back. Adam Milewski, Brendan Nehiley, Joèl Arsenault and Jacob Donovan all scored for W-H. The team finishes with an overall record of 10-7-2 and 6-6-1 in the Patriot League. The Panthers travel to Bishop Feehan for a 2pm first round tournament game on Monday.
The cross country teams fresh off their outstanding performances at the league meet, spent the week tuning up for the Eastern Mass meet at Wrentham on November 9th.
In golf, Junior Aidan Miller fired a solid round of 84 at states to wrap up the Panther golf season. The good news is we have him back for another year. Great job Aidan.
Our cheerleaders fresh of their league title hosted their annual fall invitational and had a terrific performance taking first place in their division. The girls will now compete in the Abington Invitational on Wednesday as they continue to gear up for regionals and states.
Sports Short Wrap Up 10/7/19 - 10/14/19
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