The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
October 7, 2018 - Volume 1 - ISSUE 5
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 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 BreakFirst Whale Watch of the Season!
The marine biology club had an amazing whale watch last Sunday. We hosted over 50 students, staff, family and friends as we headed out to Stellwagon Bank with Captain John’s out of Plymouth Harbor. We were fortunate to see “Salt”, the most famous Humpback Whale in the area as she was one of the first to be given a name based on physical characteristics (she has a white dorsal fin), and had another Humpback mother and calf play with the boat for some time. It was incredible! The club runs 2 whale watches each year; one in the fall and one in the spring. We hope you will be able to join us this spring!
Credit for Life Fair
12th Annual China Town Hall!
Please join us for the 12th annual China Town Hall on Tuesday, October 9 at 5:00 PM in the High School Small Lecture Hall. This year’s program will feature some of Whitman-Hanson’s finest: Lori Hanlon (Indian Head), Nicole Sykes (Duval), and Joe Chismar (High School) will all discuss their recent travels in China. Their talks will be followed by a live webcast with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
National Honor Societies
The following Honor Societies will be having a combined meeting for eligible students on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 in the Performing Arts Center at 1:45 pm.
- Business
- English
- French
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Spanish
We will be handing applications out at this meeting and will also discuss requirements and expectations.
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
Camp Kiwannee Open Mic Night!
Do you enjoy singing or playing music at home or perhaps in school? Then why not reveal your talent at the Camp Kiwanee “Open Mic Night”. Solo acts, Duos and other small groups are welcome to perform for your friends in a live audience setting. Save the date – Thursday November 15 at 6:00 – register at CampKiwanee.com Don’t let your talent remain hidden any longer, sign up today.
Nicalas Fernandes Competes in Junior Olympics!
WHRHS senior Nicalas Fernandes will be competing in the Junior Olympics in Buenos Aires on Monday, October 8, 2018. The opening ceremony will air on NBC Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 5pm. Please note that he is on the Cape Verde team! Nicalas will compete between 2-4 pm on Monday, October 8, 2018. If he wins then he’ll compete again from 7-9pm on either NBC or ESPN.
Nicalas has a promo video coming out soon because when he comes back (with the help of the International Olympic Committee) he will be establishing a foundation, Olympian Nicalas Fernandes Foundation, to help and give back to urban city youth around the world because of the opportunity that he was afforded by the Youth Olympic Games. It will be named the Olympian Nicalas Fernandes Foundation. You can also get more information by visiting his fan page! Good luck Nicalas!
Dr. Christopher Jones
What You Pass Down
Legacy is a word that people often use, but usually focused on the outcome rather than the process it takes to get there. The issue with this is two-fold.
First, it often gives the illusion that success isn't as much about hard work and perseverance as it is about luck and quick fixes. Second, it misses the fact that more people are often affected by our individual daily actions than one large success or failure.
In the end, our legacy is formed by the perspective we use to get there and how we consistently act. People learn from what we model (the process) rather than what we achieve (the outcome). I give a brief example in the short video below, but want to also include a challenge.
Take away the outcome you desire for others. Examine your own actions. What are you modeling for those around you? Are you asking them to do things or act in ways that you don't? Select one action or behavior and work to improve it. This will work even better if you tell someone you are working on it so they can keep you accountable. Remember, it's all about the process. Make it work for you.
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
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.
Freshmen Parent "Coffee with the Counselors" - Freshmen parents are invited to attend our Freshmen Parent Coffee with Counselors on the morning of October 19, 2018 from 7:30 am – 8:30 am. In an informal setting, we will be discussing transition to high and will share tips for keeping your child on track for a successful high school experience. Please RSVP in advance for this program by following this registration link: Coffee with Counselors Registration Link.
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: FAFSA Workshop Registration LInk
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.
Preschool Director - Mrs. Tricia Poirier-Collins
This was an exciting week for the youngest panthers at the Whitman-Hanson high school. After much anticipation, the W-H preschool students were able to enjoy the new playground that is located just outside the classrooms. Although there are a few remaining touches to be completed, it didn’t stop the children and staff from enjoying the beautiful equipment.
SADD & Afterschool Enrichment attend a peer leadership training titled “How Not to Keep a Secret”!
As we all know, adolescent years are marked by a roller-coaster ride of emotions that are difficult for youth, their parents/guardians and educators; it can be easy to misread depression as normal adolescent turmoil. Depression is among the most common of mental illnesses, and although it is treatable, it is a leading factor in suicide.
On Tuesday, October 2nd, 38 students from Whitman Hanson’s chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Afterschool Enrichment Program participated in a workshop at Cardinal Spellman High school, titled “How Not to Keep a Secret”; students had a full day peer leadership training on adolescent depression, anxiety, and suicide. The program was sponsored by the Youth Health Connection, a community benefits program of South Shore Hospital.
Whitman Hanson was accompanied by students from surrounding towns including Hingham, West Bridgewater, and Cardinal Spellman. Mental Health professionals spoke about how to recognize signs and symptoms of depression, and all participants gained valuable information to bring back and share with their peers. In addition, students collaborated with each other in small group discussions in which they shared personal stories and discussed programs their schools offer to support students suffering from depression. The training day concluded by having each school share they strategies and knowledge they learned by creating and performing a brief dramatic skit. All three groups from Whitman Hanson were engaging, creative, and informative; students across grade levels proudly represented our school. Overall, the day was a wonderful learning experience! As we move forward in the weeks to come, SADD members will be making a Public Service Announcement about mental health to be broadcasted on the school news, with the intention of sharing knowledge and hope!
High School Quiz Bowl!
The Third Annual Quiz Bowl Challenge Faculty team vs Student team. It is currently tied 1-1. The Whitman-Hanson Quiz Bowl student team will be taking on the Faculty Team on Tuesday, October 16th in the Whitman-Hanson Library from 1:45 pm- 2:45 pm.
If you love Jeopardy you should come watch this event and it is always competitive and fun to observed. All are welcome!
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
Homecoming weekend was a huge success once again and a big thank you goes out to Student Council and its advisors Mrs. Scott and Mr. Moriarty for helping make it such a fun weekend for our students with the dance on Saturday - a big thank you to all of the teachers who chaperoned.
Friday night the football team kicked it all off with a huge win (more on that later) in front of a large hometown crowd. This also marked the debut of our brand new video scoreboard. Mr. Casey, one of our amazing teachers here at Whitman-Hanson, built many of the flashy elements that we displayed on the board. In addition, we showcased many of the clubs and classes here at Whitman Hanson by displaying slides teachers and advisors sent in.
Dr. Jones started the night with a message welcoming the alumni and inviting our current students to tweet their favorite part of being a Panther. Two Fans, Presley Cray and Alyssa Invernizzi, won the superfan super seats by sharing their thoughts. Presley said, “the best part about being a Panther is the immense support by classmates throughout all clubs, sports and after school activities.” Alyssa said, “The best part about being a Panther is the amazing experience at the games and at school. Awesome Sportsmanship!”
One of the highlights of the night was our annual Parade of Champions. The baseball team, boys basketball team and cheerleaders marched on to the field at halftime and were greeted by superintendent Jeff Szymaniak and principal Dr. Christopher Jones. Baseball won their second straight league title last spring while boys basketball won their third straight league championship. The cheerleaders won virtually everything last year, taking both fall and winter league titles and both state championships as well!
Be sure to read our entire recap so you learn about a great new group we are starting!
The football team was dominant on Friday shutting out Quincy, 39-0. Senior captain Rian Schwede had a monster game passing for a touchdown, catching a TD pass and running for another. Senior captain Ethan Phelps was a force on both sides of the ball and got the night off to a strong start with an 18 yard touchdown run. He finished the night with 8 carries for 92 yards. Billy Martell carried it 6 times for 61 yards and a touchdown. Junior John Zeidan threw his first career TD Pass. Senior captain Jacob Nixon caught an 11 yard touchdown pass and Nate Beath had a 2 yard run. Quinn Sweeney and Beath were both immense on defense all night. The Panthers improve to 3 and 2 and play host to Silver Lake on Friday in the final regular season home game of the season. The Panthers control their own destiny in their quest to host their first every playoff game. If they can win their remaining games they will clinch a top 4 spot and a home game in round
Our field hockey team showed tremendous resiliency this week rallying 3 times to earn important ties. In their final game of the week, the Lady Panthers traveled to Silver Lake and came back from a 2-0 deficit. Midway through the second half, Freshmen Lauren Dunn got her first goal of the season with the helper from Robin Goyette. The Panthers kept the ball in the Laker end and got another tally 5 minutes later. Lauren Clark scored her third of the season and Zoe Lydon earned the assist. The girls play under the lights Tuesday as they play host to Hanover. At 2-5-5 on the season, the team is still in strong contention for a post season berth.
The girls soccer team still remains tied atop the Keenan Division with defending champion Hingham. The Panthers battled to a scoreless tie at Hingham. Samantha Smith, Sam Perkins, Emily Blake and Erin Wood were strong defensively for the Panthers. Keeper Senior captain Skylar Kuzmich made 9 saves in goal for the shutout. Kelsee Wozniak and Emily Billings also turned in strong performances. The Panthers went on to beat Quincy later in the week, 5-0 with Senior Captain Samantha Smith, Freshmen Olivia Borgen, Freshmen Nora Manning (2 goals) and Anna Sullivan all scoring. The girls suffered a non-league setback Friday at Weymouth losing 2-0. The Panthers are off now until they host Scituate Wednesday night at 6:30pm.
The boys soccer team had a difficult week dropping all 3 games they played including a heartbreaker at Quincy. The Presidents got on the board near the end of the first half. 1-0 going into half. The second half was a great battle from both sides. W-H got on the board in the 25th minute. When senior Ben Rogers headed the ball to Dalton Desrocher to tie it 1-1. The score stayed that way until the 79th minute when Quincy scored on a free kick that was tapped in on the back post. The Panthers are 3-6-1 overall and 1-5-1 in the Patriot League. They have a chance at revenge Monday when they host Quincy at 11am.
Whitman-Hanson volleyball went 1 and 2 this week but ended on a high note beating Scituate on the road, 3-1. The Panthers began the match slow but rallied in the second set and pulled off the win. Allison Hanlon showed her senior leadership leading the team with 8 kills. During the second set junior right side Audrey Fuller and defensive specialist Julia Harrington led the team to a solid win and set the tone for the rest of the match. Sophomore setter Caileen Hurley had 12 assists and Junior middle Marissa Connell stunned the crowd with 2 slide ace hits. The Panthers are 3-7 overall, 3-6 in league play and travel to Plymouth North Tuesday 10/9. Also this week, the girls participated in two great community service projects - “The Pink Game” which supports the fight against breast cancer and the team unloaded Pumpkins which the sales will benefit the local food pantries.
Our golf team hit some rocky waters this week dropping all 3 matches. On Thursday the Panthers lost to Plymouth North at Plymouth Country Club, 250-267. The loss puts the Panthers at 5-4 overall and 4-4 in the league. Senior captains Owen Manning and Ed Scriven led the team in scoring with 6 over par and 8 over par performances, respectively. The team heads into the long weekend with a tough road ahead of them, as next week they will face off against Duxbury, Silver Lake, Hingham, and Plymouth South - all solid opponents. The Panthers though have played great golf this season and are confident they can turn things around.
In Girls Cross Country, Junior Tori Boss was Whitman-Hanson's top finisher (5th, 21:37) against Hingham Wednesday afternoon as the Panthers (1-4) lost 16-45. Running well for Whitman-Hanson were Senior Captain Maeve McDonough (7th, 21:53), Senior Captain Maeve Rooney (13th, 22:46) and Juniors Niki Kamperides (14th, 22:49) and Tori Carleton (16th, 23:19.). The girls play host to Silver Lake on Wednesday.
The Whitman-Hanson Boys Cross Country team (1-4) lost to Hingham at home Tuesday afternoon 21-40. Hingham runners went 1-2, while Sophomore Theo Kamperides and Junior Brandon Hager (3rd and 4th) crossed the finish line in 18:02. Also scoring for the Panthers were Senior Captain Adam Solari (10th, 18:47), Junior Dyllan Burns (11th, 18:47), and Sophomore Liam Cafferty(12th, 18:48.).
A New Group is Forming!
Every day our fitness center is busy with students trying to get bigger and stronger. They are working to improve their body and their physical strength. This is great to see but there is another important component that often goes overlooked…..THE MIND. Sports Psychology is something that virtually every college and professional team takes very seriously and we want to give our students a chance to take advantage of the important resources that are associated with sports psychology.
Our group will cover topics including positive mental imagery, visualization, anxiety, depression, Self Talk, Energy Management, happiness, Communication and more. Students who attend our sessions will have opportunities to grow in each of these areas through our group meetings and individual attention from our counselors and coaches. Any student at Whitman-Hanson, whether you play a school sport or not, is welcome to attend.
Our first meeting will be held on the late start day on Thursday October 11th at 7:05am. We will meet in the courtyard café and we will be serving breakfast. If you would like to attend, please click on this link https://fs17.formsite.com/WHathletics/form63/index.html to register (so we know how much to order for breakfast). If you have a chance, please take a few minutes to watch this video about Kevin Love, an NBA player who has struggled with these topics.http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24382693/jackie-macmullan-kevin-love-paul-pierce-state-mental-health-nba
This will be a great group for you and your teammates to grow as players and as people. Hope to see you and your teammates there!
Coach Rodgers, Ms. Schait, Ms. Robichaud Ms. Desista
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 9/28/18 - 10/5/18
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