The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
April 7, 2019 - Volume 1 - ISSUE 27
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 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
April 27 - WH Day of Service
May 6-17 - AP Exams
May 14-16 - Art in Bloom
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
Habitat for Humanity - Ms. Finn
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.
The “Final 16” Has Been Announced!
Which book will win? You help decide!
We need you to defend a book at the Summer Reading Smack Down Thursday April 25, 2019
Defend and champion one of these books against its’ opponent!
Requirements:
Read the book
Attend the Summer Reading Smack Down Thursday April 25, 2019
Community Service points will be awarded!
If you would like to participate:
let the library or your ELA teacher know
or
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:
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
Whitman-Hanson WILL
Whitman-Hanson WILL is the local substance use prevention coalition serving students, families and the community at-large. Check out the coalition's past and upcoming events, current substance use trends as well as local resources in the area by clicking on the above logo! Join us at the next community coalition meeting on Thursday, April 25th at 6:30PM at the Whitman Police Department. If you have any questions, please email Gabby Peruccio or call at 508-742-4410.
Dr. Christopher Jones
What Do You See?
We often believe that what we see in other people or situations is the product of their actions or predetermined circumstances. We even go as far as to feel happy when our predictions tun out to be just as we expected. What if what comes to pass is the result of the predetermined expectations (or frame) we have created from the start.
This type of thinking limits us and the ability to make the most out of people we interact with or events we encounter. Consider doing these three things once in awhile and work your way to using them on a consistent basis.
- Revisit what you believe. This is not to say that you need to change your core values. Instead, strengthen them by being open to questions, various perspectives, and the existence of other people's beliefs that may run contrary to yours.
- Challenge your current perspective. Knowing your perspective may be wrong is easy. Asking questions that test it is difficult, but essential if you are to obtain a more complete understanding of people and situations.
- Act to make a difference. Once you have revisited your beliefs and challenged your perspective you need to act on the new viewpoint. Maybe it is trying something different; not getting upset over someone's actions; solving a difficult problem; or doing something you thought you couldn't because of your preconceived notion. A new understanding means nothing if you do not take the time to act on it.
I talk more about 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
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.
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
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!
Mrs. Christina Maher
Investing Your Money Class - Mrs. Nina Consolini
Student Government Day with Natalie Rubin!
Senior Natalie Rubin is pictured here at the State House in Boston taking the role of Rep. Josh Cutler as students from across the state are holding a mock congressional debate and vote on two bills; one that would restrict children in 7th grade and younger from participating in organized tackle football, and another that would prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products. Natalie is clearly having fun and excited to be a part of this program!
Ms. Kelly Tanis
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
The spring sports season is underway and there were many outstanding performances. The baseball and boys tennis teams will open play this week but the rest of our teams were busy. This week's schedule is posted below. Hope to see you at a game.
Here is our recap.
The Girls Track team (1-0) hosted Plymouth North this week winning a close meet 69-67. First place finishers for the Panthers included Senior Captain Dorothy DiMascio-Donohue in the 400 Hurdles (73.2) and Triple Jump (31' 2"), Senior Captain Allison Bartlett in the 100 Hurdles (16:45) and Shot Put (28' 3.25"), Senior Courtney Woodward in the Discus (70' 8"), Sophomore Anna Sullivan in the 2 Mile (13:07) and Freshman Olivia Borgen in the 400 (63.5.) The WH Girls also won the 4X100 (54.7) and 4X400 (4:34.6) to seal the win.
The boys track team lost 42 to 94 to the Blue Eagles. Whitman Hanson had strong performances from Captain Dan Kline who won 110M High Hurdles and Javelin and finished 3rd in 400 Low Hurdles. The only other first place finish for Whitman Hanson was its 4 x 100 relay team of Sean Kukastas, Jake Caterer, Will Stafford and Scott Mateus.
The girls tennis team won both of their matches this week beating Abington 4-1 and sweeping East Bridgewater 5-0. In the EB match, at first singles Lexi Connolly won 6-1,6-1 , at 2nd singles Abby Pulling won 6-3,6-2 and at 3rd singles Chloe Wilson won 6-2,6-1. At 1st doubles Nandita and Divya Kumar won 6-0,6-2 and at 2nd doubles Julia Benvie and Rylie Harlow won 6-2,6-1.
The boys lacrosse team split a pair this week losing to one of the states best teams Hingham High a School and beating Quincy/N. Quincy 14-2 in their season opener. Mario Troani made 9 saves and Ryan Trongone anchored the Whitman-Hanson defense holding Q/NQ to just 2 goals. Griffin Nickerson and Will Polito worked together to win 11 out of 15 face-offs. Freshman long-stick middie, Bobby Hunter, made his high school debut racking up 7 ground balls. Senior co-captain Shane Ross led all scorers with 4 goals and 1 assist. Senior attackman, Sean Joanis was solid for the Panthers as he put up 2 goals and 3 assists. Ryan Downing, Mason Gorman, and Riley White were explosive from the start as the trio combined for 6 goals and 3 assists. Downing led the first midfield line with 3 goals and 1 assist. Gorman added 2 goals and 1 assist while White had 1 goal and 1 assist.
It was a similar story for the girls lacrosse team dropping the game at Hingham but beating Hull, 11-5. The day was a usual Hull day with solid 15 - 20 mph cool wind off the water. WH pulled out an early lead and then exchanged goals with Hull to finish the half with a 7-5 lead. In the second half the defense really stepped up and shut out the Hull offense and scored another 4 goals to finish at 11-7. The defense was anchored by Sydni Mountcastle, Marissa Connell, Maddy Tassey, Joli Flamos and Chloe O’Neil. On offense, Zoe Lydon 3G, 3A, Sami Whitman 3G, 1A, Riley Bina 3G, 1A, Brooke Connors 1G, 1A, Emily Berthiaume 1G along with Brynn Mill and Sydni Mountcastle each with 1 Assist. Both goalies played well with Marie Foscaldo taking on many shots in the first half and Brooke Beauregard taking the second half shut out.
In softball Whitman-Hanson’s Annie Cook, Sophia Molinari, and Victoria Ryan all managed multiple hits for the Panthers offense but it wasn't enough as Rockland spoiled the opener by taking the 9-4 win. Cook went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead the Panthers in hits.
Amazing defensive plays made by Emily McDonald and Sophia Molinari as they both were able to come up with with two huge outfield throws to throw out Rockland players heading home. Reese Cordero was able to get a Bulldog player caught in a rundown and managed to execute a beautiful tag. Despite the 9-4 loss, the Panthers are looking forward to building up on the games positives and moving forward.
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