The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
September 16, 2018 - Volume 1 - ISSUE 2
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!
Twitter Contacts!
There is a lot of additional information on Twitter. Individuals are sharing news, observations, updates, important announcements, and the story of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School on a daily basis. Take the time to follow these people!
Jeff Szymaniak (Superintendent) - @WH_Super
George Ferro (Asst. Superintendent) - @gmferrojr
Chris Jones (Principal) - @DrCSJones
Bob Rodgers (Athletic Director) - @WHathletics
Ruth Carrigan (Director of Counseling Services) - @WHRHSGuidance
Student Council - @WHStuCo
Many of our teachers and athletic teams are also very active on Twitter. Make sure you follow them to receive updates, class activities, and a glimpse into the classroom! A lot of our story may be found on #WHPantherPride and #PantherNation
Important Dates to Plan
September 25 – College Fair 6:30PM Library & Student Dining
September 27 – MEFA College Financing 6:30PM in Performing Arts Center
October 6 – SAT at WHRHS
October 6 – Homecoming Dance 7-10PM in Gym
October 8 – No School – Columbus Day
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 BreakGet Involved!
Miles for Meals 5K
Credit for Life Fair
Principal's Forum!
Are you a parent, student, teacher or community member?
Come to his open forum on Thursday, September 20 at 6:30PM in the Performing Arts Center (PAC).
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
Rian Schwede
Rian Schwede featured in today's Boston Globe story!
Whitman-Hanson senior Rian Schwede, a football and baseball captain, as well as the starting center on the basketball team, was featured in a Boston Globe article highlighting three sport athletes! "Some winter afternoons he’ll go to study hall right after school, then basketball practice, then weight training with the football team before attending indoor baseball practice at 7 p.m." Congratulations Rian!
Dr. Christopher Jones
How many times have we complained that our day is ruined because of one or two events? Think of the times we have said "I'm bad at math" because we have to work hard at it or failed a few assessments. What about when we wake up late and then in our rush to make up time we forget something we need or make even more mistakes as a result of us trying to go too fast. That usually results in an exclamation of; "I'm having a bad day!"
The truth is we shape our day and future by how we frame all of these daily occurrences. No matter the circumstance, we have a choice. While we sometimes have no control over what happens to us, we always can decide to respond rather than react and as a result; change our perception and the outcome of the event. Quite often the choice, once simplified, is that we can either move forward toward the positive or stay behind in negativity.
If we stay negative we close ourselves off to the possibility of positive experiences. Even worse, it makes our personal outcomes dependent upon other people or circumstances instead of allowing us to decide our path.
If we stay positive we leave ourselves open to the possibility of better things happening to us, appreciating all the good there is in our life, and not getting dragged down by reliving the negative event. We need to remember to treat events as they are: a single piece of the larger picture. It's our decision which pieces we keep and what that final picture becomes.
Just remember... the next time something bad happens to you, stop and think; how fascinating that something bad would happen on an otherwise awesome day!
I talk more about this in the video below. Take some time, watch, and let me know your thoughts.
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
Be Present
Whitman Hanson Regional High School is committed to the success of all our students and we understand the importance of good attendance. Frequent absences can negatively impact a student’s learning opportunities as they miss valuable instruction, skill building, class participation, and study.
Please be mindful of our attendance policy. We do understand that on certain occasions students will have a necessary and excused absence. Do not hesitate to contact the school if we can assist you or your student in any way to help improve school attendance. Together we can make a difference!
Counseling - Mrs. Ruth Carrigan
We hope the year has gotten off to a great start. We have already been busy with a number of great activities.
On Thursday WH hosted Heidi Erickson, Senior Association Director of Admissions from Quinnipiac University for our College Essay Workshop for seniors. She spent the day working with members of the senior class giving great advice about the college essay. Essays will be sent out to college partners around New England at the end of the month for critique and feedback.
Other important information from the School Counseling Department includes:
WHRHS College Fair – Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 25 when WHRHS will host a regional college fair from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Approximately 100 admissions officers representing colleges, universities, post-secondary schools, and military branches will be in attendance. Bring a bag to take home college admissions materials.
Financial Aid/College Financing Workshop – Please join us in the PAC from 6:30 – 8:30 PM on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 to learn more about the financial aid process. A representative from the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) will be presenting.
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.
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.
Navigating the College Search Process for Students with Learning Differences, AD/HD, and Executive Function Challenges – On Tuesday, October 2, from 7 – 8:30 PM, Curry College in Milton will be hosting this workshop for students and families. For more information, or to register, please email Michelle Bracken or call 617-333-2106
Get Involved – Whitman-Hanson has a host of clubs and activities for students. The attached list includes many opportunities available to our students with meeting and contact info. Please take a look and see how you can become a member of our school community. This information is current as of 9/12/18.
#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!
Ms. Courtney Woodward (11th Grade) for..."writing and delivery a powerful few words memorializing those who lost their lives and the first-responders on September 11, 2001. She also highlighted all of those who came together to assist others in need and the brave men and women who continue to defend and protect our freedoms." - Dr. Jones
Special Education Coordinator - Mrs. Lauren Mathison
A Workshop for High School Students and Their Families
Navigating the College Search Process for
Students with Learning Differences, AD/HD & Executive Function Challenges:
Please join us for an informative presentation on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 from 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. at Curry College (1071 Blue Hill Avenue, Milton, MA) featuring Paula Cocce and Lori Lubeski from the Program for Advancement of Learning at Curry College.
For more information, or to register for this event, please contact Michelle Bracken, Associate Director of Admission or (617) 333-2106 Space is limited!
After-School Enrichment - Mrs. Maureen Leonard
Afterschool Enrichment Opportunities - Does your son or daughter need help with homework? If your answer is yes, we hope you will consider our Afterschool Enrichment Program In addition to homework help, the following classes are available: Let’s Find Success, Art Therapy, Our Minds Matter, Healthy Cooking, and Cultural Club. There is a late bus available at 4PM Monday through Thursday. Please contact Maureen Leonard at 781-618-8020 for more information.
Nursing - Mrs.Baker & Mrs. Joyce
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.
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.
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 - Mr. Bob Rodgers
Before we get to this week’s athletic update, we are happy to pass along some good news. For the first time in at least 8 years, Whitman-Hanson has been recognized by the MIAA with inclusion on the Sportsmanship honor roll. This distinction is reserved for schools that go the entire year without a single player in any sport at any level being disqualified from a game. The last four years we missed this honor by a single incident each year. We continue to be very proud of not just our student athletes but our Superfans who come out in big numbers and show great enthusiasm without ever embarrassing our school or teams with improper behavior. Special thanks go out to the entire Superfan club, particularly Olivia Sheehan andTajh Hunter for leading the way. This past Friday they came up with a Hawaiian theme for the football game and that was a lot of fun. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @whathletics so you know the theme each week.
Now to this week in WH Athletics
The football team improved to 2-0 with a dramatic, 9-6 win over visiting New Bedford High School. Senior Jake O’Brien drilled a 34 year field goal as time expired to snap a 6-6 tie and give the Panthers the win. (check out the exciting final seconds here). Senior captain Mike Connors carried the ball 13 times for 58 yards including a 1 yard touchdown run. Junior John Zeidan threw for 115 yard while senior Billy Martell ran for 62 yards. Whitman-Hanson turned in another impressive defensive effort led by Ryan Tongone, Quinn Sweeney, Nate Beath and Connors. The Panthers travel to Hingham Friday night to open Patriot League play in a battle between two of the top teams in the Keenan Division.
The field hockey team also remains unbeaten on the season as they ran their record to 2-0-2 on Thursday under the lights defeating Silver Lake, 2-1. Victoria Ryan and Lauren Clark accounted for the two WH goals. Captain Olivia Sheehan led another fantastic defensive effort in support of goalie Maddie Savicke. The Panthers, who beat Silver Lake for the first time in school history, are off to their best start ever. The team travels to Hingham on Monday.
The girls soccer team has also dominated in the early going this season posting a 3-0 record. The highlight of the week was a 4-0 road win at Pembroke on Friday. Whitman Hanson opened the scoring with a well-placed penalty shot by Boston College bound Sammi Smith and Samantha Perkins made it 2-0 with a phenomenal free kick that found the upper corner. The Panthers made it 3-0 when Olivia Borgen took a Kelsee Wozniak pass and found the upper corner of the net. Nora Manning finished the scoring after taking a cross from Anika Floeck and finding the back of the net. Samantha Smith, Courtney Woodward, Olivia Johnson and Erin Wood all had strong games in front of keeper Skylar Kuzmich(5 saves). The girls are off until Tuesday when they hit the road to play Duxbury at 6pm.
The golf team made a quartet of Panthers teams going unbeaten by beating Duxbury, 238-245 on Thursday. The Panthers, who improved to 3-0, were led by senior captain Owen Manning, who continues to play at a high and consistent level, with his 2 over par 36 performance. Junior Matt Korzec also contributed to the big win with a 3 over par day. Senior Pat Dever shot a 6 over and Junior Ian Brown turned in a 7 over par card. Whitman-Hanson will host Hanover on Tuesday.
The boys and girls cross country teams continue to work hard and improve each day. The number of students participating continues to grow as well. It is still NOT too late to join. Come see me if you would like to join. The teams traveled to Apponequet Regional High School for the Big Wave Invitational on Saturday and had many strong performances. In the Freshman/Sophomore Girls 2.5 mile race Sarah Boulger (19:04) and Anna Flynn (19:17) were the top two finishers for the Panthers. The Boys Freshman/Sophomore team was led by Freshmen Theo Kamperides (3rd, 13:54), Liam Cafferty (22nd, 15:16) and Matt Butler (23rd, 15:18) to a 5th place team finish. Maeve McDonough (13th, 17:32) and Tori Boss (14th, 17:39) helped the Junior/Senior Girls squad to a 4th place finish. And in the Boys Junior/Senior 2.5 mile race Brandon Hager (25th, 14:46) and Nick Hanley (26th, 14:50) were the top two finishers for the 6th place team.
The boys soccer team had a split decision this week dropping a heartbreaker at home against Pembroke while easily posting a 6-1 win over Rockland. Early in the week the Panthers beat the Bulldogs, 6-1. Junior captain Jason Brodeur and senior Nolan Clack each recorded a pair of goals in the win. Sophomores Brendan Nehiley and Dalton Desrocher accounted for the other two goals. On Friday it was a tough 2-1 home loss to Pembroke as the Titans scored in the 70th minute to snap a 1-1 tie. Desrocher had the lone goal of the game for the Panthers. Junior Andrew Sullivan continues to play well in net for the Panthers. The boys return to action at home on Tuesday when they host Duxbury at 6pm.
The volleyball team posted their first win of the season this week with an exciting 5 set win over Silver Lake, 3-2. Leaders on the court include Senior Outside Hitter Allison Hanlon with 8 kills and Junior Ella Sweeney with 12 kills. Senior Tri-Captain Libero Nicole Scott took control of the back row and made 15 successful digs. Sophomore Caileen Hurley set four sets of the match with a total of 27 assists. Senior Setter Kylie Gervasio did an impressive job on the fourth set of the match. The girls will play host to Hanover Monday at 5:15pm.
Our cheerleading team is working hard putting their routine together for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, they are also doing great work in the community. On Friday night, the girls hosted 50 youth cheerleaders for a skills clinic and then a varsity game experience (see picture below). The future Panthers were teamed up with a high school cheerleader and performed in front of the large football crowd. It is obvious the future of Whitman-Hanson cheerleading continues to be bright.
Finally, we announced this week the hiring of a new boys lacrosse coach. Here is the press release we issued:
Whitman-Hanson Regional High School is pleased to announce the appointment of Tyler Sabens as its new varsity boys lacrosse coach. Sabens, who recently joined the district as a guidance counselor at Whitman Middle School, played division 1 college lacrosse at Manhattan College and most recently served as an assistant coach at Falmouth High School. “We are so excited to bring a coach like Tyler on board our staff here at Whitman-Hanson,” Athletic Director Bob Rodgers said. “Tyler has an impressive playing background but what impressed me the most about him was his understanding that coaching at its essence is teaching. I truly believe our players will grow both on and off the field under his leadership.” Sabens played four years at Manhattan and served as its captain his senior year. He was the offensive coordinator and goalie coach at Falmouth High School where he helped guide their team to 3 straight Atlantic Coast League titles (2016, 2017, 2018). The Clippers also advanced to the MIAA Division II South Finals in 2016 and 2018. In addition to his lacrosse coaching background, Sabens has also coached both high school football and hockey.
“As a former NCAA Division I athlete, I have a deep appreciation for the value of competitive athletics. My desire to enhance sports’ positive influence on young people has been at the forefront of my life’s mission since the start of my career in education and as a coach,” Sabens said. “I believe educators and coaches are one in the same, and my philosophy in both roles has been to emphasize the development of athletic skill and proper fundamental technique, while helping student-athletes tackles life’s challenges with a high degree of integrity and commitment. Furthermore, my goal to foster healthy perspectives toward competition, sportsmanship, and self-discipline stems from my emphatic belief that a leader’s essential role is to encourage strong character while reinforcing positive attitudes.” Sabens will be meeting with the team on Wednesday. Whitman-Hanson competes in the Keenan Division of the Patriot League.
One Final Note….
Whitman-Hanson is adding a state of the art scoreboard at Dennis M. O'Brien Field as well as an improved audio experience. This scoreboard will have a giant LED screen for instant replays, player stats, pictures, school news, advertisements and much more. No taxpayer money is being used for this project. Much of the funding is coming from generous donations. The JJ Frisoli Foundation has made a substantial contribution, while Mutual Bank, Richard Rosen (Rosen Realty and McGuiggans) Don Ford and the entire crew at Ford Insurance of Hanson and Bob Hayes of Auto Towne have all made substantial donations to our project.
We are almost to our goal, but not quite there. If you would like to join in on this worthwhile venture you can make a donation easily by clicking on this website. Unlike many online donation sites, we received 100% of the funds you donate.
Your donation will be recognized at www.whathletics.com as well as on the scoreboard itself during the Thanksgiving Day football game with Abington. You can make a donation in memory of someone, in recognition of your days at WH, or even anonymously. No donation is too small. This scoreboard will help enhance our entire school culture by showcasing all of the amazing things that happen at our school and in our community. Please help us make it a reality.
Sports Shorts
Sports Short Wrap-Up 9/7/18 - 9/14/18
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