The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
April 11, 2021 - Volume 3 - ISSUE 26
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 14 - Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences by appointment only 12:00-2:00PM and 6:00-8:00PM
April 19-23 - No School – April Vacation
April 26 - Spring Sports Season Begins
May 6 & 7 - MCAS English (Grades 10 & 11) - Reverse Half Day
May 7 - Senior Prom
May 10 & 11 - MCAS Math (Grades 10 & 11) - Reverse Half Day
June 2 - Senior Parade
June 4 - Senior Graduation
June 7 & 8 - MCAS Biology (Grade 9)
June 16 - Last Day of Classes (Half Day)
The Smackdown is Back!
Information on the Summer Reading Smackdown will be coming out soon! Stay tuned!
Parent - Teacher Conferences
Quarter 3 Progress Reports are available for viewing via the Parent Portal.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 12:00PM - 2:00PM and 6:00PM - 8:00PM.
All conference appointments must be made using our on-line appointment scheduling system - Meet the Teacher. Meet the Teacher is OPEN to book appointments.
To schedule a Parent-Teacher Conference appointment at your school, please visit our school website and under For Parents, click on Parent-Teacher Conferences and follow the link for your student's school. Each site is school specific. Appointments can be scheduled for WHRHS only. A Parent user guide is available on the website in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
MCAS Opt-In
As you may have heard, at the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s April 20 meeting, Commissioner Riley will recommend that the Board modify the state graduation requirements for students in grade 11 (class of 2022) so that they would not need to pass the MCAS ELA and Mathematics tests in order to earn their high school diploma.
Students in the Class of 2022 still have the opportunity to “opt in” for grade 11 MCAS testing for scholarship purposes. Grade 11 students who participate in MCAS testing MAY qualify for the Adams Scholarship Program or the Koplik Certificate of Mastery if they earn qualifying scores. Both programs offer a tuition credit at Massachusetts State Colleges/Universities. Please check here for more information on these programs.
Standing by our Seniors!
Now is the time to show your Senior Pride!
The junior class is selling Class of 2021 graduation lawn signs to display proudly in your yard, in front of your business, or anywhere else around town. Signs cost $12 each
Ordering is easy using our online portal! Just hit this link!
Ordered signs can be picked up the High School Main Office Monday-Friday 7:30AM-1:30PM.
Join us in supporting the amazing Class of 2021 as they look forward to a bright future!
Don't Miss Out!
We have ordered a finite amount of yearbooks from the publisher. When they are all reserved, we will not be able to get more. We recommend buying your books soon to guarantee a copy is reserved for you.
Dr. Christopher Jones
Over, Under, Around, or Through
You thought you were doing so well in moving forward with whatever goal you had or result you wanted. Suddenly, its there. Some obstacle that stands in your way. So what do you do?
Try following the three steps of responsibility, planning, and perseverance to find a way over, under, around, or through that obstacle.
I explain what I mean by each one in the video. Take four minutes and have a listen. There may be something there for you.
Our Story...
Take a look and feel free to comment...this is our story...and everyone is part of it.
Mrs. Ruth Carrigan - Counseling
FAFSA Festival - Seniors and senior parents, if you still need to complete your FAFSA, we invite you to attend FAFSA Festival, a one-day, drop-in, virtual event staffed by volunteer FAFSA experts on Saturday, April 24th from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. that will offer online, one-on-one assistance in English and Spanish to students and their families in completing the FAFSA. Click here for FAFSA Festival Registration
Do What You Are - School counselors will be working in Grade 10 US History classes this week with our “Do What You Are” workshop. This lesson, part of our Panther Pathways initiative, includes a Myers Briggs Type Indicator Assessment geared toward helping students identify their natural preferences, gifts and talents. This information helps students increase self-understanding and enhances personal development.
Post-Secondary Planning for Juniors - Juniors, it is time to think about your plan for after high school. Please use this link to schedule a planning appointment with your school counselor. Please be sure to check out all of our recorded Panther Pathways Virtual Career Connections sessions, found in the classwork section of School Counseling Google Classroom, to help with planning. The Google Classroom code for Juniors is 4kjqyoh.
Virtual College Fairs - Students are invited to check out these virtual College Fairs
New England ACAC College Fairs
Students: Register for Free
https://neacac.swoogo.com/NEACACVirtual_Spring
Wednesday, April 14: 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Sunday, May 16: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
NACAC Virtual College Fairs
Students: Register for Free
Www.virtualcollegefairs.org
Sunday, May 2: 1 – 7 p.m.
College Board
Students Register for Free
cb.org/bigfuturedays
AP Exam Update - The Digital AP Testing App for AP testing is now available. If you are taking a digital exam, you are encouraged to install the app on your testing computer and log in with your College Board username and password. You may download the app at cb.org/ap2021examapp. For students using school-issued chromebooks, the app should be available on chromebooks soon..
Our AP exam schedule includes some traditional paper and pencil tests (taken at school) and a number of digital exams (taken at home). For digital exams, students can use a laptop, desktop or school issued chromebook. No personal chromebooks, Ipads, or Iphones can be used. If you have questions, please reach out to your AP teacher or your school counselor.
South Shore Hospital Youth Health Connection - The April issue of SSH Youth Health Connection newsletter includes information on a number of topics including supporting students as they return to school and a webinar on teen mental health. For more information, check out the newsletter here.
Need to speak to your counselor?- Please know that whether we are in hybrid or full remote learning, your school counselor is here for you. If you have questions or need support, please reach out for assistance.
Student Support Center
Ms. Rivera (Administrative Assistant)
School Counselors
Mrs. Carrigan (Director)
Adjustment Counselors
Best of luck to all of our mathematicians!
Next month 10th and 11th grade students are scheduled to take the Mathematics MCAS exam. The math department has been gearing students up for this exam all year. By providing students with Common Core aligned curriculum and by utilizing programs like desmos and IXL, we hope to set our students up for success with the many opportunities and activities that we do each day. Leading up to the exam, math teachers will take some class time to familiarize students with the exam structure and platform by utilizing the online practice tests provided by Pearson: http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-math/. Additionally, they will be reviewing select concepts from previous math courses that are sure to be presented to them on the exam.
Although there are many things that we do during the school year to prepare students for the exam, some of the most important preparation happens the day before and the day of the exam. Being well rested and relaxed walking into the test site is one of the things students can do to set themselves up for success. So, they should make sure to pack extra pencils, a calculator, water and a snack the night before so they are not rushing around in the morning. Additionally, having something to eat before the exam is a good idea. While taking the test, students should be sure to read each question carefully to ensure a complete understanding of what is being asked. This test in untimed, so there should be no worries about taking too long or running out of time. Students will also receive a very important resource with their math MCAS exam which is their reference sheet with formulas that they may need throughout the test: https://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/tdd/resources/2019-g10-math-refsheet-cbt.pdf . Students will want to be familiar with its contents and be sure to use it during the exam. Students are welcome to check in with their math teacher for test specifics and preparation ideas/materials.
Featuring some of Whitman-Hanson’s Talented Artists
Sammy Higgins - April 9-30
Art in Action and the Art Department. will be featuring the work of Whitman-Hanson Senior Sammy Higgins.
Sammy’s artwork will be in the 3 display cases along the WHRHS Art Hallway. Some pieces are included here, but, everyone is encouraged to go here to see all of her work and a short interview.
Social Studies - Mr. Robert Davidson
Case Study Investigation
Ms. Balbian’s AP United States History class recently finished their case study, Martin Luther King and the Struggle for Black Voting Rights. The case requires students to prepare by reading a challenging text ahead of class, and then participating in small group discussions with peers. After small groups the class worked through the case together throughout the course of three days. As it is a simulation, the students vote regarding various key decisions in history.
On the last day of the study, students voted to “Keep Going” in Selma on the Edmund Pettus bridge on Tuesday, March 9th 1965. As such, they voted “against history,” since this event is known as “Turnaround Tuesday” when MLK asked his followers to turn around to avoid more violence as seen on Bloody Sunday. Students then stayed after school to watch the movie, Selma. After the movie, students pre-registered to vote. This guarantees they will be prepared to vote when they turn 18.
World Cultures Club - Ms. Kathryn Donnelly & Mrs. Amanda Ferrara
Students Teach Staff
Dr. Nicole Semas-Schneeweis
ALC Program
The ALC program has finished their public service announcement/fundraiser with their Spread Kindness not Germs Mask Fundraiser. The money will be used to plan extracurricular events and activities for the students, and the masks are a good reminder about kindness and the importance of mask-wearing.
Roger The Babson Dog Came to Visit
We were fortunate to have a visit with Roger, The Babson Dog. Roger works with the Police Department at Babson College. He is training to be their service dog, and we were lucky to have him visit with some of our students. Thank you to Officer Kevin for bringing Roger, and to Mrs. Carrigan for helping to arrange this visit. You can follow Roger on Instagram at Rogerthebabsondog.
Inclusion Week
Last week the Whitman Hanson High School Community participated in Inclusion Week, raising awareness about community, belonging, and emphasizing that every student and staff member at WHRHS brings unique talents, gifts, abilities and experiences that contribute to our school Community. Thank you to Best Buddies and Student Council for organizing this fun week of events.
Science - Mr. Mark Stephansky
A Recipe for Success in Chemistry
Students in Mr. Rozen’s chemistry classes use “real-life” recipes to model LIMITING REAGENT problems. (In this case brownie baking) This kind of analysis requires the synthesis of months of knowledge gained in class to reach accurate conclusions. Many times modeling the process helps scaffold students to a better understanding how certain reactants limit the amount of a chemical produced in chemical reactions.
Modeling Evolution in Action
Students in Mr. Stephansky’s AP Biology class learned about the Hardy-Weinberg law of genetic equilibrium and studied the relationship between evolution and the changes in allele frequency by modeling a sample breeding population in a socially distanced manner. (See photo below)
Science MCAS is on June 7 and June 8, 2021
Students in Grade 9 biology classes will be sitting for the Massachusetts science MCAS test, one of the three exams students must take and score a passing grade on in order to receive their high school diploma. All grade 9 students are studying a curriculum based on the Biology framework standards in preparation for their MCAS exams.
Ms. Margaret Baker & Mrs. Susanne Ford
Nurse’s Corner - Spring 2021
We continue to navigate school during the Covid 19 pandemic. We are so excited to welcome all students back to in-person learning on April 5th! It remains more important than ever to adhere to the CDC guidelines of: wearing a mask, frequent handwashing, and maintaining social distancing in order to have success. Here is a useful tool that will help you in deciding whether to send your child to school: the Covid 19 Signs and Symptoms Check List. Please keep your child home if he/she is exhibiting any of the symptoms on the list and if you have any questions -call the school nurse for further assistance.
Please be advised that the school nurses must follow the Mass. Department of Public Health Mandates in deciding if your child must go home if he/she is ill during the school day. Please be advised that if it is necessary for your child to be quarantined as a close contact to a positive case that the school MUST adhere to the protocols as defined by the Mass. Department of Public Health.
Also, if your child is an athlete and happens to test positive for Covid you must submit a written doctor’s note clearing your child to return to play sports This is per the MIAA and there will not be any exceptions to this protocol. The school and the school nurses do not have any leeway in state Covid protocols and we are obligated to enforce them. Please send in to the school nurse any documentation if your child has been vaccinated for Covid-19.
The WHRSD has implemented a confidential Covid 19 phone line. Please feel free to leave a message at any time for advice or follow-up from our District Nurse Leader Lisa Tobin RN. The phone number for the Covid line is 781- 618-7450. There is further information available on Covid19 on our website.
Meningoccal Vaccine Requirement
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is requiring a second dose of the Meningoccal vaccination for all students in the 11th grade. Please send in your child’s documentation of the vaccine into the clinic as soon as possible.
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 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!
Ms. Margaret Baker RN, NCSN Mrs. Susanne Ford RN
Clinic phone: 781-618-7452
Clinic fax 781-618-7409
Athletics - Mr. Bob Rodgers
Long Time Coach Steps Down
Whitman Hanson Head Football Coach Mike Driscoll announced his retirement after 10 years at the helm and the Panthers promptly went out and pulled off the road upset at Hingham Friday, 17-7 in his final game (Driscoll will not coach this week at Plymouth North due to his brother’s wedding).
“Mike has been an important figure in the lives of hundreds of Whitman Hanson students. He was extremely dedicated and always ran a program that centered focused character building and core educational athletic values,” Whitman Hanson Athletic Director Bob Rodgers said. “I am grateful for having the opportunity to work with such a fine man and wish him the best as he devotes his time and energy to his family”
Driscoll, who is a 1991 graduate of Whitman Hanson, has spent 22 years as a high school football coach. He made the difficult decision to step away from coaching at this time because of his young family and his desire to be there for his kids as they enjoy the benefits of playing sports. “I learned the importance of putting family first from my parents and while it is difficult to say goodbye, at least for now, to the program I love so deeply I know it is the right decision. I will still be WH football’s biggest fan,” Driscoll said.
Whitman Hanson will begin the search for a new coach immediately and has posted it on the MIAA website. The Panthers play in the Keenan Division of the Patriot League.
In the game in Friday, The Panthers dominated in all three phases, recording 6 sacks, 2 interceptions on defense, rushed for 257 yards and kicked a field goal.
Leading the way was Senior Cam Cummings 22 carries for 143 yards
Will Stafford carried 10 times for 57 yards
Cam Burrows 8-12 passing for 63 yards and a touchdown.
Declan Hanaphy, Malcom Alcorn- Crowder (2) Andrew Cloutman and Jason Murphy recorded sacks
Damari Goldsmith Greene and Will Stafford had picks.
Our cheerleading team won the Shepherd Hill championship this week taking the overall grand champion title and the grand champion in dance. The team will compete Wednesday night in the Patriot League championship at 5pm.
The track teams will compete in the league meet this week in Hingham to wrap up what has been an indoor season held outdoors. In preparation, we hosted our only in person meet this week.
The Whitman-Hanson Girls Track and Field team lost to Silver Lake, 66-29. Senior Captain Hailey Minicucci won the 55 Hurdles and had 3rd place finishes in the 55 Dash and 300 Meter run to lead the Panthers with 7 points. Senior Captain Isabelle Amado and Junior Captain Myah Kamperides each scored 6.25 points. Isabelle took 1st in the 1000 Meter Run with Myah winning the Mile. Isabelle and Myah also ran on the winning 4 x 400 team along with Freshman Savannah Kamperides and Senior Allie Solari.
The Boys' team defeated Silver Lake 75 to 24. Multiple winners for the Panthers were Junior Jake Caterer who won the 55, the long jump and anchored the winning 4 x 200 relay team. Senior Chris Blackman won the 600 and ran anchor on the winning 4 x 400 relay. Senior Liam Cafferty won the 1000M run and led off the winning 4 x 400 relay. Senior Andrew Bergen won the mile. Senior Matt Butler won the 2 mile. Junior Chase Baker won the 55m Hurdles. Junior Will Mulligan won the High Jump. This was the Panther's first outdoor track meet against another school this season and there were a lot of smiles.
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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCSJones
Twitter: @DrCSJones