The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
October 14, 2018 - Volume 1 - ISSUE 6
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 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 BreakFriday Night Event
These are busy and exciting days in Whitman-Hanson athletics. However, Friday was also a scary night at the football game when one of our officials collapsed during the game on the field. There have been a lot of conflicting stories about what happened so we think it is important we provide an accurate account. The most important news is that the official is doing well and at last report was undergoing tests to determine why he collapsed. Mr. Rodgers spoke to his wife Saturday morning and she said he was feeling much better.
When he collapsed on the field Friday, he received immediate medical attention from several people including an off duty EMT, our trainer Lexie Watkins and a few other experienced professionals. The ambulance arrived in a matter of minutes (in part because one was already en route to handle a leg injury for a player). Our portable AED was on the Silver Lake sideline in our athletic trainer’s cart. Sophomore Jack Sweeney ran across the field and quickly delivered it to the scene while simultaneously senior captain Ethan Phelps sprinted to the halftime building and got our back up AED and also delivered that one.
The official always maintained a pulse and he never needed the use of the AED. All of our teams undergo emergency response training and are tested annually in an emergency simulation by our trainer. Ethan and Jack promptly acted because they knew how important those AED machines are in these situations.
We were lucky that Friday night was a major athletic event and we had so many medical personnel readily available. We run our emergency response training and drills so that our students and coaches are prepared in the event something like this happens with no professional medical assistance available. All of our students and coaches know where the AED is located and have a series of protocols they know to follow to be sure the patient receives the best treatment as quickly as possible.
There were so many people who contributed to a positive outcome on Friday and there are too many to name individually. However, I would be remiss if I did not recognize Whitman Hanson football parent Jim Sweeney who is a Scituate EMT. Jim quickly sprinted on to the field and took command of the situation. His professionalism and knowledge was instrumental in the medical treatment. Our athletic trainer Lexie Watkins was also right there providing excellent care as well. Once again thank you to everyone who has wished the official well and for the support for our entire staff and community.
A Way to Help Our School!
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!
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
Did you know there’s a parent led organization that provides funding for academic enrichment programs at Whitman-Hanson?
Our largest fundraising event of the year is our 5th Annual Truck or Treat to be held on Saturday, October 27 from 11-2 at the high school. The cost is $5 per person or $20 per car. Please share with friends and family!
October activity included subsidizing registration fees for Model UN as well as costs associated with the Credit for Life fair in which over 270 seniors participated. We have helped fund a number of clubs, programs and technology upgrades over the years and welcome all supporters to our meetings which are generally held on the first Monday of the month in the library.
You can also support us on an ongoing basis by shopping with Amazon Smile! Remember to choose Panther Education Trust!
Follow us on Facebook!
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.
Top Two Academic Students Recognized!
Dorothy DiMascio-Donohue
Kaitlyn Molito
Dr. Christopher Jones
Your Top 5
"You're The Average Of The Five People You Spend The Most Time With" - Jim Rohn
This such a powerful quote when we take time to reflect on it's accuracy. While the purpose of this is not to make you decide who you should spend time with, it cannot avoid touching that subject. For example, take some time and think about the people you spend the most time with, consider why you gravitate to them, and examine how much you are all alike. This is not by accident. It is because we tend to adjust our behavior and beliefs (for better or worse) based on the feedback of others. We all want to be accepted. No matter how much we deny that need we are social beings who thrive on interaction. As a result, we often too easily believe the narrative others want for us.
This ties into the positive influence you are able to make in other people's lives. If you are the average of five people, that means you are part of their average. As a result, your behavior and character influences theirs as much as theirs influences you. It is important to continuously examine who you surround yourself with. Do they push you to be better or do they encourage continued mediocrity. We often too easily believe the narrative others want for us.
There will also be times in life where you need something...help, advice, knowledge, wisdom, or even just someone to listen. That's when you are really able to notice. Will the group you hang out with be able to help you in a positive way or will it fall short?
MCAS Results are In
School Council Positions are Open!
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
It has been a busy fall with so many activities and sports going on at the school. It is really great to see so many of our students getting involved and supporting their fellow panthers. I would like to remind all students to secure their belongings in a locked locker before heading out to practices, games, etc. Over the past few weeks I have had students come to me because something has gone missing. The first question I ask is “was it locked in your locker?” In each instance the item missing was left on a bench, on the floor in front of their locker or somewhere else. While we have had some success in recovering some of the items it often is very difficult to find out what happened. I am reminding everyone to secure their belongings and don’t share your locker combination. We want to make sure everyone’s belongings are safe and secure. Thank you for your assistance .
Counseling - Mrs. Ruth Carrigan
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.
#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!
Bree Asci, Alicia Edkin, and Danielle Mooney... "for giving up some of their Columbus Day weekend (and paid for their own travel & accommodations) to join me at the NCTM Regional Conference & Exposition in Hartford on October 5th & 6th. The conference offered these highly motivated educators a unique opportunity for professional growth and networking. Bravo!" - Mr. Brain Selig
Digital Media - Mr. Marcus Casey
Nursing - Mrs.Baker & Mrs. Joyce
The Flu and You!
If you've ever had the flu, you know how bad it can make you feel. To help avoid all that misery — as well as possible health complications — doctors now recommend that all teens get a flu vaccine every year.
Flu Season Is October to May
If you get the flu, you'll have lots of company. Each year from October to May, millions of people all across the United States come down with the flu. Kids get the flu most often. But people in every age group — including teens — can catch it.
What Is the Flu?
Flu is the common name for influenza. It's a virus that infects the respiratory system. Often when you're sick with a virus, your body builds up a defense system by making antibodies against it. That means you usually don't get that particular virus strain again. Unfortunately, flu viruses mutate (change) each year. So you aren't protected from getting the flu forever.
How Does the Flu Spread?
The flu virus spreads through the air when a person who has the virus sneezes, coughs, or speaks. The flu can sometimes be passed on through objects that someone with the virus touched, sneezed, or coughed on. When a healthy person touches these contaminated items and then touches their mouth or nose, the virus can enter their system. People carrying the virus can be contagious 1 day before their symptoms appear and about 5 to 7 days after they first get symptoms. So it's possible to pass the flu on before you even know you're sick. Flu epidemics often start in schools and then move quickly through a community as students spread the virus to family members and people around them.
How Do I Know if I Have the Flu?
Flu symptoms appear anywhere from 1 to 4 days after a person has been exposed to the virus. The main symptoms of flu are:
- headache
- sore throat
- fever
- chills
- muscle aches
- stuffy nose
- dry cough
Someone with the flu may have a high fever — for example, that person's temperature may be around 104°F (40°C). People with the flu often feel achy and extra tired. They may lose their appetites. The fever and aches usually disappear within a few days, but the sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, and tiredness may continue for a week or more. The flu also can cause vomiting, belly pain, and diarrhea. Although you may feel miserable if you get the flu, it's unlikely to be serious. It's rare that healthy teens have complications from the flu. Older adults (over age 65), young kids (under age 5), and people with chronic medical conditions are more likely to become seriously ill with the flu.
What to Do If the Flu Bugs You.
If you get the flu, the best way to take care of yourself is to rest in bed and drink lots of liquids like water and other non-caffeinated drinks. Stay home from school until you feel better and your temperature has returned to normal. Most people who get the flu get better on their own after the virus runs its course. But call your doctor if you have the flu and any of these things happen: you're getting worse instead of better; you have trouble breathing or develop other complications, such as a sinus infection; you have a medical condition (for example, diabetes, heart problems, asthma, or other lung problems). Most teens can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with fever and aches. Don't take aspirin or any products that contain aspirin, though. If kids and teens take aspirin while they have the flu, it puts them at risk of developing Reye syndrome. Antibiotics don't work on viruses, so they won't help someone with the flu get better. Sometimes doctors can prescribe an antiviral medicine to reduce the length of time a person is ill from the flu. These medicines are effective only against some types of flu virus and must be taken within 48 hours after flu symptoms appear. Doctors usually use this medicine for people who are very young, elderly, or ill or at risk for serious complications, like patients with asthma.
Vaccine to the Rescue?
So how do you avoid getting sick during flu outbreaks? Wash your hands often and thoroughly. Avoid sharing cups, utensils, or towels with others. If you do catch the flu, use tissues whenever you sneeze or cough to avoid spreading the virus. Everyone older than 6 months should get a flu vaccine. Your doctor will probably recommend that you get one. Flu vaccines are available as a shot or as a nasal spray. The shot contains killed flu viruses and will make your body create antibodies that fight off infection if you come into contact with the live flu virus. This is the preferred form of flu vaccination because it has been shown to be both safe and effective. The nasal spray (FluMist), which contains weakened live flu viruses, was not used in recent flu seasons because it didn't work as well as the shot. A new version of it is now recommended for the 2018–2019 flu season as an option for people who otherwise might not get a flu shot (for example, if your doctor's office has run out of the shot). If you do get the flu this season, take care of yourself and call your doctor with any questions or concerns. When you're feeling bad, it can help to remember that the flu usually lasts a week or less and you'll be back to your normal activities before too long.
Stay Healthy this Flu Season Panther Nation:
- Get your Flu Vaccine
- Wash your hands often
- Get enough sleep, eat healthy & drink water
- Cover your cough/sneeze with your elbow
- Stay home if you are sick
From the WHHS Nurses Clinic: Kathy Joyce & Margaret Baker
*Teen Health by Nemours
Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: September 2018
Athletics - Mr. Bob Rodgers
Sports Shorts
Hall of Fame
A few weeks ago, we received permission from the school committee to proceed with our plans to establish a Whitman Hanson Athletic Hall of Fame. We formed a small committee consisting of current and former coaches, community members and current and former players. We will begin accepting nominations immediately. The link to the nomination form is available at www.whathletics.com (here is a direct link to the form -https://fs17.formsite.com/WHathletics/form64/index.html ).
There are four categories of nominations: Player, Coach, Team and Contributor. Here are some guidelines for nominations:
1) Former Whitman-Hanson Regional High School student/athletes will be eligible to be nominated for membership any time after the 5th anniversary of the graduation of their original class from high school, and must have attended Whitman-Hanson Regional High School for at least two years.
2) A coach's eligibility will be based upon a high degree of competency and success. A candidate must have contributed toward promoting sound educational values to his/her athletes. Coaches are eligible for induction 3 years after leaving their coaching position within the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School athletic department. The 3 year “waiting period” can be waived if the nominee has a significant medical issue. Also, an active coach can be inducted if they have been coaching at Whitman-Hanson at least 20 years and reached the age of 65.
3) An athletic team's eligibility will be based upon the success of the team. The team shall be eligible after the 10th anniversary of the graduation of the seniors on that team.
4) The Contributor Award will be given to the individual/s, who have given their selfless time and energy toward the benefit of an individual team, or to the athletic programs in general. Not every induction class must have a Contributor award.
The first class of inductions will take place next fall and the committee hopes to announce their selections by this spring.
Vaping
We were very happy that the school year started with no incidents of vaping in school. However, in recent weeks there have been several incidents in which students have broken this important rule which is intended for their safety and health. A violation of this rule comes with serious consequences including a 3 day suspension from school. In addition, student athletes receive an MIAA chemical health violation which comes with several penalties.
1) On first offense a 25% suspension from their current or next sport. A second offense results in a 60% suspension.
2) Loss of all leadership positions for one year
3) Violators become ineligible to be elected to league all-star teams during the season in which they serve a suspension.
Students who vape or break the other provisions of the MIAA chemical health rule (drink alcohol, use drugs, attend parties etc) are letting their teammates down. Even if a player does not get caught breaking the rule, just the fact that they are willing to gamble their commitment to their teammates shows they do not really care about the team or teammates. The best teams make a collective commitment to live up to these rules so they will all be there for each other the entire season. Peer pressure doesn’t always have to be a negative thing. Positive peer pressure to do the right thing also works.
Sports Psychology Group
We have still have not officially named our group but this past Thursday approximately 20 students got up early and joined us on the late start day for our first meeting. Ms. Robichaud, Ms. Shait, Dr. Jones and I were impressed by these students who participated in productive conversations in our initial meeting. We will be advertising the next date soon and we would love to see even more students join. We will be covering everything from visualization, performance anxiety, depression, time management, stress, happiness and much more.
Now here is quick rundown on each team….
Our football team jumped out to a 14-0 lead on Silver Lake Friday in the first 3 minutes of the game. However, things stalled from there and the Lakers kept it close (14-6) for much of the rest of the night until the Panthers blew it open in the final quarter. Here is the scoring summary:
- 7 Jacob Nixon 57 reception from Rian Schwede Jake O'Brien kick good WH
- 17 Ethan Phelps 7 run O'Brien kick good WH
- 5 Sean Waters 70 reception kick no good SL
- 6 Nate Beath 2 run Ryan Schwede conversion run WH
- 10 Ryan Downing 76 reception from Schwede O'Brien kick WH
Rian Schwede has been on fire the last couple of weeks. Friday he was 7-12 passing for 158 yards, 2 touchdowns and he caught a big interception. Nate Beath continues his excellent season carrying the ball 8 times for 56 yards and a touchdown. Ethan Phelps carried it 10 times for 64 yards and a touchdown. Defensively Quinn Sweeney led the attack with a sack and 5 tackles (2 for a loss). Sean Joanis had 6 tackles and an interception while Ryan Trongone had 7 tackles. The team is now 4-2 and currently sits in 4th place in the 12 team Division 3 bracket. If they can win at Plymouth North on Friday the Panthers will secure their first home playoff game under the new post season format.
The Whitman Hanson girls' soccer team improved to 8-1-2 on the season and secured a place in the MIAA state tournament with a 3-0 win over Plymouth North on Friday. Both defenses played strong in the first half and the Panthers finally broke through when Riley Bina ran on to a long ball from Courtney Woodward and blasted it into the back of the net. With the score 1-0 at half the Panthers came out strong in the second half and went up 2-0 when Nora Manning received a nice pass from Kelsee Wozniak and slotted a left footed shot by the keeper. Delaney Hall rounded out the scoring after taking a perfect cross from Zoe Cox turning and firing a shot into the side of the net. Keepers Skylar Kuzmich and Reese Codero combined for the shutout. Olivia Johnson, Erin Wood, Courtney Woodward, Ava Melia and Sam Perkins were strong defensively while Olivia Borgen and Alexis Billings turned in strong games in the midfield. The Panthers have a big week ahead as they play host to Duxbury Tuesday at 6:30pm, travel to Silver Lake Thursday at 6:30pm and host Rockland on Saturday at noon.
The boys soccer team has hit a rough patch of late and has yet to play a game with everyone healthy and available. The team is currently 3-8-1 and will travel to Duxbury on Tuesday.
The Whitman-Hanson Boys Cross Country team (2-3) downed Silver Lake at home Wednesday afternoon 24-37. Scoring for the Panthers on its 5k course were SO Theo Kamperides (2nd, 18:05), JR Brandon Hager (4th, 18:35), FR Evan Jewett (5th, 18:48), JR Captain Adam Solari (6th, 18:55) and SO Matt Butler (7th, 19:12.) Also running well for WH were JR Nick Hanley (8th, 19:32), SO Liam Cafferty (9th, 19:40) and SO Chris MacDonald (10th, 19:45.)
Whitman-Hanson Girls Cross Country (2-3) placed 6 of the top 7 runners to defeat Silver Lake at home Wednesday afternoon. Scoring for the Panthers in the 5K race were JR Tori Boss (2nd, 22:08), JR Niki Kamperides (3rd, 22:12), SR Captain Maeve Rooney (4th, 22:59), SR Captain Maeve McDonough (5th, 23:26) and SR Dorothy DiMascio-Donohue (6th, 23:26.) JR Tori Carleton placed 7th overall in 24:00.
The volleyball teams best performance of the week came on Tuesday when they recorded an impressive 3-0 over the Blue Eagles. Senior middle Erin Leahy was on fire all match with 9 total kills. Junior tri-captain right side Olivia Martin got the team going with a strong kill and aggressive play in the first set. Junior tri-captain libero Nicole Scott recorded 16 digs in the match. The Panthers are 4-8 overall, 4-7 in league play. One other note, Friday marked the last home game for senior Kylie Gervasio who will be returning to Brazil for a couple of weeks (she will be back for the season finale on the road). The team celebrated her and her family with a pre game ceremony. She then went out and recorded 23 assists. The girls travel to Silver Lake Monday.
The field hockey team continues its amazing season, posting their 4th straight tie on Tuesday, 2-2 against perennial powerhouse Hanover. Robin Goyette found the back of the net and then Delanie MacDonald joined her on the scoresheet seconds after. In the second half, the Panthers defense took over. Hanover had many opportunities to tie the game, but goalie Madison Savicke and her defense were relentless at stopping opportunities. Hanover was able to put one past the defense with just two minutes left in the game to tie the score. The team is 2-5-6 overall and 1-5-3 in league play. The state tournament is still a possibility but the girls have their work cut out for them. They need 9 points in their final 5 games. The team travels to Plymouth South on Monday and Plymouth North on Wednesday before returning home Friday against Duxbury.
The weather has wreaked havoc on all of our sports this fall but this is particularly true for golf. They will have a match every day this week as they finish off their regular season. They head into the final week with a record of 5-6 and need to finish .500 in order to qualify for post season play. They suffered a crucial loss on Wednesday at home against Silver Lake, 242-254. Sr. Captain Owen Manning was once again the team medalist with his 5 over par.
Our cheerleading team is excited to start their competition season on Sunday when they travel to Oliver Ames. The girls have been doing a lot of practicing and are ready to show off their new routine. In addition, the team has been very involved in community service. At Friday’s football game, they continued with the Whitman Hanson breast cancer fight with another Think Pink game. The superfans supported the cause by dressing up in pink.
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