The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
January 20, 2019 - Volume 1 - ISSUE 17
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
January 22 - Quarter 2/Semester 1 Ends
January 23 - Semester 2/Quarter 3 Begins
January 24 - Combined Honor Society Induction 6:30PM in PAC
January 25 - Early Release – Grading Day
January 30 - Parent Portal Open for Quarter 2/Semester 1 Grades
January 31 - NAEP Test for Selected Students
January 31 - “All Band Night” 7:00PM in PAC
February 8 - Early Release – Professional Development
February 13 - Grade 8 Parent High School Curriculum Night 6:30PM in PAC
February 14 - Delayed Opening
February 18-22 - Winter Recess
March 14 - Delayed Opening
March 21 - Naviance Night Grades 10 & 11 Parents 6:30PM in Computer Labs
March 26-27 - MCAS ELA Grade 10
March 28 - Delayed Opening
March 29 - Early Release – Professional Development
Save the Date for this Upcoming Program!
Whitman-Hanson Key Club - Mrs. Alicia Edkin & Mr. Christopher Szkutak
Join us for our first fundraiser of 2019!
Tickets can be purchased online at www.panthereducationtrust.org
$25 per player and One $500 Grand Prize Winner!
All proceeds go towards grants for WH High School enrichment programs!
Follow us on twitter @pantheredtrust
Dr. Christopher Jones
Take Time
The message is to take the time to enjoy life's moments as they present themselves. Decide what's important and prioritize. Moments slip by us if we do not silence the world enough to enjoy them.
Have a great week!
Dr. Jones Takes Polar Plunge!
This includes field trips; in-school visits from educational-based organizations, such as the Museum of Science; purchasing a sound system to be used at school-wide assemblies that promotes a positive school culture and builds a community of learners and citizens; and meeting the needs of teachers and students to support a well-rounded learning environment.
I would appreciate it--and so would Indian Head students and teachers--if you could help support me in my cause to support the Hanson PTO!
Please take the time to click this link http://bit.ly/2S0b6Il and consider donating. Thanks in advance for your support!
Our Story...
Take a look and feel free to comment...this is our story...and everyone is part of it.
Counseling - Mrs. Ruth Carrigan
Junior Parent College Planning "Coffee with the Counselors" – Friday, January 25, 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
As a follow-up to the College Admissions Seminar that was held this week, junior parents are invited to attend our Junior Parent “Coffee with Counselors” on the morning of January 25, 2019 from 7:30 am – 8:30 am. We’ll be providing timely junior college planning tips and information in an informal setting. This will provide a more casual environment for parents and counselors to get together and further discuss the college search and application process. We recognize that many parents have similar questions regarding how to navigate through the college admissions maze, and our program is a great venue to meet other parents who share common concerns as well as provide information and resources to help make this a less stressful and less overwhelming experience. Please RSVP in advance by following this link: Junior Parent “Coffee with the Counselors” Registration Link
FAFSA Help
Any seniors/senior parents needing help completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) are encouraged to contact ASA (American Student Assistance), 231 Main Street, Suite R, Brockton. Call 508-586-3111 or email domartin@asa.org to make an appointment. Walk-in services are also available.
Project Contemporary Competitiveness – PCC
PCC is a residential summer enrichment program (4 or 6 week program sessions are available) held at Stonehill College. PCC applications are now available in the School Counseling Office, and any student currently in 7th, 8th, 9th or 10th grade may apply! Completed applications are due to the WH School Counseling Office on January 17, 2019 and should include a $25 deposit, scholarship application, and essay. For more information about PCC, please check out their website at https://pccasp.org.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your child's school counselor at the email address below, or call the School Counseling Office at 781-618-7427.
Mrs. Carrigan
Mrs. Garrett
Mrs. Selig
Mrs. Cunha (covering for Mrs. Bianco)
Mr. Amado
Post Graduate Program - Mrs. Cathy Bouzan
English - Mrs. Amy Floeck
Poetry Out Loud!
The English department is excited to announce the upcoming Poetry Out Loud National Recitation contest. Any high school student interested in competing should sign up with Mrs. Floeck in room 305 or speak with their English teacher. The competition will be held on January 31st in the John McEwan Performing Arts Center and students will be judged according to the Poetry Out Loud evaluation criteria. For the school-wide competition, students are required to memorize two poems from the Poetry Out Loud anthology; one must be 25 lines or fewer, and one must be written before the 20th century. The winner will represent the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District in the regional competition in early March. For additional information on poetry selection and judging criteria, please visit www.poetryoutloud.org.
Nurse - Mrs. Margaret Baker
Screenings
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. Scoliosis screenings will begin the month of January.
Flu Information
Flu season has returned! 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!
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.
Athletics - Mr. Bob Rodgers
Students face a variety levels of stress induced by everything from academic responsibilities to peer relationships. Athletics can provide a welcomed diversion from these pressures as studies show that exercise is one of the best cures. However conversely sometimes playing sports can actually add to the stress level when unhealthy expectations overwhelm the student. The athletic department in conjunction with the counseling office has formed a group to help off support to student athletes handle the psychology of sports.
The next meeting of this group is this Friday at 10:20am in the courtyard café. Breakfast will be served. Students who would like to attend are asked to please rsvp by clicking on this link - https://fs17.formsite.com/WHathletics/7qmuxhonbe/index.html
Here is a recap of this week in WH Athletics –
The girls hockey team won its first game of the season beating Quincy/North Quincy Tuesday 15-8 at Shea Ice Rink in Quincy. Alyssa Murphy lead the attack with 5 goals and 4 assists, Ellie Grady had 3 goals and 2 assists, Lily Ulvila had 3 goals and 1 assist, other scorers were Caity Hazley with 2 goals, Neve Corkery and Caleigh Tompkins with 1 each.
The swim team split a pair this week losing to Cohasset but beating Durfee. Madison Navicky had a great week with personal best times in the 200 free relay and 100 back stroke. Niki Kamperides had a great performance in the 50 free style and in the 100 back. Mariella Crowley did outstanding in her first ever 200 individual medley along with the 500 free style. Abby Bonney was solid in both the 200 and 400 free relay.
The girls basketball team also went 1-1 this week cruising past Hanover but falling on the road at Plymouth North. The Panthers (7-4, 4-4) came out strong scoring 27 in first quarter to help defeat Hanover 76-48 on Tuesday. Kathryn Dunn scored a career high 22 points. Reese Codero (5 3’s) had 19 points. Brittany Gacicia had a double double with 12 points and 14 boards. Rylie Harlow added 7. 10 players scored for the Panthers.
The boys basketball team continued with the theme of the week also going 1-1. They capped the week with an impressive road win at Plymouth North, 82-46. Junior Tom Vassil recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds and Liam Keane and Ben Rice both added 11 points. Junior Stevie Kelly missed a triple double by 2 rebounds (10 points, 15 assists and 8 rebounds) for the Panthers who improve to 9-3, 6-2. The boys play at the basketball hall of fame in Springfield on Monday.
Whitman-Hanson Wrestling traveled to King Phillip for a tri-meet with Sharon on Saturday. KP defeats WH 56-18 and Sharon defeats WH 54-6.
Bright spots for WH included 160 pound Junior Captain Tyler Cullinan with 2 victories, 4-3 vs KP and a SV 9-7 vs Sharon. 120 poundBethany Ralph 1-1 with a a pin vs KP, Damari Goldsmith-Greene 1-1 at 138 pounds, Joel McInnis 1-1 at 145 pounds and Rocco Ruffini also 1-1 at 220 pounds. The Panthers are currently 5-14 overall and 0-4 in the Patriot League. Next up is Quincy/North Quincy on Wednesday at 6:30 at WH.
It was a light week for boys hockey with just one game, a 5-2 loss at Hanover. Adam Solari had both goals and Owen Manning assisted on each tally. The Panthers fall to 5-6-1 and return to action Monday hosting Rockland at 1:30pm.
Whitman Hanson’s Boys Track Team had nine relay teams competing at the MSTCA relays on Saturday. Boys who ran really well includedTheo Kamperides, Pat Bui, Kyle O Brien, Sean Kakauskas and Chris Blackman.
In Girls Track the Distance Medley team of Tori Boss, Dorothy DiMascio-Donohue, Isabelle Amado and Anna Sullivan (who ran a personal best of 5:43 in the mile) finished 7th overall at the D3 Relays. Senior Capt Ally Bartlett was outstanding in t4x200, Sprint Medley and 50 M hurdle.
WHAM Gymnastics had their meet on Sunday with Hingham and Pembroke postponed. The girls host Marshfield on Tuesday at 7:30pm at MGC Pembroke.
The football and girls soccer teams held their banquets this week as they both celebrated excellent seasons. Quinn Sweeney was named MVP for football and Samantha Smith took home the honors for girls soccer. Tommy George and CJ Guiliani were named captains for football while Riley Bina, Courtney Woodward and Zoe Cox will lead the girls soccer team.
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