The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
April 28, 2020 - Volume 2 - ISSUE 28
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!
Dr. Christopher Jones
Message to Community
Hello Whitman-Hanson Regional High School Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you all healthy and in as good of spirits as possible given the current situation in which we find ourselves. I realized that many individuals struggled last week after the news that our school building would not be reopening this academic year. As you will see below, there is new information and as always resources available to assist you in needed.
While news is rapidly spreading concerning Commissioner Riley's latest guidance, I want to reassure the WHRHS community that we are well positioned to make an easy transition to the educational standards he references. Our teachers thoroughness coupled with our current plan for grading during the extended closure will allow us to continue being guided by our three principals of flexibility, opportunities for growth, and holding students harmless. The only changes you see will be those that occur as we completely transition from traditional to credit/no credit grading practices. Please note that the titles below are links to the plans they reference.
As I always say, I am grateful to be part of this community. Thank you for your patience, effort, and willingness to set aside differences and disagreements in an effort to help our most treasured possessions; our students. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Be well, stay safe, and take a moment today to focus on the positives this negative situation has brought into your life.
Chris Jones
Commissioner's News
New DESE Remote Learning Guidelines Released
The following language is almost (some language needed to be adjusted for tense and context) a direct quote from the letter issued by Commissioner Riley in his most recent release:
On Tuesday, April 21, when Governor Baker announced that schools would remain closed through the end of the academic year, Commission of Education, Jeffrey Riley, said that he would issue additional guidance on remote learning. That guidance builds on the initial guidance released on March 26 with a deeper focus on two areas:
- Further defining the recommended elements of a quality remote learning program, including a focus on teaching the content standards most critical for student success in the next grade level
- Encouraging districts to move all students towards successful engagement in remote learning, with a focus on addressing fundamental needs.
While the Department of Elementary and secondary Education (DESE) is not expecting teachers to cover all grade level standards this year, they are now asking schools to go further than before. This comes from the belief that a focus on the prerequisite standards most critical to student success in the next school year, coupled with increased attention to student engagement, will best support our students’ learning.
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 is Teacher Appreciation Day
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
There May (get it?) be a surprise coming their way...
Wonder what it could be...
Students' Voices
New Section in the Press!
Superintendent's Council Speaking Out and Answering Questions!
They now have an Instagram page! Check it out (@whhs_updates) follow, and get any questions answered!
Mrs. Ruth Carrigan
We hope that you and your family continue to navigate these unprecedented times safely. We are disappointed that we won't be returning to school this year. We miss our students, and we know that this is a stressful time for many. Please be sure to reach out if you need any assistance. We also wanted to share some important updates from the School Counseling Department.
Scholarship Update for Seniors - The deadline for Local and Community Scholarships is Friday, May 8, 2020. Completed scholarship applications, placed in envelopes, can be brought to a drop box located at the front entrance of the high school on May 5, 6, and 8 from 9 am - 12 pm. Any seniors with scholarship questions should contact their school counselors.
Panther Pathways Virtual Visits for Students - Please join us for exciting Virtual Visits with Babson College and Southeastern Regional Technical Institute this week. If you'd like to sign up, please click on the links below:
Date, Time, Virtual Visit Partner - Click Link to Sign Up
Tuesday, April 28
2:30 PM
Babson College - A nationally top ranked college/university for business and entrepreneurship
Thursday, April 30
2:30 PM
Southeastern Regional Technical Institute - Careers in trades/technical fields (plumbing, HVAC, medical and dental assisting, licensed practical nurse, and more!)
Tuesday, May 5
3:30 PM
Thursday, May 7
2:30 PM
Juniors and Parents - We are still booking post-secondary planning sessions. Please follow this Junior Planning Meeting Request link to set up a planning session with your counselor. In an effort to support students whose testing dates were cancelled, WHRHS will be a test center for the August 29 SAT. Students can start to register for summer and fall SAT dates at www.collegeboard.org starting the week of May 26th.
Career Spotlight - Check out our new Career Spotlight section of our website. We've put together information regarding entry into this profession for various levels of post-secondary training (technical school to 4 year degree).
AP Students - Please check the AP Updates for the most up to date information, including test dates, content, and weekly review sessions. If you have questions or have decided not to take your exams, please contact your school counselor.
New sign in process for Naviance - Students, please note that we have migrated to CLEVER as a way to log in to Naviance. Please check out this link if you need information on using CLEVER.
Social/Emotional Support for Students and Families - We encourage you to pay attention to self-care. A great resource for social emotional support is CASEL CARES. Check out the link and sign up for daily tips and supports via twitter and Facebook. In addition, the BRYT program is offering daily family support groups. Follow this link to find out more.
Please stay in touch and ask for help when you need it. School may be closed, but we are still here for you. We will be checking email regularly and will respond to you as soon as possible.
Take care of yourself and stay safe!
Please reach out to your school counselor if you have any questions!
Mrs. Carrigan - Ruth.Carrigan@whrsd.org
Mrs. Selig - Courtney.Selig@whrsd.org
Mrs. Cunha - MaggieCate.Cunha@whrsd.org
Mr. Amado - Domingo.Amado@whrsd.org
World Cultures Club
World Cultures Club Sends a Message of Kindness
Resources and Opportunities for Learning to Students
BRYT Support
Ms. Kaitlyn Robichaud
Dear Family,
This week was a difficult one for many after learning that our schools would not reopen this school year. While there is sadness and disappointment there is also some sense of relief in knowing the plan. While these last weeks of school are winding down I wanted to remind you that our program is a part of the BRYT (Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition) network, a non-profit that supports over 140 Bridge Programs across MA.
The BRYT Family Engagement Team is offering supports to families to help manage these difficult times. I thought that given the news this week it might be a good time to get reacquainted with the supports available to you.
Parents Support Group Flyer - We offer daily support groups around various topics based on what parents report they need. These are open to ANY family, not just BRYT families so feel free to share with others. *May 1 will be the start of your Spanish speaking group.*
Parent Support Webinars - If you missed a group, but you still want to be able to participate, now you can. The Family Engagement Team will be adding mini webinars for our topic-based groups so parents can watch at a time convenient for them. We have two completed for this week.
Facebook - BRYT offers a closed Facebook group for peer to peer support. Come talk with parents who are going through similar situations. Just search "BRYT Family Support" and ask to join.
Other Resources - BRYT Family Resources - COVID-19 and Community Resources
Best,
Kaitlyn
Community Resource Guide
Crisis Services for Students Experiencing Mental Health Emergency
CALL 911 or go to your local hospital emergency room
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
The National Suicide prevention Lifeline is a 24 hour, toll-free suicide prevention hotline. You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. Call for yourself or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7, confidential text message service for people in crisis.Local Food Insecurity, Financial, Fuel, and Rent Resources
- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE. Food stamps and income for families with dependent children meeting income eligibility. 61 Industrial Park Rd., Plymouth, 508-732-3100, Fax: 617-887-8765
- Good Neighbor Energy Fund in Massachusetts
- Interfaith Social Services | Serving the South Shore Since 1947
- Project Bread | Home
- South Shore Community Action Council | Welcome
- WELLSPRING, Hull, MA Offering a Hand Up – Not a Hand Out
- XFINITY INTERNET ACCESS. Comcast is providing 60 days of free access for people who are not current Comcast subscribers. Please go to for more information.
Communicating With Students About COVID-19
- How to Talk to Children About the Coronavirus
- Talking to Tweens/Teens About the Coronavirus
- NASP: Talking to Children about COVID-19: A Parent Resource
- 5 Ways to Help Teens Manage Anxiety Around Coronavirus
- Spreadsheet of Education Companies Providing Free Resources during COVID-19 period
- Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 | CDC
- A Comic created from NPR based on interviews with experts
- What Kids Want To Know About Coronavirus: An Original Comic : Goats and Soda
- A Brain Hack to Break the Coronavirus Anxiety Cycle The New York Times
- www.wholechildcounseling.com
Mental Health/Coping With COVID-19 and Social Distancing
- How to Prevent Loneliness In a Time of Social Distancing
- SAMHSA: Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During An Infectious Disease Outbreak
- SAMHSA: Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
- CDC: Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
- ABC Please (DBT)
- Healthy Mind Platter
- https://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors/professional-development/learn-more/coronavirus-resources
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