The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
October 14, 2019 - Volume 2 - ISSUE 7
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 15 - Lifetouch Picture Retakes – Grade 9-11 PAC
October 16 - Credit for Life – Grade 12, PSAT – Grades 10 & 11, Freshman Elections & Presentation – Grade 9
October 18 - Early Release – District Professional Development
October 22 - Music Department “Fall Concert” at 7:00 p.m. in the P.A.C.
October 24 – Delayed Opening
October 31 – Quarter 1 Ends
November 1 – Early Release – District Grading Day, Quarter 2 Begins
November 6 – Quarter 1 Progress Report Grades available on Parent Portal, book Parent-Teacher Conferences via
November 6-8 – MCAS ELA Retest
November 7 – Delayed Opening
November 11 – No School – Veteran’s Day
November 13-14 – MCAS Math Retest
November 14 – Early Release – Parent-Teacher Conferences
November 15 – WHRHS Red Cross Blood Drive
November 21 – Delayed Opening
November 26 – Rally
November 27-29 – Thanksgiving Break
December 2 – Winter Sports Start
December 6 – Early Release – District Professional Development
December 12 – Delayed Opening
December 23 – Alumni Day
December 23-January 1 – Holiday Recess
January 2 – Students Return from Holiday Recess
MCAS Results Are Here!
MCAS Results for Grades 9, 10 and 11 are available for pick-up in the High School Main Office from 7AM-3PM. If you would like results to be sent home with your child, please send a note to the Main Office requesting that results be sent home with your child.
Whitman-Hanson Parents!
Looking to get involved at school? The Credit For Life Fair is coming up and we are looking for parent volunteers. The Credit for Life Fair will be held on October 16, 2019 and the time commitment is 8:00AM to 10:30AM. It’s a great event where seniors are provided with a real life budget experience. Seniors are informed of their salary in their selected career and must come up with a budget by visiting various booths. It is a very valuable experience for them.
We enjoy providing this event for the seniors – but we need help! If you can volunteer your time please contact the parent volunteer coordinator Nina Consolini.
Thank you!
Get Your's Now!
Yearbooks are the best possible deal.
Price will go up October 25, 2019.
Parent Recognition Ads are available now. Choose from a variety of sizes and prices.
Senior photos and bios are due by Nov. 25.
All links and info needed are online 24/7 at https://whpanthers.wixsite.com/yearbook
2019-2020 SEPAC meetings
All meetings held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm
in the Whitman Hanson Regional High School library
Please check out our website for more information
November 12th – ExSel Presentation (ExSel – Excellence through Social Emotional Learning)
Focus: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, relationship skills, and social awareness
January 14th –Anxiety Presentation Part 1 - Students (7-8pm Middle & High School)
February 11th – Anxiety Presentation Part 2 - Parents (7-8pm Middle & High School)
March 10th – BCBA Presentation (focus topic TBD) (7-8pm Middle & High School)
April 14th – Occupational Therapy Presentation
May 12th – Speech and Language Presentations on Language Pragmatics (meeting will be held in WHRHS Courtyard Café due to Arts in Bloom being held in the WHRHS library) (7-8pm Middle & High School)
Dr. Christopher Jones
Step Back and Make Time
I happened to be watching a parent drop off their student the other day when I noticed something that made me pause. The student went on their way as usual, but the parent paused for a brief second to look at them as they walked away. You know what look I'm talking about I'm talking about. In that second, the look on the parent's face conveyed more caring and love for that child then any amount of words could convey.
It made me recall an aspect of a book I am currently reading. Empower by John Spencer and A.J. Juliani quotes Tom Murray when it states; "Every child in your class is someone else's whole world." In fact, it made me think about last weeks message concerning focusing on how to be successful rather than worrying about how not to fail. I give a personal example in the video below of how I made this mistake with my son and needed to hear that I had by another person.
This is all because as a society we fall into the trap of being so focused on the end result that we forget the process. Or more importantly, the people in the process. Add to this the inclination to always look for or noticing the negative in situations and we can damage important relationships. Even though most of us preach the importance of building positive relationships; few of us actually intentionally set aside time to structure positive experiences with those who are important to us? Presence reigns in this world of fast paced, results driven world if building quality relationships is your goal.
The overall message is that we need to focus on:
- succeeding rather than not failing
- the process rather than the end product
- the positive rather than the negative
I want to challenge you. Be intentional about focusing on the person instead of the result; the positive instead of the negative; and the actual overall relationship over the course of the next week. Start with a week and then move to longer periods of time. After all, when is the last time you will be able to give that special person that look?
Take time to:
- change your mindset
- realize there is always a context
- look at the positives
As usual, I go into more detail about this in the video below. Take the time to watch, offer your opinion, or share if you find value in it.
Our Story...
Take a look and feel free to comment...this is our story...and everyone is part of it.
Mr. David Floeck
Don't Struggle in Silence
We have now been in school for almost thirty school days and teachers and students are in full swing. As more assignments and assessments are administered we are getting a better picture of how our students are performing in their classes.
I encourage parents to look at your child’s infinite campus and talk about where they are in their respective classes. Reach out to teachers if your child is struggling in a particular class or classes. If they are struggling with homework completion, organization, etc contact your child’s school counselor to discuss the afterschool enrichment and academic support program. They are a great resource for helping students succeed academically and emotionally.
Progress reports will be out on November 6th so it is important to reach out for assistance if needed. We don’t want any student to “struggle in silence”. Reach out and let’s work together towards continually growth and improvement.
Mrs. Ruth Carrigan
PSAT Administration is Finally Here! – The PSAT will be administered to all students in grade 10 and 11 during the school day this Wednesday, October 16th. 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.
Common App Thursdays – Seniors are welcome to come on down to the school counseling office every Thursday during the month of October. Counselors will be available on a drop in basis during the school day to provide help with the Common Application. Any seniors needing assistance with their Common Apps are welcome to stop by School Counseling Office during Academic Seminar or Lunch. If you need help after school, please check in with your counselor to make a plan.
AP Exam Registration Deadline
Students enrolled in AP (Advanced Placement) classes who will be taking AP exams in May are reminded that AP exam registration forms and exam fees ($94 per exam) are due on October 15. Students that receive free or reduced priced lunch are eligible for a reduced exam fee of $40 per exam. Information on payment plans can be found on the AP Exam Registration Forms that were sent home with students enrolled in AP classes earlier in the month. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Carrigan at Ruth.Carrigan@whrsd.org
Credit for Life Fair - The Credit for Life Reality Fair will be held for members of the senior class on October 16 during the school day. The Credit for Life Fair is a nationally recognized program designed to help high school students develop personal financial management skills that they will use throughout their lives.
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 24th. This program is geared toward grade 9 and 10 students and parents and will cover Mass State College/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.
WHRHS Career Connections Fair – Students in grades 9 – 12 are welcome to join us for our annual Career Connections Fair on Friday, November 22 in the library during D block (9:32 -10:40 am). The program will feature approximately 30 career professionals representing fields of business, law enforcement, EMT/fire, video production, entertainment industry, protective services, human services, education, health care, skilled trades, technology, and more! Students in all grades are welcome to participate. A link to sign up online will be available soon!
If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school counselor. Enjoy the weekend.
S.E.A.C. - Mr. James Kozak
S.E.A.C. Speaks Out!
In coordination with Green Hanson, students prepared information on pollution from plastics in our environment and why this issue is of personal importance to them. They were graciously welcomed to the floor by Board of Selectman and delivered short but impassioned speeches to their community. We’re pleased to say both articles passed. This was an amazing opportunity for students to make an impact in an area they care a great deal about. It also provided them an opportunity to learn about the democratic process in their community.
Please check out the Whitman-Hanson Express article that was written about them!
Ms. Kelly Tanis
Veteran's Day Donations!
The French Honor Society will be collecting toiletry items, socks, puzzle books, crafts, etc. that will be donated to the Brockton VA Hospital in honor of Veteran's Day. Donations will be collected until November 6 and boxes can be found in the library, the office, and room 272. Your generosity is greatly appreciated !
Mrs. Amy Floeck
A Chance to be Heard!
Any student in grades 9-12 are welcome to participate in the annual VFW Voice of Democracy competition. This year’s topic is “What makes America great?” “Student entries should be submitted (along with a completed entry form and audio recording) to our local VFW Post 697. The deadline for both contests is October 31, 2019. A complete entry form along with the rules may be found here!
The Veterans of Foreign Wars address is:
VFW Post 697
95 Essex Street
Whitman, MA 02382
Mrs. Cathy Brunelle
What’s Happening This Month in the library
What to Read: New and Recommended books
It Takes a Village. Who’s Helping in the Stacks?
Mrs. Margaret Baker & Mrs. Kathleen Joyce
~Panther Health Clinic~
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.
Absences:
Please call the sick line when your child is going to be absent. Send in any physician notes when your child is seen by his/her MD. If your child is out for 5 consecutive days, they must return with a physician note clearing them to return to school.
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.
Medication Administration:
Any student requiring medication to be administered at school by the school nurse must have written physician documentation and signed parent consent. Please note that students are not permitted to transport medication to/from school per the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District Policy, therefore an adult must deliver the medication to the school nurse. Please deliver the medication to the school nurse in a pharmacy or manufacturer labeled container, bottle or box. Please ask your pharmacy to provide a separate container/bottle/inhaler/epi-pen/diastat for school and home. No more than a thirty day supply of the medication should be delivered to the 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 - Coach Bob Rodgers
The exciting news of the week was our volleyball team clinching a playoff spot for the first time in several years. The squad led by first year head coach and Panther alum Samantha Richner won a phenomenal battle with Plymouth North on Friday to punch the ticket. Whitman Hanson outlasted the Blue Eagles, 3-2 (25-23, 20-25, 24-26, 25-23, 15-11). Sophomore Megan Stone stole the spotlight with the final kill that secured the win for the Panthers; Stone tallied 5 kills thorough out the match. Junior Delaney Rowell, however, led the team in kills with 7. Junior Sophia Berardinelli was another key player with 19 assists, 1 ace, 1 solo block, and 2 kills! The Panthers are now 7-5 in the league and 10-5 overall. Whitman Hanson is back in action on Tuesday when they face Silver Lake.
The heartbreak of the week was the boys cross country’s team coming within seconds of clinching a share of the league title but Duxbury had the push they needed to squeak by, 26-29. Overall winner was the Panthers Junior Theo Kamperides who covered the 5K course in 16:24. Duxbury placed 4 of the next 5 places to seal the win. Also scoring for Whitman-Hanson were Brandon Hager (4th, 16:53), Liam Cafferty (7th, 17:02), Nathan Tassey (8th, 17:02) and Adam Solari (9th, 17:03.)
On the girls side, Sophomore Myah Kamperides remained unbeaten in Patriot League competition but it wasn't enough for the Panthers (2-4) who dropped its meet 20-35 with Duxbury. Kamperides posted a time of 20:14 on the 5K course for the win, but Duxbury took the next 5 places. Others scoring for Whitman-Hanson were Bryn Miller (7th, 21:30), Anna Flynn (8th, 21:41), Victoria Boss (9th, 21:45) and Niki Kamperides (10th, 21:48).
Mother Nature saw you it so that the field hockey team only played one game this week and although it was a 5-2 loss, the girls battled tough against a team that has 3 male athletes on the team. Sophomore forward Lauren Dunn netted her second of the season. Fellow Sophomore forward Olivia Phelps also scored which happened after a 60 yard explosive run with the ball. The Panthers fall to 2-6-4.
The young Panthers golf team lost both matches this week but there were many bright spots. In the 4 stroke loss at Plymouth North, Sophomore Chris Ross earned his first Tiger ball honor of the season with his solid 5 over 36 performance.
Other notables on the day:
Jr Aidan Miller and Capt Ian Brown both shot a 37, while Capt Matt Korzec and junior Graham Stewart both turned in a 39. Soph Pat McBroom rounded out the day with his 9 over 40. The other news from golf is both Matt Korzec and Aidan Miller will be advancing to the individual state tournament.
The girls’ soccer team qualified for the state tournament with a 2-0 victory over non-league opponent Marshfield on Monday. The game against Hingham was postponed to October 28th due to high winds. In the Marshfield game Alexis Billings put the Panthers on the board, just before halftime, when she pounced on a rebound off an Olivia Borgen free kick that struck the crossbar. In the second half it was a Billings corner kick that found Borgen who put the Panthers up 2-0. Marshfield goalkeepers made it difficult for the Panthers to put anymore in the net. The Panther defense of Sam Perkins, Ava Melia, Erin Wood and Courtney Woodward were outstanding in front of keepers Kylee Colclough and Reese Codero. Kelsee Wozniak and Abby Carew had outstanding games for the Panthers who improved to 9-1-1 overall(8-0-1 in the Patriot league).
The boys soccer team played just one game this week as well as their game against Hingham was also rescheduled to October 28th. In their battle against Marshfield the Rams scored the games only goal on a penalty kick. Andrew Sullivan, who played another excellent game, was named tri captain this week as well.
In an exclusion game for The football team, the Panthers jumped out to a 6-0 halftime lead, only to see Marshfield score 20 2nd half points. CJ Guiliani carried 14 times for 88 yards and had 11 tackles on defense for the Panthers. Cam Cummings scored the touchdown for Whitman-Hanson. Since the MIAA only allows teams to count 7 games toward the state tournament this contest does not count. The Panthers still have a shot at the league title but must win Friday at Duxbury to keep those hopes alive and move into a three way tie for the top spot.
Sports Short Wrap Up 10/7/19 - 10/14/19
There is so much going on with all our athletic teams, but you can catch up on all of it by reading Athletic Director Bob Rodgers' update and watching this weekly round up of the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School Panthers' athletic teams in action!
Hit subscribe and follow to catch them all!
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