The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
January 12, 2020 - Volume 2 - ISSUE 18
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 15-21 - Semester 1 Mid-Year/Final Exams
January 20 - No School – Martin Luther King Day
January 21 - Quarter 2/Semester 1 Ends
January 22 - Quarter 3/Semester 2 Begins
January 23 - Combined Honor Society Induction 6:30PM in Performing Arts Center
January 24 - Early Release – District Grading Day
January 29 - Semester 1 Report Cards available n Parent Portal
February 5-6 - MCAS Biology Retest
February 7 - Early Release – District Professional Development
February 13 - HS Delayed Opening
February 13 - Panther Praise 8:15AM in Performing Arts Center
February 17-21 - No School - Winter Break
March 2 & 4-5 - MCAS ELA Retest
March 3 - No School for Students – Presidential Primary Election
March 5 - HS Delayed Opening
March 6 & 9 - MCAS Math Retest
March 17 - Shakespeare & Company Grade 12 students
March 18 - Naviance Night 6:30PM in Room 159 & 161
March 19 - HS Delayed Opening
March 23 - Spellman Contest 6:30PM in Performing Arts Center
March 24-25 - MCAS ELA Grade 10 Students
March 27 - District Early Release – Professional Development
March 27 - Junior Prom – Canoe Club 7-10PM
WGBH’s High School Quiz Show® has announced the 17 schools from across Massachusetts that will compete on the 11th season of the public television academic tournament. Hosted by Boston media personality Billy Costa, the broadcast competition tests students’ knowledge in math, science, civics, literature, history, current events and more.
Our school is one of the 17 schools who has qualified to be on High School Quiz Show this season. Coached by Christopher Szkutak and Julie Giglia, students Catherine Cronin, Adam Everidge, Michael Doucette, and Benjamin Turner, with the support of alternates Nicholas Femia and John Molisse, will play head to head against teams from all across Massachusetts.
The first match will be against Boston Latin on January 25th at 4pm at the WGBH Studios in Brighton. Tickets to be in the studio audience are FREE and are available at http://bit.ly/whquizshow! We want to see our community “fill the studio” with our school colors and spirit! Your support will be greatly appreciated. All are welcome to be there, we hope to fill the studio with Panther Pride!
Our episode will air on February 29th at 6:00 PM on WGBH-2!
Please invite friends and family to join in supporting our quiz team.
Thanks for your support!
A Community and Future Built on Black and Red Spirit!
We have a very special community consisting of two towns that come together to form one high school and one Panther family. Through our various camps and clinics in various sports at the high school, we hope to begin building a foundation of that red and black spirit. But even more important than that, is our desire to help parents and families in Whitman and Hanson instill healthy interests and passions in our young people.
Parents of elementary and middle school children have a great opportunity to help shape their child’s future by sparking their interest in some kind of sport or activity. One of the best ways to do this, is to come to high school sporting events as a family and enjoy one of the purest forms of competition you could find. Sure it is fun to go to Fenway to see the Red Sox or the Boston Garden to see the Celtics, but it has been our experience that kids who go to high school games on a regular basis truly develop a love for that sport. In addition, it is a fun family night that is affordable and easy to manage into your schedule.
Aside from being the Athletic Director, I am also the high school basketball coach. Most of my current players were fixtures in the gym while they were growing up. They loved coming to watch our teams play and they tell me today that they looked at those high school players as role models and heroes. We have 27 sports at the high school and you can find all of the schedules at www.whathletics.com . Children 4th grade and under are always admitted free and parents admission is only $5 (plus the parking is free!). It is a lot more affordable than going to a professional event.
Here is a link to each sport schedule for the winter season:
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
January 14th –Anxiety Presentation Part 1 - Students – (7-8pm middle high/school)
February 11th – Anxiety Presentation Part 2 - Parents - 6-8pm
March 10th – BCBA Presentation - (6-8pm Middle & High School)
April 14th – Occupational Therapy Presentation - 6-8pm
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) (6-8pm Middle & High School)
June 9th – Planning 2020-2021 meetings, general discussion - 6-8pm
Student Selected Staff Member of the Month Announced
Mrs. Angela Goncalves
Comments from students indicate she is friendly, helpful, and always works hard to make sure the students are in a space that looks good. Students also said that Angela is always smiling and a genuinely nice person that treats everyone well.
Be sure to congratulate Mrs. Goncalves when you see her!
Dr. Christopher Jones
Getting in the Arena
Our Story...
Take a look and feel free to comment...this is our story...and everyone is part of it.
Mr. David Floeck
High School Drop-off
Mornings at the high school can be a very busy time with the entire school population arriving all at the same time. As always, we are committed to getting everyone to school safely. As of late we have encountered some situations where parents are dropping their student off in the middle of traffic. We ask that any student being dropped off in the outer loop, the one closest to the building, be dropped off against the curb that abuts the sidewalk. Do not drop your student off on the inside portion of the outer loop. Students dropped off on the interior of the outer loop are crossing paths with vehicles pulling away from the curb and this is not safe. We appreciate your assistance, as we safely welcome students and staff to the school in the morning.
Mrs. Ruth Carrigan
FAFSA Workshop at WHRHS - Thursday, January 30, 2020 - 5 – 7:30 PM
Seniors and their parents who have not yet completed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid are invited to a FAFSA Workshop, sponsored by MEFA and MASFAA. The program will be held in WHRHS computer labs on January 30th at 5:00 PM. Parents and students attending will receive assistance to complete and submit their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online. Space is limited and families must register to attend. Please follow this link to register: FAFSA Workshop Registration Link Another source for FAFSA filing assistance is American Student Assistance. They are located at 231 Main Street, Suite R, Brockton. Call 508-586-3111 to make an appointment. Walk-in services are also available.
Junior Parent College Planning "Coffee with the Counselors" – Friday, January 24, 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 24, 2020 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 opportunity 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 Link
Project Contemporary Competitiveness – PCC
PCC is a 6 week (or students can opt for a new four week program) residential summer program 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 15, 2020 and should include a $25 deposit, completed PCC application and scholarship application. For more information about PCC, please check out their website at https://pccasp.org.
Mrs. Cathy Bouzan
Post Graduates Take Home Top Award!
Upcoming Dates
Saturday, January 18, 2020 - Tri-County Festival hosted by W-H 2:00 pm W-H PAC
Saturday, January 25, 2020 - All-State Chorus in Shrewsbury, MA
Thursday, February 6, 2020 - “All Band Night” Concert 7:00 pm W-H PAC.
Saturday, February 8, 2020 - LIPSYNC battle! W-H PAC Time TBD
Saturday, February 29, 2020 - Nutmeg Show Choir Festival Windsor Locks High School in Connecticut
Friday, March 13, 2020 - “Alumni/Community Band” Concert 7:00 pm W-H PAC
Show Choir/Pit Band
Chorus
Congratulations on a job well done! The Chorus performed prior to the Holiday break for the Hanson and Whitman Middle Schools and the High School. They will continue working hard and improving their talents for the 2020 spring concert.
The following students will perform this weekend for the S.E. District Music Festival at Somerset-Berkley Regional High School. Congratulations to the following students for making the audition. Way to go!! Good Luck to you all!!!
Julian Anderson
Jillian Feeney
Leanne Leavitt
Grace Morgan
Emma Rogers
Caitlin Veneto
They are excited to be performing at the Tri-County Festival that W-H is hosting on Saturday, January 18, 2020 in front of all of the other schools that come to participate in this fun filled weekend.
Band
Congratulations on a job well done! The Band performed prior to the Holiday break for the Hanson and Whitman Middle Schools and the High School. They will continue working hard and improving their talents for the 2020 spring concert.
The High School and Middle School Bands are preparing for the “All Band Night” Concert on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at 7:00 pm in the W-H PAC.
The High School Concert Band is preparing for the “Alumni/Community Band Concert on Friday, March 13, 2020 aat 7:00 pm in the W-H PAC.
“Something Natural” A Capella Group
Congratulations on a job well done! “Something Natural” performed prior to the Holiday break for the Hanson and Whitman Middle Schools and the High School. They will continue working hard and improving their talents for the 2020 spring concert.
They are excited to be performing their own featured song, Valentine by Train, at the Tri-County Festival that W-H is hosting on Saturday, January 18, 2020 in front of all of the other schools that come to participate in this fun filled weekend. New members always welcome!
Drama Club
We have been having so much fun already in rehearsals with this talented cast!
Meetings are Mondays & Fridays 2:00-3:00
If you have any interest in getting involved, please email Brookescriven@gmail.com
Lipsync Battle
We are looking for 10-12 teams(teams clubs - students-parents) to enter our Whitman Hanson LIPSYNC battle!
Earn money for your club or team by entering! RAP! ROCK! COUNTRY! POP! Prizes and awards given.
Saturday, Feb 8th Whitman Hanson Performing Arts Center
Mrs. Margaret Baker & Mrs. Kathleen Joyce
~Panther Health Clinic~
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 61,000 deaths during the 2018-2019 flu season- ( per Centers for Disease Control). 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 or Mrs. Joyce at 781-618-7430 for any questions regarding medication.
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!
Athletics - Coach Bob Rodgers
The boys hockey team split a pair this week beating Quincy 7-1 but losing a battle with the top team in the league, Plymouth North 4-1. Matt Solari had three goals this week while Kevin Willis, Adam Solari, Sean Doucette and John Ward had single tallies. Jack Allen and Mike Savicke played strong on defense in the win over Quincy.
The Whitman Hanson /Silver Lake girls hockey team beat Scituate Saturday 9-4 at Shea rink in Quincy to continue their resurgence. WHSL was led by 5 goals from Alyssa Murphy and 3 by Cassie Martin for her 1st varsity hat trick, Shea Kelleher added the other goal and played a strong 2 way game. Neve Corkery and Ellie Grady each had 2 assists. The next game is Wednesday 1/15 at 8:00 PM vs. North Quincy at Bridgewater Ice Arena.
Whitman-Hanson Wrestling traveled to Plymouth South for a Tri-meet with Plymouth South and Lincoln Sudbury on Saturday losing to the PS Panthers 55-21, while the WH Panthers turned it around and beat Lincoln Sudbury 42-36. Double winners for the Panthers included at 160 pounds Steve Brooks with 2 pins and at 220 also with 2 pins Rocco Ruffini. Panthers winning one match each include 138 Damari Goldsmith-Green, Aiden Obrien at 145, Pat Collett at 152, Tyler Cullinan at 170, Mike Gardner at 182, Maddox Colclough at 195 and Declan Hanihpy at 286. Next up for the Panthers is Patriot League opponent Pembroke on Wednesday January 15th on the road. The Panthers are 0-1 in the Patriot League Keenan Division and 2-2 overall.
In a non-league matchup, Whitman-Hanson Girls Track (1-1, 1-2 overall) fell to Marshfield High School 88-12 Wednesday evening. Senior Captain Samantha Perkins won the 55 dash and finished 3rd in both the 55 Hurdles and High Jump for the Panthers while Senior Captain Tori Carleton finished 2nd in the 2 Mile.
Whitman Hanson Boys Indoor Track defeated Marshfield 56 to 44 this week. Winning for Whitman Hanson was Graham Stewart in the 55 Hurdles. Cullen Poth won the Shot Put. Jake Caterer won the Long Jump. Theo Kamperides won the 2 Mile. The 4 x 200 relay won; its members are Jacob Donovan, Graham Stewart, Ryan Smith and Jake Caterer. The 4 x 400 relay won; its members are Chris Blackman, Pat Bui, Mike King and Dyllan Burns. This win brings Whitman Hanson's record to 2 and 1.
WH Gymnastics lost to Scituate this week 119.6 to 125.45. The WH girls had their highest Vault and Beam scores of the season. Highlights include freshmen Steph Braga and Riley Getchell's highest beam scores of the season with a 7.95 and 7.75 respectively. Senior Sarah Bombardier had another amazing vault with a score of 8.8. Next meet is next Friday at the Hanover YMCA.
The Whitman Hanson girls basketball team had a busy week winning 2 of 3 with the final game a 47-39 victory over a scrappy Duxbury team. The Panthers were led by Junior guard Reese Codero (12 points) and Senior forward Brittany Gacicia (13 points). Sophomore Abby Martin came up big in crunch time as she scored all 8 of her points in the fourth quarter. The team is back at home Tuesday night when they take on Silver Lake.
The boys basketball team swept all 3 games this week by a combined margin of victory of 76 points. The Panther recorded wins over North Quincy, Pembroke and Duxbury. In the final game of the week Senior Ben Rice tossed in 16 points while Juniors Nate Amado (13) and Cole Levangie (10) also had double figures to lead Whitman Hanson to a 69-49 over Duxbury. Captain Stevie Kelly had a big week with 35 points and 33 assists.
Sports Short Wrap Up 1/6/20 - 1/12/20
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