The Panther Press
Official Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
December 9, 2018 - Volume 1 - ISSUE 13
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
December 11 – High School Winter Concert 7:00PM in Performing Arts Center
December 13 - Delayed Opening
December 22 - January 1 – Holiday BreakJanuary 2 - Return from Holiday Recess
January 16-22 - Mid-Year Exams/Finals
January 17 - Delayed Opening
January 21 - No School – Martin Luther King Day
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
March 29 - Junior PromRed Cross Club
Get Your Yearbook!
Parents don't forget you can surprise your graduating Senior with a Recognition Ad in the yearbook. You can submit it 24/7 from the comfort of your own home.
Go to whpanthers.wix.com/yearbook for all your yearbook needs.
It's THAT Time of Year!
Get Involved and Make a Difference!
The Panther Education Trust (PET) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), community-based organization committed to enriching the quality of public education at the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School (WHRHS). We do this through sponsoring community-based events and by raising money that is used to fund programs that enrich the educational experiences for all of the students at WHRHS.
Funds for the PET's programs are generated through fundraising activities, individual contributions, grants, and in-kind donations from local and national businesses.
SAVE THE DATES!
PET 2019 Monthly Meeting Dates:
Jan 14
Feb 4
March 4
April 1
May 6
June 3
Like and follow the Panther Ed Trust Facebook Page or @PantherEdTrust on twitter
for upcoming news and events.
DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS TAKING ORDERS FOR GIFT CARDS
Whitman & Hanson Dollars for Scholars will be processing orders for gift cards this holiday season as part of its fall fundraising drive. Interested individuals will be able to order gift cards from over 300 nationwide merchants. DFS will receive a commission for selling the cards while the recipient will receive the full face value of the gift card.
Individuals interested in placing an order may do so by stopping by the Whitman Town Clerk’s Office. Gifts card orders submitted by December 4th will be delivered on December 8th. Gift cards ordered by December 11 will be delivered on December 15th. Payments should be in the form of a check or cash.
Currently, DFS places gift card orders every other month for its board members. Members use the gift cards as gifts for family or friends or toward everyday purchases such as groceries, gas, prescriptions, and restaurants.
Dr. Christopher Jones
Commit in Steps
This week I decided to follow up on last week's video with few comments about lead and lag indicators when setting goals and committing to improving. Watch the video to hear more!
I would love to hear your comments!
Our Story...
Take a look and feel free to comment...this is our story...and everyone is part of it.
Assistant Principal - Mr. Floeck
NAEP Update
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has just released the list of selected students from the 12th grade to participate in the assessment on January 31st. Selected students will participate in one of the assigned areas of math, reading or science. Participating students will be entered in to a raffle that offers 2 tickets to the senior prom, 1 month of premium student parking and a $25 gift certificate to the school store. We will be notifying the selected students and parents over the next two weeks. Participation in the assessment is optional, so if you do not want your son/daughter to participate you will need to notify my office.
Congratulations
I would like to congratulate the students who were inducted in to the National Honor Society last night. Scholarship, leadership, service and character were on full display as the newest forty-five members were inducted. Congratulations to Spanish teacher Mrs. Dempsey for being inducted as the honorary staff member and challenging us all to embrace our fears. I would like to send a special thank you to Ms. Galambos, National Honor Society advisor, for organizing such a wonderful ceremony that truly highlighted the hard work and accomplishments of these fine students.Counseling - Mrs. Ruth Carrigan
Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Exam
All graduating seniors are eligible to compete for the ALF-CIO scholarship. To qualify, students must register on-line by December 14, 2018 at: www.massaflcio.org/scholarships The exam will be administered at Whitman-Hanson on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.
Panther Alumni Day
On Friday, December 21st, WHRHS Class of 2018 graduates, will be visiting the high school for Panther Alumni Day. During their visit, they will have an opportunity to share advice with current WHRHS students about making the most of high school and the successful transition to college, the military, or career training. Teachers will be able to sign up their last period classes for the program.
College Admissions Seminar
Please join us for Whitman-Hanson’s annual College Admissions Seminar that will be held on Thursday, January 10th at 6:30 p.m. This program will be an informative and interesting evening with presentations by college admissions professionals. Representatives from Harvard University, Boston College, The University of Massachusetts - Boston, and Massasoit Community College are expected to participate. Topics to be covered include Opportunities at Two-Year Colleges, The College Search Process, The College Application Process, Selective College Admissions, and The College Essay. The program is open to all students, however we especially encourage sophomore and junior students and parents to attend the WHRHS College Admissions Seminar.
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 reach out to your child’s school counselor.
Athletics - Mr. Bob Rodgers
The winter season is underway and the boys hockey team kicked it off in fine fashion on Saturday beating Pembroke, 5-2. WH goal scorers were two by Adam Solari and single tallies by Ed Scriven, John Hagan and Chris Stoddard. WH also had strong efforts from Jack Allen and Owen Manning. Bob Siders made 25 saves for the win in net for the Panthers. The team will return to action Wednesday night at home at 7:55pm.
The wrestling team also christened the new season on Saturday traveling to North Attleboro for a quad meet. The scores were as follows, East Providence, RI 68 WH 12, North Attleboro 66 WH 12 and Burrillvile, RI 53 WH 27. Top wrestlers for the WH Panthers were Matt Rock going 2-1 at 126 pounds, Damari Goldsmith Green 2-1 at 138 pounds and Captain Steve Brooks also going 2-1 at 152 pounds. The Panthers will travel to Plymouth North on Wednesday for a Patriot League dual meet.
All students should make sure they have their superfan cards for the winter season. All you have to do is agree to the sportsmanship contract and the card is yours for free. Cards are available on the counter in the main office. You will have your first chance to use the card this Tuesday for the first pack the house night of the season when the boys basketball team takes on Quincy at 6:30pm. Superfans will get in for just $3 if they have their card, dress in black and pay exact change. The same deal will be honored for the girls basketball game Friday night at 6:30pm when they host Hingham.
Finally, the Boston Celtics will be honoring Whitman Hanson during halftime of their game Monday night for the school's emergency response program which was utilized during this falls incident where a football referee collapsed on the field. The official received excellent medical attention and recovered fully. Students Jack Sweeney and Ethan Phelps will represent WH for their roles in the response. Follow Twitter Monday night for pictures from the event.
As a reminder, all athletic schedules are available at www.whathletics.com . In addition, we frequently send updated information on twitter @whathletics . All parents and students should be sure to follow us.
Here is a look at all of the action scheduled for this week!
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