Panther Press

September 15, 2025 - Volume 8 - ISSUE 2

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!

9/26/2025: Freshman Parent Coffee with Counselors 7:30AM

10/3/2025: Freshman Elections during WIN

10/6/2025: Picture Retakes

10/8/2025: SAT for Registered Seniors

10/10/2025: Early Release - Professional Development (10:15AM dismissal)

10/11/2025: Homecoming Dance - more information to follow

10/13/2025: No School - Columbus Day

10/22/2025: PSAT for Registered Grade 10 & 11 Students

10/30/2025: Quarter 1 Ends

10/31/2025: Early Release - Grading Day

10/31/2025: Book Parent-Teacher Conferences via PTC Wizard - more to follow

11/4/2025: Parent Portal Opens - Quarter 1 Grades

11/6/2025: Early Release - Parent-Teacher Conferences 12-2PM Virtual and 6-8PM In-Person

11/11/2025: No School - Veteran's Day

11/26-11/28/2025: No School - Thanksgiving Recess

12/1/2025: Winter Sports Start

12/4/2025: Grade 8 Orientation 6:30-8:30PM

Parents and Guardians are reminded to call the WHRHS Absence Line 781-618-7485 or email siobhan.horton@whrsd.org when your child is absent from school.

For the 2025-2026 school year, we will offer Chromebook insurance for all students in grades 6-12. Accidental damage, such as broken screens, can add up quickly throughout a school year and cause a financial burden on families.

OPEN ENROLLMENT August 1, 2025, through September 28, 2025

For example, without insurance, it costs $60 to repair an Acer or HP broken keyboard. If you purchase insurance, you pay a one-time yearly fee of $35 for Acer and HP Chromebooks.

As the students and teachers start to settle into the rhythm of school, we are all working to make sure we stay true to the ideals of Belonging, Bravery, and Becoming.

You will see this in various ways, but I wanted to highlight three areas specifically.

Students are finding where they fit whether it be in the lunchroom or level of class in which they are enrolled. Teachers are getting to know students better so they can adjust lessons to individual learning styles and needs. The overall goal is for students to discover that at this moment, they are where they belong, for who they currently are. There is more about this in my weekly video.

Our Dean of Students, Mr. Googins, is actually running a contest that challenges students to be brave. Read about the push to discover new interests through the many clubs offered here at Whitman-Hanson. This contest rolls perfectly into the theme of becoming.

Students know who they are now, but may not be sure of who they can become. It's a process that takes self acceptance and bravery to move through. We all know they can do it! Check out the video below about creating an environment that helps.

I hope your school year is off to a great start. As you start to get settled into a routine I just wanted to extend a little motivation to help you consider joining a club. With over 35 clubs at the high school, there must be one club that you would like to join.

So here is the challenge, attend three different club meetings by October 10th and win a prize from the main office. If you’re interested please stop down to the office and see Mr. Googins for the sign-off sheet you need for verification. After attending each meeting, the advisor of the club must sign off that you were present.

Important note, you don’t have to join each club but you must attend one meeting to find out the purpose/goal of the club. Our hope is that as you make your way to different clubs that one peaks your interest and you decide to join full time. Again, best of luck this school year and please stop down to the office with any questions regarding a club.

Curry College is pleased to invite your students and their families to our upcoming Program: Navigating the College Search Process for Neurodivergent Students. This special event is designed to help students with learning differences explore the college search process while learning how to identify the right academic and/or social & emotional supports they may need to thrive in college. Curry College representatives will share insights and guidance about finding a college that fosters student success.

The program will be especially valuable for students with:

• Learning differences

• ADD/ADHD

• Executive functioning challenges

• An ASD diagnosis

• Or other diagnoses that may make a traditional college environment challenging

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Our goal is to empower students and families with the tools and resources to find the best college fit — one that meets their academic goals and provides the proper support for personal success.

Students and families may register by clicking the registration link.

We invite parents and caregivers with students in grade 9 to join the school counseling staff for Coffee with the Counselors on Friday, September 26th at 7:30 AM. In this informal session, you will get a chance to meet your child's school counselor, and we will be available to answer questions and provide tips and advice to help you and your students make a successful transition to high school. Follow this link to sign up: Coffee with the Counselors Registration Link.

The Class of 2026 Credit For Life Fair will be held on Thursday, November 6th. The CFL Fair provides an opportunity for students to learn various life skills as part of an interactive experience that leads them through a series of real-world budgeting and money management scenarios - including paying for college, obtaining a car loan, finding adequate housing, and determining living expenses, and many more! What really makes this a successful event is the participation of community members who take the opportunity to offer their expertise and to help students learn the importance of sound financial decision-making. We appreciate your time and for making Credit for Life Fair a great success for all involved. Click here to volunteer!

Students of all grades and their families are welcome to join us on Tuesday, October 7th from 6:00-8:00pm for our annual Whitman-Hanson/Silver Lake/Pembroke College and Post-Secondary Options Fair. This year the program will be held at Silver Lake Regional High School, 260 Pembroke Street, Kingston, MA. Admissions officers representing nearly 80 college, technical school, and military options are expected to attend.

Check out these helpful tips:

• mefa - make the most out of College Fair

• College Board - College Fair Checklist

Showcase your artistic evolution! Visit with counselors, admissions team members, and faculty from art and design schools for a portfolio review before applying to colleges or universities. National Portfolio Day is free for students to attend from anywhere around the world! Register here!

If your child is struggling or having a difficult time please do not hesitate to reach out! Here is also a link to local mental health resources!

“A problem is only a problem when viewed as a problem. All change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end.”

1. Make the most out of the least

It’s not about what you have, but what you do with what you have. Some people think that they need all the money and resources in the world to be successful or to be happy. No way! If you think that way, you’ll never be satisfied because you’ll always be operating from a place of unfulfillment. Ever heard that gratitude is the gateway to more blessings? Try operating from a place of gratitude.

2. Plan, Plan, PLAN

Planning is a simple and effective way to take hold of life and figure your stuff out, yet so many people don’t do it. It doesn’t have to make you a serious or rigid person. Being a planner just means that you reduce your mental load. You can go about your day without that extra stress of what needs to get done. The best part? It only takes up a fraction of your day, yet it ends up saving you so much time!

3. Make time for what you need

Many people live life with the understanding that there’s never enough time. We’ve got all the time in the world, it’s about HOW we spend it. If something’s really important to you: fitness, friends, family, self-care, or anything else that makes you happy - MAKE THE TIME. It’s all about balance.

4. Take care of your things

Take care of what you have. It costs you more to replace things than to look after them. This goes beyond just material things. Show some love and appreciation for all the things in life because not everything is easy to come by. Water your flowers and your garden will grow, ya know?

5. Make a habit of it

Consistency is the root of all habits and positive changes. You gotta keep at it, it’s crucial! Small daily actions = big progressive changes. If you’re not really about it, it won’t happen. This requires some real self-discipline, but the results are LIT-E-RALLY life-changing.

6. Find what motivates you

Who/ what are you doing it for? Figuring out what motivates you can really keep you on track. When you understand that you can reach whatever goals you have, big or small, it motivates you to keep going. Picture your dream life, visualize it with a mood board if you need to. Staying motivated isn’t always easy, so give yourself those powerful reminders to reflect on.

7. Surround yourself with love

When you surround yourself with love, everything in your life just feels better. Surround yourself with people who motivate and boost you to do better. When you allow toxicity into your space, it can really be draining. Say NO to all of that. Remember...the love's gotta come from within too! Love yourself unconditionally and watch how much lighter life feels when you’re not constantly tearing yourself down.

8. Don’t compete or compare

As soon as you compare your journey to someone else's, you’ve already lost. There’s just no point! No two lives are the same. Just because you’re not where you want to be, it doesn’t mean you won’t get there. As the saying goes, “A dream delayed is not a dream denied”. All comparing or competing will do is make you damn miserable.

9. Make room for others

Living a truly fulfilled life means being able to make space for others. It’s all about recognizing that the world is so much more than you. How are you going to help boost and encourage others? How are you going to build for better? These are the keys to building a more wholesome life.

10. Don’t let people’s expectations of you dictate how you should live

And lastly, if you want to live your best life, you have to let go of everyone's expectations of you. Choose your happiness every single day. All the validation you need should be internal. At the end of the day, you are your biggest cheerleader and YOU get to dictate how you live.

All the good stuff won’t just happen overnight, but it can happen sooner than you think if you do the work and stay consistent. Are you ready for some POSITIVE change? You can do it!

This fall, seniors will continue to benefit from the strong partnership between the English Department and the School Counseling program. Counselors are visiting senior English classes to walk students through the college admissions process, while English teachers are focusing on college essay writing. Drafts will be shared with admissions officers, who will provide direct feedback to students. In early November, admissions officers will also visit classrooms to answer questions and meet with students in person. This collaboration has been in place for many years, and we’re excited to carry it forward under the leadership of our new School Counseling Director, Courtney Selig.

This year, students in grades 6–12 will take part in the CommonLit Assessment Series, a benchmark that helps measure reading comprehension. Each assessment includes three passages—two informational and one literary—along with multiple-choice questions tied to key reading standards. Scores are reported on a scale of 150–250. Because the scoring system takes into account both the number of correct answers and the test's difficulty level, results can be compared from one assessment to another. This means teachers can track growth throughout the year, see where students are excelling, and identify skills that may need extra support.

For students needing extra support or help with their ELA assignments, we strongly encourage you to sign up for WIN block with your ELA teacher. This dedicated time is an excellent opportunity to get personalized assistance, ask questions, and work on assignments during the school day. Taking advantage of WIN block will help you stay on track, strengthen your skills, and ensure you're setting yourself up for success. Don’t wait until you're overwhelmed—use this time to build a strong foundation and achieve your best!

The Science Department is thrilled to welcome all students back to Whitman-Hanson Regional High School for another exciting year of discovery and learning! A special welcome goes out to our incoming Class of 2029, all new students joining our school community, and our new Chemistry teacher Ms. Kelsey Rioux. Whether you're stepping into our hallways for the first time or returning as a familiar face, we're excited to have you as part of the Panther family.

As we begin this new academic year, we want to remind all families about the important resources available to support student success. Please encourage your students to regularly check their grades using Infinite Campus to stay informed about their academic progress throughout the year. Additionally, we strongly encourage students to take advantage of WIN block – this dedicated time provides an excellent opportunity for students to meet with teachers for extra help, clarify concepts, or make up missed assignments. Our science teachers are always available during this time to provide the individualized support that helps students thrive.

Get Involved in Science!

One of the best ways to enhance the high school experience is through involvement in clubs and activities. WHRHS offers an incredible variety of opportunities, and we're particularly proud of our science-based clubs that allow students to explore their interests beyond the classroom. Consider joining:

• Astronomy Club – Explore the wonders of the universe

• Robotics Club – Design, build, and program cutting-edge technology

• HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) – Perfect for students interested in healthcare careers

• SEAC (Student Environmental Action Club) – Make a positive impact on our environment

• Marine Biology Club – Dive deep into ocean science and conservation

Speaking of Marine Biology Club, mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience! The Marine Biology Club is sponsoring a whale watch excursion on Saturday, September 20th. This is an amazing opportunity for students to observe marine life in their natural habitat and connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. All WHRHS students should have received an email with complete details from club advisor Mrs. Courtney Jones. Don't miss out on this incredible adventure!

Students in Mr. Brian Dukeman’s AP Environmental Science Class spent some time outside collecting materials and data for a leaf litter lab and lab investigating albedo, the fraction of light a surface reflects. We're looking forward to an outstanding year filled with scientific discovery, hands-on learning, and academic achievement. Here's to making this the best year yet!

Students in Mr. Casey's Digital Photography Class practiced their editing skills in Adobe as they selected photos and made changes. Students were encouraged to use pictures of sports or nature to help them get started on the basics.

Unbeatable Value for Students & Families

Our season passes offer exceptional value for the entire school community, especially students and families. For just $40, students and senior citizens get access to every regular season home game on campus for the entire school year. Adult season passes are only $75.

Why Choose a Season Pass?

Save Big: Purchasing individual tickets throughout the season can cost hundreds of dollars. Our season pass saves you significant money while ensuring you never miss the action.

Convenience for Parents: Middle school parents, this pass eliminates the hassle of buying tickets online for each game (and remember, we don’t accept cash at events).

School Spirit: Be part of every exciting moment and show your support for our teams all season long.

Final Days - Act Now!

Season passes will no longer be available after Wednesday. This is your last chance to secure your family’s tickets to all the fun and excitement of the season.

Purchase Your Season Pass Here

Questions? Contact the athletics office for more information.

Whitman Hanson Regional High School has been officially designated as a Special Olympics Massachusetts Unified Champion School for the 2024-25 school year, earning recognition for its outstanding commitment to creating an inclusive environment that empowers all students.

The prestigious designation from Special Olympics Massachusetts honors schools that demonstrate exceptional dedication to embracing diversity, promoting equity, and empowering students to become change advocates through unified sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement.

"This recognition reflects the incredible work our entire school community has done to create a culture where every student feels valued and included," said Athletic Director Bob Rodgers. "Our staff and students have shown tremendous commitment to meaningful inclusion, and this designation validates their efforts to build bridges and break down barriers."

Athletic Director Rodgers expressed special gratitude to the school's unified track coaches, Samantha Adams and Zachary Botelho, whose dedication and leadership have been instrumental in the program's success. "We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to coaches Adams and Botelho, who have poured their hearts into creating meaningful opportunities for all our students to compete, grow, and thrive together," Rodgers said.

The school also recognized the many volunteers who have made the unified programs possible, from parent helpers and teachers to community members who have supported events and activities throughout the year. "None of this would be possible without our incredible volunteers who have stepped up time and again to support our students and make these inclusive experiences a reality," Rodgers added.

As a Unified Champion School, Whitman Hanson Regional High School has successfully implemented programs that bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities to collaborate in sports, education, and community engagement activities. This approach creates a more accepting environment that values every individual's unique contribution to the school community.

The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program emphasizes three key components: Unified Sports, which brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities as teammates; Inclusive Youth Leadership, which provides leadership opportunities for all students; and Whole School Engagement, which creates school-wide cultures of inclusion through awareness activities and community events.

Patti Doherty, Vice President of Schools and Community Development for Special Olympics Massachusetts, praised the school's achievement, noting that the designation "showcases your school's dedication to embracing diversity, promoting equity, and empowering students to be change advocates."

The school will continue its partnership with Special Olympics Massachusetts and has been invited to participate in the upcoming Unified Champion School Conference on Friday, October 10, 2025, where they will have the opportunity to share best practices with other schools committed to inclusion.

Whitman Hanson Regional High School joins a select group of Massachusetts schools working to forge new paths toward inclusion at all levels within their school districts, creating lasting positive impacts on students, families, and the broader community.

Interested in more videos, reflections, and where a many of these ideas come from and are expanded on? Don't forget to check out and subscribe to my YouTube Channel.

Email: christopher.jones@whrsd.org
Website: https://whs.whrsd.org/
Location: 600 Franklin Street, Whitman, MA, USA
Phone: (781) 618-7020
Instagram: @DrCSJones
Twitter: @DrCSJones