Panther Press

September 22, 2025 - Volume 8 - ISSUE 3

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

11/21/2025: WHRHS Drama Presents: Clue

11/22/2025: WHRHS Drama Presents: Clue

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

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!

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.

Interested in serving on the School Council? We will be having our first meeting in October. If you want to be involved email me here with your name, student's name, and student's grade. This isn't just for parents and community members, it's for students as well!

Whitman & Hanson Dollars for Scholars will hold a Fall Electronic Recycling Day at the Indian Head School in Hanson on Saturday, October 4, from 9AM to 1PM. Residents and non-residents can dispose of their unwanted electrical items which they may not be able to do away with by conventional trash methods. A fee will be assessed which will support DFS’ scholarship awards program.

The price for disposing televisions has been increased due to rising recycling fees. Televisions below 24” can be discarded for $35. Televisions 24”and over can be discarded for $45. Flat screen televisions can be discarded for $35 and wood console and projection TVs can be discarded for $45.

Computers, VCRs/DVDs, window air conditioners, printers/copiers, fax machines, humidifiers, flat screen computer monitors, and microwaves can be disposed of for $10. CRT Tube monitors can be disposed of for $20. Cellphones ($1) and keyboards ($1) cost a lesser amount. Most items not listed will be accepted. Please ask for pricing. Additionally, discounts will be available for multiple donations.

Those unable to attend may call ahead for an alternate day/time. For more information, please contact Mike at 781-252-9683 or visit www.WhitmanAndHanson.DollarsforScholars.org.

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 we start to wrap up the first month of school there is a rhythm that begins to take over. Sometimes the rhythm we find is good. The schedule is set, there are some clubs or sports that students are involved in, and the necessary sleep schedule is beginning to take hold. If this happens, it is easier to be present and find happiness in many more moments. However, if the routines are not based in good habits, each day is difficult and we have a much more difficult time. This is where our theme of Belonging, Bravery, and Becoming becomes important.

Make sure you have found where you belong, the right friends, classes, or activities. Then bravely stick to or change your routines so that they serve rather than hinder you. It is not always easy, but is very rewarding once your actions build momentum. Finally, once you set those habits in place and build the momentum of small steps, you can start to become the success you were meant to be.

It has been a month. If you put off building a routine, another month will pass before you know it. Don't wait. Make positive changes now. I talk about momentum in the video below.

AP Exam Registration/Payment forms were shared with students taking AP classes. Forms and payment (either full payment or minimum $40 deposit per exam) are due no later than Friday, October 24, 2025. The cost for full-price exams is $99 per exam. Students qualifying for subsidies will pay a reduced fee of $25. To qualify, please complete and return the Financial Assistance Form. Here is the link for the AP Exam Registration Form.

Learn test-taking skills and strategies from a professional instructor through an intensive course aimed at giving you an edge on the Digital SAT. You will receive a book to help you prepare for the SATs as well as study tips, tutoring and individual attention from your instructor. The cost for the SAT Prep is $325 and includes the Digital SAT Study Guide which will be distributed on the first day of class. For questions about SAT Prep, contact Darlene Marks, College of Continuing Studies, at 508-531-2711 or d2marks@bridgew.edu, Click here to register. Dates include: Sundays October 5, 19, 26 & November 2 from 1-5 pm (prepares for the November 8 and December 6 SAT Exams)

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

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.

MEFA’s Financial Aid 101 webinar series provides a helpful overview of the entire financial aid process, and includes information on financial aid applications and eligibility, types of financial aid, and how colleges determine the details of financial aid offers. Weekly webinars will continue through mid-December.

View English Financial Aid 101 webinars

View Spanish Financial Aid 101 webinar

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!

Parent Guidance is a well-organized, user-friendly resource designed to support parents with mental health and parenting challenges. It offers a robust library of on-demand video courses led by licensed therapists, covering a wide range of topics such as anxiety, depression, screen time, communication, and more. The content is structured to provide hope, practical answers, and real help for families. In addition to self-paced learning, parents can access one-on-one parent coaching and submit anonymous questions to be answered by therapists. Most, but not all resources are available at no cost!

Students in Mrs. Dempsey's class designed mini posters that explained all about who they were, but in the target language! They had to complete them, get them corrected, and then create a final copy to be put on display in the classroom. Creativity was everywhere as they went through the process of editing and finalizing.

If you love Math and want to hang out with other Math fans there is a place for you on the WH Math Team. The Math Team will have its first meeting on Thursday, September 25 after school with Mr. Fondoulis in Room 230.

There will be 4 competition meets this year. They will be on the first Thursday of November, December, January, and February. All are welcome!

Students in Mrs. Harrison’s class worked collaboratively to devise a strategy to determine how many ‘upright’ three digit numbers exist. Engaging students in collaborative math tasks that require them to devise a strategy to solve problems is highly important because it shifts the focus from finding a single correct answer to the process of problem-solving. This approach encourages critical thinking, communication, and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Tasks such as these help students to build confidence through perseverance which in turn builds resilience.

Students in Modern World History classes have been learning about the Renaissance. Ms. LaMarca's class had students dressing up as they read a Renaissance skit to the rest of the class that highlighted he different roles in society.

As seniors begin to start transitioning to the next phase of life after Whitman-Hanson, the Business department tries to help out to make the experience less stressful than it needs to be. What I’m referring to is the half day in-house field trip for seniors called, “Credit For Life.” There are numerous staff members that step up to make this day successful, however, Business teachers Ms. McGreevy and Mr. De Santes are two of the faculty members who take the lead and make this day a reality. When asked, Ms. McGreevy stated about the day, “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 scenarios-- including paying for college, obtaining a car loan, finding adequate housing, and determining living expenses, among others.” One of the impactful moments of this day is when the students and coordinators meet in the PAC and reflect on some of the difficult decisions they had to make.

This special day will take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025 (7:00-10:30 AM) in the W-H gymnasium. In order to make this whole experience work the school needs some community involvement and some volunteers to step up. If interested please complete the volunteer registration form. This has been a great tradition at Whitman-Hanson and we look forward to it continuing for many more years to come.

Before diving into this week's athletic highlights, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the parents who have been attending their children's games this week. Your exemplary behavior in the stands and unwavering support for our student-athletes has been truly commendable. Your positive presence creates an atmosphere that not only enhances the experience for everyone in attendance but, most importantly, means the world to your children as they compete. Thank you for being such outstanding ambassadors of Panther pride.

The Whitman-Hanson varsity golf team had an action-packed week with five matches in seven days, demonstrating remarkable resilience and consistency throughout their challenging schedule.

The Panthers opened the week with a thrilling 236-238 victory over Marshfield at Green Harbor Golf Course in a match that truly came down to the wire. Senior Captain Cam Nehiley once again led by example, earning medalist honors with an even-par 36. Senior Captain Ryan Christensen and juniors Ben Tappa and Mason Bergeron each contributed solid 39s to secure the team victory. Following up on that success, the team faced Plymouth South at home at Ridder Farms Golf Course in another nail-biting contest, ultimately prevailing 228-234. Nehiley continued his stellar play as the low scorer with a 1-over-par 35, while junior Mason Bergeron added a strong 36. The win brought the Panthers to 3-4 on the season.

The week's most heartbreaking result came against Pembroke, as the Panthers fell just short in a 239-243 defeat at Ridder Farms. Captain Cam Nehiley fired an impressive 2-under-par 34, with juniors Matt Miller and Mason Bergeron, along with sophomore Nic Beltramini, all shooting 40s in the losing effort. The busy stretch concluded with a 225-255 loss to a strong Duxbury squad, also at Ridder Farms. Nehiley remained the bright spot for the Panthers (2-4), posting a 2-over 38 on the back nine, while Ryan Christensen, Ben Morgan, and Nic Beltramini each shot 43s.

Looking ahead, the Panthers will attempt to return to .500 when they face East Bridgewater at Ridder Farms on Sunday afternoon.

The Whitman-Hanson field hockey team experienced both sides of competition this week, showcasing their offensive capabilities while also facing top-tier opposition.

The Panthers dominated their road matchup against Brockton, cruising to a convincing 9-0 victory. The offensive explosion was a true team effort, with senior forwards Abby Nash netting two goals and Tessa Feeley adding one. The junior class made significant contributions as well, with forwards Maeve Gavin, Paige Sampson, and Captain Cami Walsh each scoring twice to round out the scoring barrage. However, the Panthers faced a much stiffer test when they hosted the Hingham Harborwomen, ultimately falling 7-0 to the highly skilled visitors. Hingham's impressive offense struck early, scoring twice in the first quarter and adding a third goal before halftime. Despite the challenging circumstances, several Panthers distinguished themselves in the defeat. Senior midfielder Shannon Balfe worked tirelessly to fend off offensive rushes while driving the ball upfield to her forwards, while junior defender Sophey Cocio was a standout on the back line, successfully carrying numerous balls out of the defensive zone. Perhaps most impressively, junior netminder Calliegh Vurpillatte made 25 saves throughout the contest, many of which extinguished multiple scoring opportunities for the talented Harborwomen.

The Whitman-Hanson volleyball team demonstrated both their potential and their resilience this week, earning a statement victory while learning valuable lessons in a road defeat.

The Panthers bounced back impressively with a dominant 3-0 sweep of Plymouth North (25-23, 25-19, 25-19) in league play. Senior captain Brooke Steele led the charge with nine kills and eight aces, showcasing the kind of leadership expected from a team captain. Junior Emily McNaught was equally impressive, contributing six aces and 13 assists, while senior captain Leah Barnett added five aces and 12 assists. Sophomore Nguyen Vo anchored the defense with 15 digs, and senior Samantha Ransom delivered the game-winning kill from the back row to seal the victory.

Earlier in the week, the Panthers fell to Scituate on the road 1-4 (26-24, 19-25, 17-25, 20-25) in a league matchup that saw them battle hard in the opening set before ultimately succumbing to their hosts. Steele again led the Panthers with nine kills, while junior Presley Giannino added five. Vo continued her strong defensive play with nine digs, and Steele and McNaught each contributed six digs of their own. McNaught also recorded 10 assists in the effort.

With the victory over Plymouth North, Whitman-Hanson improved to 2-4 overall and in league play. The Panthers will look to build on their momentum when they host Oliver Ames in a non-league matchup on Monday.

Both Whitman-Hanson cross country teams faced strong Hingham squads this week, with individual performances highlighting the talent within each program despite the team results.

The boys' team dropped to 0-2 on the season with a 21-36 loss to Hingham on their challenging 2.98-mile course. Senior Captain Ben Andrews continued his excellent start to the season, taking first place overall for the Panthers for the second consecutive week with a time of 16:34. The scoring was rounded out by Senior Captain Luke Morse (6th place, 17:56), sophomores Jackson Delue (8th, 18:26) and Dylan Meredith (10th, 18:48), and junior Zack Geagan (11th, 18:50). The team will travel to face Marshfield Tuesday.

The girls' team also fell to 0-2 after their encounter with Hingham's strong squad. Senior Kaitlyn Howard delivered an outstanding performance, winning the race with a time of 22:09 on the 2.98-mile course. The scoring was completed by freshman Julianna Delue (6th place, 22:44), junior Lindsey Brzuszek (10th place, 22:51), junior Kaylah Randow (13th place, 23:30), and sophomore Lilly Smith (23:49). Like their male counterparts, the girls will face Marshfield in their next meet.

The Whitman-Hanson girls soccer team split their week's action, showing both their defensive capabilities and the fine margins that often determine results at the high school level.

The Panthers fell 1-0 to Hanover in what was described as "a tale of two halves." Despite applying strong pressure in the second half, the Panthers were unable to find the equalizer they desperately sought. However, the team bounced back with an impressive 1-0 road victory over Plymouth North in Patriot League action. The defensive unit of Devin Olszewski, Shelby Bell, Milley Mahoney, and Calleigh Mahoney were outstanding in front of goalkeeper Addison Hughes, who earned her third shutout of the season. The lone goal came from Keira Manchester, who converted a perfectly placed feed from Elizabeth Kowlski for the game-winner. With the victory, the Panthers improved to 2-2-1 on the season, demonstrating the kind of defensive consistency that often translates to postseason success.

The Whitman-Hanson boys soccer team continued to show improvement and competitive spirit this week, despite facing challenging results that don't fully reflect their growth as a team.

Against Hanover on Thursday, September 18th, the Panthers fell 3-0 in league action, dropping their league record to 0-4 and overall record to 0-5. However, the team started strongly in the first half, keeping the contest close and making things challenging for their opponents defensively. Senior Captain Cam Mackay moved to a forward position to create changes in the attack, while Dylan Fencer and Rhys Jackson were dangerous at times in their forward roles.

Earlier in the week, the Panthers battled Plymouth North on Monday, September 15th, ultimately falling 3-1 in a highly competitive league contest. The Panthers showed tremendous discipline throughout the match and managed to answer an early Plymouth North goal with a spectacular strike from Dylan Fencer, who fired a powerful shot into the bottom corner off a perfect split pass from Sid Monagari between the Plymouth North defenders. The teams went to halftime tied 1-1, but luck wasn't on Whitman-Hanson's side in the second half despite creating several quality scoring opportunities. Freshman James Sousa was particularly impressive playing in the defensive line, showing the kind of composure that bodes well for the program's future.

Most importantly, the team has continued to play with tremendous pride and determination, never giving up regardless of the circumstances. The coaching staff has noted consistent improvement and increased competitiveness game after game. The Panthers will look to continue their progress when they face Marshfield on Tuesday.

The Whitman-Hanson football team (0-3) fell to Plymouth South 40-22 in a game that showcased several bright spots for the Panthers' developing program. It was once again a huge crowd as the student body came out in their best COUNTRY CLUB attire and brought great energy to the stadium.

Offensively, the Panthers were led by the impressive aerial connection between quarterback Jack Martin and receiver Pat Ryan, who hooked up for two touchdown passes. Brody Getchell added a rushing touchdown to the scoring effort. Quinn Frazier was particularly impressive throughout the contest, securing a long kick return that directly set up one of the Panther touchdowns while also contributing valuable yards as a runner, receiver, and passer on offense—a true display of versatility.

Defensively, the Panthers were anchored by the strong play of Anthony Baker, Jackson Alexander, and Bobby Walker, who consistently made tackles and disrupted Plymouth South's offensive rhythm. The Panthers will use their bye week next week to rest, recover, and continue preparing for the remainder of their season.

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