Panther Press

November 10, 2025 - Volume 8 - ISSUE 10

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!

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

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.

Thank you to all the parent and community volunteers for making this a great event for our seniors! A special thanks to our Business Department, Counseling Department, and Math Teacher Sadie Carew for their hard work in putting this important financial literacy event together!

The murder-mystery-comedy based on the board game you grew up with is coming to the Whitman-Hanson performing arts center on Friday, November 21 and Saturday November 22 at 7pm. Tickets are $10 available for purchase at the door or on https://gofan.co/app/school/MA14779 . Our high school students have been putting in long hours since September to bring this cult classic to life; we hope to see you there!

Now that 1st Quarter is complete we are releasing our list that includes students who made the high honors and honors list. This requires hard work and diligence so make sure you congratulate the students who's names appear!

High Honors and Honor Roll List

The distinctions are separated by tabs at the bottom of the sheet.

Have you ever been somewhere different and noticed how amazing or beautiful it is and not been able to understand how people that lived there felt the same way?

Have you ever seen someone do something pretty spectacular and wonder how they themselves aren't in awe that they can accomplish it?

When we see something that is mundane to others, but fantastic to us, it often is simply a matter of habit. Yes, habit. That beautiful view is ordinary to those who live there because they see it every day. That athletic or academic ability that we are even sometimes jealous of is normal for those performing it. Why? Yes, habit.

Remember, habits both good and bad are a product of our choices at first. Early on it is difficult, but then it becomes the boring norm of our day. Look at your habits. What needs to change so the great results you get become the norm rather than something out of the ordinary?

More in the video below. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

As quarter one just recently wrapped up it’s time to re-charge and focus as Quarter two is one week in the books. Just a couple of reminders, remember your final grade is the average of your four quarters! With that being said, if you received good grades in the first quarter then keep working hard and stay with the routine you have. However, if you didn’t receive the grades you were looking for, make some immediate changes so you can get the grades that you’re capable of. There’s plenty of time to bring your grades up, but act now so you can start seeing the results.

Lastly, with the new quarter starting every student has their tardies re-set back to zero. Just to recap the policy: tardies 1-3 is a warning, 4-6 is a detention and 7 and above is an extended detention. My recommendation is that you save your 3 free tardies for moments in which you can’t control a situation and you’re going to be late. Don’t just be late at the beginning of the quarter just because you know you get three free tardies! The quarter ends January 22, 2026 and I hope you get off to a good start both academically and with arriving on time for school. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Have a great Quarter!!

Twenty-two students signed up and participated in the BSU Instant Decision Day. Students were able to meet with their BSU admissions counselor, review their application materials and receive a decision on the spot! CONGRATULATIONS to all of our seniors who participated!

Junior and sophomore students who took the PSAT on Wednesday 10/22/25, their scores were released by the College Board on November 6th. For more information on accessing and interpreting scores please review the following resources:

• Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Scores for students and families

• Understanding Your Digital PSTA/NMSQT Score Report Video

BigFuture also provides students with a Career Insights Snapshot! On your score report test takers will see growing careers in their state that connect to their assessment scores to spark their interest in learning more about their future career options! Click here to learn more about Career Inisghts Snapshot.

Hartford College of Art at Hartford University will be visiting during Win Block on Monday, November 10th in RM 121 to talk about portfolios, art programs & careers in art & design. This is sponsored by Art in Action but anybody with an interest in art is welcome (grades 9-12) Sign up for the WIN block in MyFlex!

Join Southeastern Technical Institute for an Open House event featuring Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Electricity, HVAC, Machine Tool Technology, Metal Fabrication (welding), Plumbing programs on Wednesday, November 19th 6-7:30pm. Registration is required, visit: www.stitech.edu

We are pleased to announce the Annual Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Awards Program. All graduating seniors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who are seeking a college degree or job training are eligible to compete. Scholarship awards this year total over half a million dollars.

To qualify, students must be a senior in high school, fill out the online application and then take our exam. Applicants must register in advance at www.massaflcio.org/scholarships. We will be accepting applications through Friday, December 19, 2025.The deadline is firm, and no late registrations will be accepted. The exam consists of 30 multiple choice questions and one written essay. All questions will be selected from the information in the study guide.

All study resources, including the study guide, flash cards and quizzes are available by visiting www.learnlaborhistory.com.

MEFA has a newly updated list of scholarships available for students. Their articles provide the details on each one, and they include contests for students studying medicine, cybersecurity, psychology, chemistry, and more.Check out each opportunity by clicking here: MEFA Scholarship Resource Center!

Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness

As the days grow shorter, some teens may experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, often appearing in fall and winter. Common symptoms include low mood, fatigue, irritability, and changes in sleep or appetite. Recognizing the signs early can make a big difference. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options for adolescent SAD in the MCAW blog post.

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!

Welcome to Quarter 2! Whether you're looking for a fresh start or building on the momentum from Quarter 1, this new quarter brings excellent opportunities for growth and success in science.

Remember that the WIN block at the end of each day is available for extra help, completing make-up work, or getting clarification on concepts. Our science teachers are committed to helping every student succeed—please take advantage of this great opportunity and book those WINS!

Biology students have been exploring the fascinating world of cellular transport. Through hands-on activities like the Bubble Lab and Gummy Bear Osmosis Lab, they're discovering how materials move into and out of cells. These investigations bring abstract concepts to life and help students understand the vital processes that keep living things functioning.

Chemistry students recently put on their detective hats to identify mystery chemical solutions left at lab tables. Using flame tests, they compared the distinctive colors produced when different elements burn to successfully determine which solutions were which. It's real-world problem-solving that shows how scientists use observable evidence to draw conclusions!

There's always something exciting happening in our science classrooms. We're proud of the curiosity, effort, and engagement our students bring to their learning every day.

FOOTBALL: Panthers Break Through with First Win

In a season defined by perseverance, the Whitman-Hanson football team finally broke into the win column with an emphatic 34-13 victory over New Bedford Friday night. After an 0-8 start, the Panthers (1-8) demonstrated that determination and refusing to give up can lead to triumph. The offensive explosion was led by Thiago Magalhaes, who totaled over 200 yards and scored three touchdowns—two rushing and one receiving from quarterback Jack Martin. Martin also connected with Jason Conover for a touchdown pass, while Bobby Walker added the Panthers’ final score. This team exemplifies what it means to never quit, and their first victory is a testament to their resilience and character. Defensively, the Panthers were equally dominant. Jackson Alexander made game-changing plays with both an interception and a fumble recovery. Mikey Giannino anchored the defense with 10 tackles and a fumble recovery, while Anthony Baker matched that tackle total with 10 stops of his own.

CROSS COUNTRY: Strong Finish to the Season

Girls Cross Country traveled to Northfield to compete on the challenging 3.1-mile course, finishing 14th overall as a team. Junior Rachael Sirignano led the way, followed by senior Kaitlyn Howard and freshman Julianna Delue. The varsity squad was rounded out by junior Lindsey Brzuszek, sophomore Lilly Smith, junior Kaylah Randow, and Tara McCurtain. Congratulations to all our runners on a memorable season filled with dedication and hard work!

Boys Cross Country competed in the Massachusetts Division 2A Championship at Northfield Mountain Recreation Area on Saturday. Senior Captain Ben Andrews delivered another outstanding performance, finishing 42nd with a time of 18:23.7 and earning a spot at the All-State Meet at Fort Devens on November 15—a well-deserved honor for an exceptional season of leadership. The Panthers showed impressive depth throughout the field: Luke Morse placed 57th (19:06.07), Jackson DeLue finished 81st (19:44.23), Bryce Weckbacher took 88th (19:59.39), Dylan Meredith placed 108th (20:44.35), Caeleb Rouse finished 116th (20:57.04), and Josh Hadden completed the lineup in 134th place (22:07). The team’s performance reflects the grit and competitive spirit they’ve displayed all season long.

GIRLS SOCCER: Heartbreaking End to Outstanding Season

The girls soccer season came to a close Thursday night at Westwood in a penalty kick shootout. After a scoreless regulation period—thanks to another smothering defensive performance—the game went to PKs where Westwood prevailed 5-3. Addison Hughes was terrific in goal once again. Our Panthers should be proud of an incredible season.

CHEERLEADING: Outstanding Performance at League Championship

Our cheerleaders were sensational at the Patriot League Championship on Thursday, recording the second-best score in the entire competition. While Duxbury captured the league title, our team has much to be proud of. The squad is now hard at work preparing for the South Sectional competition at Marshfield.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: College Signing Ceremony

Dear Senior Athletes,

We are excited to announce that we will be holding a college signing ceremony this Wednesday after school for any senior athletes who will be signing a National Letter of Intent to compete at the Division 1 or Division 2 level on athletic scholarship. If you are planning to sign with a D1 or D2 school, please let us know as soon as possible so we can prepare for the ceremony and celebrate this incredible achievement with you, your families, and our school community.

We also want to recognize and congratulate all of our student-athletes who have committed to continue their athletic and academic careers at the Division 3 level. While D3 schools do not have signing ceremonies, your dedication and accomplishments are equally impressive and deserving of recognition. In the spring, we will honor all of our college-bound athletes by taking a group photo that will be featured on our school’s social media to celebrate everyone’s commitment to competing at the collegiate level.

We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance both in the classroom and in competition have earned you these opportunities, and we look forward to celebrating your success. Please reach out if you have any questions or need additional information about Wednesday’s ceremony.

Congratulations and best of luck!

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