WH District Digest SY 25-26

Dear Whitman-Hanson Families,

I'm excited to share this month’s newsletter, filled with upcoming events, information, and reminders from across our district. As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping every student learn and grow.

Warm regards,

Dr. Nikki Semas-Schneeweis

September 2025 Newsletter

We look forward to connecting with families during our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences in November!

November 5 – Elementary Schools

• In-person: Afternoon

• Virtual: Evening

November 6 – High School

• Virtual: Afternoon

• In-person: Evening

November 20 – Middle School

• In-person: Afternoon

• Virtual: Evening

Specific information regarding conference sign-ups will be provided directly by your child’s school.

If you require an interpreter for your conference, please contact your child’s school as soon as possible so arrangements can be made.

We value this important opportunity to partner with families in supporting every student’s success!

Never miss an important date! The Whitman-Hanson Regional School District Calendar includes key events, holidays, early release days, and important academic dates for all schools.

You can view and download the full 2025-2026 District Calendar .

We encourage families to check the calendar regularly, as updates and additional events are added throughout the year.

I'm thrilled to share that the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District has been selected as a recipient of the Barr Foundation’s Strengthening School Leadership grant.

This highly competitive grant supports districts in developing strong, collaborative leadership systems that strengthen instructional alignment, communication, and shared accountability across schools. I look forward to sharing updates as this work unfolds throughout the year.

We’re excited to share that our schools are using SchoolStatus Connect, a messaging and communication platform designed to keep families informed and engaged. With SchoolStatus, parents and guardians can:

• Stay in the loop with announcements, events, and classroom updates.

• View activities such as school events, volunteer opportunities, and Parent-Teacher Conference sign-ups.

• Access resources including photos, videos, and classroom files in the Library.

• Communicate easily with teachers and staff through group or 1-on-1 conversations.

• Families have the ability to choose the language they wish to receive messages.

👉 Click here to learn more about navigating SchoolStatus Connect as a Parent or Guardian

Did you know our district has a Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)? This is a parent-led group that works in partnership with schools to advise on special education programs, services, and policies for children with disabilities. SEPAC provides a valuable forum where parents can share experiences, voice concerns, and exchange information while collaborating with school leaders.

All are welcome at SEPAC meetings. For the schedule of meetings, please click here .

Did you know our district has an English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC)? This group brings together parents/caregivers and school staff to ensure that the voices of families of English Learners (ELs) are heard and valued.

The ELPAC works with district and school leaders to share ideas, provide feedback, and help improve programs and opportunities for our English Learner students. Members meet regularly to discuss topics such as language programs, family engagement, and ways to support student success.

If you’re a parent or caregiver of an English Learner, we would love for you to get involved! Your perspective is an important part of making sure all students thrive. For schedule of meetings, please click here.

The Whitman-Hanson Transition Vocational Internship Program continues to open doors for our students as they gain hands-on experience, strengthen workplace skills, and build confidence in real-world settings across the South Shore community.

Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, including the Whitman Hanson Community Access Station, All American Assisted Living, Meadowbrook Restaurant and Functions, Channel Farm, Mike’s House of Pizza, Whitman Hanson School Services, and the Whitman Hanson Preschool Academy, students participate in meaningful, unpaid internships designed to foster independence and prepare them for successful adult lives.

At the heart of this program are our students’ voices. When asked why their internships matter, they shared reflections that capture both their growth and their commitment to learning:

“I am learning to respect my and other people’s personal space; have a calm professional body.”
“I am learning time management.”
“I now know I need to listen to the job coach and supervisor so I know what I need to do and keep us on track.”
“We need to have a happy attitude with job tasks we prefer or do not prefer.”
“Listen to the customers when they ask a question. If I don’t know, I ask my job coach.”
“I know how to inventory—count items to make sure I have enough supplies.”
“I am learning how to interact with people.”
“I need to communicate with my job coaches when things are hard for me.”

We are proud of our students’ hard work and grateful to our teachers, staff and community partners for helping us provide these meaningful opportunities.