Panther Press

November 12, 2024 - Volume 7 - 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!

11/12-11/13/2024 Math MCAS Retest

11/19/2024 Fallapalooza

11/20/2024 Panther Release Day

11/25/2024 Powder Puff Game

11/26/2024 Rally

11/27-11/29/2024 Thanksgiving Recess

12/2/2024 Winter Sports Start

12/4/2024 WHRHS Panther Release - 11:40 Dismissal

12/5/2024 Grade 8 WHRHS Orientation 6:30PM

12/20/2024 District Early Release - Professional Development - WHRHS 10:15 Dismissal

12/23/2024-1/1/2025 No School - Holiday Recess

1/2/2025 Return from Holiday Recess

1/8/2025 WH Panther Release - 11:40 Dismissal

1/20/2025 No School - Martin Luther King Day

1/23/2025 90th Day of School - Quarter 2/Semester 1 Ends

1/24/2025 District Early Release - Grading Day - WHRHS 10:15 Dismissal

1/24/2025 Quarter 3 Begins

1/28/2025 Grading Portal Opens for Quarter 2/Semester 1 Grades

2/3/2025 AFL-CIO Labor History Exam 8:00AM

2/4-2/5/2025 Biology MCAS retest

2/5/2025 WH Panther Release - 11:40 Dismissal

2/14/2025 District Early Release - Professional Development - WHRHS 10:15 Dismissal

2/17-2/21/2025 No School - Winter Recess

This newsletter initiative is aimed at raising awareness and providing education to parents and families on the topic of substance use and mental health.

This content is provided on behalf of High Point Treatment Center Prevention Services, Brockton Area Prevention Collaborative and Plymouth Area Prevention Collaborative. These newsletters will be in the form of infographics that highlight each of the core 10 core chapters from our 2023 Drug Guidebook.

You can find the newsletter linked here!

Art in Action will be running a Paint a Plate Night at Fallapalooza for anyone interested in creating their own custom plate design. They make great gifts and you will have them before the holidays. See the attached flyer. Register and pay through Venmo or see me directly. Space & supplies are limited, first come, first serve.

We all make mistakes! Anyone who tells you different is being less than honest with you. The important thing is what we do once we make one. I talk about three options we have and more in the video. Remember that the greater our goal the less there will be a roadmap as to how to be successful. Don't fear mistakes. Instead lean into them.

Thanks for watching! Check out what I'm talking about in the video and let me know your thoughts!

CONGRATULATIONS to all of our seniors who participate in the Bridgewater State University Instant Decision Day at WHRHS!

Need help with your FAFSA? MEFA is offering several dates to assist families for FREE. Scan the QR code for the date that works best for you. Before joining a virtual session, please start the process of filling out the FAFSA at fafsa.gov.

“Earn $$ While You Learn” The NECA-IBEW Local #223 Apprenticeship Program Celebrates “National Apprenticeship Week 2024”. Thinking of a Career in Clean Energy Systems? Meet the instructors, apprentices and tour the hand-on shop spaces. Thursday, November 21st from 5-8pm at IBEW Local #223 Training Center, 475 Myles Standish Blvd. Taunton, MA 02780. Contact Robert Revil, Director of Training with any questions at brevil@ibew223.org

AFL-CIO Labor History Exam

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. They will be accepting applications through Friday, December 20, 2024. The deadline is firm, and no late registrations will be accepted. Exams will be administered online to registered students at WHRHS on Monday, February 3, 2025.

Are you interested in joining the military after high school? We will provide students with the opportunity to take part in the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (ACEP). This assessment will expose interested students to the ASVAB while still in high school, to explore the career opportunities that could await you as a member of the United States Military. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. It is administered annually to more than one million military applicants, high school, and post-secondary students.

The ACEP will take place on Tuesday December 3rd, starting during WIN block (1pm), and will last approximately 3 hours. Participating in the ASVAB is open to all interested students on a first come first serve basis and is completely optional. If you have any questions about the ACEP please contact Mr. Murphy at joshua.murphy@whrsd.org or 781-618-7454. Sign up link can be found here.

We have the 2024 Whitman-Hanson Career Fair approaching! We have some great guests who have volunteered to meet with our students, but we are looking for more industry professionals in all areas (in careers like STEM, Trade, Arts & Communication, Business, Healthcare, Social Service, etc.). Also, a link will be available soon for the kids to sign up! If this is something you’d be interested in and would like more information, please email madeline.storey@whrsd.org

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!

Students in Ms. Ferrara's level 3 Spanish classes read books in Spanish almost every day! Students are able to choose a book they find interesting or appropriate for their level. After reading, students share something with the class such as a summary or opinion about what they read. They also created a small poster to promote their books to other students who might be inspired to read their book next!

Students in Ms. Reagan's level 2 Spanish classes started their pen-pal exchange with students in the Basque region of Spain! They exchanged introduction slides and we just sent over videos showing a day in the life here at Whitman-Hanson! Each student will be corresponding with their pen-pal throughout the year and learning more about the language and culture!

• As we begin Quarter 2, students need to stay on track with their ELA coursework as the curriculum continues to build on foundational skills. If any student needs extra support, we encourage them to schedule time with their ELA teacher during the WIN (What I Need) block. This dedicated time allows students to receive individualized guidance, ask questions, and strengthen areas needing attention. Let’s make the most of this opportunity to ensure a successful second quarter and a strong year ahead in ELA!
• Our recent collaboration with the School Counseling department has been a resounding success! Through the Senior College Essay Project, seniors received valuable insights and guidance from teachers and college admissions representatives, who visited classrooms to provide personalized feedback on college essays. This unique opportunity allowed students to refine their essays with a deeper understanding of what admissions officers look for. With support from both our teaching staff and college reps, seniors are now ready for the final push in the admissions process, equipped with essays that truly reflect their strengths and aspirations.

Please remember that assignments must be turned in on time. If an assignment is not submitted, it will be marked as M (Missing). Once an "M" changes to a 0, it can no longer be turned in for credit. As outlined in the student handbook: "Students shall have twice the number of class days they were absent to complete make-up work. Work must be completed as soon after returning to school as possible unless otherwise agreed upon by the teacher and student. Any work not made up will receive an F or 0." Let’s stay on top of deadlines to keep our grades up. Thank you!

Completing weekly IXL ELA assignments is crucial for reinforcing key language arts skills and achieving proficiency on grade-level standards. By aiming for a SmartScore of 80, students demonstrate they’ve reached proficiency, ensuring they have a solid understanding of each skill area. This weekly practice not only builds confidence in ELA, but also strengthens critical reading, writing, and language skills essential for academic success. Let's keep up the hard work and make weekly IXL assignments a priority for growth and achievement!

Students in Mr. Dukeman’s biology classes carried out the science practice of creating models as they used chalk markers on their lab tables to draw models of the anatomy of the urinary system. In chemistry with Mr. Rozen, students were treated to a great demonstration and then participated in a chromatography lab. In APES with Mr. Dukeman, students carried out a bubble lab that allowed students to investigate survivorship curves.

November belongs to our cheerleaders. They work all fall in preparation for the major competitions. This past week, they crossed one of their goals off the list by once again winning the Keenan Division Patriot League title. The girls will travel to Franklin next Sunday for regionals and Worcester State on November 24th for the state championship.

Our football team had a thrilling win in the non-playoff round on Thursday night beating Stoughton, 20-14. Defensively the Panthers had a number of standouts, including Jacob Getchell (8 tackles, 2 TFL and a sack) and Brady Markowski (interception, 2 TFL, a sack, and a blocked punt). Bobby Walker and John-Owen Gray added a sack each. Brady Garrett and Lukas Hamilton also had interceptions. Offensively the Panthers were paced by Markowski (154 total yards, receiving touchdown) and Austin Breheny (100 yards passing with a touchdown pass and rush). Thiago Magalhaes added 78 rushing yards and was outstanding returning kicks all night.

The team will travel to Middleboro Friday at 5pm in the final non-playoff game of the season. The Thanksgiving Day game will be played at Abington this year.

The Whitman-Hanson Cross Country Boys and Girls teams competed in the Massachusetts 2A Divisional Championship held Saturday afternoon at Devens Massachusetts. Each team was limited to seven participants: the entire team was there to cheer them on. In the Girls race, Senior Captain Chloe Handlin led the Panthers to a 17th place finish over the difficult and hilly 3.1-mile course placing 79th overall in a time of 23:35. Other runners included Senior Captain Willa McKay (113th; 24:58), Sophomore Kaylah Randow (115th; 25:01), Sophomore Lindsey Brzuszek (119th; 25:08), Sophomore Rachael Sirignano (127th; 25:50); Junior Morgan Nessralla (144th; 27:22) and Sophomore Bethany Vinton (148th, 27:35.) In the Boys race, Junior Captain Ben Andrews was the first Panther across the finish line, placing 27th overall in a time of 17:56, while qualifying for a berth at next week's All-State Meet and leading the Boys team to a 14th place finish overall. Following Ben were three Freshmen, Jayden Brzuszek (102nd, 19:53), Dylan Meredith (105th, 19:59) and Jackson DeLue (106th, 20:00.) Junior Caeleb Rouse (109th, 20:04), Junior Josh Hadden (121st, 20:24) and Junior Caleb Poth (133rd, 20:41) also had good performances for the team. Both teams are excited to have another week of practice as they all help Ben prepare for the All State Meet next weekend to be held again at Devens, Massachusetts

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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCSJones
Twitter: @DrCSJones