Panther Press
Newsletter of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
Welcome!
June 10, 2024 - Volume 6 - ISSUE 31
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!
Important Dates to Plan
June 11: Underclassman Awards 7:30AM
June 11: Mental Health Day
June 12: Volleyball Tournament and Sophomore Cookout
June 13: District Early Release - Last Day of School (WHRHS 10:15 dismissal)
June 13: Quarter 4 Report Cards available on Parent Portal
Nicole Ryerson, RN & Sarah Nunnery, RN
Happy end of school!
Medication and supplies pick-up:
All medications and supplies in the health clinic need to be picked up by a parent on or before the last day of school (June 13 by 10 AM)
Emergency medicines (inhalers and epipens) may be sent home with a student with an email from the parent giving permission.
All medications and supplies left in the health clinic at dismissal time on the last day of school will be disposed of as medication cannot be stored over the summer months.
Policies for the 2024-2025 school year
Medication for next school year (prescription, over the counter, inhalers, epipens)
Drop off dates:
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Tuesday, Aug 27, 2024 8:00 AM-2:00 PM
Students are not allowed to carry any type medication or transport medication to and from school without approval from the school nurse.
If your child needs to have ANY medication at school, a parent or designee must deliver ALL medication directly to the school nurse. Please make sure medication is not expired and will not expire during the school year. If your student has permission to self-carry an epi-pen or inhaler we must have a signed MD note on file.
Medication cannot be accepted without a pharmacy labeled bottle (student's name, physician's name, medication name, dose and frequency). We also need a Doctor's/Prescriber’s medication order and a Parent Authorization Form.
Please see the Health Services tab on the WHRSD webpage for more information about the medication policy and for the one-page Medication Administration and Parent Authorization form. If your physician uses their own medication administration form then you need to submit that and then sign the parent authorization section of the WHRSD form.If your child is injured during the school year, a physician/provider note is required. Any injury or situation that limits a student's ability to participate in PE/Wellness or any other daily school activities needs a note from a medical provider.
Any student requiring use of assistive devices such as crutches, wheelchair, walking boot, cast, splint, etc, during school hours must submit written documentation required for re-entry to school from the physician stating the extent of the injury/surgery, physician’s instructions for use of the assistive device, specific limitations regarding activity (i.e. no gym), use of elevator, and time frame for the use of the assistive device. When a student is cleared to return to full activities, a note is also required.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires all students entering grade 12 to be fully immunized in order to attend school. The following immunizations are required: Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine Men ACWY (Menveo or Menactra). Please check with your physician to make sure your child is up to date and submit documentation to the nurse’s office.
ATTENTION ALL STUDENT ATHLETES: Please submit a copy of a current physical exam. THESE MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN AUGUST 9, 2024 to be eligible to participate in fall tryouts/sports. Physicals are valid for 13 months. Athletes who do not have an updated physical on file by August 9 will not be able to try out. A valid physical must include the date of exam, physician signature and a statement of clearance to participate in athletics. Documents may be mailed, faxed (844-440-2371), emailed (physicals@whrsd.org) or dropped off in person now and over the summer months. Please note coaches are NOT able to accept physicals.
Please be aware the nursing staff is not available on a consistent basis during the summer. We will be checking messages periodically, so please reach out with any concerns or questions.
Be well!
Nicole Ryerson, RN
Sarah Nunnery, RN
WHRHS Clinic
Phone: 781-618-7452
Fax: 844-440-2371
Spring Enrichment Internship
This spring, nine Whitman Hanson students had the opportunity to participate in an internship experience at the new Whitman Middle After School Enrichment program. Students served as paraprofessionals in the various clubs and activities. Students worked twice a week afterschool helping teachers, building relationships with students, and executing one lesson of their own. Each Friday students came together for reflection and to learn valuable career skills.
The students that participated were Niko Flores, Paige Thornon, Nathalia Mei, Yasmin Rodrigues, Iasmin Nepomuceno, Wendy Rangel, Peter Michaud, Meg Lang, and Kaylee Canniff.
Any student who will be 17 years old or older by July 8th is welcome to apply to participate in the Summer version of the program. Students can apply here (https://forms.gle/nNohPCjco4hWF4GV7) or contact Mr. Szkutak (christopher.szkutak@whrsd.org) for more information!
Congratulations Class of 2024!
A few pictures of the ceremony and graduates with my speech in the background. I hope you enjoy!
Staff Member of the Year
Congratulations to Meghan Rivera, School Counseling Administrative Assistant! She was named Staff Member of the Year by the Class of 2024! Meghan was recognized for her kindness and helpfulness to our school community.
Care Solace
Care Solace can help navigate the mental health care system by helping WH staff, students and families find available providers. Care Solace is available for use at no cost to you. They will connect you with providers accepting all medical insurances including Medicaid, Medicare, and sliding scale options for those without insurance. All information entered on the Care Solace tool is completely confidential and securely stored. Please check out this Care Solace link if you need assistance finding an outside mental health provider over the summer break.
Happy Summer Break
As we wrap up the 2024/2025 school year, we wish our Panther family a healthy, happy, and restful summer with a chance to relax and recharge after a busy year.
If you have any questions, please reach out for assistance.
School Counselors:
Mr. Amado
Ms. Rivera (Administrative Assistant)
School Adjustment Counselors:
Mrs. Siden: Grades 10 & 12
Mrs. Robichaud: Grades 9 & 11
Transition Room Counselors
As we wind down the year, many History students have been completing projects. In Ms. LaMarca's class, students chose from a list of people connected to what they learned this year and created a cellphone from that person's perspective through a series of apps. Students then added background information and context surrounding their chosen person to explain the choices they made when making the app.
Contact Us
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