Hanover High School will see a familiar face step into a new role this spring, as longtime educator and curriculum director Matthew Plummer prepares to succeed retiring Principal Matthew Mattos in April. Mr. Plummer, or “Plum” as students and staff call him, was a 1985 HHS graduate who has spent more than three decades serving the school as both a teacher and administrator. He was formally announced as the next principal in a December message to families from Superintendent Matt Ferron.
For many in Hanover, Mr. Plummer’s selection represents a choice for both continuity and growth at the high school. At the January 7th School Committee meeting, he emphasized that even a strong school like HHS should “continue to look for ways to improve,” outlining priorities such as reviewing the NEASC accreditation report, exploring potential changes to the schedule, and expanding courses in financial literacy, communications, and artificial intelligence. He also shared a long-term goal of building a working greenhouse on campus that could support science classes and serve as a space where “any student who really wants to can can go pick up a carnation or a mum and bring it home to their parents,” underscoring his belief that “it’s always about the students” and that the school’s job is to create as many opportunities as possible for them to shine.
As the school looks ahead to this transition, the community is also taking time to recognize the impact of Principal Mattos’ tenure. Since stepping into the role in 2021, he has guided the building through the post-pandemic period, overseeing major initiatives while maintaining a steady, student-centered focus. Under his leadership, HHS introduced the Vision of the Graduate framework, Mission Mondays, the Friday music challenge, and other traditions that have helped define the school’s culture and strengthen a sense of community. Colleagues and families credit his thoughtful transition planning with positioning HHS for a smooth change in leadership this spring, and many express a deep appreciation for the way he has kept students at the center of every decision.
As we move into this next chapter, the change from Mr. Mattos to Mr. Plummer signals both gratitude and optimism about the future. With a “homegrown” principal focused on student opportunity and a community eager to support him, the school appears well-positioned to build on its strengths while continuing to evolve.
References
Evans, Justin. “‘Homegrown’ Leader Matthew Plummer Named Next Principal of Hanover High.” South Shore News, 15 Jan. 2026,
“Upcoming Leadership Change at Hanover High School 12/18/25.” Hanover Public Schools, 18 Dec. 2025,
Every winter, students across the country find themselves asking the same hopeful question: Will there be any snow days?
Over the last weekend of January, towns across Massachusetts were buried in nearly two feet of snow. Following this powerful winter storm, schools across New England were closed, some even for two days. This was the first real snow day our school has had in years and has many students wondering if this past snow day will not be the last.
It is not hard to notice the similarities between this recent winter storm and the infamous blizzard of 2015, which initially hit New England on the exact same date, January 26th, and brought over two feet of snow. This resemblance has some people wondering if this season will mirror the winter of 2015, which covered towns across Massachusetts in a record-breaking 100 inches of snow, and led to relentless school closures where even the students grew tired of the cancellations. Yet, others are speculating that this past snowstorm may have been this winter’s last hurrah before giving way to an early spring.
In order to make an accurate predication about the forecast for this year’s snowfall, it is important to consider the scientific factors that influence the winter weather of Massachusetts.
Oceanic Nino Index
The Oceanic Nino Index is a dataset used by meteorologists to measure the differences in normal sea surface temperatures in the east-central Pacific region. La Nina is a climatic pattern that describes the periodic cooling of surface-ocean temperatures in the equatorial region of the Pacific Ocean. It is considered to be the counterpart to El Nino, which is the pattern of unusually warm ocean temperatures along the tropical west coast of South America. La Nina brings warmer, drier conditions to parts of the southern US, and colder, snowier conditions to the New England area, while El Nino typically brings warmer and wetter weather conditions.
This winter, meteorologists predict weak La Nina conditions, which are expected to be mild in intensity and fade later in the season. For New England, this suggests colder-than-average temperatures and an increased chance of snow in December and January, followed by milder conditions in February and March.
When La Nina is weak, the northern US gets colder and wetter.
Eastern Pacific Oscillation
Another important aspect to consider when determining the weather trends for this winter is the Eastern Pacific Oscillation, often referred to as the EPO. The EPO is a pattern of atmospheric flow across the Eastern Pacific region and can have a strong influence on how much cold air reaches North America. This season the EPO is in a negative phase, which means that a high-pressure atmospheric ridge is building near Alaska and blocking the typical west-to-east flow of mild Pacific air. For the northern US, this ends up resulting in colder than average temperatures. Since cold temperatures are a key ingredient for snowfall, this negative EPO could indicate higher-than-average snow totals for the northern region of the US. However, the negative EPO does not always guarantee frigid temperatures for Massachusetts, as warm Atlantic waters near the coast can moderate the cold temperatures created by the negative EPO. This could mean that precipitation could fall as rain instead of snow. Overall, the impact of the EPO on snowfall in Massachusetts is uncertain; however if the cards align, there is a chance for some more significant snowstorms in the future.
Pacific Decadal Oscillation
The Pacific Decadel Oscillation refers to a long-term ocean temperature fluctuation of the Pacific Ocean. The PDO varies from a “cool” or “negative” phase to a “warm” or “positive” phase every 20 to 30 years. This year we are experiencing a strongly negative or “cold” PDO. This means colder-than-normal conditions in the Pacific Northwest, but means warmer-than-normal temperatures across much of the country, including Massachusetts. In July 2025, the PDO reached the most negative value on record which was associated with record-breaking warm summer temperatures in New England. The last several winters had these same strongly negative PDO patterns, which likely played a part in the less snowy winters experienced in New England.
The Polar Vortex & The Jet Stream
The polar vortex is a wide low pressure area of swirling cold air located in the atmosphere of the polar regions. However, this year, the polar vortex is predicted to weaken. This means that this system filled with Arctic air can break off and flow south, bringing its cold air with it. When the polar vortex is strong and stable, it keeps the jet stream in its normal path. The jet steam is a band of strong wind located in the upper atmosphere that encircles the earth and plays a critical role in keeping colder air north and warmer air south. However, as the polar vortex weakens, the jet stream begins to wobble, causing cold shots of frigid air to travel into the mid-latitudes, including Southern New England. This favors a colder & snowier winter in New England.
The weak polar vortex causes the Jet Stream to become wavy.
Siberian Snow Theory
The Siberian Snow theory refers to the concept developed by climatologist Dr. Judah Cohen that the snowfall in Siberia can be used to determine the severity of winters in North America. Located in the northern Arctic region of Russia, Siberia experiences the Siberian High, a high-pressure atmospheric system that brings cool temperatures and snow beginning in early October. According to Dr. Cohen, an above-average snowfall in this region is likely to be followed by a colder and snowier winter season in New England. Last October, Siberia experienced a relatively average snow cover, which predicts average snow totals for the United States.
In summary, forecasts for this year’s winter season offer a mixed outlook:
A weak La Nina is predicted to bring a snowy December and January, followed by a milder February and March.
A negative Eastern Pacific Oscillation suggests the possibility of colder temperatures and snowstorms.
A negative Pacific Decadel Oscillation points toward a milder winter overall.
A weak polar vortex predicts a colder and snowier winter.
Finally, the Siberian Snow theory forecasts an average winter.
Based on this information, while a definitive prediction is hard to make, there is a real possibility for more snow on the horizon! Whether it will amount to more snow days, though, is anybody’s guess.
Community service is an action, performance, or a “hands-on” activity by an individual or group without compensation, whose effort will directly benefit others. Taking part in community service activities are a great way to both connect with and benefit your community.
At Hanover High School, students are required to perform 10 hours of community service per year for a total of 40 hours before graduation. In this way, students remain active in their community for all four years. However, students interested in applying for membership in the National Honor Society are required to have 40 hours by the beginning of junior year. NHS is an organization that highlights academics, leadership, service and character and is a great way for motivated students to give back to their community. Whether students are aiming for NHS or just trying to meet the yearly service requirement, there are many clubs that can help.
One way HHS students can serve their community is by going to Dirty Works, a gardening and sustainability club run by Mrs. Curtis and Mrs. Curley. Dirty Works meets every Thursday after school from 2:30-3:30 in room 110. Students who attend meetings recycle old K cups from staff coffee machines, plant and maintain the courtyard gardens, and make HHS look more beautiful. Every session includes one hour of community service. If you are interested in Dirty Works, contact Mrs. Curtis at kcurtis@hanoverschools.org or just show up!
Another option is to join Lifesavers Club, which holds blood drives to provide the Red Cross and Mass General Hospital with much-needed supplies. The club also holds food, clothing and toiletry drives to benefit community organizations that serve those in need. Volunteering for these events counts as community service. It’s run by Nurse Nee and Mrs. LeVangie, who you can see in the nurse’s office for more information.
The focus of Green Team is to educate the school community about recycling in the classroom and at home. Members meet after school on Wednesdays to empty recycling bins around the school to lessen the trash that we produce. You receive community service every time you help. The club is run by Ms. Byron in Guidance; email kbyron@hanoverschools.org to learn more.
Outreach Club provides opportunities for students to brighten the days of the elderly citizens, veterans, women in shelters, homeless people, and more. This club typically meets on Tuesdays at 7:20 once or twice a month in the library. Some recent things done by this club were bingo nights, Valentines and Easter care packages for the Meals on Wheels program, and math nights at Center and Cedar School. The club is run by Mrs. Parry and Natalie Frank, who you can reach at rparry@hanoverschools.org and nfrank26@hanoverstudents.org.
Tomorrow’s Teachers is a club designed to help students explore a career in education. By providing students with a realistic understanding of teaching, the club encourages students to think seriously about a future career. By joining this club, you can volunteer for opportunities to work with children, along with receiving community service. You can email advisor Mrs. Abban to learn more at dabban@hanoverschools.org.
The Eco Club is a group that enhances students’ knowledge on climate change, sustainability and environmental issues. The club focuses on environmental causes important to members, works to spread awareness in our school, hosts fundraisers and helps at local beach and town cleanups. Contact Mr. Patch for more info at mpatch@hanoverschools.org.
Be Better Movement helps promote a positive and inclusive school environment for all students. It meets every other Friday morning and performs occasional community service like greeting students at the other schools and holding special events. It is run by Mrs. Byron, who can be reached at kbyron@hanoverschools.org.
Animal Care Club meets one Thursday a month after school in room 305 to plan animal fundraisers and volunteer opportunities. This month, the club is running a holiday pet drive for Buddy and Friends in Pembroke. They will have more volunteer opportunities in the new year. If you want to join, email advisor Mrs. Hughes at ahughes@hanoverschools.org or student advisor Audrey Martin at amartin27@hanoverstudents.org.
Finally, Mrs. Foster in the main office sometimes has info on community service possibilities. Check in with her and remember to always listen to announcements in the mornings as well about new community service opportunities!
Be sure to check out my next article on why hair gets more prone to be affected by static in the winter time!
Twelve Hanover High School musicians earned accolades at the MMEA Southeastern District auditions at King Philip High School in Wrentham on Nov. 22. These students will perform at the 2025-2026 Southeastern District Senior Festival at New Bedford High School on Jan. 9-10. Seven of the 12 were recommended for All-States.
Several students who auditioned had key roles in the HHS school musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which ran Nov. 20-22. This meant that they performed in the musical Thursday and Friday nights, auditioned for Districts during the day Saturday, and then performed closing night of the play on Saturday night.
For Orchestra, Henrik Consilvio and Shirley Mancini, both sophomores, were recognized for violin. Senior Aine Scanlan earned honors for oboe. In Concert Band, judges honored junior Maria-Rita Silva for flute, sophomore Rory Toyoshima for alto saxophone, junior Rory O’Connor for trumpet, and junior Ronan Blum for trombone. For Treble Chorus, juniors Avery Porro and Emma Louko were recognized as altos. Earning honors in Mixed Chorus were junior Sophie Frattasio as an alto, sophomore Anna Dillon as a soprano, and junior Sam Frattasio as a bass.
The seven students recommended for All-States were Consilvio, Mancini, Scanlan, Silva, Blum, Porro and Dillon. They will audition for those ensembles in January alongside the top music students from the five districts of Massachusetts. If accepted at that audition, they will perform with students from across the state at the MMEA All-State Festival in March.
The Massachusetts Music Educators Association is a statewide organization dedicated to supporting quality music programs and instruction
What are cognitive biases? Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts that lead to systematic errors, affecting or counteracting your inner rationale. Your brain can be overloaded with information, and to process that information faster, these shortcuts are used to come up with a quick response to what is being said. This can create misinterpretation or inaccurate conclusions and lead to flawed judgment, poor decision-making, and distorted perceptions of reality. The creators of the idea of cognitive biases are Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman, who brought this idea to light in the 1970s. They also introduced the concept of heuristics, which induce immediate judgment that guides you to make irrational decisions.
The inability to make a good judgment on a subject is induced by fatigue, stress, and emotions, which are personal factors, but are also caused by cognitive biases. Cognitive biases play a part in flawed judgment because they cause the brain to process information too quickly. With the quick processing of information comes the capability to miss or overlook important factors that can affect your argument. For example, if you see a news article that several people have died from a plane crash, and it makes you not want to fly, you are exhibiting the availability heuristic. You take what you have just seen or learned, over weigh the probability of it happening, and let it generate fear, even though fewer planes crash, than those that do. The availability of information on plane crashes is, at the moment, more prevalent than information available on planes that have successful trips, causing you to believe crashes are more common than they are.
Anchoring is also one of the biases that can affect your judgment because it uses the first piece of information that you collect on someone, and refuses to acknowledge any change that occurs. If you are at a restaurant, for example, and see a $90 steak and then further down on the menu you see a $50 steak, you will rationalize the price of the $50 steak. In your mind, you will think that you are getting a cheap steak, when in reality, $50 for a steak is not cheap.
People make decisions every day, whether they are good or bad. “Should I eat pizza or burgers tonight?” is a decision that doesn’t have any consequences. But deciding not to do something after someone asks you to, does. That kind of decision, when you prefer to do the opposite of what someone is trying to make you do is called reactance. This tricks the brain into thinking there is a loss of freedom or a forced action. This gives you a sense of need to rebel against the enforcer to regain your control over what you do, causing you to not do what is asked of you, resulting in punishment. For instance, if your parents tell you to put on a jacket when it is cold outside, it may make you not want to wear one because you are being forced to instead of making the choice on your own. Especially if it really is cold outside, you will refuse to admit that they were right about wearing a jacket.
These mental shortcuts make your mind susceptible to receiving and believing distorted information, causing you to make decisions that aren’t always beneficial. The sunk cost fallacy is another effect of cognitive biases because it makes you irrationally cling to things that have already cost you something. If you have run a business for many years that is now going bankrupt, for example, you will not want to sell it because you have put so much money, time, and effort into it. This bias highlights the desire to hold onto something that you have put time and effort into, even though it is no longer relevant or beneficial.
A distorted perception of reality is when someone’s view or interpretation of the world is skewed, which is exhibited by irrational thought patterns. The biases associated with this are declinism and the self-serving bias. They both touch on how things can easily affect our perception and judgment to make room for misinterpretation of things happening in the world. If you believe that earning a good score on your test is due to studying hard, for example, but when you fail, it is because the teacher put hard questions on the test, then you are a victim of the self-serving bias. The self-serving bias is when you believe that your failures are due to external factors, yet you’re personally responsible for your success. This skews the perception of reality and romanticizes your past accomplishments, thus making you less accountable for your mistakes. It makes you unable to take criticism because you believe that it will not be beneficial to you, and your mistakes are not your own. Judging others comes easy when you don’t know the circumstances, but you give yourself leeway because you know what is going on and your thought process. This creates overconfident people who believe they are always right and are never wrong because their mistakes are not their fault.
People who are stuck in the past, always hoping that life will go back to how it was in the past, are subject to declinism. Declinism is when you remember the past as better than it was, and expect the future to be worse than evidence suggests it will be. But in reality, the past isn’t as good as you remember; it is just your mind believing that because you don’t want to experience life in the world you live in now. We believe the past to be better than reality because we are handpicking the good memories to remember, and blocking out the bad ones. The reason reality is not favored is that we are now living through the good and the bad events happening at the same time. Being stuck in the past will change how you view the present world because you will be resistant to change, and want to continue to see the past world through “rose colored glasses.”
Cognitive biases are the root of systematic errors in thinking that are illustrated through flawed judgment, poor decision-making, and the distortion of the perception of reality. There are so many biases that highlight the errors of the thought process that the human mind uses to formulate a conclusion. Being aware of cognitive biases is beneficial because it will help you make better life choices as well as educate you on how to form rational judgments. But even with this knowledge, you may still make mistakes and struggle with judgment. Also, knowing the cognitive biases isn’t the most important part; being able to see and apply them to your life is what really matters. If you are not aware of your own actions and problems, then there is no way that you can reflect and fix them.
There are many more cognitive biases that I didn’t mention in this article. If you want to know more, go to https://yourbias.is/ And if you like this article, then make sure to read my next one on the Danger of Logical Fallacies next month!
Gen Z is considered by many to be the first to grow up on social media. Born from the mid-90s to early 2010s, this generation consumes more content each day than any other. When the government of Nepal tried to ban 26 major social media platforms, the young adults of the country did not sit by quietly. They took to the streets to protest what they called censorship and authoritarian rule.
The government of Nepal made the decision to ban the social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, in September. The ban was implemented after the app owners refused to comply with the request to register with the Nepali government and limit information. Officials argued that the move was about ‘sovereignty and regulation,’ not censorship, but the citizens thought differently. They felt that their democracy and freedom of expression were just temporary privileges. This led to protesters peacefully gathering to argue against the government’s decision. However, it quickly escalated to violence and destruction.
On September 8, police shot at the protesters near the Parliament building, causing at least 19 deaths, including a 12-year-old child, and over 100 injuries. The next day, thousands of young protesters stormed the parliament building. They destroyed the interior, ransacking valuables and setting rooms on fire. The prime minister’s house was also set on fire, leading to his resignation. The power vacuum was filled by Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first female prime minister, who holds a zero-tolerance policy on government corruption and political censorship. The social media ban and national curfew were lifted shortly after, with Karki pledging to end corruption and respond to the demands of the people.
This issue is not unique to developing countries like Nepal. Recently in Mexico, thousands of members of Gen Z organized through social media in massive protests against crime and corruption. Similar protests have occurred in the past two years from Bangladesh and Kenya to Italy and Peru. For students anywhere, this story demonstrates how youth activism online can translate into political change for the better.
The music department’s annual Cabaret, held Oct. 14, showcased performances from the school’s best and brightest. Students from all grades sang, played in ensembles created just for the event, and even performed stand-up comedy. These photos capture just a glimpse of the night. While not everyone could be featured, it was truly an evening to remember, and every performer earned the title of “star.”
Members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society worked with Mr. Harden, our band director, and Mr. Wade, our choral director, to set up the event and keep the night running smoothly.
The Patriot Ledger is asking readers to vote for the best school marching band on the South Shore. HHS knows there’s no contest; the Pride of Hanover Band tops them all! Show your support by voting in the free poll. Vote as often as you like before the poll closes at noon Wednesday, Nov. 26.
Spirit Week brought the school to life with a packed lineup of themed days and Homecoming events Oct. 20-25. Monday kicked things off with red, white, and blue outfits, followed by a tropical Tuesday and a “We Wear Pink” Wednesday. Thursday, students showed up in jerseys and jammies. Friday wrapped up the week with class colors, a pod decorating contest won by the “Freshman Fishtank,” and an energetic pep rally highlighted by sibling musical chairs won by the Collins’ brothers. The night continued with Senior Night for football, cheer, and band, capped off with a 42-21 football win over Quincy. The celebration ended on Saturday with the Homecoming Dance and the crowning of Brad Peterson and Morgan Curtis as king and queen.
Zohran Mamdani was recently elected mayor of New York City, and he’s sharing his progressive ideas with the country. Mamdani proudly describes himself as a democratic socialist, similar to Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. So what exactly is democratic socialism?
After President Donald Trump tried to label Mamdani a communist, the candidate became very vulnerable with his political and economic beliefs in public. When CNN’s Erin Burnett asked Mamdani during the campaign if he liked capitalism, he said:
“No, I have many critiques of capitalism. And I think ultimately, the definition for me of why I call myself a democratic socialist is the words of Dr. King decades ago. He said, call it democracy or call it democratic socialism. There must be a better distribution of wealth for all of God’s children in this country. . . . For too long, politicians have pretended that we’re spectators to that crisis of affordability. We’re actually actors, and we have the choice to exacerbate it, like (outgoing) Mayor (Eric) Adams has done, or to respond to it and resolve it like I’m planning to do.”
Democratic socialism, as described by both Mamdani and Martin Luther King Jr., is a political ideology advocating a socialist economy within a democratic framework. It seeks to achieve a more egalitarian and just society by controlling the economy to benefit the majority, not just the one percent at the top. Democratic socialists support policies like universal health care, higher minimum wages, and worker cooperatives. They strongly distinguish it from both communism, which is seen as authoritarian, and social democracy, which they believe doesn’t challenge capitalism enough.
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani holds a press conference at the Unisphere in the Queens borough of New York City, on Nov. 5, 2025. (Kylie Cooper/Reuters)
While no country is a pure democratic socialist state, Nordic nations such as Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark are often cited as examples that follow many of the ideals. They utilize a mixed-market economy that combines private ownership with a strong social safety net, and they’re known for their comprehensive welfare system, including universal health care. Public services are funded through taxation. Labor unions, as well as labor market policies, reduce conflict between labor and capital. Other countries influenced by democratic socialism include Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Portugal, Belgium, France and the Netherlands.
Despite how beneficial these ideas sound, is America ready for democratic socialism? The U.S. operates under a representative democracy with a capitalist-based economy. Capitalism is a stark contrast to socialism; it features private ownership, free markets and competition, while socialism involves government or collective ownership with a focus on equitable distribution. Capitalism promotes individual economic freedom and innovation through competition, but it can lead to inequality, which is what socialism aims to reduce. However, socialism has potential drawbacks as well. Despite its just basis, it can stifle innovation due to reduced competition and government control. Also, like many “unchecked” economies, it can lead to authoritarianism and gradually devolve into communism. However, under the current administration, many people are asking for either a socialist shift or a mix of both socialism and capitalism.
Mamdani’s own ideals are probably part of the best basis we have when it comes to the modern understanding of democratic socialism. His big policies are all focused on making life more affordable for working people. He aims to:
Freeze the rents for one million people in rent-controlled apartments. This means a temporary, legal halt on increasing rent for residential properties, preventing landlords from raising it for existing tenants and sometimes for new ones too.
Subsidize New York City buses to make them free to riders, as well as making child care free for New Yorkers.
Start a pilot program of one city-run grocery store in each borough to see whether removing the profit motive makes groceries cheaper—a risky arrangement.
One of Mamdani’s policies is the most ambitious, though: increasing taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and on the city’s corporations. In the same CNN interview, Mamdani goes on to say:
“I think the dream at its core is a dream for stability in one’s life. And what you’re saying is that you work hard enough and that you then reap the benefits — too many New Yorkers, and Americans for that matter, are working eight hours and then still feeling like they haven’t made enough money to keep living in the city they call home.”
Zohran Mamdani speaks during a victory speech. Photograph: Yuki Iwamura/AP
National Museum of American History. “Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship.” Americanhistory.si.edu, americanhistory.si.edu/citizenship/learn/government-basics/11/learn.
Thaywick, Lena. “15 Democratic Socialist Countries and Social Democracies.” HowStuffWorks, 22 Oct. 2025, people.howstuffworks.com/democratic-socialist-countries.htm. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
The Hawk 