Police officials are calling a High Street car fire suspicious.

On Sunday, Whitman Police and Whitman Fire/Rescue responded to 329 High St. after receiving a 911 call reporting a car fire. Emergency personnel arrived on scene  at approximately 12:13 a.m. and found a Chrysler Town and Country mini-van fully ablaze in the driveway of a residence.

Monday, Aug. 30

10:17 a.m. Police were requested to assist sheriff’s department on School Street.

11:45 a.m. Caller reported an oven fire on Harvard Street.

The John H. Duval School welcomed students back on the morning of Sept. 1. It is always exciting to watch the buses unload. Students in their back-to-school gear enter the building ready for the year to begin. There were several new additions to staff to greet the students on the first day. Nicole Sykes will be the new kindergarten teacher. Teaching second will be Jeannie Channell. Allyson Florence has taken the position of fifth grade teacher and Michael McCleary will be the new Wellness teacher.

The document establishes a long range direction for the district and provides a clear focus for future pursuits by identifying the priorities for improvement.

Just months after the state passed legislation relative to bullying in schools, the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District will host an educational forum on bullying and cyberbullying presented by the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center on Sept. 13. The forum will take place from 7-9 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

How did you become interested in education? When I was a child, I had some influential teachers who really helped me. I found myself drawn to education in order to do the same with other children and to help them.  I want to help children get through school and to be a positive influence in their lives.

Monday Aug. 30

8:46 a.m. Suspicious person reported on Birchbark Drive.

10:42 a.m. Officer requested on Indian Head Street.

Each year, we say good-bye to our students who leave us to head into the next phase of their education at Indian Head. We know they are well prepared for the challenges they will face due to their hard work, and the dedication of each and every Maquan teacher. In September, it is time to welcome the new and returning students,  families and staff who join us. Over the summer, many of our staff moved or transferred to other positions in the district.

Richard C. “Dick” Perkins, 80, a resident of Whitman for 47 years, died Monday Sept. 6 in his Whitman home  surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  He was the husband of 57 years to Ethel G “Gloria” (Shenett) Perkins.

Tip of the Week: Get ready for the fall migration — be sure to check all your fishing gear.

I know many of my friends were busy getting their children’s backpacks filled with some great school supplies.

The following students from Hanson recently received special awards at an assembly to honor Boston College High School undergraduates:

James F. Lewek ’11 received a Stephen J. Collins award in Chinese, a Holy Cross College Book award, and Excellence awards in two subjects: Ethics/Social Justice and US History AP and Joseph M. Zaccheo ’13 won an Excellence award in Biology I.