Providence Hall High School

This month, as we focus on strategic decision-making, we invite both students and parents to reflect on how choices made online can shape well-being, relationships, and future opportunities. Social media can be a powerful tool, but it also brings challenges. As Viktor Frankl observed, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.” That pause is where wise decisions are made—whether deciding what to post, how to respond, or when to step away. The best strategy is to use social media to strengthen connections and create opportunities, building confidence and resilience instead of stress and conflict.

This week, there is a schedule change on Wednesday, October 8. Seniors will attend the college tour they signed up for and will be dismissed following the tour. For 9th–11th grade students, testing will begin promptly at 7:55 a.m. Late students will not be allowed to test. Following the exam, students will be dismissed at 11:45 a.m. Please see the School-Wide Testing Day section for more details.

We also have Utah College Application Week, with lots of exciting events for all students to participate in. Check the Utah College Application Week section of this newsletter for more information—including details about two dress-down days this week!

Please take time to review this week’s Principal's Update thoroughly—it includes important information about:

• Patriot Spotlight this week is Omner Bastida, a 9th grade student who already has a national title in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

• School-Wide Testing Information

• Students of the Month

• School Protocol in the Event of a Measles Outbreak

• Scooter Safety

• Fall Concerts

• October Scholarship Seminar and more!

Choose to have a great week, Patriots!

Melissa McPhail
PHHS Principal

• Mon. October 6:
• Tue. October 7: Away Volleyball (St. Joseph, 7pm) | Away Soccer (Juab, 6pm) | Guitar Concert (Gym, 7pm)
• Wed. October 8: Dress Down Day (no hats) | SCHEDULE CHANGE: School-Wide Testing & College Tours Day (Tours: 7:55am & Testing 7:55 - 11:45am) | Band & Percussion Concert (Gym, 7pm)
• Thur. October 9: College Gear Dress Down Day (no hats) | Scholarship Seminar (Rm. 103, 7:20am or 2:40pm) | JV Football (Stadium, 4pm) | State Tennis
• Fri. October 10: Away Varsity Football (Summit, 7pm) | State Tennis | Away Debate Tournament
• Sat. October 11: Attendance School (Rm. 218, 9 - 11am) | Away Debate Tournament | State Tennis

ON THE HORIZON

• Mon. October 13: Orchestra Concert (7pm)
• Thur. October 16: End of Term Deadline // Last Day of Quarter 1
• Fri. October 17: Grade Transmittal Day (No School)
• Mon. October 20: Virtual Wellness Day (No School)
• Tue. October 21 - Fri. October 24: Fall Break (No School)

When most students head home after school, Omner Bastida (9th) is just getting started. What began as a simple after-school self-defense class has grown into a true passion—one that recently carried him all the way to a national title in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

“Winning the American National felt awesome,” Omner said. “It was a reflection of all my effort—early morning trainings and late evening practices. The best part was winning after learning from my mistakes, since in the past I lost because of a small mistake in technique.”

That success comes from serious dedication. Now as a high schooler, his schedule has become even more demanding. But instead of slowing down, he joined the wrestling team to sharpen his skills. Through it all, Omner has balanced his athletic pursuits while maintaining strong grades—earning A’s and B’s in every class.

His discipline also earned him a sponsorship with Shoyoroll, one of the most respected Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brands in the world. This honor shows that his commitment is already opening real doors for pursuing jiu jitsu as a career.

Looking ahead, Omner hopes to win Jiu-Jitsu Con and Pans Kids, with the long-term dream of making a living through the sport. His advice to other students is simple: “Never give up and be willing to sacrifice things for your dreams. Always do the maximum you can—as they say, ‘sometimes we win, and sometimes we learn.’”

Omner’s journey is a reminder that success doesn’t come easy. It takes focus, sacrifice, and persistence—but the rewards are worth it. Whether in academics, athletics, or the arts, we can all learn from his example: hard work and resilience can turn a small beginning into something life-changing.

🌟 We’re excited to celebrate our Students of the Month! These awesome students go above and beyond, and we love having them as part of our PHHS community. Their hard work, positivity, and dedication make Providence Hall a better place every day. Congratulations! 🎉

Our Patriots do amazing things—in school and beyond! Maybe you ride horses, race cars (legally, of course!), help with a family business, or have a hobby that’s totally unique.

Fill out this form to share your story (or nominate someone else) for a spotlight in our newsletter, announcements, and social media. Big or small, every story inspires our Patriot community!

🎓 Providence Hall High School is excited to host Utah College Application Week (UCAW) this week, October 6–9! This is an incredible opportunity for our students to take steps toward their future education.

Seniors

• Seniors will apply to colleges during their English class.

• If a senior does not have English, they will be pulled from class to complete applications.

• Local schools waive application fees during UCAW—so we highly encourage participation!

• Please ensure students know their Social Security number (not required to apply but helpful).

All Students – UCAW Activities

• Monday: College Bingo & Lunch Activities

• Tuesday: Lunch Activities

• Wednesday: College Tours or Testing (dress down)

• Thursday: Rep Your College Gear & Lunch Activities (dress down)

This Wednesday, all 9th–11th grade students will be taking either the PSAT or Practice ACT exams. These assessments are designed to help students prepare for end-of-year testing and the official ACT exam later this school year.

Please see the information below for more details.

• Arrive by 7:45 AM (testing begins promptly at 7:55 AM)

• Testing ends approximately 11:30–11:45 AM

• Students are dismissed after testing unless riding the bus

• Bus riders will wait in the gym

• Room assignments will be given in the morning meet-up and posted around the building

• PreACT: No accommodations (practice test only)

• PSAT: Accommodations only if previously approved for last year’s AP exams

• Note: Early dismissal applies only to PHHS. Other campuses will follow a normal school day.

• All 9th–11th graders

• 9th–11th: PreACT (no registration required)

• PSAT for 10th–11th graders that opted in and registered by 9/25

• ✅ Bring your own 4-function calculator (limited supply available at school)

• ⛔ Late arrivals cannot test

• ⛔ Exams cannot be made up or taken early

• ⛔ No backpacks, phones, smartwatches, food, or drinks in testing rooms

• 🍎 Snack allowed during break (must be stored and eaten outside testing room)

• 🧥 Dress in layers

• 🥪 Sack lunches available after testing, charged to student account

While there are currently no confirmed cases at Providence Hall, we want families to know what steps the school would take if measles were to occur in our community. Protocols include working with public health officials, notifying affected families, reviewing immunization records, and following guidance on excluding unvaccinated students if needed. We are committed to keeping our students and staff safe through clear communication and quick action.

We’ve noticed an increase in students riding electric scooters to and from school—which is great for independence; however, there’s been a growing concern about unsafe riding habits. Some students have been seen cutting off cars, ignoring crosswalks, and riding without helmets. These behaviors put both riders and drivers at serious risk.

Please take a few minutes to talk with your student about safe riding:

• ✅ Helmets should be worn—they’re the best protection in case of an accident.
• ✅ Follow all traffic laws—stop at stop signs and use crosswalks.
• ✅ Stay alert—no phones, earbuds, or distractions while riding.
• ✅ Be courteous—watch for cars, buses, and pedestrians in parking lots and near school entrances.

School staff and crossing guards will be watching for unsafe scooter behavior, and unsafe riders may lose the privilege of riding to school.

Let’s work together to keep everyone safe and make sure our students arrive ready to learn.🚦💚

Do you know of a teacher or staff member that is deserving of praise and recognition? If so, please submit a RAVE Review.

ATHLETICS: Austin Crapo - acrapo@providencehall.com

ACTIVITIES: Jill Stark - jstark@providencehall.com

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Official Providence Hall Charter School Website