Providence Hall High School

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed the break. As we begin December and head into the final three weeks of 2025, please be mindful that this Friday is the midterm deadline. Any assignment that is still eligible to be turned in and was assigned before this deadline will not be accepted afterward. Students should check with their teachers to confirm which assignments can still be submitted.

We are also getting ready for Winter Week & Winter Waltz. Be sure to look later in the newsletter for details about the dance, spirit days, and our annual Lip Sync Battle. It’s an exciting time of year, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

This week we are focusing on healthy self-talk, a skill that helps both high school students and adults handle stress, stay confident, and think more clearly when life feels overwhelming. Everyone has an inner voice, and what we tell ourselves strongly affects how we feel and how we respond to challenges. For students, learning to guide that inner voice can improve school performance, friendships, and emotional well-being. For parents, understanding this skill helps you support your teen as they navigate the ups and downs of high school life.

A helpful way to understand the power of our thoughts comes from Winston Churchill, who said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” This quote captures what healthy self-talk is all about. When something goes wrong, our first thoughts can either lift us up or pull us down. A negative voice might say, “I always mess up,” while healthier self-talk might say, “Today was tough, but I can figure out what to try next.” Reframing thoughts in this way helps students respond to setbacks with more calm and confidence.

Healthy self-talk does not mean ignoring hard feelings or pretending everything is fine. It means being both honest and gentle with yourself. Students can practice this by catching extreme thoughts, noticing when their mind jumps to the worst possible outcome, and choosing a more balanced viewpoint. Parents can support this growth by listening carefully to how their teen speaks about themselves and gently guiding them toward more accurate, encouraging language. When teens hear parents model calm, positive self-talk after their own stressful moments, it shows them that managing thoughts is something everyone works on, no matter their age.

When both students and parents practice healthier thinking, the whole family benefits. Challenges feel more manageable, stressful moments become easier to talk about, and mistakes start to feel like chances to learn instead of reasons to shut down. Thought reframing allows everyone to move forward with more confidence and clarity.

Students, Try This:

• Notice when your thoughts are overly negative or extreme
• Replace “I can’t do this” with “I am still learning”
• Talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend
• Look for the lesson inside the setback
• Ask yourself, “Is there another way to see this”

Parents, Try This:

• Listen for all-or-nothing language from your teen
• Help them find a more balanced and accurate perspective
• Model positive self-talk after your own stressful moments
• Normalize mistakes and encourage reflection
• Praise effort and problem-solving rather than perfection

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

• Upcoming Events

• Important Information: Giving Tree Donations, Sportsmanship Scholarship, Holiday Lights in the Park Fundraiser, Winter Week, Winter Waltz, Band & Orchestra Concert, Auditions for the Musical, Winter Choir Concert, Sora, Second Semester ACT Prep Course, & Lunch Balance Fundraiser

• Senior Section

• Scholarship Opportunities

• RAVE Reviews

• Community News

Choose to have a great week, Patriots!

Melissa McPhail
PHHS Principal

• Mon. December 1:
• Tue. December 2: Home Girls Basketball (7pm, Gym)
• Wed. December 3: Home Boys Basketball (3:30, 5:15, 7pm, Gym)
• Thur. December 4: Away Boys Basketball || Home Girls Basketball (6pm, Gym)
• Fri. December 5: MIDTERM DEADLINE || Away Wrestling Tournament || Debate Tournament || Holiday Lights at the Ballpark
• Sat. December 6: Attendance School (9-11, Rm. 218) || Away Wrestling Tournament || Debate Tournament // Cheer Competition (Bountiful HS, 8:30am)

• Mon. December 8: Band & Orchestra Concert (6:30pm, Gym)
• Tue. December 9: Guitar Concert (7pm, Gym)
• Thurs. December 11: Choir Concert (6:30pm, PHJH) II Spring Musical Auditions (3:00-5:00pm, Drama Room)
• Fri. December 12: Winter Waltz Assembly & Sportsmanship Applications Due
• Sat. December 13: Winter Waltz Dance (Semi-Formal, Gym)
• Mon. December 22 - January 2: Winter Break
• Wed. January 14: A Day Finals
• Thurs. January 15: B Day Finals & End of First Semester
• Fri. January 16: No School: Grade Transmittal Day
• Mon. January 19: No School: MLK Jr Day

You will not want to miss this month’s Athletics and Activities Newsletter. Inside, we are featuring the world premiere of an original PHHS production of Frankenstein, a behind the scenes look at the creativity, teamwork, and heart that brought this one of a kind play to life. We are also celebrating a huge achievement for our athletics program, our award winning sportsmanship video, which earned first place and a prize of one thousand dollars. That award is now being used to create four two hundred fifty dollar scholarships for athletes who exemplify sportsmanship and outstanding character.

It is a powerful issue filled with stories that showcase the very best of Providence Hall, and it is absolutely worth reading.

Last year, our amazing Providence Hall community helped provide more than five thousand dollars in gifts to families in need. This year, we are excited to support seven families through our Giving Tree. If you’d like to spread a little holiday cheer, please use the QR code to donate cash (which will be used to purchase items on each family’s wishlist) or drop off gift cards at the front office.Thank you for sharing the joy of the season — our community shines brightest when we lift each other up.

Providence Hall was recently awarded a one thousand dollar sportsmanship scholarship for our video submission showcasing what sportsmanship looks like at PHHS. We are excited to use this award to offer four Sportsmanship Scholarships of 250 dollars each to PHHS students who consistently demonstrate excellent sportsmanship on the field and strong character off the field. All applications are due December 12, and late applications will not be considered.

*The video will appear in the next Athletics and Activities Newsletter.

Join us for Holiday Lights Night at the Ballpark on Friday, December 5. Families can stroll the field, walk through glowing tunnels, enjoy themed zones like Candy Cane Lane, and watch the stunning light show featuring a 60-foot synchronized Christmas tree. Kids and adults can enjoy interactive games, snowball toss areas, stomp pads, mini golf, and festive photo ops. Warm up at the Mistletoe Market with hot cocoa, treats, and holiday snacks. Discounted tickets are available, and four dollars from every ticket is donated back to Providence Hall High. It is a magical holiday experience for all ages.

Winter Week is December 8 through 12. Join us for a week of fun and celebration with your friends as we enjoy the final days of 2025 together. Come show your school spirit and make some great memories!

Spirit Days:

• Cozy Monday
• Favorite Holiday Movie Character Tuesday
• Rhyme w/o Reason Wednesday
• Ugly Sweater Thursday
• Spirit Day Friday

Lip Sync Battle:

• Date: Thursday, December 11
• Time: 3pm
• Location: Commons

Students who dress up will receive a Patriot Pass, which can be redeemed in the front office for extra credit passes or candy.

Dance Details:

• Saturday, December 13.
• 7 - 10pm, PHHS Gym.
• $10 in advance.
• $15 at the door (cash only).
• Students must present their current school ID or show their PHHS Skyward account on their phone.
• This is a semi-formal dance.

Guest Information:

• PHHS students may bring ONE non-PHHS guest by completing a guest pass and submitting it before the deadline on December 12 at 2pm.
• Ninth grade students who attend a junior high or middle school are not permitted to attend PHHS dances.
• Guests over 18 must receive administrative approval at least 2 days before the dance. No guests over 19 will be allowed.
• All guests must present a student ID or driver’s license and must arrive and leave with their PHHS date.
• Students must arrive and leave with their guest.

Join us for a festive Winter Band & Orchestra Concert! Experience the vibrant sounds of Percussion Ensembles, Wind Ensemble, Advanced Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and the Providence Hall Symphony. Celebrate the season with inspiring performances and musical cheer. We look forward to seeing you there!

Calling all students! Don't miss your chance to audition for The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals. Show off your talent and be part of this exciting production. Come prepared and join us for a fun, theatrical experience. We can't wait to see your audition!

Come out and join us for a festive evening of music as our Junior High and High School choirs present a special holiday performance. This is a wonderful opportunity to support our talented students and enjoy some cheerful seasonal songs that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. We hope to see you there as we kick off the season with music, community, and celebration!

Purchase your Patriot gear at super low prices!

Have some extra time this holiday season? It is a great opportunity to catch up on reading just for fun.

Check out Sora, our digital reading platform for students. Sora lets you read or listen to ebooks and audiobooks from home on any device, completely free. Whether you want something new, something relaxing, or something exciting, Sora has plenty of great choices to explore.

We are excited to offer another round of our ACT Prep Course starting January 12. This program has been highly successful — on average, students who participate increase their cumulative ACT score by two points from the pretest to the post-test. Even small score increases can open doors to more scholarships, better college opportunities, and increased confidence heading into test day. If your student is planning to take the ACT this spring, this is a great chance to prepare, practice, and boost their performance.

Last year, Providence Hall students had over $6,000 in unpaid lunch balances. Every family’s journey is unique, but together we can make a big difference! Your donation—no matter the size—will go directly toward reducing student lunch debt across all three schools. Help us make sure every Patriot has a healthy meal and the energy to learn and succeed. Join our No-Fuss Fundraiser and help support our students. Every dollar fills a tray and fuels a mind! Click the image below or use the following link to donate: https://sfnd.io/qnjw5

• Dec. 1: U of U, Weber State, USU & SUU Scholarship Priority Deadline & Westminster Early Action Deadline
• Dec. 15: BYU Final Application Deadline
• Jan. 1: Opportunity Scholarship Application Opens
• Jan. 23: Opportunity Scholarship Priority Deadline
• Jan. 24: Senior Dinner Dance (Tentative)

The purpose of this Newsletter is to keep students, parents, and guardians informed on key updates and important milestones as students prepare for life after high school.

Ken Garff Keys to Success

Providing students with an accessible tool, Keys to Success enables users to discover, connect to, and endeavor to achieve future possibilities. There are several scholarships available to Utah students through this program.

More information: https://www.ktsutah.org/

Deadline: varies

Visionary Scholarship Program

Our Visionary Scholarship is a bi-annual award. There are five (5) awards given with each bi-annual deadline - with a total of ten (10) college scholarships awarded for each school year. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 each.

More information: https://americancollegefoundation.org/college-planning-visionary-scholarship-details/

Deadline: December 1, 2025

Ron Brown Scholarships Program

The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans. RBSP competitively awards 20 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth.

More information: https://ronbrown.org/ron-brown-scholarship/

Deadline: December 1, 2025

Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship

In partnership with the US Rice Producers Association, the Stoesser family is offering a $5,000 scholarship to one deserving high school senior or current college student who is interested in or is currently pursuing a career in an agriculture-related field. In addition to the monetary award, the selected recipient will serve as a student ambassador for USRPA in 2025, expecting to participate in at least two activities during the calendar year. The recipient will be invited to participate in various USRPA activities, including but not limited to Field Days, legislative activities, Texas Rice Council meetings, conferences, and more. In addition to completing the online application form, applicants should submit a self-produced video no longer than 5 minutes answering the following question:

What is your vision for the next generation of the U.S. rice industry? Please cover topics relevant to the future of the US rice industry, such as food security/safety, sustainability, etc.

More information: https://usriceproducers.com/scholarship/

Deadline: December 6, 2025

Denny's Hungry for Education Scholarship

Denny’s Hungry for Education™ scholarship program is awarding scholarship money to deserving high school and college students and helping bring communities together. Students must provide a 300-word (high school) or 500-word (college) essay on “How Denny’s can help bring communities together?”.

More information: https://www.ushli.org/dennys-scholarship-application/

Deadline: December 8, 2025

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Scholarship

The Trustees of the Richard F. Walsh/Alfred W. Di Tolla/Harold P. Spivak Foundation are pleased to offer ten scholarship awards each year. Each winner of a scholarship will receive a total of $10,000 in scholarship funds which will be paid out at $2,500 per year over a four year period. To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must be the child of a member in good standing of the IATSE, grandchildren are not eligible to apply.

More information: https://iatse.net/scholarship/

Deadline: December 31, 2025

Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick Undergraduate Scholarship

The law firm of Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD awards an annual $1,500 scholarship to the child of a veteran of the U.S. armed forces. Open for high school seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

More information: https://cck-law.com/undergraduate-scholarship/

Deadline: December 31, 2025

William B. Ruggles Journalism Scholarship

The William B. Ruggles Journalism Scholarship honors the esteemed Texas journalist who coined the phrase “Right to Work” and contributed greatly to the movement’s advancement. One $2,000 scholarship is awarded annually to the student who exemplifies the dedication to the Right to Work principles and high journalistic standards of the late Mr. Ruggles.

More information: https://nilrr.org/resources/online-ruggles-journalism-scholarship-application/

Deadline: December 31, 2025

Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the annual National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship Awards for students completing twelfth grade (or final high school year) in 2026 who are planning careers in government service. Scholarship applicants must be citizens of the United States. The Trustees and Members of the Foundation, mindful of the significance of the important event in our nation’s history that occurred at Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, believe that if our country is to continue to progress, we must have thoroughly trained, dedicated young people to carry on our government’s work in future years. Each interested student is invited to write a one-page essay stating why he or she plans a career in government service including any inspiration to be derived from the leadership of George Washington in his famous crossing of the Delaware. This essay must be accompanied by a recommendation from the high school principal or guidance counselor evaluating the student’s achievements, along with transcripts, national testing scores, and other supporting information of the applicant’s choice as described in the Official Rules.

More information: https://www.gwcf.org/scholarship

Deadline: January 15, 2026

Dr. Aura-Lee A. and James Hobbs Pittenger American History Scholarship

The Dr. Aura-Lee A. and James Hobbs Pittenger American History Scholarship is awarded to graduating high school students who will pursue an undergraduate degree with a concentrated study of a minimum of 24 credit hours in American History and American Government. Renewal is conditional upon maintenance of a GPA of 3.25. This award is intended to promote the study of our country's history among our finest students.

More information: https://www.dar.org/national-society/scholarships/history-etc

*There are multiple scholarships available through this organization

Deadline: January 31, 2026

Out-of-State Scholarship

At Fawell & Fawell, we understand the issues that affect students who travel to other states to attend college, and we have created a scholarship program to provide assistance for these students. Through the Fawell & Fawell Out-of-State Student Scholarship, we award $1,000 each semester to a qualified student who will be pursuing educational opportunities in a location outside of the state where they attended high school or where their parents currently live. Scholarship winners can use this money to pay for tuition, housing, other educational costs, or transportation-related expenses.

More information: https://www.fawelllaw.com/scholarship

Deadline: February 9, 2026

Scholarships for Military Children

The Scholarships for Military Children Program was created to recognize military families' contributions to the fighting force's readiness and to celebrate the commissary's role in the military family community. The Scholarships for Military Children program is open to unmarried military dependent children under the age 23 who possess a valid Uniformed Services Identification (USID) card. In addition, a student's parent(s)/sponsor(s) must be one of the following: active duty, reserve/guard, deceased, or retired from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Space Force.

More information: https://fisherhouse.org/programs/scholarship-programs/scholarships-for-military-children/

Deadline: February 11, 2026

American Council of the Blind Scholarships

The American Council of the Blind’s (ACB) Scholarship Program was established in 1982. The American Council of the Blind (ACB) in partnership with other organizations and individuals, offers educational scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $7,500 for entering freshman, undergraduate and graduate students, and those attending technical college. This program awards students with scholarships to help with post-secondary education financial needs such as tuition, fees, room and board and other additional costs associated with assistive technology. To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants need to be legally blind, maintain a 3.0 GPA to be eligible for most scholarships, be a full-time student or a part-time student who works at least 32 hours per week, and be involved in their school and local community. Scholarships are awarded to students who attend post-secondary institutions in the United States.

More information: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/29558/american-council-of-the-blind-scholarships

Deadline: February 14, 2026

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

Browse previous communications from the Principal to stay connected with past announcements, highlights, and reflections from our school community.

ATHLETICS: Austin Crapo - acrapo@providencehall.com

ACTIVITIES: Jill Stark - jstark@providencehall.com

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