Providence Hall High School

We are looking forward to another busy and exciting week at Providence Hall High School!

This week is packed with opportunities for our students, from concerts and competitions to tutoring, scholarship support, and athletic events. Our Patriots continue to represent Providence Hall with excellence both in and out of the classroom, and we love seeing their hard work on display.

Please note an important schedule reminder: Tuesday, March 10 is ACT Testing Day for all 11th grade students. There will be no school for 9th, 10th, or 12th grade students. Be sure to review the detailed information below so you are prepared.

Looking ahead, we are excited for our upcoming Spring Musical, additional fine arts performances, Sadie’s festivities, and the final stretch of Term 3 before Spring Break.

As always, please take a few minutes to review the full Principal’s Update so you don’t miss important information and celebrations, including some incredible accomplishments from our Cheer team, NJROTC, Guitar Ensemble, and more.

Choose to have a great week, Patriots!

Melissa McPhail
PHHS Principal

In The Boys in the Boat, which tells the true story of the 1936 University of Washington rowing team that went on to win gold at the Berlin Olympics, one powerful idea stands out: in a boat, there are no passengers. In rowing, every athlete has a seat and a specific responsibility. If even one rower eases up, rows out of sync, or fails to fully commit, the entire boat slows down. Success depends on every person pulling with consistency, discipline, and trust in one another.

The same principle applies in classrooms, on teams, and in student activities. Group work is not simply about dividing tasks. It is about understanding your role, following through, and recognizing that your effort directly affects everyone else. When students act like contributors instead of passengers, trust grows and outcomes improve.

Learning to take responsibility in group settings prepares students for college, careers, and leadership. In the real world, collaboration is constant. The individuals who stand out are those who show up prepared, carry their weight, and understand that the strength of the team depends on the accountability of each member.

*The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown is read by Providence Hall 9th grade students (young readers edition).

Students, Try This:

• Clarify your role at the beginning of a project
• Complete your work thoroughly and on time
• Stay engaged instead of waiting for others to lead
• Communicate early if you face challenges
• Contribute positively to the team’s culture and goals

Parents & Guardians, Try This:

• Reinforce the importance of ownership and follow through
• Ask your student what role they are playing in group projects
• Encourage problem solving before stepping in
• Emphasize effort and reliability over convenience
• Model accountability in your own commitments

• Mon. March 2: Home Soccer (Stadium, 4pm)
• Tue. March 3: Math Tutoring & Attendance School (Rm.246, 3:15–5:15pm) // Orchestra Concert (Gym, 7pm) // Away Boys Volleyball
• Wed. March 4: Spring Football Meeting (Gym, 7:30 pm) // Away Softball
• Thur. March 5: Senior Scholarship Seminar (Rm. 103, 7:20am or 2:40pm // Guitar Concert (Gym, 7pm) // Away Baseball Tournament // Away Boys Volleyball
• Fri. March 6: Debate National Qualifier // Away Softball // Away Baseball Tournament // Away Boys Soccer
• Sat. March 7: Debate National Qualifier // Away Baseball Tournament // Math Credit Recovery Help & Tutoring (Rm. 246, 9 - Noon) // Attendance School (Rm. 218, 9 - 11am)

• Tue. March 10: Junior ACT Testing Day (No School for 9th, 10th, & 12th Grade Students)
• March 11 - March 16: Spring Musical
• Wed. March 18: Band Concert (Gym, 7pm)
• Thur. March 19: Choir Concert (Gym, 7pm)
• Fri. March 20: Sadie's Assembly
• Sat. March 21: Sadie's Dance
• Thur. March 26: End-of-Term Deadline & End of 3rd Term
• Fri. March 27 - April 3: Spring Break (No School)
• Fri. May 22: Class of 2026 Graduation (Riot Ridge Stadium, 10am)

For the first time in school history, PHHS Cheer qualified for the USA National High School Cheer Competition! The team brought home an impressive 6th place trophy.

We are incredibly proud of our athletes, who during qualifying competitions beat several much larger schools, including Herriman! Their dedication, teamwork, and determination truly paid off.

A huge thank you to our amazing athletes for their hard work and commitment, and to Head Coach Michelle Brown and Assistant Coach Katie Wilson for their outstanding leadership and support. We are so proud of you all!

Providence Hall NJROTC competed in the Ben Lomond drill meet and took home a first place trophy for their Unarmed Regulation Drill performance. Congratulations to all cadets who participated! Cadets will participate in the state finals next weekend at West High School in Salt Lake City.

Guitar Ensemble is going to State! They qualified for the State Jazz Festival next month with straight 1/Superior Ratings from all 3 adjudicators at the Region Jazz Festival at Juab HS on February 25.

Our AP U.S. History students had the exciting opportunity to travel to Promontory Summit, home of the Golden Spike National Historical Park, to explore one of the most transformative moments in American history.

Students learned about the culmination of the Transcontinental Railroad and examined the events leading up to and following May 10, 1869—the day the final spike was ceremonially driven, connecting the nation from coast to coast. This monumental achievement revolutionized transportation, accelerated communication, expanded markets, encouraged westward migration, and reshaped the economic and cultural landscape of the United States.

Beyond the ceremony itself, students discussed the labor of Chinese and Irish immigrant workers, the impact on Native American communities, the growth of big business during the Gilded Age, and the lasting economic connections that continue to influence our country today.

This is a testing day for 11th grade students ONLY. There will be NO SCHOOL for 9th, 10th, or 12th grade students.

All juniors will take the ACT on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Students must arrive no later than 7:45 a.m., with testing beginning promptly at 7:55 a.m.

Breakfast will be available for purchase from 7:00–7:45 a.m. Students who plan to eat breakfast should arrive early to allow enough time before the exam begins.

Testing will conclude at approximately 11:40 a.m. for most students. Those with extended-time accommodations will finish at varying times, with all testing completed by 2:30 p.m.

A sack lunch will be available for purchase. Students may sign up in their testing rooms before the test begins, and student accounts will be charged accordingly.

Counselors will visit English classes this week to complete ACT registration. Students who are absent will need to complete registration on their own (additional information will be sent in a separate email).

Please be sure to review the ACT flyer for more specific details.

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming school concert! We look forward to sharing our students' musical talents and hard work with you. To ensure a positive experience for all attendees, we'd like to share some important guidelines about concert etiquette and expectations during the event.

During the Concert

Hallway Conduct: We kindly ask that children remain supervised and do not run in the hallways before, during, or after the concert. The hallways can be crowded and congested during concert time, and running poses a safety risk to your child and others. Please ask your children to walk calmly and stay close to you at all times.

Seating: Please arrive a few minutes early to find your seats so the concert can begin on time. Once the performance starts, please remain seated unless absolutely necessary to leave.

Cell Phones & Devices: Please silence cell phones and refrain from taking photos or videos unless permission has been granted by the school.

Applause & Audience Behavior: Applaud after each performance and at the end of the concert. Please refrain from talking during performances so everyone can enjoy the music.

Before & After the Concert

• Supervise your children at all times in common areas
• Remind children to use their best manners and inside voices
• Keep children with you rather than allowing them to roam unsupervised
• Please put away your folding chair.

We appreciate your partnership in making this a memorable and respectful event for our young musicians. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and enjoyable concert experience!

If your student is earning low grades in math, struggling to complete math homework, or needs support with math credit recovery, we encourage them to attend after-school math tutoring on Tuesdays (Rm.246, 3:15–5:15pm) and Saturdays (Rm.246, 9:00 - 12:00pm).

Two PHHS teachers will be available to provide support and assistance.

Students who attend two full hours of math tutoring and actively work on math for the entire session may clear the same number of NGs as they would through regular Saturday Attendance School. To qualify, students must remain for the complete two hours and use the time productively for math work.

*This option is available on either Tuesday or Saturday.

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

• March 20: Opportunity Scholarship Application Deadline
• April 18: Prom
• April 24: Make-Up Packets Due
• May 11 - 15: Senior Week
• May 15: Seniors Last Day (Breakfast & Elm. Parade)
• May 19: Senior Awards Night (Invitation ONLY) & Senior Activity Night (ALL Seniors)
• May 21: Mandatory Graduation Practice (PHHS Gym, 3pm)
• May 22: Graduation (PHHS Field, 10am)

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

Knight Essay Scholarship

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all high school students (9th through 12th grades) interested in the American Revolution to participate in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. The contest is open to all US Citizen and Legal Resident students attending home schools, public, parochial, or private high schools in that same grade range. To participate, students must submit an original 800- to 1,200-word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Each student’s essay will be judged based upon its historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar and spelling, and documentation.

More information: https://www.sar.org/george-s-stella-m-knight-essay-contest/

Deadline: varies by region– reach out to local chapter for more information

Utah Jiffy Lube Teen Driver Scholarship Program
The Jiffy Lube "What Drives You?" High School Scholarship program is a unique opportunity to pursue your interests, goals and ideas. A simple 500 words about what drives you? Four finalists will be selected in both categories from the 500 word "What Drives You?" essays. Each finalists will be guaranteed a $1500 award and then will create and submit a unique 1-2 min. video that expands on their essay in their own candid words, visuals, etc. The overall $6,500 scholarship winner will be chosen from these videos.
More information: https://yourturn2apply.com/utah.htm
Deadline: March 9 or April 13, 2026

Stossel Essay Contest

Each year, middle and high school students have the chance to make their case on big ideas — and compete for cash prizes. This year, we award over $12,000 to students. Choose one of this year’s prompts and build your case. Read the summaries, then click to see the full prompt and suggested starter resources.

More information: https://stosselintheclassroom.org/essay-contest/

Deadline: March 13, 2026

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

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