Providence Hall High School

If you’ve been here before, you’ve probably heard me say: “Choose to have a great day, Patriots.” It’s more than a greeting—it’s a reminder that mindset matters. Research shows that when we approach each day with a positive, determined outlook, we’re more likely to create the outcomes we want. That’s why as we head into this new year, I’m challenging all of us to take that same idea bigger: Choose to have a great year. Great years don’t just happen; we make them by showing up, giving our best, and focusing on what we can control.

Our first day back is this Wednesday at 7:55 AM, and we’ll be in full dress code. If you arrive out of dress code, we will record it and provide you with PHHS attire so you can be ready to learn.

A new school year brings fresh opportunities—and important details to know. Inside this newsletter, you’ll find key policies and procedures to help you start the year confident and prepared.

Choose to have a great year, Patriots!

Ms. McPhail

PHHS Principal

THIS WEEK AT PROVIDENCE HALL

• Mon. August 4: Schedule Changes (10:00am - 2:00pm) // Home Soccer (6:00pm)
• Tue. August 12: Schedule Changes (10:00am - 2:00pm) // Student Open House (9:00 - 11:00 & 12:30-2:30pm) // Paliades Golf Tournament
• Wed. August 13: First Day of School (7:55am-2:35pm)
• Thu. August 14: Home Volleyball (3:30 - 8pm) // Home Soccer (7:00pm)
• Fri. August 15: Senior Sunrise (7:30am, Field) // Home Football (7:00pm)

ON THE HORIZON

• Wed. August 20: Picture Day // Last Day for Schedule Changes
• Fri. August 22: Welcome Back Assembly
• Fri. September 12: Midterm Deadline // Homecoming Assembly // Football Home Game (7pm)
• Sat. September 13: Homecoming Dance
• Wed. September 24: Parent Teacher Conferences (3:00 - 7:00pm)
• Thu. September 25: Parent Teacher Conferences (1:30 - 4:00pm)
• Thu. October 2: Picture Make-Up Day
• Wed. October 8: ACT Practice & PSAT Exam Day // Senior College Tours
• Thu. October 16: End of Term Deadline // Last Day of Quarter 1

BE ON TIME

• School starts at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 2:35 p.m. (see schedule below).
• The school closes at 3:00 p.m. Students must leave the building at that time unless they are with a teacher or participating in an approved school activity.

BE IN DRESS CODE

• Our dress code unifies, equalizes, and promotes safety at PHHS.
• Students out of dress code will be required to change. Multiple violations will lead to consequences, which may include after-school detention, suspension, or expulsion.

• Helpful Hint: Create a separate space in your closet for school-approved clothes so getting ready in the morning is quick and easy.

KNOW THE ELECTRONICS POLICY

• We have a strict no cell phone policy during class time (bell to bell). Students may access their phones before and after school, during lunch, and during passing periods.

• ALL students must place electronic devices (phones and earbuds) in the designated classroom area when class begins — no exceptions.

• For full details, see the Electronics Policy section below.

COMMON QUESTIONS

• Can I bring a backpack to class? Yes.
• Do I have to get a locker? No. Lockers are optional. If you want one later, visit the office to request one.
• How do I read my schedule? “A” Day = Periods 1–4 & “B” Day = Periods 5–8
• How much time do I have between classes? Five minutes.
• What happens if I’m late to school or class? See the Attendance Policy section for details.
• How do I know what lunch I have? Lunch is based on your 3rd-period (A Day) or 7th-period (B Day) teacher. The list of teachers for first or second lunch is on the bell schedule below.
• What is considered cheating or plagiarism? Cheating is giving or receiving unauthorized help on any assignment or test. Plagiarism is using someone else’s words, ideas, or work (including from AI tools) without credit. All assignments are run through multiple AI and plagiarism checkers. While some teachers may allow certain AI uses. STUDENTS AND PARENTS SHOULD ASSUME ANY AI USE IS PLAGIARISM UNLESS A TEACHER SAYS OTHERWISE.
• When can I see my counselor? A QR code is posted in every classroom and the front office. Scan it to request a meeting. Your counselor will call you down when they’re available.
• Will the school give me a printed copy of my schedule? No. You’ll need to print it yourself or write it down.
• What if I don’t like one of my classes? You have until August 20 to request a schedule change from your counselor (use the meeting request QR code). After August 20, schedules are final.

We know cell phones are part of daily life, but in a school setting, they can be one of the biggest barriers to focus, learning, and social connection. This isn’t just our opinion — it’s backed by research.

Studies from cognitive science show that the human brain has a hard time ignoring a phone once it’s visible. Even if it’s face down and silent, our attention is partially pulled toward it. This “brain drain” effect means students use valuable mental energy resisting the urge to check it — energy that should go toward learning. It’s not about willpower; it’s about how our brains are wired.

Here’s why a phone-free classroom matters:

• Improved Focus & Retention: Without the constant pull of notifications, students can fully engage in lessons and remember more of what they learn.
• Healthier Mental Wellbeing: Less exposure to social media during the day reduces anxiety, stress, and harmful comparison.
• Stronger Social Skills: Phone-free time encourages face-to-face interaction, friendships, and participation in group work.

• Fewer Disruptions & Safer Environment: It reduces the risk of cyberbullying, inappropriate content sharing, and distractions during assessments.

Our goal isn’t to punish students or take away a tool they enjoy — it’s to give them the best chance to succeed by removing an obstacle even adults struggle to resist. By setting this boundary, we’re helping them build healthier tech habits for life.

CELL PHONE COLLECTION

• At the beginning of class students must place their cell phones and earbuds in the designated cell phone holder in each classroom. Teachers use this process to take roll.

• No Device?

  • Permanent: If a student does not own a cell phone, a parent/guardian must call the front office. The student will receive a permanent “No Cell Phone” pass to place in the holder instead of a device. This status will be verified with parents/guardians each quarter.

  • Temporary: If a student temporarily does not have a phone due to damage, loss, or disciplinary action, they must pick up a temporary pass from the front office. The office will contact a parent/guardian to confirm.

  • Forgotten Phone: If a student forgets their phone for the day, the front office will call to verify with a parent/guardian.

WHEN PHONES ARE ALLOWED

• Before school

• After school

• Lunch

• Passing periods

CONSEQUENCES FOR MISUSE

1. First Offense: Device confiscated; returned at the end of the day with a warning.

2. Second Offense: Parent/guardian must meet with administration to retrieve the phone.

3. Continued Violations: May result in loss of cell phone privileges, detention, or suspension.

*Using a dummy phone or a "burner" phone will escalate consequences.

Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Students are considered chronically absent if they miss more than 10% of a grading period, which may lead to failing grades.

NG (NO GRADE) IS EARNED WHEN:

• 3+ tardies in a quarter

• 2+ unexcused absences in a quarter

• 5+ excused absences in a quarter

AN NG CAN BE CLEARED BY:

• Saturday Attendance School: 2 hours of Saturday school clears 2 absences OR 4 tardies.

• Attendance Forgiveness Project: 2 hours of service clear 2 absences OR 4 tardies

• All projects must be approved by Ms. Thomas.

Key Reminders:

• Forgiveness projects and attendance school must be completed in 2-hour increments.

• Unexcused absences can only be changed by a guardian within 5 school days.

• Absences/tardies reset each quarter.

• Passing period tardies/absences cannot be excused.

• Makeup work is only available once the absence/tardy is cleared.

For the full policy, visit our Student Attendance Policy on the school website.

It’s tradition—on the first Friday of the school year, our seniors gather at sunrise to celebrate the start of this milestone year. This year is extra special, as we’ll be hosting the event on our own PHHS field for the very first time.

Join us this Friday from 7:30–7:50 AM for a short but meaningful kickoff to your senior year. All seniors are invited—this is your moment to start making the memories that will define your final year at PHHS.

Let’s rise together, celebrate the journey ahead, and make senior year unforgettable!

• We invite all PHHS students and their families to join us for Open House this Tuesday, August 12.
• This is a great way for students to meet their teachers, walk through their schedules, and become familiar with the building.
• Teachers will be available from 9:00-11:00am & 12:30-2:30pm.

Schedule Availability: Students can now view and access their schedules in Skyward.

Schedule Changes:This Monday and Tuesday, students may request schedule changes between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM with their counselor. Students will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

• If you cannot come in on those days, you may sign up to see your counselor using the QR code posted in the front office.
• If you have a hole in your schedule, please come to the office during the period that is missing.

Fee: Schedule changes require a $5 fee, and is waived for students with holes in their schedules.

Final Deadline: No schedule changes will be made after Wednesday, August 20.

• No exceptions will be granted, this includes absences excused by the school, a parent/guardian, or a doctor.
• Students who will be absent must email their counselor before the deadline to request changes.

Our Performing Arts teachers want to thank everyone who supported Saturday’s yard sale—it was a huge success! Now, we’re keeping the momentum going to raise funds for our Nashville tour. Here’s how you can help: drop off as much clothing as possible. We earn money per pound of clothing, so the more you collect from friends, family, and neighbors, the closer we get to hitting our goal. Bag it up, bring it in, and let’s make this tour happen!

• There are no longer annual registration fees; however, students may still be responsible for class-specific fees (art, theater, production, etc.).
• Class fees can be found in the online course catalog.
• First semester class fees will be added to student accounts after August 20, once schedule changes are finalized.
• Since registration fees have been eliminated, students will no longer receive a school sweatshirt. High school-specific sweatshirts will be available for purchase through the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

PHHS Admin and our amazing PTO have teamed up to create new Spirit Packages—exclusive gear that builds school pride while directly supporting our teachers and school activities. Each package includes a PHHS sweatshirt, t-shirt, yard sign, and a Pride Pack with fun fan items. Your purchase helps fund teacher appreciation, classroom supplies, and many school programs—strengthening our sense of community and pride in our school.

Don’t wait—grab your Spirit Package now and show your pride, support our teachers, and fuel PHHS activities!

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Make senior year unforgettable with the Senior Pack—a senior-exclusive sweatshirt, yard sign, Pride Pack, plus tickets to the Senior Dinner Dance and Senior Night Activity (and save $15!). Buying early guarantees your spot, secures your gear, and helps us plan incredible celebrations.

Also included: a Graduation Photography Field Session with access to the football field and indoor photo stations for memorable cap-and-gown pictures.

A portion of every purchase supports our Adopt a Teacher initiative, funding meals, supplies, and appreciation gifts for PHHS educators.

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-GRADUATION PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION-

• PHHS school hours are 7:55am - 2:35pm, Monday - Thursday.
• On early-out days, school will end at 1:15pm.
• The building opens daily at 7:15am, and breakfast is served beginning at 7:25am.
• Students not with a coach or advisor must leave the building by 3:00pm Monday - Thursday and by 2:00pm on early-out days.
• Support time is available before school from 7:15 - 7:50am and after school until 3:00pm, Monday - Thursday.
• There is no morning support time on Fridays; however, extended support is available every Friday from 1:10 - 2:00pm.
• Teacher availability may vary due to after-school responsibilities such as coaching. Students needing support should communicate with teachers in advance to arrange a time.

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• Food Services and School Fee Waivers must be completed separately. Submitting a fee waiver does not guarantee eligibility.
• A new fee waiver application is required each school year.
• Fee waivers are not retroactive and take effect only upon approval. Past due fees will not be cleared.
• The Fee Waiver Application and Free & Reduced Priced Meal Applications are two separate applications and can be found on the school website.

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• Lockers are available to all PHHS students. Students may choose their preferred locker location.
• To request a locker please use the QR code below.
• Students will receive an email once a locker been assigned.
• Locker numbers and combinations can be found in Skyward. Click on “Student Info” – locker details are listed on the right-hand side under the homeroom teacher’s name.

(CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO COMPLETE YOUR LOCKER REQUEST)

• Parking passes cost $20 and are required for all student drivers.
• Vehicles without a valid parking pass can be issued a $25 fine.
• Students parked in Visitor or School Reserved can be booted and issued a $25.
• To obtain a parking pass, students must provide: (1) a valid driver’s license, (2) proof of car insurance, and (3) a signed parking contract.
• Fines will be issued beginning Thursday, August 21 for vehicles without valid passes.

• As recommended by the Utah Department of Health, hearing screenings will be conducted early this fall for ALL 11th grade students and students receiving special education services.
• Students will complete their screening during Language Arts class on Monday, August 18 or Tuesday, August 19.
• Opt-out requests may also be submitted to Mrs. Collingridge, jcollingridge@providencehall.com, via email prior to August 15.
• If your student is not in one of these groups and you would like to request a hearing screening, please email our speech-language pathologist, Jayna Collingridge, with your student's name and grade.

ATHLETICS: Austin Crapo - acrapo@providencehall.com

ACTIVITIES: Jill Stark - jstark@providencehall.com