Providence Hall High School
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Weekly Update
We are looking forward to another great week at Providence Hall High School.
SPRING SPORTS TRYOUTS and practices begin Monday, February 23. We are excited to officially kick off the spring season and see our Patriots back in action. If you have questions about eligibility, schedules, or requirements, please contact our Athletic Director, Coach Crapo.
This Thursday at 6:00 PM, join us in the gym for our PHHS TALENT SHOW. Come out and support our talented students as they showcase their skills and hard work. It is always a fun evening and a great way to celebrate the creativity and confidence of our Patriots.
As always, please take a few minutes to review the full Principal’s Update so you do not miss any important information.
Choose to have a great week, Patriots!
Melissa McPhail
PHHS Principal
RESPECTFUL DEBATE IS A LIFE SKILL
Healthy disagreement is a skill that helps students grow, not divide. In classrooms, on teams, online, and at home, students will encounter opinions that differ from their own. Learning how to challenge ideas without attacking the person behind them is essential for strong relationships and effective problem solving. When handled respectfully, disagreement sharpens thinking, strengthens solutions, and builds mutual respect.
As author Stephen R. Covey taught, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Healthy debate is not about winning an argument or proving someone wrong. It is about listening carefully, expressing ideas clearly, and staying focused on the issue rather than making it personal. These skills prepare students for college classrooms, future workplaces, and meaningful participation in their communities.
When students practice respectful disagreement, they learn that conflict does not have to damage relationships. It can strengthen trust and deepen understanding when handled thoughtfully. The goal is not to defeat someone else’s perspective. The goal is to think better, learn more, and move forward together.
Tips For Students, Parents, & Guardians
Students, Try This:
- Listen fully before responding
- Ask questions to understand, not to argue
- Focus on the idea rather than the individual
- Keep your tone calm and your language respectful
- Be open to adjusting your thinking when presented with new information
Parents & Guardians, Try This:
- Model respectful discussions, especially when opinions differ
- Encourage your teen to explain their reasoning clearly
- Avoid dismissing differing viewpoints too quickly
- Teach the difference between healthy debate and personal attacks
- Reinforce that disagreement is normal and can lead to growth
UPCOMING EVENTS
This Week at Providence Hall
- Mon. February 23: Spring Sports Tryouts (Baseball Wednesday & Thursday)
- Tue. February 24: NJROTC Annual Inspection (Gym, 8:30) // Spring Sports Tryouts Cont. (Baseball Wednesday & Thursday) // Math Credit Recovery Help & Tutoring (Rm. 246, 3:15 - 5:15)
- Wed. February 25: Baseball Tryouts // NJROTC National Academic Exam
- Thur. February 26: NJROTC State Rifle Competition // Baseball Tryouts // Talent Show (Gym, 6pm)
- Fri. February 27:Literary Journal Submissions Due
- Sat. February 28: Math Credit Recovery Help & Tutoring (Rm. 246, 9 - Noon)
On The Horizon
- Tue. March 10: Junior ACT Testing Day (No School for 9th, 10th, & 12th Grade Students)
- 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)
NEW & TIME SENSITIVE INFORMAITON
Boys Soccer Tryouts
After School & Saturday Math Tutoring
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 Tuesday, February 24, in Room 246, from 3:15–5:15 p.m. and Saturday, February 28, in Room 246, from 9:00 - 12:00pm.
Two PHHS teachers will be available to provide support and assistance.
Did You Know Tutoring Can Also Clear NGs?
*This option is available on either Tuesday or Saturday.
School Talent Show
The Talent Show is this Thursday, February 26 at 6pm in the Gym!
Literary Journal
Submissions are due by Friday February 27th!
Breakfast Week
Breakfast week is March 2nd-6th! Check out the details below
Lunch Balance Fundraiser
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
SENIOR SECTION
Senior Upcoming Events
- 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)
Class of 2026 College & Post High School Information
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.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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
Horatio Alger Scholarship
There are two scholarships available– one for juniors and one for seniors! The Horatio Alger Association is one of the nation’s largest need-based scholarship programs for high school students who have overcome significant adversity and are committed to earning a bachelor’s degree. High school students with financial need who display integrity, perseverance, and a clear determination to turn challenges into opportunities to pursue their American Dream, should consider applying for the scholarship.
More information: https://horatioalger.org/scholarships-and-services/undergraduate-scholarships/
Deadline: Seniors– February 15, 2026; Juniors– March 1, 2026
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
Coast Guard Exchange Scholarship Program
Recognizing the value of education and the benefits it brings to the Coast Guard Family, the Coast Guard Exchange (CGX) Scholarship Program was established to provide additional financial resources to dependent children of Coast Guard personnel embarking on undergraduate college/university studies. CGX scholarships are awarded based upon academic achievement, accomplishments, interests, participation, and demonstrated leadership in both school-oriented and community/volunteer activities.
More information: https://www.coastguardmwr.org/cgx-scholarship
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Live Hannah’s Hope Scholarship
Live Hannah’s Hope exists to empower youth and reduce suicide through research, education, awareness, and advocacy. The Hannah Warburton Resilience Award is a $500.00 cash award established for Utah high school seniors who have shown resilience in overcoming difficult obstacles to completing their high school education.
More information: https://livehannahshope.org/
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Elizabeth Garde National Scholarship
The Danish Sisterhood of America is very proud of its Scholarship and Grants Programs, which are available to members of the Danish Sisterhood and their children, regardless of age. Applicants must be a Danish Sisterhood member or the child of a Danish Sisterhood member in good standing for a minimum of one year prior to the application deadline; Have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; Be a post-high school student or graduate student seeking a degree in nursing or other medical profession.
More information: https://www.danishsisterhood.org/scholarshipsandgrants
Deadline: March 1, 2026
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
RAVE REVIEWS
Do you know of a teacher or staff member that is deserving of praise and recognition? If so, please submit a RAVE Review.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Youth Injury Prevention to Help Student Athletes
Wright Driving School
ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS CONTACT INFORMATION
ATHLETICS: Austin Crapo - acrapo@providencehall.com
ACTIVITIES: Jill Stark - jstark@providencehall.com
PRINCIPAL'S UPDATE ARCHIVE
Principal's Update Archive
Browse previous communications from the Principal to stay connected with past announcements, highlights, and reflections from our school community.


