Providence Hall High School

Making Strategic Choices for Success

As we begin a new quarter, it’s the perfect time to think strategically about how to move forward. Grades are temporary indicators that show what’s been done well and where there’s room to grow. Every assignment, project, and test reflects the choices students make in how they manage their time, study, and seek help.

Strategic decision-making in academics means setting priorities, recognizing when to ask for support, and choosing long-term growth over short-term shortcuts. It’s about focusing on what you can do, taking small, consistent steps toward improvement, rather than being discouraged by what feels out of reach.

As coach John Wooden wisely said, “Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” When students focus on progress instead of perfection, they build confidence, resilience, and the foundation for lasting success.

Here’s to a strong start and a successful new quarter filled with smart choices, steady effort, and continued growth.

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

Patriot Spotlight: One-Year Floodiversary, Debate Team, HOSA, & WWII Class
Halloween Rules and Guidelines
FAFSA Night for College-bound Seniors
Basketball Tryout Information
The Frankenstein Play
Senior Information & Scholarship Opportunities Section
& more!

Choose to have a great week, Patriots!

Melissa McPhail
PHHS Principal

THIS WEEK AT PROVIDENCE HALL

Mon. October 27: First day of 2nd Quarter || State Volleyball (UCCU Center, 10:30am)
Tue. October 28:
Wed. October 29: State Cross Country (Sugar House Park, 12:45 & 1:30)
Thur. October 30: PHHS Hosts the Annual Elementary School Trunk-or-Treat (PHHS Parking Lot, 3pm)
Fri. October 31: Halloween Costume Contest (Group & Individual)

ON THE HORIZON

Wed. November 5: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (Stage, 7pm)
Thur. November 6: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (Stage, 7pm)
Fri. November 7: No School:Teacher Professional Development || Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (Stage, 7pm)
Sat. November 8: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (Stage, 2pm & 7pm)
Mon. November 10: Boys Basketball Tryouts (Elm. Aux Gym, 5pm) || Girls Basketball Tryouts (PHHS Gym, 3pm)
Tue. November 25: Non-Friday Short Day (School Ends 1:15pm)
Wed. November 26 - 28th: No School: Thanksgiving Break
Fri: December 5: Midterm Deadline
Fri. December 12: Winter Waltz Assembly
Sat. December 13: Winter Waltz Dance (Semi-Formal, PHHS 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

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, PHHS’s main water line broke, and water spread through the school until it was discovered on Monday morning, October 28. As we approach our one-year “floodiversary,” it’s a time to reflect on our resilience as a school and our gratitude for what we have—reminding us how quickly things can change.

It’s strange how something can feel like just yesterday and a lifetime ago all at once. I’m grateful for the growth, love, and companionship that flowed through our community in the aftermath. I don’t remember another time when I received so much pizza and so many treats in one week!

I’ve included the flood newsletter from last year if you’d like to travel by boat down memory lane.

We’re proud of these outstanding students who attended the HOSA Fall Conference in early October:

President: Lottie Robison
Vice President: Reema Al Saadi

Students in Mr. Seabury’s WWII elective had the opportunity to visit the Topaz Japanese Incarceration Museum and Camp in Delta, Utah. During the trip, they met with a museum curator who shared decades of firsthand knowledge and stories about the site. The experience allowed students to move beyond textbooks, connecting personally with the history of World War II and the lives impacted by it.

This enriching field trip was fully funded through a grant from the Great Basin National Heritage Area obtained by Mr. Seabury.

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!

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This Friday is HALLOWEEN! Students are welcome to dress up, but the following rules must be followed:

No weapons of any kind, including toy or replica weapons.
No inflatable costumes.
No attire that violates Friday dress code (tank tops, midriffs, short shorts/skirts, etc.).
No full-face masks or fully painted faces.
No culturally, racially, or religiously insensitive costumes.
No costumes that depict violence, gore, or inappropriate themes.
No costumes with political messages or representing political figures or movements.

Teachers will also vote on the best group and individual costumes, so bring your creativity and school spirit!

Our annual FAFSA Night is Wednesday, November 5, 6–8 PM (Library).

Our counselors will host this information night to help with college and scholarship applications. To make the most of the event, create your FSA ID in advance at the official site (link below).

Processing can take up to three days, so please don’t delay.

Coach Contact Information

Girls Basketball Coach: Jack Ballard, jballard@providencehall.com

Boys Basketball Coach: Alex Losee, alosee@providencehall.com

Senior Upcoming Events

Nov. 3: BYU Priority Deadline
Nov. 5: FAFSA Night
Nov. 10: Jostens Visit (Purchase Cap & Gown)
Dec. 1: U of U, Weber State, USU & SUU Scholarship Priority Deadline & Westminster Early Action Deadline
Dec. 15: BYU Final Application Deadline

Voice of Democracy Scholarship

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy® audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, more than 26,400 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.4 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. The 2025-26 theme is: “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”

More information: https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

Deadline: October 31, 2025

Hercules First Federal Credit Union Scholarship

At Hercules First Federal Credit Union, we are committed to supporting and recognizing the potential of exceptional students in our community. Our mission is to help members achieve their financial goals while “Growing Stronger Together.” We believe that today’s youth are the future of our credit union and our community. The winners of this essay contest will be selected by Hercules First Federal Credit Union and a panel of designated judges.

More information: https://herculescu.com/accounts/youth-student-accounts/

Deadline: November 1, 2025

Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards

The Youth Awards were founded in 1998 by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. Now entering their 27th year, the Youth Awards honor high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their excellence in various categories including: Community Service, Engineering, Green and Technology, with additional categories being added throughout the awards season. Must have a minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Gold, Silver and Bronze recipients are selected in each category and receive a one-time grant to fund their college education or to fund a community service effort that tackles a social issue. Once selected, recipients will be celebrated in virtual ceremonies and will become part of our broader HHF network of 200,000 professionals and fulfill our unique cycle of leadership where we meet America's priorities in the classroom and workforce.

More information: https://hhfawards.hispanicheritage.org/2025/forms/welcome.php

Deadline: November 2, 2025

Cooke College Scholarship

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's top four-year colleges and universities. Minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75. Families with annual gross income up to $95,000 are considered.

More information: https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/

Deadline: November 12, 2025

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

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