Providence Hall High School

Collaboration is more than working side by side; it’s about creating something bigger than ourselves. At Providence Hall, we believe collaboration is how we transform ideas into action and challenges into opportunities. When we communicate with purpose and join our strengths, we build a community that thrives because together, we go farther.

This week our athletic teams faced some tough losses, but even in those moments, collaboration shines. Wins and losses are part of the journey, but the way our students, coaches, and families support one another is what truly defines success. As Ryunosuke Satoro reminds us, “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” Every drop matters, and when we come together as a school community, we create something far greater than we could ever achieve alone.

Looking ahead, please remember that school testing is just a week and a half away. There will be a schedule change on October 8th to accommodate testing. See the Important Information section for full testing details.

Also, don’t miss the Patriot Spotlight this week as we showcase our Mini Cheer Clinic, our 2025 AP Scholars, and some of our Social Studies courses.

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

Patriot Spotlight: Mini Cheer Clinic, AP Scholars, & Hands-On History in Mr. Seabury's Classes
Patriot Stories Beyond the Classroom Request
Upcoming Events: Football, Cheer, Soccer, & Pep-Band Senior Nights this Week!
School-Wide Testing Information (IMPORTANT)
Senior College Tours (DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY)
Picture Retake Information (EVENT ON THURSDAY)
Fall Concerts

Choose to have a great week, Patriots!

Melissa McPhail
PHHS Principal

Every year, nearly 100 students from PHES and the surrounding neighborhoods join us for our Mini Cheer Clinic. Over two days, these young Patriots are coached by our high school cheerleaders and then perform a dance and cheer during halftime.

For our cheerleaders, the experience is just as meaningful as it is for the minis. “My favorite part was probably seeing their excitement and how proud they were when they learned something new and how excited they were to perform,” shared Sophia Berthiaume. “Working with the mini cheerleaders definitely makes you rethink how grateful we should be to be part of this team. It is their dream to be like us. It was my dream, too, and I’m grateful I get to live it," explained Izzy York.

Averee Wells echoed the same joy, “My favorite part is I get to see all the kids improve and become closer with each other and us. I also love how they came out of their shell and were so energetic and open to us in no less than 30 minutes. I love being able to help them and be their role model. This year was such a fun experience, and I can’t wait to see them perform again.”

The mini clinic is more than just cheer practice, it’s a chance for young students to experience school spirit, make new friends, and dream about their future as Patriots.

This past Wednesday we celebrated our 2025 AP Scholars. To earn this honor, students must pass at least three AP classes. Higher distinctions—such as AP Scholar with Honors and AP Scholar with Distinction—can be achieved as they complete additional courses.

We’re proud of these scholars and the hard work that earned them this distinction!

In Mr. Seabury’s classes, history and government came alive this week in some creative ways. His AP Government students used gummy bears to model and review different forms of government, making a normally complex topic both fun and memorable. Meanwhile, his WWII students had the rare opportunity to handle and study authentic World War II artifacts on loan from the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, bringing history out of the textbook and into their hands.

We know our Patriots are doing incredible things both inside and outside the classroom—and we want to celebrate you! Maybe you ride horses, race cars (legally, of course!), help run a family business, or have a one-of-a-kind hobby that makes you stand out.

By filling out this form, you’ll help us share your story (or the story of someone you’d like to nominate) in our newsletter, morning announcements, and social media. Every story, big or small, shines a light on what makes our Patriot community so inspiring.

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THIS WEEK AT PROVIDENCE HALL

Mon. September 29: Away Region Tennis Tournament
Tue. September 30: Volleyball ( 3:30, 5:00, 6:30pm) // Soccer (4pm) // Away Region Tennis Tournament
Wed. October 1: Choir Concert (Gym, 7pm)
Thur. October 2: Picture Make-Up Day // Soccer Senior Night Recognition (6:15pm) // Soccer Game (7pm) // Away JV Football // Away Volleyball Tournament
Fri. October 3: Varsity Football, Pep-Band, & Cheer Senior Night Recognition (6pm) // Varsity Football Game (7pm) // Away Volleyball Tournament
Sat. October 4: Away Debate Tournament

ON THE HORIZON

Tue. October 7: Guitar Concert (7pm)
Wed. October 8: ACT Practice & PSAT Exam Day (Schedule Change) // Senior College Tours // Band Concert (7pm)
Mon. October 13: Orchestra Concert (7pm)
Thur. October 16: End of Term Deadline // Last Day of Quarter 1
Fri. October 17: Grade Transmittal Day (No School)
Mon. October 20: Virtual Wellness Day (No School)
Tue. October 21 - Fri. October 24: Fall Break (No School)

At Providence Hall, our school-wide testing day is designed with purpose. For 9th–11th grade students, the PreACT and PSAT provide valuable practice to help them prepare for the high-stakes ACT and SAT exams they’ll take later in high school. At the same time, seniors will use the day to explore colleges and opportunities beyond graduation, one week prior to our Utah College Application Week.

🕒 Schedule

Arrive by 7:45 AM (testing begins promptly at 7:55 AM)
Testing ends approximately 11:30–11:45 AM
Students are dismissed after testing unless riding the bus
Bus riders will wait in the gym
Room assignments will be given in the morning meet-up and posted around the building

🧾 Accommodations

PreACT: No accommodations (practice test only)
PSAT: Accommodations only if previously approved for last year’s AP exams
Note: Early dismissal applies only to PHHS. Other campuses will follow a normal school day.

👥 Who Tests

All 9th–11th graders
9th–11th: PreACT (no registration required)
PSAT for 10th–11th graders that opted in and registered by 9/25

⚠️ Important Reminders

✅ Bring your own 4-function calculator (limited supply available at school)
⛔ Late arrivals cannot test
⛔ Exams cannot be made up or taken early
⛔ No backpacks, phones, smartwatches, food, or drinks in testing rooms
🍎 Snack allowed during break (must be stored and eaten outside testing room)
🧥 Dress in layers
🥪 Sack lunches available after testing, charged to student account

On Wednesday, October 8, during testing day, seniors will participate in a college tour. Please watch the video for more information about the available options.

After exploring your choices in the video, it’s time to select your preferred tour. Everyone will attend a college tour, but not everyone may get their first choice—spots will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Permission forms will be distributed and are due October 3rd. Please use the link below to register.

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