Providence Hall Junior High
11/22-11/26
Grateful
I hope you all enjoyed the weekend, and are excited about our upcoming Thanksgiving break.
I am currently writing this newsletter in the back of our car, somewhere between Wyoming and Nebraska on our way to Kansas. Franklin's big fluffy head on my feet, Mr. Summers is listening to the latest true-crime podcast, and the boys are flipping between anime and reruns of The Office on Netflix.
As I look around our car, I can't help but notice how the landscape of our life has changed in what seems like the blink of an eye. Not so many years ago we had to rent a 12 passenger van to get all of the Summers family on any sort of cross-country road trip. I remember a time when the car was carefullyJenga tower packed with diaper bags, Play and Packs, and Costco size boxes of fruit snacks. This was long before the gift of cell phones, podcasts, and the magic of GPS to navigate family adventures. (Yes Patriots... There was a time before GPS! It involved a lot of handwritten directions, extra-large Slurpees, and stops at a payphone when the left you took was actually supposed to be a right.)
It is crazy to think that in three short years, all of our children will be graduated from high school and Mr. Summers and I will be in our next phase of life. Poor ol'e Franklin is going to be stuck with two empty nesters trying to figure out how to do life in a strangely quiet house.
Heading out for Thanksgiving got me thinking about all of the aspects of this job that I am grateful for, and how honored I feel to have so many people in my life that have sacrificed so much so I could get an education to pursue a career I love.
I'm not sure if I can pinpoint one part of the job that is my favorite...
Perhaps it is the gift of getting to be there to walk a student's path that is what I love most about education. There is nothing better than watching a sixth-grader start Junior High like a wobbly baby giraffe, only to leave a few years later with nothing but excitement for the road ahead.
I love seeing students wade through the mud of learning to work through mastering new skills and being in the front row as slowly but surely frustration fades into confidence.
I love hearing teachers say how frustrated they are with a student, and in the same breath tucking the student under their wings, and stubbornly refusing to back down until they become that best version of themselves. The versions that teachers knew were there all along.
I love watching lightbulb moments and seeing the look on parents' and teachers' faces as they see their kiddos do something they never imagined possible and realizing the years and years of dedication, sleepless nights, homework fights, and patience is finally paying off.
I love hearing kids laugh.
There is nothing more magical in a home or a school than laughter.
Where there is laughter, there is love, and where there is love, there is trust.
It is at the carefully crafted crossroads of love and laughter where kids make space to learn.
As we head into this season of gratitude, I want you to know how grateful I am for each and every one of you. Even when we as students or parents don't see eye to eye, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as we all try to navigate this thing called life.
Happy Thanksgiving Patriots!
As Always...
You are loved!
Mrs. Summers
Mrs. Turley
Mr. Hawkins
Whaaaat A Providence Hall Mobile App?!?!
We are super excited to see if a Providence Hall mobile app would be something our community could benefit from. If this is something you like and you think is worth investing in, please speak up or forever hold your peace!
It can easily be adjusted or changed, so I need two things from you.
1-Do you like it and will you use it?
2-Is there something that should be on there that isn't?
Please send me an email with your feedback and suggestions. (If you have sharp objects to throw...Please put them down at this time.)
We will be trying this through the month of December.
You might have to zoom in on the info sheets.
It was the best I could do.
PTO Newsletter #ourfavoritepeople
If you have ever been curious about how you can help here at PHJH, we are about to introduce you to the people who work all the magic behind the scenes!!!
Please click on the link to see all of the amazing things our PTO does to support our school. There are so many ways to help even if you can't be at the school in person.
Thank you, PTO for putting this together, and for being the heart of Providence Hall!
Please click the link below to view this week's menu
PHJH Is Excited to Provide Service To Our Families That Need A Little Extra Help This Year
Would You Be Available To Lend A Hand With the dance?
I think we have fixed the setting on this form.
If not, please email Ms. McConnell at smcconnell@providencehall.com.
We have only had one person sign up, and could really use some help.
Have you always wanted to attend a middle school dance?
If you answered yes, boy do we have an opportunity for you!
We need some extra hands to pull the Winter Wonderland dance off this year, and would love your help. If you are interested, in reliving your glory days, please complete the form below.
Please click this link to help with the Winter Wonderland school dance
You can also complete the volunteer form by using the QR code below.
We Are Looking To Hire A Girl's Basketball Coach
If you LOVE basketball and working with students to develop their skills, we might have just the job for you!!!
If you are interested, please email: Bhawkins@providencehall.com
PHJH COACH ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Cooperates with administration regarding preseason paperwork (rosters & compliance lists) prior to the first practice. – Get necessary info to front office secretaries.
· Cooperates with requests for information from the administration on time.
· Abides by all relevant Board policies, administrative, and PHCS guidelines.
· Follows proper budget and purchase order procedures.
· Supervises practice area and locker room when athletes are present.
· Publicizes team and individual accomplishments to the school (daily announcements).
· Demonstrates care of school facilities and equipment.
· Prepares a detailed inventory of team equipment and updates it after each season.
RELATIONSHIPS:
· Demonstrates enthusiasm for working with student-athletes.
· Communicates effectively with athletes and parents.
· Establishes and maintains good rapport with faculty, administration, coaching staff, and opposing school teams and coaches.
· Promotes all school activities and encourages students to participate in a variety of activities.
· Keeps commitments and is punctual.
· Shows an interest in the athletes’ academic experiences and helps student-athletes maintain good academic standing
· Supports team as well as individual accomplishments.
COACHING PERFORMANCE:
· Conducts self in a professional and sportsmanlike manner at all times.
· Encourages players and parents to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times.
· Teaches the fundamental philosophy, skills, and knowledge essential to the sport.
· Practices are organized and achieve the desired objective.
· Praises athletes for positive performances.
· Offers constructive criticism for poor performances in a way that does not belittle the athlete.
· Maintains effective individual and team discipline at practice and in games. (Representatives of Providence Hall)
· Provides opportunities for all members of the team to participate, depending upon their ability and effort, while maintaining a competitive squad.
· Team’s performance reflects enthusiasm, motivation, proper fundamentals, and sportsmanship.
Terrace Metrics Student Screener Information and Permission Slip
Good Morning PHJH Patriots.
Please review the attached letter and above video from Mr. Marshall with information about a Terrace Metrics program we will be administering after Thanksgiving break. We would like for all students in grades 6-8 to take the screener while at school.
In order for your child to participate, we will need the form below completed and returned by November 20th.
We as a PH leadership team feel like this tool is extremely valuable in being able to better to identify and serve the mental health needs of our students.
We are offering a student incentive for getting the permission forms completed.(Even if parents choose to not have students participate in the survey.)
Here is the breakdown:
Each grade level that turns in 80% of their forms will receive one dress-down day.
Each grade level that turns in 85% of their forms will receive two dress-down days.
Each grade level that turns in 95% of their forms will receive three dress-down days.
Even if you choose to have your child NOT participate, it will count towards getting permission slips signed.
Thank you for taking the time to watch the video and read the attached information about the program. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have additional questions that are unanswered after going over the given resources.
As always Patriots…
You are loved!
FAQ about the Terrace Metrics Student Screener
Terrace Metrics
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the data kept confidential?
Per the signed data security agreement, Terrace Metrics does not have access to identified student data. Terrace Metrics does not sell any data, does not share any information, and does not link to any third-party vendors.
The only individuals who have access to student data are members of the school and district response team. This is limited to administrators, school counselors, and social workers. No teachers will have access to student data or student reports.
Why did the LEA choose Terrace Metrics specifically?
The Utah State Board of Education has identified Terrace Metrics as an approved screening tool to provide as a service to students and families within the state. Providence Hall chose Terrace Metrics because of the range of indicators that it offers, focusing on not only risk but also protective factors. It also gives us an opportunity to work more closely with parents to ensure student success.
Is this all about SEL?
Terrace Metrics is primarily a screening tool. It is used to identify student needs as well as student strengths.
There is no forced curriculum that accompanies the use of Terrace Metrics.
Terrace Metrics is focused on student behavioral health, not social-emotional learning.
How are parents involved?
Parents have access to all of the domains and items included in the screener.
Parents have access to all of their student’s results and will be emailed a customized report of their student’s results with related resources and relevant information.
What type of training is provided?
Members of the student response team (administrators and counseling team) received training on the administration of and procedures related to Terrace Metrics.
There is no training or set curriculum provided to students as Terrace Metrics is primarily a screening and identification tool used to identify student strengths and needs.
How often will the screener be given?
The Terrace Metrics will be administered 1-2 times in the 2021-2022 school year. Additional screenings are available and may take place as needed on an individual basis in an effort to meet student needs.
Who do I contact with more questions?
Parents are invited to contact Terrace Metrics directly to help answer any additional questions. They can be contacted at info@terracemetrics.org
To complete the consent form please click on the link provided below.
COVID Booster Shot Information
Partnering with CTEC Business and Marketing Students
We are excited to inform you that the students picked Providence Hall as one of the organizations it will work with this year!
This is a great opportunity for us as a community to support students with hands-on learning and experience and get some free marketing help from a student's point of view.
To start the project, students have asked that we have the PH community complete this survey so they can see what you love and what you would like to see improved here at PHJH.
Please help these kids out by completing the form below.
Educators and community members,
BOOSTERS
COVID-19 BOOSTER appointments are available now! Please feel free to share with anyone you know. Follow the scheduling link below to find where Community Nursing Services is offering opportunities within SLCO.
Following a formal recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)/CDC and in line with direction from the Utah Department of Health, Community Nursing Services (CNS) Immunization Program began offering COVID-19 BOOSTER doses to eligible individuals 10/22/2021.
PFIZER and Moderna
Both PFIZER and Moderna COVID-19 booster doses are recommended for people at highest risk for severe COVID-19 including:
· people who are 65 or older, and
· people 18 and older who live in a long-term care facility, and
· people 18 and older with underlying medical conditions that put them at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and
· people 18 and older who live or work in a setting that puts them at a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19, such as healthcare workers and teachers.
Note that recommendation applies to individuals who received either the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 or Moderna vaccine for their primary series at least 6 months prior.
“Data reviewed by the FDA and ACIP showed booster doses can prevent further hospitalizations and death for those individuals who are at highest risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Data shows that the vaccines continue to provide very good protection against severe COVID-19 illness in the general population. Most Utahans do not need a booster at this time, but a booster can help add another layer of protection to those people at the highest risk of severe COVID-19,” said Dr. Leisha Nolen, UDOH state epidemiologist.
Note the underlying conditions below. As with initial roll out, individuals will need to self attest to eligibility for such conditions.
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic lung diseases
- Neurological conditions, such as dementia
- Diabetes
- Down syndrome
- Heart conditions
- HIV infection
- Liver disease
- Mental Health conditions such as depression
- Overweight
- Pregnancy and recently pregnant
- Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
- Smoking, current or former
- Solid-organ or blood stem cell transplant
- Stroke or cerebrovascular disease
- Substance use disorders
- Weakened immune system
Johnson and Johnson
For the nearly 15 million people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.
Options
There are now booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others, may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots without preference.
Though CNS will not be providing individual on-site BOOSTER clinics within schools similar to the initial roll out, we would like you to be aware of some CNS locations in SLCO where appointments are now available for those eligible. Note that BOOSTER doses are readily available throughout the state at varied locations including pharmacies, health departments, providers offices, etc.
Please share the following scheduling link as you feel appropriate (minus my own email and signature line as I will be unable to respond).
COVID-19 vaccine appointment scheduling link:
5-11 year olds
CNS will begin administering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine by appointment to individuals age 5-11 years old beginning Tuesday, November 9th at the following two locations:
· WVC Immunization Clinic
o Tuesday 12:00-4:30
o Thursday 12:00-4:30
· Meadow Peak at Summit Vista
o Tuesday 1:00-6:00
o Thursday 1:00-6:00
o Saturday 9:00-2:00
Appointments are REQUIRED due to the limited amount of vaccine available.
To schedule an appointment for children 5-11 years old, please visit www.cns-cares.org/COVID19 and select the PEDIATRIC COVID-19 VACCINE APPOINTMENT (age 5-11) Pfizer option. Should appointments be filled, please check back weekly as additional opportunities will be opened as vaccine inventory increases.
Note that this represents just one of the many available locations for 5-11 year old COVID-19 vaccinations. Individuals are encouraged to check with their provider, pharmacy, local health department and community partner each week for open appointments.
CNS will not be providing on-site COVID-19 clinics at individual schools at this time.