Providence Hall Junior High
11/22-11/27
A Little Something For Your Heart
So Much To Be Thankful For
I don't know about you, but the excitement I am feeling for turkey, stuffing, and sweet potato casserole is bordering on what could be considered irrational and, according to Mr. Summers, is somewhat concerning.
I have been thinking a lot today about what to write in the newsletter this week, and perhaps it is in the spirit of Thanksgiving, or maybe I am just getting more sentimental in my old age, but I kept coming back to sharing all of the things I have been grateful for as it applies to the PHJH community over the last three years.
I am not sure if I will ever forget the first time I walked into the front office at PHJH to see obviously abandoned shamrocks still hanging from the ceiling despite it being June. It was a stark reminder that I was about to be a first-year Principal during a global pandemic, and I can remember doing an audit in my memory and not being able to find any class or internship that had prepared me for this type of situation.
Over the next year, together we navigated masks, no masks, weird arrows on the floors, required spacing, mandatory quarantines, and the joys of school being open., then closed, and the challenge of learning online and then trying to bounce back to in-person over and over and over again. While many of my fellow Principals were feeling beaten down and depressed over the treatment from their communities, I almost felt guilty because the PHJH community, even when frustrated, was almost always kind.
Kindness seems to define this community, and most days, I have no idea how I got this job, let alone a job where I am surrounded by such kindness and love. Every day when I walk into a building that is filled with an overabundance of love, laughter, and absolute brilliance.
Over the last three years, I have had the honor of getting to watch kids come in as wide-eyed and frightened sixth graders, and then in the blink of an eye, they will be walking out as confident eighth graders ready to take on the challenges of the high school world.
I am thankful for the kind letters and emails from parents.
I am thankful for a PTO that takes care of us even when they don't have to.
I am thankful for the kids that have learned my name and, on many days, make me feel like a rockstar that I definitely am not.
I am thankful to be surrounded by hardworking, dedicated, and loving co-workers. There is not a single person that works in this building and the PH community that doesn't give these kiddos their all every single day.
I am thankful for the hard days, difficult conversations, and opportunities to continue to try to get it right rather than be right.
I am thankful for you.
This is a beautiful community, and I can say with all sincerity I love each and every one of you.
Thank you for allowing me to have the honor of getting to work with your children.
It is an absolute privilege and will always be one of the greatest chapters in my life.
We wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving.
May your day be filled with an overabundance of love, mashed potatoes, and neverending football.
As Always, Patriots...
Remember, you are LOVED!
❤️
Mrs. Summers
Mrs. Turley
Mr. Joyce
Lunch Options This Week
Math Counts Competition
We have a parent that is offering to sponsor 12 students to take part in the Math Counts completion. If you are interested, please email asummers@providencehall.com. This is first come, first serve.
2022-23 Registration is Open!
$35 per competitor for schools (registration ends December 15)!
- Every registered school receives the School Competition Kit to run its program for the year.
- As many students as are interested can participate in practices and the School Competition. Registration fees are based on the number of competitors representing the school at the Chapter Competition.
New And Improved Providence Hall App
PHJH LIbrary Happenings
This Veteran's Day we wanted to honor those brave men and women who have served our country. We are truly honored and thankful to those who fought to form a new country and those willing to continue to fight to maintain that freedom. Thank you!
This month is Native American Heritage Month. Throughout the United States, there are hundreds of Native American tribes still thriving. As I met with a man on the Wampanoag Live Museum site near Plymouth, Massachusetts, he told a story of sitting in a High School History class. His teacher was mentioning Native American tribes that no longer existed. His tribe was listed. He was shocked. He was sitting in a class where his tribe was taught as nonexistent. His tribe was very alive, and he told his teacher as much. The message that he wanted us as History teachers to pass along is "WE ARE STILL HERE." This display is for all the Native American tribes of America.
Beat The Teach Library Contest Reminders
A few of the students are confused about how to sign up for BEAT THE TEACH, so here is a recap in case you get questions.
The students can only sign up for one teacher to read against. They do not come to the library to sign up, they sign up on the poster that is on your door.
They will get a reading log every week, and they do get that at the library. The contest starts the day we get back from Thanksgiving break.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Lori