The following are the PHS Student Results:
Careers in Education Guest Speaker
Provo High’s Careers in Education class, taught by the fabulous Kristin Pierce, explores all the various paths and careers within the educational realm. Today, the class had the opportunity to hear from Utah Valley University President Matthew Holland, who shared several delightful anecdotes and words of wisdom based on his experiences in education and life in general.
Holland himself has Provo roots, including being born in Provo, and then later attending Provo High. At the core of his upbringing was the belief that life requires hard work, a significant point he reiterated throughout the class discussion. In addition to hard work, President Holland advised students to let passion guide their life pursuits, not money. “Follow what you love, and it won’t feel like work,” he counseled, adding that this will also help buffer the less positive aspects of a job. He explained that this is true in any field of employment, not just education, though he did discuss at length the wonderful rewards of a career in education. “To shape minds and turn someone on to a subject you’re passionate about… that’s a great life,” he said. He mentioned the long-lasting impression that educators leave on the minds of their students, noting that while he couldn’t tell you the name of his first banker or realtor, he could tell you the names of each and every teacher he has ever had. President Holland elaborated on the influence of educators as being one that not only affects the individual, but society as a whole. “Education is the great unifier… the common thread of our society. Education is key for everybody to pursue their [own] kind of dream, and to live together as a country.”
We are grateful for President Holland taking time to share his insights on education and the importance of hard work in moving towards personal goals, educational or otherwise!
Flu & Vaccine Clinic – November 1st & 6th
The Utah County Health Department will be holding two flu & vaccination clinics over the next few weeks. This clinic is open to everyone.
Check out the flier for more info!
Employees of the Month – September
Stephen Scott, Math Teacher
Stephen Scott spent most of his time growing up in Tampa, Florida, but he also spent time in Maryland, Washington State, Panama, and Venezuela. He came to Provo High School as a coaching intern while attending BYU. Later that year, a math position opened up, and he was able to end his student teaching at Spanish Fork High School and officially start his time as a Bulldog. He has now been here for 5 years teaching math and coaching baseball. Stephen enjoys working with students, the math department, and the PHS baseball team. When Stephen isn’t at work, he enjoys exercising and playing outside with his family, especially his 2-year-old son.
Here are a few things colleagues had to say about Stephen:
- Stephen is dedicated to high-quality instruction and is constantly looking for better ways to reach his students and engage them in the learning process.
- Stephen has put in a ton of preparation time to really help our team focus assessments and instruction to specific standards.
- Stephen always has a smile and a welcome for students and co-workers alike. He’s always willing to share lesson ideas, teaching strategies, and help with technology or any other problem.
- Stephen was one of the many teachers I looked up to when I chose my career as a teacher. I first observed his class when I was beginning the education program and was amazed on how he used technology and incorporated pop culture into his lessons to engage students.
- Any time I have a question, I know I can approach Stephen. He stops what he’s doing and gives you his full attention.
- Steven Scott is doing a lot of good work in the classroom and as department chair. He is also a great asset to the baseball team.
Susan Anderson, English Teacher
Susan Anderson grew up in Bedford, Pennsylvania. She came to Provo to attend BYU, then met her husband who is a PHS graduate. She joined the PHS family in the middle of the 1998-99 school year when the principal recruited her from Spanish Fork Jr. High to teach drama. Her career in education has consisted of time at Payson High, Timpview High, Eisenhower Jr. High, Spanish Fork Jr. High, and the last 19 years at Provo High. Susan enjoys the students and the teachers she works with here at PHS. They inspire her to be a better teacher each day. She also loves attending the extracurricular events and finds it very gratifying to learn what former students have done with their lives after high school. When Susan isn’t at school, she enjoys gardening, playing with her grandkids, traveling, going to the theatre, roller skating, and family history.
Here are a few things colleagues had to say about Susan:
- Susan has really impressed me this year because even though she will be retiring soon, she is so willing to try new things in her classroom. She has been very positive and open to new ideas and new ways of teaching.
- Susan clearly cares about the well-being and safety of her students. She shows concern, empathy, and understanding for students going through challenges and difficult times.
- Susan is a wonderful colleague and friend. She is always concerned about each of us in our department and wants us to succeed. She is the same with her own students. Susan wants them to be successful not only in the classroom setting, but in life as well. I have seen her go to great lengths to help students pass her class. She is always ready to help them on their journey through life.
- Susan is always the first to come and say “Hi” to me each morning, to smile warmly and to ask how everything is going. We have been blessed and lucky to have her in our department!
- Susan is a very conscientious person and teacher, and she is exceptionally concerned about doing a good job and making sure that all of her students find success.
- Susan is caring and compassionate. She is a life-long learner and tries to instill the same within her students. She exposes students to the finer things in life such as theatre, great authors, and art.
Thank you Stephen and Susan for all you do here at PHS! We are grateful to have you here!!
Band Competition
Get Artlightened!
Lastly, ArtCetera will be hosting its monthly art lecture this Thursday from 4:30-5:30pm. Eric Gregory will be the guest artist.