PIONEER NEWS BRIEFS

VALUES IN ACTION AWARD

Mr. David Rufus was named the recipient of the Values in Action award. Launched in 1988, "Values in Action" is the preeminent awards program in the Providence health system allowing caregivers to recognize each other for how they model our values of compassion, dignity, justice, excellence, and integrity.

As a member of Providence's math department, Mr. Rufus is beloved by his students - past and present - as well as his colleagues. We congratulate him on this well-earned honor! NOT YOUR GRANDMA'S BINGO NIGHT

Our Mothers' Guild hosted their annual Bingo Night virtually and even though we couldn't all be together, it was still a fun and lively evening! Thank you to everyone that participated in the evening's festivities, including the silent and live auctions.

CARE PACKAGES FOR CAREGIVERS

A group of PHS students individually put together 100 care packages to show their appreciation and gratitude to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center's caregivers. We are proud of our students who embody our mission, vision, and values. Thank you to Patrick Torpey '21, Aidan Sabers-Jensen '21, Miles Bakshi '21, Jamie Altoon '21, and Matthew Castillo '21 for supporting our healthcare heroes!

VIRTUAL CLASSROOMS

Not being in the classroom has been an adjustment for PHS teachers as well as students. Faculty members have created dedicated spaces in their homes for their new "classrooms." Many juggle the added distraction of their own children who are also home as a result of distance learning at their schools or lack of childcare options.

To say that this has been a challenge for many is an understatement, but putting the needs of PHS' students first has always been a priority, ensuring that students are engaged with the curriculum in the best ways possible.

UNFINISHED WORK FILM FESTIVAL

Students, Amila Kapetanoviç '21 and Isabel Petty '21 submitted an short film entry to the New Roads School's Unfinished Work Film Festival. Their short film, Disrupting a Curriculum focuses on the formation of Providence's Black Student Union and the school's role in promoting change through the curriculum. PROVIDENCE HYE FUNDRAISER

Our Armenian student-led organization, Providence HYE, held a fundraiser at Masis Bakery in Sun Valley, California and raised more than $5,000 for the ArmeniaFund to provide aid to Armenia and Artsakh which were heavily affected by the military conflict in the Artsakh region. We mourn the lives lost as we pray for our PHS community members devastated by these events.

ON-CAMPUS BLOOD DRIVES

PHS hosted eight blood drives since the pandemic started and collected 403 units which can help save up to 1,209 lives.

"We are so thankful for the support from Providence High School during this unprecedented time. We were faced with a lot of cancellations when the pandemic started and Providence High School stepped up to help us collect much needed blood units," said Rachel Paul, Account Manager for American Red Cross Blood Services.

PROVIDENCE CONNECTS

Established last fall, Providence Connects, an exclusive conversation series, was designed to connect our community with the most influential and relevant leaders across the Providence health system and beyond.

We had the good fortune of being able to pick the brains of four esteemed Providence health system colleagues: Rod Hochman, MD; Lisa Vance; Deb Canales; and Erik Wexler and engage in meaningful conversations from the coronavirus and the future of technology and healthcare, to the changing nature of work and new ways of building up our communities.

During this new year, we look forward to the continuation of Providence Connects as a way of further connecting our Providence communities and engaging in conversations about various relevant topics. Stay tuned for the lineup of future guests. All past episodes can be viewed on the PHS website as well.

BOLD PIONEERS BEHIND THE SCENES

Since we aren't in the classroom with our students, it's nice to get a glimpse of the ways in which they're learning from home. Here are photos of Medical Focus Program student Marlon Medina '24 teaching his little sister how the stethoscope works, Natalie Ruiz '24 wearing her Providence High School uniform during her “learning from home“ school days, and another Medical Focus Program student, Lucas Valera '24, proudly sporting his Providence gear.

Pioneer parents: Do you have photos of your students learning from home? Please share them with us by emailing photos to the Marketing & Communications Department at marketingteam@providencehigh.org.

ICYMI (IN CASE YOU MISSED IT): PERFORMING ARTS

Our Performing Arts department produced numerous virtual performances during the first semester, including a choral performance, mini web series, and three one act plays.

The choral and instrumental music students presented an evening virtual concert entitled "Virtual Insanity" that featured music highlighting themes of hope, faith & rebirth.

"Please Stand By" is a mini web series that spotlights our community of artists, including work from our choir, drama, performance extension, instrumental music, dance, and visual arts programs.

Each night of "Original Works: A Weekend of One Acts" featured an ensemble of eight actors performing an original one act play written specifically for the students and performed live, followed by a talk back with the actors, playwright and director. Featuring work created in conjunction with our artists and written by talented playwrights from all parts of the country, these pieces reflected the importance of family bonds and friendship, the choices we make, and magic in the every day.

Find the performances above plus information about upcoming performances on the Providence High School website!