Greetings from Vaill Hall!

Hello Parents,

What an exciting and busy month it has been in Vaill Hall! Our Deaf Elementary Boarding Program continues to grow, and we could not be more thrilled. Due to our increasing enrollment, we have opened additional dorm pods and made several room changes to accommodate our growing family. While it has kept us busy, this is a wonderful problem to have, and we are excited to welcome so many students into our program.

There have been lots of opportunities for learning, growth, and fun this month, and we are excited to share some of the highlights with you!

Our 1 West boys recently celebrated their hard work and positive behavior with a special trip to McDonald's. The outing was more than just a reward; it was an opportunity for students to practice important life skills in the community. They demonstrated excellent manners, patiently waited in line, communicated respectfully, and represented our Dormitory Program with pride. Staff were incredibly proud of how well the boys carried themselves, and the students enjoyed spending time together while celebrating their success.

Meanwhile, the 2 North girls put their money-handling skills into action during a walking trip to a nearby store. Students practiced making choices, managing money, waiting their turn, and interacting appropriately with store employees while purchasing a drink. Experiences like these help build confidence and independence in real-world settings. The girls did an excellent job, and they are already looking forward to their next community outing to a local restaurant where they can continue strengthening these valuable skills.

Safety is always a priority at Vaill Hall. This month, our students attended an engaging presentation led by Campus Police focusing on safety awareness and emergency preparedness. Students learned about staying safe on campus, responding to emergency situations, and following directions from staff and emergency personnel. They asked thoughtful questions about fire alarms, severe weather procedures, and other campus emergencies, making the presentation both informative and interactive.

There was also plenty of excitement during one of our recent behavior incentives. Two of our boys' groups earned a fun-filled water activity after demonstrating positive behavior, teamwork, and responsibility throughout the week. Students enjoyed cooling off with a slip-and-slide and sponge ball games while celebrating their achievement. The laughter and smiles were everywhere! These incentives continue to motivate our students while reinforcing cooperation, respect, and accountability.

As we move further into the school year, we are excited to see our students continue learning, growing, and reaching new milestones both in the dorm and throughout campus. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Important Reminders

Wrestling and dance practices are now underway. Please ensure that students participating in wrestling have comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for practice. For dance participants, please send loose shirts and shorts or pants that can be worn over tights and dance attire. This helps protect dance clothing from stains during meals before or after practice and helps prevent damage to tights.

Also, please remember to check the parent/dorm communication folder that is sent home each Friday for important staff letters, updates, and upcoming information.

If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance, please feel free to contact me at any time.

Warmly,

Katherine Youngren
Boarding Supervisor
904-827-2806 Text/Voice
904-201-4461 VP