James Hall
November Gratitude
We enter the season of Thanksgiving; we want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to you for being such an important part of our dorm community.
This November, we are especially grateful for the teamwork between families, students, and staff. Together, we create a nurturing environment where every student can grow, thrive, and feel at home.
Families, thank you for trusting us with your children and for supporting them as they navigate dorm life. Your encouragement and involvement make a big difference in creating a positive environment for all students.
Thanksgiving Celebration
The cafeteria hosted a Thanksgiving meal for all students and staff on Thursday. This special gathering is our way of celebrating together and showing appreciation for everyone who makes our dorm a welcoming and supportive home. The food was delicious. We had Mel Botterbusch-Goodall, Director of Student Life, Mathew Ward, Assistant Director of Student Life, Dee Stoddard, Social Worker, J Edward Rowan, Boarding Trainer, and Randall Hancock, Woodshop Teacher, help serve the students and staff dinner.
Key learning goals that we have been working on with the girls:
I: Community and Gratitude
Practice appreciation and thankfulness toward peers, staff, and families.
Participate in group activities (like the Thanksgiving gathering) to build a sense of community.
II: Expressing Appreciation
Learn to recognize and thank peers and staff for their help and support.
Practice signs and written expressions of gratitude, such as thank-you notes or simple thank you messages.
III: Acts of Kindness
Learn to show gratitude through actions, like helping a roommate, sharing resources or supporting peers.
Encourage small gestures that strengthen community bonds, such as holding doors, sharing, or leaving notes of encouragement.
November Updates from Rhyne Hall
November has arrived, and we’re here to share some things happening in Rhyne Hall! Our dorm community continues to thrive with steady routines, positive energy, and a focus on personal growth.
Character Focus: Gratitude
This month, our theme is Gratitude. Students will learn what it means to appreciate the people and opportunities around them. This month, through discussions and activities, we will explore how gratitude can strengthen friendships, improve mental health, and create a supportive environment.
Life Skills Spotlight
Our students have been working hard on practical skills that will help them do well in everyday life. This month’s lessons included:
Anger Management Strategies – Techniques for staying calm and expressing emotions in healthy ways.
Workout Tips for Staying Active – Simple exercises and routines to keep bodies strong and energized.
Money Management Basics – Understanding budgeting, saving, and making smart financial decisions.
Self-Care Awareness – Recognizing signs of illness or stress and taking steps to feel better.
Maintaining Good Hygiene – Daily habits that promote health and confidence.
Laundry Tips and Routines – How to wash, dry, and organize clothing independently.
Community Service Planning
In the spirit of gratitude, staff and students brainstormed creative ways to show appreciation to people we care about on campus. We’ll be working on these projects and distributing them next week.
Student of the Month
Congratulations to our November Students of the Month: Baltazar and Xander!
They’ve shown improvements, positive attitudes, and respect in the dorm. Please join us in celebrating their achievements!
Dear Parents,
As temperatures continue to drop here in St. Augustine, we kindly ask that you check your child’s suitcase to ensure they have appropriate winter clothing, including a warm jacket. Please also take a moment to review their footwear, as many of our students are growing quickly and may need updated sizes. Our goal is to keep every student comfortable and warm during the colder weather.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our High School boarding supervisors.
We wish you and your family a wonderful Fall Break, beginning November 21, when all students head home to enjoy the holidays.