James Hall News
Monthly Recap
Welcome back and I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break. Please send your child a combination lock or a lock or a key padlock to lock their closet. We will be having several large events, and the entire Dormitory will be used, which will require our students to lock up all their personal belongings during those events. The girls have decorated the dorm for the upcoming winter Holiday season.
Locks Due No Later Than: 01/05/2026
Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 – ASL Night at Nease High School
Monday, December 15, 2025 – Trip to Town Center for Holiday Shopping
Thursday, December 18, 2025 – Boarding students and staff only Christmas Dinner.
Curriculum
This month, we are focusing on time management, managing a household and finances, situational awareness, conflict resolution, and soft skills. Soft skills are personal attributes and interpersonal skills that relate to how you work and interact with others. Examples include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
Types of soft skills
People skills: Communication, teamwork, leadership, active listening, and conflict resolution.
Personal attributes: Work ethic, time management, adaptability, creativity, and a positive attitude.
Emotional intelligence: Empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to manage emotions to foster better relationships.
Cognitive skills: Critical thinking, problem-solving, and organization.
Why Soft Skills are Important
Enhance collaboration: They help you work effectively with colleagues, clients, and customers.
Improve performance: They are vital for navigating workplace challenges, completing tasks, and achieving goals.
Boost career advancement: Strong soft skills can set you apart in the job market and are often a key factor in promotions.
Increase adaptability: In a rapidly changing world, soft skills make you more flexible and resilient.
Parent Involvement and Engagement:
FSDB Annual Christmas Event Celebration:
Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Kirk Auditorium (FSDB) from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Students from the Deaf and Blind Elementary Dance Program and High School Dance Troupe will perform. The students will have hot chocolate and cookies. They will also get to visit the Santa booth.
PBIS and Character Building: December Perseverance
Continuing to try when things are hard.
Students of the Month are Bobbi L. B. and Ashley S.M.
Key Learning Goals
Learning goals for students focused on perseverance include developing a growth mindset, setting and achieving realistic goals, and building resilience to overcome challenges. Students can also be taught to practice positive self-talk, break down large tasks into smaller steps, and reflect on their progress and effort.
Goal setting and task management
Set realistic, achievable goals by breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Learn to prioritize tasks and use time-management techniques, such as time blocks, to stay focused and avoid burnout.
Focus on a specific, meaningful goal to maintain motivation and a clear outcome in mind.
Mindset and self-talk
Develop a growth mindset, viewing mistakes and failures as opportunities for learning and growth.
Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations and "yet" language to encourage continued effort.
Reflect on personal strengths and progress to build self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
Resilience and coping strategies
Practice problem-solving skills to navigate challenges independently before seeking assistance.
Develop strategies for coping with stress and setbacks, such as taking a break or a deep breath when feeling frustrated.
Embrace challenges and take risks by trying new things, understanding that failure is a natural part of the learning process.
Video: “Having Grit and Perseverance” (this Video is Closed Captioned):
Community Service
This month, the girls made Reindeer bags for blind elementary students, filled them with treats, and delivered them as Santa Helpers. We will attend a silent night at Nease High School, where students will help teach and communicate with local high school students interested in learning American Sign Language.
Weather Reminder
Please have your child start bringing warmer clothes, as temperatures have begun to drop at night and in the early morning.
Rhyne Hall News
Before Thanksgiving, the boys had an eventful week. They created Thanksgiving lollipop cards to thank our cafeteria staff and their families, showing their gratitude in a creative way. They also helped pack boxes for the Thanksgiving food drive to support their night counselor, Dee.
As part of their community experience, the boys visited downtown to enjoy the beautiful Nights of Lights. During the outing, they practiced smart shopping and learned how to spend wisely.
Some of the boys also participated in meaningful discussions about why gratitude matters during the mentorship program with middle school students.
After the break, they are now back to reality—working on upcoming curriculum and community service projects. Their daily routine continues with homework and after-school activities.
Character Focus: Perseverance
This month’s theme is Perseverance. The boys will learn how to keep trying even when things get tough. Staff will provide advice and tips, and lead discussions on this important skill. Some boys will also use this theme in their mentorship sessions with middle school students.
Life Skills
Recently, the boys have been learning essential everyday life skills, including:
Food Preparation – Setting up ingredients and following a recipe
Interpersonal Skills – Practicing good manners in different settings
Cleaning Routine – Understanding the importance of cleanliness and making a bed properly
Social Awareness – Recognizing how gossip affects others and learning to express emotions appropriately
Student of the Month
Congratulations to our December Students of the Month: Andre and Jav’ion! They’ve impressed staff with their willingness to help and positive attitudes. Please join us in congratulating them for their achievements in the dorm.
Quote
"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you. Wishing you a joyful and magical holiday season.”