February Newsletter – Growing With Grit!
Happy February, James Hall Families!
This month, our focus in the dorm is the Character Trait of Grit — the important skill of working consistently toward long‑term goals. Throughout February, our girls will spend time reflecting on their future aspirations and learning how perseverance can help them achieve their dreams. We’re excited to support them as they think big and build determination!
Community Service Spotlight
To kick off the month, our students completed a meaningful community service project by showing appreciation to our Mental Health Team. These dedicated professionals support our high school students every day, and our girls wanted to give back! They crafted heartfelt thank‑you cards and delivered sweet treats as a token of gratitude. It was a beautiful moment of kindness and teamwork.

January Students of the Month
Please join us in celebrating our January Students of the Month:
Emma S. and Anabelle V.
These two young ladies consistently demonstrate respect, kindness, and a positive spirit in our dorm community. They truly deserve the kudos—great job, Emma and Anabelle!


Upcoming Dorm Event
Get ready for some fun!
We will host a Super Bowl Party in the dorm on Sunday, February 8th. Students can enjoy a cozy evening of football, friends, and delicious snacks, including pizza, wings, chips, desserts, and drinks. It’s always a highlight of the year!
A Quick Weather Reminder
As weather in St. Augustine can shift quickly this time of year, please take a moment to ensure your daughter has clothes that are appropriate for changing temperatures. Your support helps keep everyone comfortable and prepared.
Rhyne Hall Newsletter
Two‑Week Recap
Dear Rhyne Hall Families,
The past two weeks have been wonderfully positive, productive, and steady here in Rhyne Hall. Our boys have been hard at work building life skills, enjoying recreational activities, attending basketball games, and staying committed to tutoring and homework after school. We are truly proud of their growth and the strong routines they are developing.
Life Skills & Curriculum Highlights
Over the last couple of weeks, students explored several important real‑world topics, including healthy relationships, financial literacy, and tipping etiquette. Staff offered hands‑on lessons and engaging group activities to help students think critically and apply what they learned.
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships
Students participated in discussions focused on:
Understanding their personal expectations in friendships and relationships
Recognizing healthy vs. unhealthy behaviors
Practicing effective communication and self‑advocacy
Making responsible decisions in friendships, work settings, and substance avoidance
First‑floor staff led small‑group discussions, while second‑floor staff facilitated a fun multiple‑choice decision‑making game centered on real-life scenarios.

Financial Literacy: NFL‑Style Trivia
The boys enthusiastically took part in a lively, NFL‑themed financial literacy game that introduced:
Smart money management
Distinguishing needs vs. wants
Making thoughtful spending decisions
They were highly engaged and enjoyed learning financial skills in a competitive and exciting format!
Tipping Etiquette Practice
Students also learned practical skills related to tipping, including:
Common tipping expectations
Calculating tip percentages
Understanding tipping in different service situations
Staff provided real‑life examples to help students understand when tipping is appropriate and why it matters.

Community Service & Character Focus
Self‑Awareness & Self‑Management
This month’s character education theme has centered on Self‑Awareness and Self‑Management. Several students participated in a mentorship activity with middle school students, using guided mindfulness cards to help spark meaningful conversations.
The discussions emphasized:
How thoughts influence actions
Recognizing strengths and areas for growth
Understanding and managing emotions
Making responsible choices
Our boys showed wonderful leadership, maturity, and empathy throughout this experience.
Looking Ahead
As we head into February, we’re excited to continue offering opportunities for learning, growth, and fun. Thank you for your support and partnership in helping our boys thrive here at Rhyne Hall!
Weather & Supplies Reminder
The cold weather continues, so please ensure your student returns each week with warm clothing.
We also ask that students bring back their grooming items and personal hygiene supplies to help them maintain their daily routines.

