DHS Boarding Newsletter Thumbnail – March 06, 2026

James Hall News

Critical Thinking & Smart Money Skills

This month, our focus in James Hall has been on developing critical thinking and problem solving skills through real life financial lessons. Learning how to manage money at a young age helps students grow into confident, responsible decision-makers.

What We’re Learning

Our students explored important financial topics, including:

  • The difference between needs vs. wants

  • How credit cards actually work

  • What interest is and why it matters

  • The importance of budgeting

  • How to apply the 10/20/30 budgeting rule

  • Smart questioning before spending money

We encouraged students to ask themselves:

  • “Can I afford this?”

  • “Is this a need or a want?”

  • “What happens if I don’t pay my credit card on time?”

Girls sitting in their living room listening to a lesson.

Family Connections: How You Can Support at Home

Families can reinforce these lessons by:

  • Involving students in grocery budgeting

  • Talking about how banks and credit cards work

  • Encouraging saving toward personal goals

  • Discussing smart financial choices in everyday life

We are incredibly proud of our students’ growth as they continue developing essential life skills that support confidence, independence, and success.

Students of the Month – February

We are delighted to recognize Gensis L. and Guilia F.R.C. as Students of the Month! These young ladies consistently demonstrate excellent behavior and show respect toward both peers and staff. We are proud of their hard work—well done to both!

Student of the Month Gensis.Student of the Month Guillia.

Upcoming Field Trip – Reminder

We’re excited for our upcoming field trip:

Brave Summit 2026
📅 March 25, 2026

Please ensure all permission slips are returned by March 9th.


Rhyne Hall News

March has been a productive and engaging month in Rhyne Hall. Our boys have been learning, growing, and practicing life skills that will benefit them now and in the future. Here’s what we’ve been up to:

Learning Practical Skills: Cooking & Life Lessons

Students participated in hands on cooking lessons, learning how to safely and properly cook and steam rice. These activities helped build confidence and encouraged healthy habits. We also discussed how daily food choices impact energy, focus, and overall health.

Respect, Boundaries & Dating Safety

Some students joined guided discussions about:

  • Respecting personal boundaries

  • Building and maintaining healthy friendships

  • Understanding safe and appropriate behaviors

  • Treating others with kindness and maturity

Life Skills Coaching: 1 on 1 Sessions

Several boys took part in individualized coaching sessions focused on essential daily living skills, including:

  • Laundry routines — how often to wash clothes, separating loads, and caring for fabrics

  • Personal hygiene — why grooming, showers, and cleanliness matter for confidence and health

  • Time management — organizing schedules, balancing responsibilities, and reducing stress

  • Hands on laundry training — using washers correctly, measuring detergent, and learning about wash cycles

These sessions were highly successful, and the students appreciated the one on one support.

Character Lesson: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

This month’s character theme centered around applying critical thinking to real life situations. Together, we explored:

  • How to calmly talk through disagreements in relationships

  • What to do if a car breaks down, including budgeting for repairs and finding a mechanic

Boys sitting around a table.Boys looking at a whiteboard and learning about Critical Thinking Skills.

Saint Patrick’s Day Fun

We enjoyed a lighthearted discussion about St. Patrick’s Day! Students shared ideas, asked questions, and learned fun facts—lots of curiosity and smiles filled the room.

Upcoming Field Trip – Reminder

We’re excited for our upcoming field trip:

Brave Summit 2026
📅 March 25, 2026

Please ensure all permission slips are returned by March 9th.

Spring Break Countdown

Spring Break is just one week away!

We encourage all students to:

  • Have fun

  • Rest well

  • Recharge before returning

We want everyone returning refreshed and ready to finish strong as we enter the final quarter of the school year.