DHS Boarding Newsletter Thumbnail: April 1, 2026

James Hall News

The James Hall girls have settled back into their daily routines following Spring Break. We enjoyed hearing about the many fun and memorable experiences our students shared during the break. It has been wonderful to see their excitement as they reunited with friends and exchanged stories about the places they visited and activities they enjoyed.

Community Service

For this month's James Hall community service project, the girls created Easter bags for the New Mount Moriah Christian Ministries youth group. This teaches the students to give back to the community.

Independant Living Skills

Our curriculum focused on time management, personal finance, and self-care activities. All designed to improve health and wellness, whether practiced alone or with family. Additionally, we hosted a workshop with campus police. This session covered safe internet navigation, identifying dating violence, and recognizing online targeting. Students also learned various ways to protect themselves from strangers and discussed the causes and effects of gossiping.

Trips

The James Hall girls recently enjoyed an exciting visit to St. Augustine’s new skating rink. Whether students were experienced skaters or trying it for the first time, everyone had a fun and memorable experience.

We are pleased to share that our Rhyne Hall and James Hall students participated in the Brave Summit, an enriching and meaningful experience. Throughout the event, students engaged in activities designed to promote self-awareness, mental health understanding, and personal growth.

Students also focused on building resiliency, an important component of Florida’s educational standards while strengthening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The summit provided valuable opportunities for students to build confidence, develop strategies for managing challenges, and foster positive peer connections.

We are proud of our students for their active participation and the positive attitudes they demonstrated throughout the event.

Four students smiling at Brave Summit event holding PaneraStudents watching Brave Summit


Rhyne Hall News

Daily Life Skills & Dorm Life

As March comes to a close, the boys of Rhyne Hall have remained actively engaged in a variety of activities focused on life skills, community involvement, and personal growth.

Prior to Spring Break, the boys participated in brain-teaser activities and enjoyed making homemade “from-scratch” cookies—an experience they hope will become a lasting Rhyne Hall tradition. Through this activity, students practiced measuring ingredients, following recipes, and understanding the importance of timing in cooking. Staff emphasized themes of self-care, curiosity, and perseverance, encouraging students to try new things, take care of themselves, and continue growing. Discussions also focused on real-world problem solving, respectful behavior, and responsible decision-making, with key messages such as “make good choices, stay consistent, and believe in your potential.”

Following Spring Break, students continued applying these lessons to their daily routines. Instruction focused on practical life skills, including proper dishwasher use, selecting appropriate laundry detergents, and understanding which soaps to use for specific machines.

Students making cookiesStudents making cookies

Community Service & Involvement

The boys also participated in recreational football games with middle school students, serving as positive role models and acting as “big brothers” within the school community.

Additionally, several students had the opportunity to meet renowned ASL presenter Renca Dunn, who visited campus after school hours. They were excited and inspired by the chance to meet her in person.

Friendly Reminders

Field Trip: field trip permission forms were sent home for an upcoming community service opportunity at Nease High School. Please remember that all signed permission forms are due by March 30. ASL students have invited our participants to attend a Silent Event, offering a unique opportunity to socialize and communicate using American Sign Language—an enriching and valuable experience for all involved.

Prom: Prom will take place on April 30. We want all students to be prepared, have what they need, and enjoy a fun and memorable evening

Long Weekend: Students will go home on Friday, April 3, and return to the dorm on Monday, April 6, or Tuesday, April 7. We hope everyone enjoys a relaxing long weekend.