Deaf Middle School Boarding Newsletter: August 2025

Welcome to a New School Year at Gregg Hall!

We’re thrilled to kick off another exciting year with our amazing students! Gregg Hall is already buzzing with energy as the girls settle in and reconnect with friends, sharing stories from their summer adventures. While they miss their families, the joy of being back together is unmistakable.

During the first week, students met with dorm staff to review important guidelines and expectations, setting the tone for a successful year ahead. We also kicked off athletic tryouts for swim, cheer, cross country, and volleyball. Congratulations to all our student-athletes—we’re so proud of you and can’t wait to cheer you on!

Week two brought one of our favorite traditions: the House Sorting Ceremony! In a magical twist, each student’s house color was revealed inside a cupcake, thanks to our “mind-reading wand.” We were honored to welcome President Tracie Snow, DSL Mel Botterbusch-Goodall, ADSL Mathew Ward, and Supervisors Mechelle Johnson and Katherine Youngren to join in the fun. Students will earn points for their house by demonstrating exceptional conduct, while rule-breaking may result in point deductions. We’re excited to see our students rise to the challenge and represent their houses with pride!

Our students are already exploring the community as part of their independent living skills program. They practiced ordering and paying for drinks during a walk to Dunkin’ Donuts, and visited the local public library to learn about its services and apply for their very own library cards. These outings help build confidence in travel, accessibility, and money management.

We’re also excited to launch our new hashtag: #GreggHallLife! Follow along on social media as we highlight the incredible experiences and achievements of our students throughout the year.

Girls walking into Gregg Hall

Group of girls posing for a picture with the Dunkin drinks.

Welcome to a brand-new school year at McLane Hall!

From the moment our students arrived, the dorm has been filled with excitement, laughter, and the joy of reconnecting.

During the first two weeks, our boys settled in wonderfully, catching up with old friends, making new ones, and becoming familiar with dorm routines and school expectations. Staff worked closely with students to help them feel at home and confident in their surroundings.

Fall sports tryouts brought a wave of enthusiasm, and we’re proud to share that many students signed up to participate. Several joined the swimming and football teams, and their dedication and team spirit are already shining through. We couldn’t be prouder of their efforts and commitment!

In the kitchen, our staff quickly assisted students in learning how to safely and confidently use appliances like the stove and microwave. These age-appropriate living skills are an important part of their growth, and it’s wonderful to see them take pride in learning skills that will serve them well beyond the dorm.

We kicked off the year with a fun and educational Kahoot trivia challenge focused on dorm rules and expectations. Students competed using their phones, and our top five winners received a candy of their choice. Following the trivia, we hosted an ice cream social where everyone enjoyed a cone of ice cream and played more Kahoot games in the game room. It was a great time filled with laughter and connection.

Student making cupcakes in the kitchen.

Important Reminders for Families

  • Snacks and Drinks:

    Please send enough snacks and drinks to keep your child energized and hydrated throughout the week.

  • Footwear and Rain Gear:

    With the rainy season upon us, we recommend packing at least two pairs of shoes and a raincoat, jacket, or umbrella.

  • Recreation Program for Local Day Students:

    Visit the FSDB website under the 

    Student Life

    tab. The monthly schedule is typically posted by Sue Hill during the third week of each month. Completed forms must be submitted to the front office before the deadline—late submissions cannot be accepted.

Looking Ahead

We’re excited to host our Middle School Boarding Program Kick-Off Party, where students will enjoy pizza, cupcakes, and drinks while learning about key character traits that promote positivity and respect across campus. It’s a great way to build community and set the tone for a fantastic year ahead. Thank you for your continued support. We’re looking forward to a joyful, productive, and memorable school year at Gregg Hall and McLane Hall!

Important Phone Numbers

Joann Janson
Gregg Hall Boarding Supervisor
904-827-2628 Voice/Text
904-201-4506 VP

David McFee
McLane Hall Boarding Supervisor
904-827-2624 Text
904-201-4562 VP

Mel Bottterbusch-Goodall
Director of Student Life
904-827-2208 Text
904-201-4560 VP

Mathew Ward
Assistant Director of Student Life
904-827-2602 Voice/Text
904-201-4465 VP

Kim Moore
Administrative Assistant of DSL
904-827-2600 Voice/Text
904-201-4555 VP