Gregg Hall News
Character Education
Our December trait is Perseverance! The girls are learning that perseverance means never giving up—even when things are tough or take time. It’s about pushing forward, learning from mistakes, and staying focused until you reach your goal.
During November, our Character Education Student of the Month—congratulations to Aleighsa F. for being a shining example of Gratitude!
Dorm Life
Before Thanksgiving, the girls and staff came together to prepare a delicious holiday dinner and enjoy a cozy, family-style meal. It was the perfect way to connect before heading home for break.
After returning, the dorm transformed into a festive wonderland! The girls decorated with trees, lights, and garland, creating a warm holiday vibe. Stockings are hung with hope that Santa might stop by!
Independent Living Skills
This season can feel busy and overwhelming, so our students are focusing on self-care. They’re learning to prioritize tasks, reduce stress, and make time for relaxation—important skills for life!
Friendly Reminders
Your child will clean out her room before winter break—please remind her to tidy up her backpack too.
FSDB will host the Clerc Classic Basketball Tournament in January. Students from other schools will stay in our dorm, so please send a combination lock or padlock to secure your child’s belongings.
Please be sure your child brings warm clothing. It is getting chilly here in St. Augustine. It got down to 50 degrees.
McLane Hall News
December: Embracing Perseverance
The month of November came and went, and our students enjoyed the Thanksgiving feast provided by FSDB while reflecting on what it truly means to be thankful. Now that December is here, our character focus shifts to perseverance—the ability to keep going and stay committed, even when faced with challenges. For our middle school boys, this means learning to overcome obstacles, maintain a positive attitude, and never give up on their goals.
House Points Celebration
After Thanksgiving Break, we celebrated the 1st Quarter House Points winners! Our Pod Champions enjoyed a special outing to the restaurant they voted for—Buffalo Wild Wings. Students who placed 2nd and 3rd joined in a fun evening of pizza, movies, gaming, and social time. This was a great opportunity for everyone to reconnect and share stories about their Thanksgiving break.
Holiday Shopping Trip – Monday, December 8
This week, our middle school students went to The Avenues Mall in Jacksonville for a holiday shopping trip sponsored by the Recreation Department. Students were divided into small groups, each supervised by a staff member. While enjoying the festive atmosphere, they learned valuable life skills, including:
Advocating for themselves when making purchases
Practicing independence and responsible decision-making
Comparing similar products and evaluating quality
Understanding the difference between needs and wants
This trip was both fun and educational—a perfect way to combine holiday excitement with real-world learning!
High School Mentorship Program
Our mentorship program continues to thrive! High school students visit the dorm to share life lessons, guidance, and wisdom with our middle school boys. These interactions help prepare them for the transition to high school by reinforcing values such as responsibility, respect, and personal growth.
Parents, please remember to have your child pack warm clothes. It has been getting chilly here in St. Augustine. It dropped to the 50s.