Deaf Middle School -

This month, our focus is on Grit—the powerful combination of passion and perseverance that helps students push forward even when challenges arise. Grit means staying committed to long‑term goals, trying again after setbacks, and choosing effort over excuses. Throughout February, we’ll encourage our students to stay motivated, embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, and keep going even when progress feels slow. It’s all about discovering their inner strength and seeing what they can achieve when they don’t give up!

Our students have been working hard to strengthen their practical life skills. Recently, we explored the topic of gossip and its real-world impact. Together, we discussed how gossip can affect not just the person being talked about but also everyone involved. Students learned to consider how their actions may feel from the perspective of the person being targeted and how gossip can occur in many forms—face-to-face, online, or through others. This lesson helps our young people build empathy, integrity, and emotional awareness.

Our girls continue to shine creatively! They’ve been diving into hands‑on projects like clay modeling, painting, and even wood crafting using tools safely and confidently. We also launched two batches of rocks in our rock tumbler, sparking curiosity as students sorted different types of rocks and learned how the transformation from rough to smooth unfolds over several weeks.

With the cooler weather settling in, dorm life has felt extra cozy. Students have enjoyed group movie nights, adding warmth, laughter, and connection to their evenings.

As temperatures remain chilly, please be sure your child has warm clothing packed for the weeks ahead. Layers go a long way toward keeping everyone comfortable!

Dear McLane Hall Families,

As we step fully into February, we’re excited to share what our students have been learning, doing, and accomplishing here in the dorm. The boys have returned from winter break with positive energy and a renewed sense of responsibility in their schoolwork, daily routines, and interactions with one another. We’re proud of the growth we’re seeing and look forward to a meaningful month ahead.

In January, our focus was on helping students better understand themselves and take ownership of their daily actions—skills that strengthen both academic success and social development.

The boys have shown steady progress, and we’re proud of the responsibility and maturity they demonstrated throughout January.

This month we turn our attention to Grit—the ability to stay committed and keep pushing forward, even when tasks are challenging or progress is slow. Students will be practicing how to:

These skills are especially valuable as our middle school boys continue developing independence and confidence in a boarding environment.

Our weekly mentorship program continues to be a positive and meaningful experience. High school students visit McLane Hall to spend time with the boys—talking, playing games, and sharing guidance on everyday life decisions. Their conversations often center around making responsible choices, understanding right and wrong, and navigating real‑world situations. We deeply appreciate the leadership and kindness shown by our high school mentors.

After school, the boys stay active and engaged through a healthy balance of recreation, social time, and academics. Popular after‑school activities include:

These activities help students unwind, build friendships, and enjoy time together outside the classroom.

We love making birthdays special in McLane Hall! Celebrations often include cupcakes and pizza, and the birthday student gets the fun experience of learning how to make their own cupcakes. These small traditions help create a warm, welcoming dorm environment.

This month we welcomed Max to McLane Hall!

A heartfelt thank‑you goes to Evan O., who kindly took the lead in showing Max around, helping him learn our routines, and making sure he felt comfortable from day one. Evan’s leadership and compassion set a wonderful example for others.

A highlight this month has been Nalyeis’s setup of a new fish tank in the dorm. Several students have volunteered to help with daily care—feeding, tank cleaning, water checks, and ensuring the fish have a healthy environment. This project has offered a meaningful opportunity to practice responsibility, patience, teamwork, and consistency.

With winter sports wrapped up, we’re excited to begin the spring season. Several McLane Hall students have joined the track and field team, and we look forward to cheering them on at their upcoming meets.

We’re excited to host our annual Super Bowl celebration on February 8! Students can look forward to:

This event is always a favorite and brings everyone together for a night of fun and connection.

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.