Deaf Middle School -

This month, our character focus is Grit. Our middle school girls faced a difficult moment after losing their first flag football game. While the disappointment was real, it turned into a meaningful learning opportunity. Students were able to share their feelings and then commit to improving their skills during practice and working together as a team. They are learning that even when your best effort doesn’t lead to the outcome you hoped for, staying focused and pushing forward is what builds true grit.

This month, we have been guiding our girls through the process of deep cleaning—helping them understand not only the value of a clean space, but also how to build routines they can manage on their own. With many students involved in after‑school activities such as sports, tutoring, dance, and clubs, we have been focusing on time management. Some students have created systems that work well for them, while others are using a staff-designed chart that breaks the day into 15‑minute sections. This tool has helped many students stay organized and keep up with daily responsibilities.

Super Bowl Sunday was a big hit in Gregg Hall! The girls enjoyed wings, popcorn chicken, sandwiches, and fruit platters while cheering on their favorite teams. Many of our students have also tried out for track and field as well as middle school and varsity flag football. We are incredibly proud of our Gregg Hall athletes.

For students who are not participating in sports, creativity has been shining through art activities in the dorm.

Every Wednesday, our students look forward to spending time in the Dragon’s Lair, our campus café with a two‑lane bowling alley and pool table. Recently, one of our DES students joined us, and 8th graders Annayska, Faith, and Chazzahria warmly welcomed her as “big sisters,” helping her feel included and comfortable.

We are proud to see our young ladies developing leadership skills and becoming positive role models for younger students.

Students also had a great time at the Valentine’s Dance Party, hosted by the recreation department. They dressed up and enjoyed an evening of dancing with both deaf and blind middle school students.

We are expecting one more cold snap next week. Please remind your child to bring warm clothing to stay comfortable.

McLane Hall Newsletter

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The month of February has been a busy and exciting one for our boys in McLane Hall. Our character education focus for February is Grit —helping students keep trying even when things get tough, learn from mistakes, set goals and work toward them step by step, and stay positive when challenges arise. These skills are especially important as our students continue learning how to handle more responsibility and independence in McLane Hall.

Our weekly mentorship program continues to be a highlight for the boys. Each week, high school students visit to spend time with our residents—answering questions, talking about school and life, and guiding them through everyday challenges. Many of these conversations focus on making good choices, understanding consequences, and learning how to handle different situations. The boys enjoy having older students to look up to, and the mentorship has been a great support for them.

Our students continue their regular after‑school routines, which include:

They especially love playing basketball or football outside, going on weekly shopping trips, and hanging out in the dorm.

Last week, we hosted a Valentine’s Day Dance where our boys and girls enjoyed food, music, and time with friends. They danced the night away and had a wonderful time!

Our weekly curriculum remains active and hands‑on. Students continue to work on:

Staff have recently demonstrated how to bake cookies and cupcakes, which is always their favorite activity. Students also practice money budgeting using prop dollars and work in our PBSi store, selling items and learning basic customer service skills.

We also enjoyed a Super Bowl pizza party last week—every student was left full and happy, with plenty of pizza to go around!

Although the weather is starting to warm up, please continue to send your son back with some warm clothing. As always, we also ask that students return with their grooming items and personal hygiene supplies to help them keep up with their daily routines.