Welcoming Our Newest FSDB Team Members! 🌟
Throughout the school year, I have the opportunity to meet with our new staff members during our Onboarding event. It is always a wonderful time to get to know the individuals who have chosen to become part of our FSDB community.
We had a fantastic group join us on Wednesday which included four proud alumni!
As part of the session, in addition to sharing our Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Planning goals, I lead an activity where each person introduces themselves, their position, and their “why” for choosing FSDB.
Hearing these reasons is always heartwarming:
✨“I’m here for the students.”
✨“I want to give back.”
I’m continually grateful and humbled knowing that being part of FSDB is a choice and that it is a meaningful one.
Some of our new employees shared over this year that they were inspired simply by driving past campus and attending a job fair. Others have been part of the St. Augustine community for years and always envisioned working here. Many grew up on our campus and want to support the next generation of students. And some first connected with us as students themselves during an Open House, catching the spark of who we are.
Whatever their reason, I am thankful for each person who chooses to be part of our thriving community with a thriving vision where together, we prepare each student for a lifetime of success.
Photo description: President Snow takes a selfie in the foreground while a group of new staff members sits around tables in a training room, smiling and waving during an onboarding session. A presentation screen is visible at the back of the room, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
#FSDB #FSDBProud #WelcomeNewStaff #ThisIsFSDB #MissionDriven #StudentFocused #ThePrezSnowPost
Throughout the school year, I have the opportunity to meet with our new staff members during our Onboarding event. It is always a wonderful time to get to know the individuals who have chosen to become part of our FSDB community.
We had a fantastic group join us on Wednesday which included four proud alumni!
As part of the session, in addition to sharing our Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Planning goals, I lead an activity where each person introduces themselves, their position, and their “why” for choosing FSDB.
Hearing these reasons is always heartwarming:
✨“I’m here for the students.”
✨“I want to give back.”
I’m continually grateful and humbled knowing that being part of FSDB is a choice and that it is a meaningful one.
Some of our new employees shared over this year that they were inspired simply by driving past campus and attending a job fair. Others have been part of the St. Augustine community for years and always envisioned working here. Many grew up on our campus and want to support the next generation of students. And some first connected with us as students themselves during an Open House, catching the spark of who we are.
Whatever their reason, I am thankful for each person who chooses to be part of our thriving community with a thriving vision where together, we prepare each student for a lifetime of success.
Photo description: President Snow takes a selfie in the foreground while a group of new staff members sits around tables in a training room, smiling and waving during an onboarding session. A presentation screen is visible at the back of the room, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
#FSDB #FSDBProud #WelcomeNewStaff #ThisIsFSDB #MissionDriven #StudentFocused #ThePrezSnowPost
Last week in Recreation, Blind Middle School actively engaged in a successful yoga session.
#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays
#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays
Welcome, Kendall Younkman, to FSDB!
Kendall will be working as an Instructional Assistant in the Deaf Elementary School. She has always loved working with children and is looking forward to continuing that passion at FSDB, helping them become successful.
Kendall is from Tampa, Florida. She grew up near the water and has been riding her family's boat since she was two years old.
Kendall is an FSDB alumna from the class of 2016 and is very excited to return to FSDB to help deaf children like herself.
We look forward to having you here with us!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Kendall will be working as an Instructional Assistant in the Deaf Elementary School. She has always loved working with children and is looking forward to continuing that passion at FSDB, helping them become successful.
Kendall is from Tampa, Florida. She grew up near the water and has been riding her family's boat since she was two years old.
Kendall is an FSDB alumna from the class of 2016 and is very excited to return to FSDB to help deaf children like herself.
We look forward to having you here with us!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
The purpose of this activity is to provide horticulture students with practical, hands‑on experience in propagating begonias through cuttings. Because begonias represent a large and diverse plant family with varying cultural requirements, this exercise allows students to understand propagation techniques that can be applied across many varieties.
Hanging baskets were chosen specifically for this project because many begonia species naturally exhibit trailing or cascading growth habits. Using hanging baskets not only supports these plants’ optimal development but also enhances their visual appeal—an important consideration for students learning both plant science and the commercial aspects of the horticulture industry.
#FSDBCTETuesdays
Hanging baskets were chosen specifically for this project because many begonia species naturally exhibit trailing or cascading growth habits. Using hanging baskets not only supports these plants’ optimal development but also enhances their visual appeal—an important consideration for students learning both plant science and the commercial aspects of the horticulture industry.
#FSDBCTETuesdays
Brendan "BP" Murphy, Sr. Residential Instructor in the Apartment Program and Museum Coordinator, shares his favorite memory during his time at FSDB.
"My best memory was giving tours of the FSDB Museum, which I have been doing for about 15 years. I absolutely loved it. Many visitors enjoyed the tours so much that they often wanted to return to revisit the museum. About ten years ago, I had two guests: an FSDB alumna and her husband. This turned out to be my longest tour ever, lasting four hours! They really appreciated it and had a lengthy discussion about her experiences at FSDB in the 1960s. Normally, these tours last 1 to 2 hours, so I learned a lot from her, which is valuable in my role as a historian. It’s fun to lead the tours, be patient with visitors, and ensure they are satisfied with their visit to the FSDB Museum. I invite you to come and visit the fabulous FSDB Museum!"
#FSDBMemoryMonday #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
"My best memory was giving tours of the FSDB Museum, which I have been doing for about 15 years. I absolutely loved it. Many visitors enjoyed the tours so much that they often wanted to return to revisit the museum. About ten years ago, I had two guests: an FSDB alumna and her husband. This turned out to be my longest tour ever, lasting four hours! They really appreciated it and had a lengthy discussion about her experiences at FSDB in the 1960s. Normally, these tours last 1 to 2 hours, so I learned a lot from her, which is valuable in my role as a historian. It’s fun to lead the tours, be patient with visitors, and ensure they are satisfied with their visit to the FSDB Museum. I invite you to come and visit the fabulous FSDB Museum!"
#FSDBMemoryMonday #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
The FSDB Wrestling team traveled to Indiana School for the Deaf last week for the Willigan Wrestling Tournament. They placed 2nd Place in Duals and 3rd Place in Individuals. Go over to our FSDB Athletics account to view the individual results and awards.
#PassionPridePerseverance #GoFSDBDragons #GoFSDBCobras
#PassionPridePerseverance #GoFSDBDragons #GoFSDBCobras
This week, our SOAR students dove deep into The Yellow Wallpaper through Socratic Seminars!
In a Socratic Seminar, students lead the discussion themselves—asking questions, citing evidence, and building on one another’s ideas. This kind of dialogue helps students practice the exact skills needed for AP Literature: close reading, interpretation, and explaining how an author’s choices create meaning.
We loved seeing students think out loud, challenge interpretations, and engage thoughtfully with complex texts. Way to go, SOAR!
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
In a Socratic Seminar, students lead the discussion themselves—asking questions, citing evidence, and building on one another’s ideas. This kind of dialogue helps students practice the exact skills needed for AP Literature: close reading, interpretation, and explaining how an author’s choices create meaning.
We loved seeing students think out loud, challenge interpretations, and engage thoughtfully with complex texts. Way to go, SOAR!
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
Even though the 16th Annual Mason-Dixon Tournament hosted at the Tennessee School for the Deaf was canceled, we still want to celebrate the annual tournament. We ask: what year did the boys' basketball team first win Mason-Dixon?
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
President’s Post: Celebrating Our Transportation Team
Today’s President’s Post is a special shout‑out to our incredible Transportation Department and to the students who ride our FSDB yellow buses each day. Were you a "yellow bus" rider when you were a student at FSDB?
Nearly one‑third of our students are day students, traveling back and forth on nine different routes. Our buses do far more than bring students to and from campus. They help enrich the entire FSDB experience. Thanks to our fleet, students are able to:
Explore learning by going on field trips in the academic and board programs
Take courses at local state and technical colleges
Compete and showcase their athletic talents
Share joy and inspiration through performing (dance and music)
I am deeply grateful that FSDB has our own fleet, our highly skilled drivers, and the caring chaperones who ride every bus. Thank you for starting your day before sunrise and often returning after sunset to ensure our students arrive safely.
A final heartfelt shout‑out to our entire Transportation Team—leaders, mechanics, drivers, and chaperones. Your teamwork brings our students safely to us and back to their families each and every day. We appreciate you! 💛
#ThePrezSnowPost
Today’s President’s Post is a special shout‑out to our incredible Transportation Department and to the students who ride our FSDB yellow buses each day. Were you a "yellow bus" rider when you were a student at FSDB?
Nearly one‑third of our students are day students, traveling back and forth on nine different routes. Our buses do far more than bring students to and from campus. They help enrich the entire FSDB experience. Thanks to our fleet, students are able to:
Explore learning by going on field trips in the academic and board programs
Take courses at local state and technical colleges
Compete and showcase their athletic talents
Share joy and inspiration through performing (dance and music)
I am deeply grateful that FSDB has our own fleet, our highly skilled drivers, and the caring chaperones who ride every bus. Thank you for starting your day before sunrise and often returning after sunset to ensure our students arrive safely.
A final heartfelt shout‑out to our entire Transportation Team—leaders, mechanics, drivers, and chaperones. Your teamwork brings our students safely to us and back to their families each and every day. We appreciate you! 💛
#ThePrezSnowPost
The FSDB Ski Club spent a week in Whitefish, Montana, participating in a variety of winter activities, including skiing, ice skating, sledding, hatchet throwing, and, of course, playing in the snow. ! To see more photos and videos, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/fsdbskiclub
#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays
Culinary Arts students developed comprehensive concept maps to analyze the major foodborne pathogens known as the 'Big Six.
#FSDBCTETuesdays
#FSDBCTETuesdays
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of one of our beloved students, Sophia Fink, a 9th‑grader in the Blind Department.
At the request of her parents, we are sharing her obituary and funeral information with our FSDB community. Sophia’s family expressed how much she loved being a student at FSDB and how she had many friendships with both students and staff.
Sophia’s joyful, bright spirit and the impact she had on those around her will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Visit Sophia's memorial page to share a memory or send condolences to the family as well as read her beautiful obituary.
https://www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/sophia-fink/#!/TributeWall
At the request of her parents, we are sharing her obituary and funeral information with our FSDB community. Sophia’s family expressed how much she loved being a student at FSDB and how she had many friendships with both students and staff.
Sophia’s joyful, bright spirit and the impact she had on those around her will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Visit Sophia's memorial page to share a memory or send condolences to the family as well as read her beautiful obituary.
https://www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/sophia-fink/#!/TributeWall
Michelle Sminkey, a Braille Specialist, shares her favorite memory during her time at FSDB below:
"It’s difficult to choose just one defining memory when my FSDB career has been filled with countless small moments that mean so much. Still, a few highlights stand out: representing the Blind Elementary School as Teacher of the Year, attending a colloquium in Kentucky to advocate for improved testing accommodations for our blind and visually impaired learners, and the privilege of looping with some of my students and watching them grow from one grade to the next or reconnecting with them years later to witness their incredible progress. FSDB brings me joy the moment I step onto campus, and the experiences I’ve had here are among the happiest and proudest of my educational career!"
#FSDBMemoryMonday #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
"It’s difficult to choose just one defining memory when my FSDB career has been filled with countless small moments that mean so much. Still, a few highlights stand out: representing the Blind Elementary School as Teacher of the Year, attending a colloquium in Kentucky to advocate for improved testing accommodations for our blind and visually impaired learners, and the privilege of looping with some of my students and watching them grow from one grade to the next or reconnecting with them years later to witness their incredible progress. FSDB brings me joy the moment I step onto campus, and the experiences I’ve had here are among the happiest and proudest of my educational career!"
#FSDBMemoryMonday #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Students will learn, practice and explore different areas of the expanded core curriculum, ECC, all while doing something fun and meeting new people!
Who: BVI, DHH, and DSI students ages 6-17 living in Florida. Parent supervision is expected, and siblings are encouraged to join.
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time)
Location: Zoom virtual classroom – Materials will be mailed to each student’s home before the event.
Contact: Jennifer Valderrama, 904-827-2454, valderramaj@fsdbk12.org
Registration: Please register with your Parent/Guardian and siblings, so they can be included in this activity.
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/n5wz79e
Who: BVI, DHH, and DSI students ages 6-17 living in Florida. Parent supervision is expected, and siblings are encouraged to join.
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time)
Location: Zoom virtual classroom – Materials will be mailed to each student’s home before the event.
Contact: Jennifer Valderrama, 904-827-2454, valderramaj@fsdbk12.org
Registration: Please register with your Parent/Guardian and siblings, so they can be included in this activity.
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/n5wz79e
Last Thursday, January 22, we celebrated Senior Night for our Boys' and Girls' Basketball teams and the Cheerleaders. Congratulations to everyone!
#FSDBSportsSundays
#FSDBSportsSundays
Max Finley has been attending FSDB in the the Deaf Department since the 2nd grade. His favorite teacher in elementary school was Jessica Kaspar, who left a significant impression on him.
Known as Chef M2, Max was a popular soup chef at FSDB. The staff always looked forward to his next culinary creation during his work experiences.
Max is excited about joining the workforce and is also considering opportunities for continuing his education.
Congratulations, Max!
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
Known as Chef M2, Max was a popular soup chef at FSDB. The staff always looked forward to his next culinary creation during his work experiences.
Max is excited about joining the workforce and is also considering opportunities for continuing his education.
Congratulations, Max!
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
To honor our FSDB Wrestling team competing at the Indiana School for the Deaf in the Willigan Wrestling Tournament this weekend, what place did the FSDB wrestling team finish in at last year's Willigan Wrestling Tournament?
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
Mark your calendars, FSDB Families! Parent University will offer ASL Level 2 Classes every Thursday from January 29 to February 26 for FSDB parents and guardians.
The classes will be from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Moore Hall CLD. On February 26, it will be located in room 215.
Please RSVP at the following link:
HTTPS://BIT.LY/ASL-PARENT-CLASS-2026
Families must check in at the front gate, and travel reimbursement is available.
Questions? Please contact FSDB Parent Liaison Misty Porter at porterm@fsdbk12.org | 904-827-2988 See less
The classes will be from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Moore Hall CLD. On February 26, it will be located in room 215.
Please RSVP at the following link:
HTTPS://BIT.LY/ASL-PARENT-CLASS-2026
Families must check in at the front gate, and travel reimbursement is available.
Questions? Please contact FSDB Parent Liaison Misty Porter at porterm@fsdbk12.org | 904-827-2988 See less
During recreation, the kids at Deaf Elementary had a blast enjoying the warm, sunny weather while playing "Steal the Bacon!" It was such a fun way to spend time together and make great memories outside!
#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays
#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays
Monday, April 13, 2026 @ 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Please join us for an opportunity to learn about FSDB programs, watch a variety of performances from FSDB music groups and Q&A with staff and students. Special guests include FSDB President, Tracie Snow and D & B Designs with unique gifts and apparel.
Click the following link to register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2rbuns6
Please join us for an opportunity to learn about FSDB programs, watch a variety of performances from FSDB music groups and Q&A with staff and students. Special guests include FSDB President, Tracie Snow and D & B Designs with unique gifts and apparel.
Click the following link to register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2rbuns6
