Happy Spring Break! What are your plans for the break? Have a fun and safe week, and we look forward to seeing everyone return!

#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays #HappySpringBreak #SpringBreak2026
about 2 hours ago, FSDB
A photo of a FSDB yellow bus and suitcases with a black quote box on the bottom left that says "What is your plans for Spring Break?"
🎉 We are THRILLED to announce this year's Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Classes of 2026!

Blind:
Valedictorian: Addison Allen
Salutatorian: Nathaniel Figueroa Borrero

Deaf:
Valedictorian: Brenna Freeman
Salutatorian: Jocelyn Dagenais

CONGRATULATIONS to all four of these exceptional students! 🎓🌟
about 4 hours ago, FSDB
Senior portraits of Addison, Brenna, Nathaniel and Jocelyn.
Senior portrait of Addison, wearing a tuxedo in front of a blue background.
Senior portrait of Brenna, wearing a black drape, a pearl necklace and pearl earrings, in front of a red background.
Senior portrait of Nathaniel, wearing a tuxedo in front of a blue background.
Senior portrait of Jocelyn, wearing a tuxedo in front of a red background.
Today, students celebrated Pi Day (March 14)! Pi (22/7 or approximately 3.14) is a crazy, never-ending, and awesome irrational number used mathematically to find the circumference and area of a circle.

While this is typically a 7th-grade standard, all students were introduced to using Pi on Thursday, March 12. Today, they celebrated their learning with a Pi feast of circular foods such as York Peppermint Patties, M&Ms, Gummy Lifesavers, Peanut Butter Cups, Pizza, and Cookie Pie.

Before the feast began, students first found the circumference and area of a paper plate (because we are not cavemen or cavewomen—we must be a little dignified!). Once they correctly calculated the circumference and area of the plate, they moved on to find both measurements for their first food item. When students believed they had solved it accurately, a teacher checked their work and rewarded them with the food item if correct. They then continued working through the circular treats one by one until reaching the grand finale—a slice of cookie pie! 🥧📏

#ThisIsFSDB #PiDay
about 5 hours ago, FSDB
A student smiles with his pizza, brownies and candy inside the classroom.
A student works on a math problem sitting down inside the classroom.
A student smiles with his pizza, brownies and candy inside the classroom.
Mr. Keller checks a students answer inside his classroom.
A student smiles with her pizza, brownies and candy inside the classroom.
A student works on a math problem sitting down inside the classroom.
Today’s post is a little different as I’m behind the camera instead of in front of it capturing a selfie. What you’re seeing in this photo is the view from my office window. Photo description: Flowering azalea bushes with bright pink blooms in the foreground, set in a mulched garden bed. Behind them are several medium-sized green shrubs and tall trees, including large oaks draped with Spanish moss. In the distance, a row of tall palm trees (Palm Row) line a sidewalk with parked cars on both sides. The Deaf Department Boarding Program buildings with red tiled roofs appear partially visible through the trees under a partly cloudy sky.

This morning, a beautiful yellow swallowtail butterfly was fluttering around these azalea bushes, which are in full bloom. In that moment, I thought: Spring is here! Perfect timing, since Spring Break is next week.

I wish each of you a happy, healthy, and enjoyable Spring Break. I’d love to hear how you’re spending your week as I’ll be spending time doing things that make my heart happy and help recharge my batteries. I look forward to seeing our students back on the campus for school on Monday, March 23rd.

#ThePrezSnowPost #HappySpring #SpringBreak2026
1 day ago, FSDB
Flowering azalea bushes with bright pink blooms in the foreground, set in a mulched garden bed. Behind them are several medium-sized green shrubs and tall trees, including large oaks draped with Spanish moss. In the distance, a row of tall palm trees (Palm Row) line a sidewalk with parked cars on both sides. The Deaf Department Boarding Program buildings with red tiled roofs appear partially visible through the trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Nine middle school students had the privilege of attending the National Deaf Theater Festival in Riverside, California last week. During the event, they connected with students from six other middle and high schools while participating in workshops, activities, and collaborative theatrical productions.
To conclude the week, the students performed for the Riverside Deaf community, showcasing the skills and creativity they developed throughout the festival. They were also thrilled by special appearances from John Maucere (SuperDeafy) and the Vich family, Arthur and Amanda, who came out to show their support!

#ThisIsFSDB

1 day ago, FSDB
Group of middle school students and staff sign "ILY" and smile for the photo with the CSDR sign in the background.
A student smiles with a person who is wearing a shirt that says "screenwriter, I always cause a scene" inside the CSDR building.
FSDB students on stage performing inside the CSDR theatre room.
Group of students stand together watching, learning and getting ready to do an theatre exercise.
A selfie of a staff member and three students touching a Cali tree.
Three guest speakers on stage speaking to the audience.
A student wearing a long white skirt smile on stage.
A student smile and hold his certification of recognization for the photo.
Staff member and three students smile and eat inside In-and-Out burger place.
A student and staff member play jenga together.
Kramer students in the blind department are having a fantastic time playing games in the dorm, while the apartment girls are confidently mastering their yoga practice. It's a lively and uplifting atmosphere!

#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays
2 days ago, FSDB
A student is holding play toy food smiling for his photo.
Group of girls are doing yoga inside the dorm.
A student smiles and plays with the toys on the table.
Group of girl students practice yoga together inside the dorm.
Student plays the dorms inside the dorms.
Students and staff play twister on the floor in the dorms.
The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) is a national nonprofit organization that promotes inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Our students had the opportunity to design, produce, and sell items while presenting our CTE program to conference attendees. They also explored other vendors and entrepreneurs at the conference, gaining valuable exposure to business and career opportunities.

#FSDBCTETuesdays
3 days ago, FSDB
Three students holding coffee and treats smile by a grass wall with led lights that say "Hyatt Vilano Beach"
Group of students smile with the DB Designs merch inside the hotel building.
Group of students smile by a grass wall with led lights that say "Hyatt Vilano Beach" .
Group of students smile with the DB Designs merch inside the hotel building.
Group of students smile by the grass wall and led lights of a palm tree, sun, and flamingo and the wording "Hyatt Vilano Beach".
Group of students smile with their coffee and treats by the DB Designs merch inside the hotel building.
Justyn Keller, a mathematics teacher at Blind Middle School, reflects on his favorite memories as an alumnus and staff member at FSDB:

"Two of my favorite memories from my time as a student at FSDB are participating in the National Braille Challenge in Los Angeles, California, and representing Florida in goalball.

As a staff member, one of my favorite memories is being on the Teacher of the Year Committee, where I have the opportunity to see the incredible work my colleagues do across the District when I visit their classrooms."

#FSDBMemoryMondays #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
4 days ago, FSDB
Justyn is wearing a navy blue shirt smiling for his photo with a white text box on the bottom right that says "Two of my favorite memories from my time as a student at FSDB are participating in the National Braille Challenge in Los Angeles, California.."l
Girls Middle School Flag Football achieved their first win on Tuesday, March 3rd, against Victory Preparatory School, with a score of 12-0! Gooooo Dragons Go!

#PassionPridePerseverance #GoFSDBDragons #FSDBSportSundays
5 days ago, FSDB
FSDB Girls Middle School Flag Football team are wearing red uniforms and posing for the photo outside.
SOAR students from both the Deaf and Blind departments participated in our annual Safety Fair on Wednesday, March 4th.

#FSDBSOARSaturdays
6 days ago, FSDB
Top Left Photo is a deaf soar student wearing a fire fighter jacket holding thumbs up for the photo. Top right photo is a blind soar student talking with the Honeywell . Below photo is a group of SOAR students smiling by the fire rescue truck and a worker.
To celebrate March as National Women's History Month, we invite you to take a quiz on FSDB Women's History! Who was the first female president of FSDB?

#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
7 days ago, FSDB
Faded Photo of first female president with a smaller picture of the first female president on top of faded photo. On the right side of the photo is a black quote box that says "Who was the first FSDB female president?"

The warm Florida sun is here, and our Deaf elementary students are enjoying their time playing t-ball! It's a fantastic opportunity for them to have fun and stay active.

#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays #FSDBRec

9 days ago, FSDB
Seven photos of deaf elementary students swinging the bat with a ball on a green cone outside.
This morning, we hosted the FSDB Safety Education Fair, which featured over 15 safety partners. The participating organizations included:

- City of St. Augustine Police and Fire Departments
- City of St. Augustine Environmental Compliance
- City of St. Augustine Beach Police Department
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Fish and Wildlife Commission
- Florida Department of Agriculture – Forestry Division
- Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
- FSDB Mental Health Department
- FSDB PE/Health Department
- FSDB Transportation Department
- Honeywell
- National Weather Service
- St. Augustine Lifesaving Association
- St. Johns County Sheriff's Office
- State Fire Marshal
- University of Florida Dental Services
- University of Florida Health – Trauma 1
- United States Attorney’s Office – Middle District

It was a fantastic turnout! Our students and staff enjoyed visiting each table, learning about the various departments, experiencing what it's like to sit in a police car, petting dogs, and the best part—receiving free souvenirs!

#ThisIsFSDB
9 days ago, FSDB
A student holding a baby alligator and smiles for a photo outside.
A student learns how to do CPR taught by a Fire Rescue worker outside.
A firefighter teaches a student and teacher how to take out a fire, as the student holds a fire extinguisher.
Two ELC students hold hands walking outside around the safety far event.
A FBI helps a student put on a FBI vest outside.
A police officer with a dog allows a student to pet the dog outside.
Students sit in a police golf cart smiles for a photo.
A student walking and smiles for a photo.
A student and staff member walks and smiles for a photo.
A student pets a German Shepard police dog.
Last week, students in the Construction class had the opportunity to attend the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Career Fair. This experience allowed students to gain hands-on exposure and explore the various trades and career pathways connected to their current coursework.
 
During the event, students also had the privilege of meeting a Deaf professional who works for FDOT. He shared his journey of earning his engineering degree and spoke about his experiences working in the field. Learning firsthand about his educational path and career success provided students with both insight and inspiration as they consider their own future goals.

#FSDBCTETuesdays
10 days ago, FSDB
Three students hold their thumb up and smiles for the photo outside.
FSDB students wear pink construction hats and looking at exhibits inside.
An FSDB interpreter signing explaining the exhibits the students were looking at.
FSDB students watching and learning new skills.
Closeup of a FSDB student wearing gloves and learning the new skill he was taught.
Two FSDB students standing on a blue structure inside the building.
FSDB students hammering and looking at exhibits inside the building.
FSDB students watching and learning what the vendor they were at was showing them.
FSDB students sit in chairs and watch the presentation held by the organization inside the building.

Sherry Gaynor, a Culinary Arts teacher, shares one of her favorite memories below:

"One of my favorite FSDB memories comes from our annual Thanksgiving dessert and sourdough bread sale. Each year, my students transformed our classroom into a bustling bakery—feeding our sourdough “baby,” mixing spices, and crafting desserts like apple‑pear pie with ginger, sweet potato pound cake with citrus glaze, and white‑chocolate pumpkin marble cheesecake with a gingerbread crust.
Students didn’t just bake—they learned to price items, prepare orders, and run a real food business. Their hard work funded a field study at a local restaurant, where they were welcomed as aspiring chefs, interviewed staff, toured the kitchen, and enjoyed a celebratory meal together.
The teamwork, pride, and camaraderie they built during these experiences remain some of my most cherished memories at FSDB. 💛🍞🥧"

We would also like to congratulate Sherry on earning her PhD in December! Congratulations!


#FSDBMemoryMondays #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB

11 days ago, FSDB
Sherry smiles with three of her culinary art students with a white textbox below that says "One of my favorite FSDB memories come from our annual Thanksgiving dessert and sourdough bread sale. Each year, my students transformed our classroom into a bustling bakery-feeding our sourdough "baby", mixing spices...."
🎪 Step Right Up to the Greatest Braille Show on Earth! 🎪

Last Thursday, February 26th, FSDB hosted St. Augustine Regional Braille Challenge. This annual event is a one‑of‑a‑kind competition that motivates students who are B/VI and celebrates the magic of Braille literacy. All 48 participants were true stars of the show—brave, focused, and ready to take on every act with confidence and flair!

By the end of the day, our performers dazzled the crowd, mastered each challenge, and proved once again that the greatest showstoppers are not the tricks or illusions, but the knowledge, perseverance, and pride our students carry with them. The real treasure wasn’t center stage—it was the learning we shared and the joy we witnessed throughout the day!

To view the photos from the event, click the link; https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p766633262

#ThisIsFSDB
11 days ago, FSDB
Three students wearing matching color team shirts with the circus Braille Challenge logo holding their trophies smiling for the camera inside the Music Building.
A student wearing a teal color shirt holds a green sign that says "Junior Varsity" as she walks through the crowd outside.
A student is sitting with a teacher over her shoulder telling her the rules inside a classroom.
Tracie Snow is dressed like a clown smiling with a monkey blow up and podium covered in a red and white tent with a "Welcome to the Carnival " inside the music building.
Students participating in the Braille Challenge are sitting inside the music building excitedly waiting for the challenge to start.
Three students hold their trophies and smile for a photo inside the music building.
A student sitting during lunch time with his pizza and popcorn container.
A student is participating in the drum circle inside the music building.
Spring Sports has begun!

Please be sure to stay current with the sports schedules on our website: fsdbathletics.org

We hope to see you come out and support our Dragons!

#GoFSDBDragons #GoFSDBCobras #FSDBSportsSundays #PridePassionPerserverance
12 days ago, FSDB
Three girls flag football players and one track and field runner on the graphic with a black dragon background.
Congratulations to Kyra- January Student Employee of the Month! 🎉

We are thrilled to recognize Kyra as our Student Employee of the Month for January! Kyra works as A/V Production Technician in the After School Work Program.

Here’s what she shared about her experience:

- Why do you want to work as an A/V Production Technician?
“I wanted a job that had variety in the routine. I enjoy learning different things, keeping physically active and seeing so much of the campus. Seeing others who worked for A/V Production, it got me interested in applying for the position.”

- How do you balance your career and education?
“I’ve learned to be efficient with my work on the job and in classwork, but I request time off as needed to catch up with my classwork along with any duties I may have in the dorm.”

- What advice do you have for students who want to work on campus?
“Be mindful of what job you want to apply for. Research the work schedule and what your schedule looks like. For example, if one is involved in sports, clubs, etc. then they need to consider what is a priority for them or plan how to manage their time. Also, communication is key. If you have a busy schedule, most bosses will be flexible with you if you communicate with them and inform them about your schedule ahead of time.”

- What are your plans after FSDB?
“I plan to go straight to work and take some college courses online or at night to work towards my business and engineering degree. I also have a personal goal to check things off on my bucket list like attending public classes for crafting or learning how to jet-ski!”

- If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
“I wouldn’t want to ruin the picture I have in mind of my idols by meeting them in person.”

- Supervisor Comment:
“Kyra is a hard worker and reliable team leader in the Tech Crew after school with any of our AV Productions. I can trust her to work independently or with a team to get a task done with minimal oversight from me. She is a dedicated worker with unmatched attention to detail that makes her dependable and a great employee.” -Scott Botelho

Congratulations Kyra! Your dedication, leadership, and commitment to growth inspire everyone around you- keep shining! 🌟

#FSDBSOARSaturdays #CTESpotlight
13 days ago, FSDB
Kyra is wearing a maroon shirt with a small white outline of a plant with her hair up and is wearing black frame glasses. She is holding up a plaque that says "Kyra Hollerman Student Employee of the Month January 2026"
Happy Friday! We want to know what it means to be a Dragon or a Cobra. Comment below!

#FSDBQuestionOfTheDayFriday
14 days ago, FSDB
Dragons and Cobra mascots hold their thumbs up with a black quote box above that says "What does it mean to you to be a Dragon or a Cobra?"

Step Right Up and Enjoy the Show!

 

Today I had the absolute joy of welcoming our students and families as the ringleader (Yes, clown nose and all!) for our Annual FSDB Braille Challenge: Under the Big Top. What a magical day celebrating braille literacy, confidence, and the incredible brilliance of our students.

 

From the moment our performers (ahem… students!) entered the "big tent" in Cary White, the energy was electric. They showcased their skills in reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation, and braille speed & accuracy with courage and determination. We are so proud of them!

 

Our families joined in the fun too by connecting with our amazing Parent Outreach team, exploring hands‑on exhibits with tools and technology, and even joining the Parade of Champions!

 

Every part of today reminded me why this event is one of my favorites. Our students are exceptional, their futures are bright, and witnessing their growth is the greatest show on Earth.

 

Bravo to every participant as you did your best and truly stole the show!

#FSDB #BrailleChallenge #UnderTheBigTop #PresidentSnow #ParadeOfChampions #LiteracyCelebration #ThePrezSnowPost

15 days ago, FSDB
Photo description: A large group of students from the Blind Department along with staff and families sit in the Music Building, smiling and waving enthusiastically toward the stage. At the front of the room is a festive circus‑themed setup including colorful props. The atmosphere is lively and joyful, with everyone appearing excited to participate in the FSDB Braille Challenge. In the lower corner of the image, an inset graphic shows President Snow dressed as a cheerful circus ringleader wearing a glittery gold hat, red nose, and multicolored clown bow tie, speaking at a microphone with a welcoming sign below.