FSDB Families...We're Planning Parent Events...And We Want To Hear From You!

The Parent Services Department is committed to offering quality educational classes for our FSDB families.  Please take a quick moment to share your ideas and requests for upcoming trainings and workshops.

Click here to complete the questionnaire.

1 day ago, FSDB
We’re planning parent events…..and we want to hear from you! The Parent Services Department offer educational workshops and classes through Parent University. Please take a quick moment to complete the questionnaire and share your ideas.

FSDB Parent Engagement Workshop presents "Growing Together"

Date: November 7, 2025
Time: 9 AM – 2 PM
Location: Moore Hall, CLD
Topics:

  • Planting Success at Home: Presentation by the Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System. Grow your toolkit to help your children thrive in routines, communication, academics, and positive behaviors.

  • Cultivate Conversations: Tools for talking & skills for growing in active listening, conflict de-escalation, and supporting emotional growth.

  • Rooted in Reading with FSDB Literacy Specialists

  • President Pop-In!: FSDB President Tracie Snow will POP-In and lead an interactive activity.

Please remember to RSVP to ensure we have sufficient supplies and lunch! Travel Reimbursement is available for this event.

Click here to RSVP

1 day ago, FSDB
FSDB Parent Engagement Workshop Growing Together Graphic.
Mr. Hancock’s Construction students had the opportunity to partner with Habitat for Humanity, gaining hands-on experience that brought their classroom learning to life. Through this partnership, students could see how the skills they developed in class. Skills such as measuring, framing, and teamwork apply directly to real construction projects that make a difference in the community.
 
This experience not only strengthened their technical abilities but also showed them the impact of their work in helping families build safe, affordable homes. The collaboration with Habitat for Humanity gave students a deeper understanding of how their training connects to real-world careers and community service.

#FSDBCTETuesdays
2 days ago, FSDB
Group of FSDB students smiling with their teacher outside after a long day of hard work.
FSDB students working on construction outside in a St Augustine neighborhood.
FSDB students working on construction inside a house with their teacher.
FSDB students watch their teacher teach them what to do before going ahead and doing it.
FSDB students carrying material to where it should be in the house they are building.
Marco De Santiago Alvarez, O&M/ECC Specialist, shares his favorite memory from his time at FSDB.

"One of my favorite memories is from my first year at FSDB, during the Blindness Awareness Parade. At the time, I was completing my Orientation & Mobility internship, and I still vividly remember the excitement and energy of the students and staff as they came together to celebrate. Even as an "outsider," I felt a strong sense of community and belonging. Thinking back on that day fills me with joy and motivates me to continue working hard for our students!"

#FSDBMemoryMonday
3 days ago, FSDB
Marco is wearing a navy blue shirt with the FSDB logo and "Orientation & Mobility" on the right of his chest, smiles for a photo. On the left side of the photo is a white text box that says "One of my favorite memories is from my first year at FSDB, during the Blindness Awareness Parade. At the time, I was completing my Orientation & Mobility internship..."
Congratulations to our Girls Volleyball team for winning the 35th Mason-Dixon Volleyball Tournament hosted by Alabama School for the Deaf.

Way to go!!

#FSDBSportsSunday #PassionPridePerserverance #GoFSDBDragons
4 days ago, FSDB
The FSDB Volleyball team smiling with their trophies inside Alabama School for the Deaf gym.
FSDB High School and SOAR students recently visited the University of North Florida. The students had a fantastic time exploring their college options and learning about what UNF has to offer. It was an excellent opportunity to experience college life firsthand.

We were fortunate to have two FSDB alumni on staff accompany us on the trip. They shared their college experiences and helped guide our students throughout the day, adding a meaningful touch to the visit.

#FSDBSOARSaturdays
5 days ago, FSDB
Group of deaf high school and SOAR students smiling for a photo in front of the UNF sign.
Girls Volleyball travels to Alabama for the Mason-Dixon Volleyball tournament this weekend.

In celebration of that, what year did the FSDB Girls Volleyball team win the first championship in Mason-Dixon tournament?

Hint: It was taken place at Tennessee School for the Deaf.

#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeek
6 days ago, FSDB
Photo of the volleyball team that won the Mason-Dixon tournament for the first time, with a black quote box that asks "What year did the FSDB girls volleyball team win the first championship in Mason-Dixon? "

Hello FSDB Families and Students, We wanted to send a reminder that this weekend will be a "Long Weekend." All students will go home today, Friday, October 10, at 2:05 p.m. SHOW Bus students will be picked up on Monday, October 13, at their normal pick-up time. Classes will resume on Tuesday, October 14. We hope you have a wonderful long weekend!

6 days ago, FSDB
Long weekend graphic. All students leave Friday, October 10 at 2:05 PM. SHOW Bus Students return on Monday, October 13. Classes Resume on Tuesday, October 14.
Michael is ready to SOAR!

When I became President of FSDB, I realized there was something missing. Some of our students earned their diploma, walked during their graduation and then returned as deferred students—now part of our SOAR program. But when it was time for them to exit and start their next chapter, most of them had their IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting and then quietly left. That didn’t sit right with me.

If you know me, you know I believe in celebrating students. So for the past five years, I’ve made it a point to personally hand them their diploma—whether it’s in the cafeteria, at their job site, during a class party with cupcakes, or like yesterday, surrounded by a small group of staff sharing pride, encouragement, and reflections on the student's journey at FSDB.

Michael Diaz-Ramos, a student from the Blind High School, is leaving FSDB with more than he started with: A standard diploma, a deep understanding of himself, a sense of belonging, and two certifications he earned while attending the First Cost Technical College whom we partner with.

Thrilled that he now has certification in EPA Type 1 & Type 2 (HVAC certification qualifying him to work on small, medium-pressure, and high-pressure appliances

He’s first starting in the food industry at a local restaurant, with his sights set on a future in HVAC.

Michael, we are so proud of you. You’ve got this—and we’re just a phone call or email away.
#FSDBPride #SOARProgram #StudentSuccess #HVACCertified #BlindHighSchool #CelebratingStudents
7 days ago, FSDB
Left to Right: Tracie Snow, Michael, and Blind High School AP smile for a photo with Michael's diploma.
Please join us in welcoming Dylana Galery to FSDB!

Dylana is joining us as an overnight D/HH Residential Instructor. Previously, she served as a National Field Support Manager.

Dylana is excited to engage with the students and help them develop healthy habits. She has expressed that understanding what is essential to the students brings her joy.

A fun fact about Dylana is that she has visited all of the Presidential museums.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to use my talents in a meaningful way,” Dylana stated.

We are so fortunate to have you here with us at FSDB!

#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
7 days ago, FSDB
Dylana is wearing a pink and blue stripe collar shirt smiling for the camera with a silver backdrop and red background. Below the photo is a white textbox says "Dylana Galery, Overnight D/HH Residential Instructor"

Congratulations to Dani Quinones on being named the DES Teacher of the Year. Ms. Dani teaches Kindergarten, a mentor for our new teachers, a committee member of our PBiS team & many more. She contributes to DES by sharing fresh ideas, support, and being a team player for our school. We are delighted for Ms. Dani to represent DES as Teacher of the Year.

#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #TeacherOfTheYear2026

8 days ago, FSDB
Left to Right: President Snow, Dani and DES Assistant Principal smile for a photo together.
Dani is smiling with three of her students with the whole Deaf Elementary School Department behind her.
Last year's Teacher of the Year smile with the new Teacher of the Year for a photo together.
Dance is back! Elementary and middle school students meet every Monday for ballet and every Wednesday for tap. They are ready to enhance their skills and master new moves.

#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays
8 days ago, FSDB
Group of elementary students on stage in their tap shoes wearing pink or black ballet clothing.
A elementary student wearing a black shirt that says "move with heart" and a black tutu skirt smiling for her photo.
A photo of boys and girls wearing their black and pink ballet clothing practicing their dance moves on stage in Kirk.
We are incredibly proud to announce and celebrate our 2026-2027 DHS Teacher of the Year — Colleen Lopez!

Please join us in recognizing Colleen for her outstanding dedication, passion, and impact on our students and our school community. This is a well-deserved honor, and we are so lucky to have such an inspiring educator on our team!

Colleen creates true classroom magic, bringing math to life through hands-on activities and inquiry-based learning. In addition to being a stellar math teacher, Colleen also goes above and beyond as the Junior and Senior class sponsor—supporting our students in and out of the classroom with the same energy and heart.

Please take a moment to congratulate Colleen and let her know how much she is appreciated!

#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #TeacherOfTheYear2026
8 days ago, FSDB
Left to Right: President Snow, Colleen, and Assistant Principal Marcelle holding a white "Teacher of the Year" sign and flowers outside of Kirk.
Colleen smiling with her crown, flower and sign with the whole Deaf High School Department in the background.
Last year TOY, Hannah, and Colleen smile for a photo together outside of Kirk.
Please join us in celebrating Nicole Evans as the 2026-2027 Deaf Middle School's Teacher of the Year. Nicole has a huge heart and connects with all her students and peers. She's such an asset to DMS. Congratulations Nicole!

#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #TeacherOfTheYear2026
8 days ago, FSDB
Nicole is holding the Teacher of the Year banner inside the cafeteria.
President Snow, Nicole and DMS Assistant Principal stand in front of a gazebo outside holding the Teacher of the Year banner.
Deaf Middle School staff all wearing different white t-shirts with Nicole's pictures on them, gathered in front of the gazebo with the Teacher of the Year banner.
Please congratulate Hannah Glynn on being named the BHS Teacher of the Year. Ms. Glynn teaches World History and Braille. In addition, she is an active member of the staff, helping with tutoring and leading our Adventurers Guild. We are all proud of Ms. Glynn for this accomplishment.

#FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #TeacherOfTheYear2026
8 days ago, FSDB
Hannah is holding flowers and balloons smiling with the Blind Principal, FSDB President, and Assistant Principal inside her classroom.
A blind student hugs Hannah.
The Blind Principal, BHS Assistant Principal , President Snow, Hannah and her students smile for a photo inside her classroom.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Hillary Norman, the 2026-2027 Blind Elementary Middle School (BEMS) Teacher of the Year. Ms. Hillary is our Blind Middle School Technology teacher as well as a graduate of FSDB. In addition, Ms. Hillary heads up the Cobra Chats Podcast. We are thrilled to have Ms. Hillary as part of our team as an educator and advocate for our students.

#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongToFSDB #TeacherOfTheYear2026

8 days ago, FSDB
Hilary is holding "BEMS Teacher of the Year" pink sign with flowers and balloons smiling with some of her students in the hallway.
Hilary is holding the pink "BEMS Teacher of the Year" sign with flowers and balloons smiling with her students and staff members in the hallway of Cary White.
Hillary is smiling and laughing when she finds out that she was Teacher of the Year.
Jordan Salter proudly holds a monarch butterfly that the class raised from an egg—part of a hands-on lesson in understanding the garden center’s ecosystem. With pests and predators constantly interacting with the plants, students learn to rear monarchs to observe insect life firsthand and explore the complex food web that supports a thriving garden environment.

#FSDBDCTETuesdays
9 days ago, FSDB
Jordan is wearing a red sweatshirt and holding her hand out while a butterfly lands on it.
Jessica Waldbillig, Assistant Principal of Deaf Elementary School, shares her favorite memory below:

"One of my favorite memories is starting my first day of FSDB career at the convocation in 2022. That was a WILD and ENRICHING experience that I will always cherish. "

#FSDBMemoryMondays
10 days ago, FSDB
Jessica is wearing a red tank top smiling for her photos with a gray background. On the right side of the photo is a white text box that says "One of my favorite memories is starting my first day of FSDB career at the convocation in 2022..."

FSDB Interactive Learning Series presents: Cookies for Family & Friends. Join us on Saturday, November 15, from 10 am to 12 pm, where students will learn cooking techniques, explore service project ideas, practice social and compensatory skills, and bake cookies to share with loved ones.
This class is available for BVI, DHH, and DSI students ages 6-17 living in Florida. Parent supervision is expected, and siblings are encouraged to join.

Click here to register.

To learn more, visit our ECC Interactive Learning Series page or contact Jennifer Valderrama, 904-827-2454, valderramaj@fsdbk12.org

10 days ago, FSDB
FSDB Winter 2025 Virtual ECC: Cookies for Family & Friends Graphic
The FSDB Swim Team has had a very successful year! There are only a few more meets left in the regular season before the FHSAA Meet starts. Please come and support our swimmers!

To view the updated schedule, click the link shared below:

https://fsdbathletics.org/sports/swimming/schedule

#FSDBSportsSundays #PassionPridePerserverance #GoFSDBDragons
11 days ago, FSDB
Four photos of four different FSDB swimmers in the pool.