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
about 5 hours ago, FSDB
Four photos of four different FSDB swimmers in the pool.
This is Breanna Raisor.

Breanna is a SOAR student in the Blind Department. She graduated in 2023 and has been a part of FSDB for nearly eleven years.

One of her favorite memories at FSDB is when her senior class visited Bravos. They had the entire venue to themselves and even played laser tag.

Breanna chose to defer her diploma so she could focus on developing her workplace skills and completing her AA degree at Saint John's River State College.

After leaving FSDB, she plans to obtain her AA degree, which she hopes will qualify her for an IA position at FSDB while also working toward her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She aims to build connections during her time in the SOAR Program.

"What I like most about the SOAR Program is that it gives me the opportunity to develop essential skills for everyday life, such as cooking, cleaning, and workplace skills," shared Breanna.

Breanna advises future students considering the SOAR Program to take full advantage of the experience. She encourages them to apply for jobs after school, build connections with teachers and staff, and learn as much as possible.

#FSDBSoarSaturdays #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB
1 day ago, FSDB
Breanna is wearing her blue senior cap and gown smiling for a photo with the SOAR logo in the background. Below the photo is a red graphic that says "Breanna Raisor, SOAR Student".
To celebrate the National Deaf Cross Country meet at Texas School for the Deaf, we want to test your knowledge about the year FSDB hosted NDCC.

#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFriday
2 days ago, FSDB
Faded photo of deaf cross country runners from different schools running on campus of FSDB. Top left photo is a black speech bubble that says "When did FSDB host the National Deaf Prep Cross Country? "

Celebrate Independence at the White Cane Day Parade

FSDB students, staff, and families are invited to join us for the Annual White Cane Day Parade on October 10th at 9:30 AM at the Usina Athletic Field track. This heartwarming celebration honors student empowerment and independence. Come witness the pride and determination of each student as they walk with confidence, celebrating their journeys and achievements.

We are excited to share a preview of some powerful and creative posters designed by our students. Each poster vibrantly reflects their unique voices and the spirit of independence.

Let’s come together to cheer them on and celebrate the strength, resilience, and pride that make this day unforgettable. #WhiteCaneDay #BlindnessAwarenessMonth

3 days ago, Blind High School
Seven colorful poster created by students to celebrate White Cane Day.
Student poster with the title White Cane Day and a drawing of a girl holding a cane.
A poster that reads, "I Can. You Can. We Can."
White Cane Day Poster with the letters spelled out using canes.
Poster with drawings for White Cane Day.
White Cane Day poster with drawings and a saying that reads, "My cane is my friend!"
White Cane Day poster with the words, "I can use my white cane to see."
Could my heart be any happier?

Today I had the joy of reading to one of our kindergarten classes in FSDB Deaf Elementary School—In my previous life as a 2nd grade teacher, it was one of my favorite things to do!

We shared laughs and learning with Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems, but with a fun twist: in our “enhanced version,” the pigeon became President Snow and the bus driver was Mr. Greene, our Executive Director of Transportation. The students had a blast shouting “No! No! No!” every time “President Snow” begged and pleaded to drive the bus.

Reading to children is one of the best ways to build vocabulary, boost comprehension, and spark curiosity. I’m so grateful for opportunities to be in our classrooms and connect with our amazing students.

#FSDBPride #DeafEducation #LiteracyMatters #Kindergarten #ThisIsFSDB #ThePrezSnowPost
3 days ago, FSDB
President Tracie Snow is wearing a yellow and orange dress holding the "Don't let the Piegon drive the bus" with three deaf kindergartners in the classroom.
President Snow sits in a chair signing the book to the three kindergartners sitting around her.
President Snow is sitting in a chair signing the book to the three kindergartners in the classroom.
Welcome, Nicole Hassey, to FSDB!

Nicole will be working as a Residential Instructor at Gregg Hall. She looks forward to working with deaf students.

A fun fact about Nicole is that she loves to dance.

We are excited to have you as part of the FSDB Family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
3 days ago, FSDB
Nicole is wearing a black short sleeve collar shirt with the FSDB logo on her right chest, smiling for the photo with a silver backdrop and red background. Below the photo is a white textbox that says "Nicole Hassey, D/HH Middle School Girls Residential Instructor"
On October 1st, students kicked off Blindness Awareness Month with creativity and celebration! Each student designed a personalized cane identifier, adding flair and individuality to their white cane. To sweeten the occasion, everyone enjoyed a delicious cupcake while honoring independence, inclusion, and the power of mobility. The smiles were as bright as the canes—what a joyful way to celebrate awareness and pride!

Click the link to read the full story and see more photos. https://www.fsdbk12.org/article/2461908
3 days ago, FSDB
Sylvia holding a yellow sign she created that reads, "I can sweep my cane!!!"
Gabe standing behind a table with cupcakes and toppings.
Penelopel holding a pink sign that reads, "Blindness Awareness Month–I can be independent and hard working.
Wyatt smiling with a blue mouth from eating a blue cupcake.
Students from the Blind High School traveled to Huntsville, Alabama, to participate in Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCIVIS). A week-long experience within the U.S. Space & Rocket, where students with visual impairments from all over the United States and the world get together to learn about space and experience what it feels like to be an astronaut.

#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays
4 days ago, FSDB
Group of six blind space camp students wearing matching blue shirts with two staff members smile for their photo at FSDB before their trip.
Please welcome John Ramstad, Senior Safety Specialist, to FSDB!

Previously, John worked for thirty-five years for the Department of Defense as a Firefighter and Emergency Management Specialist.

John is looking forward to starting a new, rewarding experience, being part of something greater.

He wanted to share that he has spent many years dealing with emergencies and planning, and looks forward to being part of a new team.

We are so happy to have you here with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
4 days ago, FSDB
John is wearing a light gray color shirt with "FSDB Safety" on the right of his shirt smiling for his photo with a silver backdrop and purple background. Below the photo is a white textbox that says "John Ramstad, Senior Safety Specialist"
Congratulations to Valerye Ward on her new position as the 4th Grade Teacher at Deaf Elementary School!

Previously, she was the 7th Grade English and Language Arts teacher at Deaf Middle School. Valerye is excited about the opportunity to help young minds grow in fun and meaningful ways.

A fun fact about Valerye is that she participated in reading challenges with the Medieval Times Dinner Show during her school years. As a reward for achieving her challenge goal, she was knighted by the king.

Valerye also wants to share that by the end of the school year, all her students know about her obsession with cacti and Buc-ee's.

We are proud of you!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
4 days ago, FSDB
Valerye is wearing an olive green shirt smiling for her photo with a silver backdrop and green background. Below the photo is a white textbox that says "DES 4th Grade Teacher"

The art cart is overflowing with canvases! Boxes of sculptures are packed and ready to go!

October is National Sensory Processing Awareness Month. FSDB is partnering with the St. Augustine Art Association and the Florida DeafBlind Association again this year to host the Tactile Art Show at the STAAA gallery.

We are excited that many of our BHS art students will have an opportunity to showcase their work alongside the work of local artists.

We hope you will check out the show in person or online. We have so much to celebrate!

Exhibit Opens: October 3, 2025, during First Friday Art Walk from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm.
Gallery Hours: Tuesdays through Sundays, 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Admission is free.

Here’s a link to the STAAA website for more information:
Tactile Art Show – St. Augustine Art Association

Image 1: The blue art cart is stacked with canvases. A blue canvas with a tactile octopus sits atop the cart. A canvas with a yellow sun and sky of blue squares peeks out from behind.

Image 2: A red, white, and black plaster cloth sculpture of an arm is tucked in a brown box with a black and white "mystery creature" sculpture.

5 days ago, Blind High School
The blue art cart is stacked with canvases. A blue canvas with a tactile octopus sits atop the cart. A canvas with a yellow sun and sky of blue squares peeks out from behind.
A red, white, and black plaster cloth sculpture of an arm is tucked in a brown box with a black and white mystery creature sculpture.

Students in D&B Designs are applying skills they have learned working in Photoshop to design and print their t-shirts.

#FSDBCTETuesdays

5 days ago, FSDB
Six photo collage of six D&B Design students holding their white shirts with the design they created inside the D&B Designs classroom.
Welcome, Mariajose Perez P, to FSDB! Mariajose previously worked as a referral coordinator at Island Doctors before taking on the role of Instructional Assistant at the Deaf Elementary School at FSDB. "I am most excited about learning ASL and becoming part of such a vibrant and welcoming community," says Mariajose. "As I develop my skills, I hope to share lessons with the children I work with and support them in meaningful ways." Here are some interesting facts about Mariajose: - She is originally from San Cristóbal, Venezuela, but has been living in St. Augustine since 2016. - Her first language is Spanish. - She has a corgi named Cooper, who believes he runs the house—and he actually does! We are so thrilled to have you here with us! #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
6 days ago, FSDB
Mariajose is wearing a brown shirt with black vest smiling for her photo with a silver backdrop and red background. Below her photo is a white textbox that says "Mariajose Perez P, DES Instructional Assistant".
Margie Galligan-Prater, a teacher at the Blind High School, shares her favorite memory below:

"My favorite memories have always been planning several proms with the kids and working alongside my colleagues during the senior carnivals to provide fun games and memories for the students and their families."

 #FSDBMemoryMonday #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
6 days ago, FSDB
Margie is wearing an olive green shirt smiling for her photo with a black and white background. On the left side of her is a white textbox that says "My favorite memories have always been planning several proms with the kids and working alongside my colleagues during the senior carnivals to provide fun games and memories for the students and their families."
Last weekend, BEMS Social Studies Teacher, Mr. Ferguson, traveled to France for the bicentennial of braille! The bicentennial festivities were held in Coupvray (the birthplace of Louis Braille) and included numerous tactile activities, information tables, demonstrations, lectures, vendors, and games adapted for the BVI community. Mr. Ferguson visited the home of Louis Braille along with his original grave and national monument in Coupvray. In Paris, Mr. Ferguson visited the National Institute for Blind Youth, the Association Valentin Haüy, and Louis Braille’s second grave at the Panthéon, where all but his hands are buried (his hands remain in an urn in Coupvray). Mr. Ferguson also dined at Le Procope, the oldest café in Paris, where blindness was intensely debated among Enlightenment philosophers and Diderot’s Encyclopedia and Letter on the Blind were reportedly conceived.

“Walking in the footsteps of Louis Braille and other founding figures in the field of visual impairment was sensational, and continuing their work with students today is a great privilege,” Mr. Ferguson said. Mr. Ferguson has enjoyed sharing meaningful conversations about the importance of braille and ECC areas with students while enjoying assorted French cookies and chocolates, tactile graphics, and braille which he brought back as concrete experiences for students. As a former student of FSDB, Mr. Ferguson hopes that his travel experiences will inspire students to Do More, Be More, and Achieve More by pursuing their passions and overcoming obstacles.


#ThisIsFSDB
6 days ago, FSDB
Photo of Mr. Ferguson smiling for his photo inside the home of Louis Braille.
Inside a restaurant named "Le Procope" which is the oldest car in Paris.
Mr. Ferguson smiling with a wax figure of Louis Braille wearing a navy suit.
Demonstrations with tactile on each of the shelves.
Photo of Mr. Ferguson smiling for a photo with Louis Braille's grave.
Photo of cookies, chocolates, tactile graphics and braille that he had brought back home to share with his students.
FSDB Homecoming 2025 was a great success! Our swimming, volleyball, and football teams performed exceptionally well, and we are incredibly proud of them.

We want to thank the staff, students, their families, and all our fans for coming out to support us. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Below are the links to the football and volleyball albums from Homecoming:

Volleyball: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p867075543

Football: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p610163142

#FSDBSportsSundays #GoFSDBDragons
7 days ago, FSDB
Top photo is the football team running through the red banner that the cheerleaders were holding on the field, and the bottom photo is an action shot of the volleyball teams playing inside Settles Gym.
The SOAR Program sold Mexican candies at the Homecoming football game last Saturday. We hope you visited our booth, said hello, and purchased some candies!

#FSDBSOARSaturdays
8 days ago, FSDB
SOAR student smiling with a SOAR teacher at their booth selling Mexico candy outside Usina Field during the Homecoming football game.
🎓 This week's Question of the Week is for all FSDB alumni! When did you graduate from FSDB? Where has life taken you since then? We want to know! Share your journey with us in the comments. 🌟

#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
9 days ago, FSDB
Faded photo of President Tracie Snow in a yellow dress smiling with the Blind and Deaf Class of 2024. On the top left is a blue speech bubble that says "Alumni! What year did you graduate? Where has life taken you since then?"
Welcome, Melissa Brasic, Director of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Early Intervention, to FSDB!

Melissa was previously a parent advisor with the Parent Infant Program before taking on her current role.

She is excited to join the DHH Early Intervention team, which includes parent advisors, to continue serving children and families throughout Florida.

Melissa enjoys nature and spends as much time outdoors as possible. Her favorite places include Lake Superior, areas with Giant Redwoods, and Tybee Island.

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

#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
9 days ago, FSDB
Melissa is wearing a maroon color suit smiling for her photo with a silver backdrop and purple background. Below the photo is a white textbox that says "Melissa Brasic, Director of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Early Intervention"

Media Moment!

Some days, I get to do something a little different — like being interviewed on live TV! Yesterday, I had the honor of speaking with Tiffany Salameh from @news4jax as part of their "4 Your Neighborhood" series. Each month, they leave the studio to spotlight communities across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia — and this time, they chose beautiful Flagler College in St. Augustine!
 
It was a gorgeous Florida fall day on the West Lawn, and I had the pleasure of chatting with Tiffany about FSDB — who we serve, what makes our school so special, and even a few of our notable graduates. I always LOVE talking about FSDB, though I’ll admit… going live on the news definitely brings a few nerves! I just want to make sure I represent our incredible school and community well.

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPk2TW-9rwY 

One question we didn’t get to in the 4-minute segment was:  How can families learn more about FSDB?
- Well — if you’re reading this, you’ve already found us on social media! 🙌
- Visit www.FSDBk12.org to explore our programs, services, and more.
- Interested families and students can also sign up for a campus tour to see firsthand what we do.

A huge thank you to Alvina LaPlante for joining me so we could represent both Spoken English and American Sign Language. Love my team! 
 
#ThisisFSDB #4YourNeighborhood #DeafEducation #BlindEducation #ParentChoice #FSDBStrong #CommunitySpotlight #ThePrezSnowPost

10 days ago, FSDB
Tracie is wearing a white with green flowers scattered all over her dress pointing to the camera crew outside on Flagler College campus.
Left to right: News4Jax anchor, President Tracie Snow, and Alvina, Interpreter, smile for a selfie on the campus lawn of Flagler College.