Finally, this year our Fridays are dedicated to the Deaf ELC and Deaf Elementary School, featuring Lil' Dragon fun class lessons, field trips, boarding program and more.
#DeafELCFridays #DESFridays #ThisIsFSDB
#DeafELCFridays #DESFridays #ThisIsFSDB
Welcome, Kathy Hamill, to FSDB!
Kathy previously worked as a school counselor in Alachua and St. Johns County, and then served as the Accommodations Coordinator at the Community College of Denver. Now, she is joining us at FSDB as our Blind K-9th Grade School Counselor!
Kathy is excited to build connections with the students, staff, and families of FSDB while learning about the needs of our community.
Kathy recently moved back to Florida from Colorado. Before living in Colorado, she lived in Florida and competed in sprint triathlons around the state. During her training, she often ran the Vilano 10K. This race starts on the other side of the bridge and loops through the FSDB campus.
While running through the campus, she admired the beautiful grounds and always thought it would be a great school to work for. Now, she has the chance to do just that!
We are so glad to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Kathy previously worked as a school counselor in Alachua and St. Johns County, and then served as the Accommodations Coordinator at the Community College of Denver. Now, she is joining us at FSDB as our Blind K-9th Grade School Counselor!
Kathy is excited to build connections with the students, staff, and families of FSDB while learning about the needs of our community.
Kathy recently moved back to Florida from Colorado. Before living in Colorado, she lived in Florida and competed in sprint triathlons around the state. During her training, she often ran the Vilano 10K. This race starts on the other side of the bridge and loops through the FSDB campus.
While running through the campus, she admired the beautiful grounds and always thought it would be a great school to work for. Now, she has the chance to do just that!
We are so glad to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Welcome, Kathy Hamill, to FSDB!
Kathy previously worked as a school counselor in Alachua and St. Johns County, and then served as the Accommodations Coordinator at the Community College of Denver. Now, she is joining us at FSDB as our Blind K-9th Grade School Counselor!
Kathy is excited to build connections with the students, staff, and families of FSDB while learning about the needs of our community.
Kathy recently moved back to Florida from Colorado. Before living in Colorado, she lived in Florida and competed in sprint triathlons around the state. During her training, she often ran the Vilano 10K. This race starts on the other side of the bridge and loops through the FSDB campus.
While running through the campus, she admired the beautiful grounds and always thought it would be a great school to work for. Now, she has the chance to do just that!
We are so glad to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Kathy previously worked as a school counselor in Alachua and St. Johns County, and then served as the Accommodations Coordinator at the Community College of Denver. Now, she is joining us at FSDB as our Blind K-9th Grade School Counselor!
Kathy is excited to build connections with the students, staff, and families of FSDB while learning about the needs of our community.
Kathy recently moved back to Florida from Colorado. Before living in Colorado, she lived in Florida and competed in sprint triathlons around the state. During her training, she often ran the Vilano 10K. This race starts on the other side of the bridge and loops through the FSDB campus.
While running through the campus, she admired the beautiful grounds and always thought it would be a great school to work for. Now, she has the chance to do just that!
We are so glad to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Thursdays will focus on Blind High School! From engaging lessons to clubs and the Boarding Program, get ready for fun-filled Thursdays!
#BHSThursdays #ThisIsFSDB
#BHSThursdays #ThisIsFSDB
We are excited to welcome Rachel Diamond to FSDB!
Previously, Rachel served as the Community Resource Assistant for Campus Police. Now, she has taken on the role of Instructional Assistant, working with our Blind/VI ELC students.
When asked about what she looks forward to most in her job, Rachel mentioned her excitement for working with the Pre-K students.
A fun fact about Rachel is that she is a Master Naturalist certified by the University of Florida.
Rachel also expressed how much she loves being a part of the FSDB community.
We're thrilled to have you as part of our FSDB family, Rachel!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Previously, Rachel served as the Community Resource Assistant for Campus Police. Now, she has taken on the role of Instructional Assistant, working with our Blind/VI ELC students.
When asked about what she looks forward to most in her job, Rachel mentioned her excitement for working with the Pre-K students.
A fun fact about Rachel is that she is a Master Naturalist certified by the University of Florida.
Rachel also expressed how much she loves being a part of the FSDB community.
We're thrilled to have you as part of our FSDB family, Rachel!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Just like we do on Mondays and Tuesdays, Wednesdays are all about shining a light on what’s going on in the Deaf Middle School Department! Let’s celebrate the cool stuff happening in between and keep the good vibes going!
#DMSWednesdays #ThisIsFSDB
#DMSWednesdays #ThisIsFSDB
Welcome Mikayla Waters to FSDB!
Mikayla previously worked as an OPS Instructional Assistant at the Deaf Elementary School before securing a position as a 2nd Grade teacher at DES.
When asked what she is most excited about, Mikayla expressed her eagerness to continue getting to know the Lil' Dragons and everyone else she will be working with.
A fun fact is Mikayla enjoys scuba diving. One time, she even discovered an octopus hiding in a rock—how cool!
We are thrilled to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Mikayla previously worked as an OPS Instructional Assistant at the Deaf Elementary School before securing a position as a 2nd Grade teacher at DES.
When asked what she is most excited about, Mikayla expressed her eagerness to continue getting to know the Lil' Dragons and everyone else she will be working with.
A fun fact is Mikayla enjoys scuba diving. One time, she even discovered an octopus hiding in a rock—how cool!
We are thrilled to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Welcome Marina Day to FSDB!
Marina previously worked as a cook on the line at Marco's Pizza, and now she is joining us at FSDB as a D/HH Overnight Residential Instructor.
She looks forward to being around Deaf individuals and those who know ASL.
Marina is from St. Augustine, Florida, and she enjoys spending time with her family.
We are thrilled to have you here with us!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Marina previously worked as a cook on the line at Marco's Pizza, and now she is joining us at FSDB as a D/HH Overnight Residential Instructor.
She looks forward to being around Deaf individuals and those who know ASL.
Marina is from St. Augustine, Florida, and she enjoys spending time with her family.
We are thrilled to have you here with us!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Please welcome Marissa Droleski to FSDB!
Marissa previously worked as a hostess at Harry's Seafood Restaurant in downtown St. Augustine, and she will now join FSDB as a Deaf/HH Overnight Dorm Staff member. She is very excited to be around people who know ASL, meet the students, and help them.
Originally from Plantation, Florida, Marissa loves to read.
Welcome to the FSDB family, Marissa!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Marissa previously worked as a hostess at Harry's Seafood Restaurant in downtown St. Augustine, and she will now join FSDB as a Deaf/HH Overnight Dorm Staff member. She is very excited to be around people who know ASL, meet the students, and help them.
Originally from Plantation, Florida, Marissa loves to read.
Welcome to the FSDB family, Marissa!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Please join us in welcoming Michael Mileznski to FSDB!
Michael will be working as a dorm staff member in the boys' deaf dorm, Rhyne Hall. He previously worked as a VR counselor.
He looks forward to meeting new people, working with those who use ASL, being a role model, and learning new things.
Michael is from Staten Island, New York, and has never fished in his life!
"If you want to know more, just ask!" says Michael.
Welcome to the FSDB Family, Michael!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Michael will be working as a dorm staff member in the boys' deaf dorm, Rhyne Hall. He previously worked as a VR counselor.
He looks forward to meeting new people, working with those who use ASL, being a role model, and learning new things.
Michael is from Staten Island, New York, and has never fished in his life!
"If you want to know more, just ask!" says Michael.
Welcome to the FSDB Family, Michael!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Welcome Bonnie Mueller to FSDB!
Bonnie taught middle school social studies at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf for ten years and served as their testing coordinator for three years. She has now joined FSDB as our newest U.S. History teacher in the Deaf Middle School.
Bonnie chose to work at FSDB because she considers it home. Most of her family lives in Florida, and she grew up here. She enrolled at FSDB in 4th grade and graduated from there as well.
Bonnie also has an uncle, brother, and sister who graduated from FSDB. She hopes to have a cousin attending in the future, too.
In addition to her teaching, Bonnie loves to explore national parks. Last September, for her birthday, she spent a week at Glacier National Park and was thrilled to see a moose, which had been her birthday wish!
Welcome to the FSDB Family, Bonnie!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Bonnie taught middle school social studies at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf for ten years and served as their testing coordinator for three years. She has now joined FSDB as our newest U.S. History teacher in the Deaf Middle School.
Bonnie chose to work at FSDB because she considers it home. Most of her family lives in Florida, and she grew up here. She enrolled at FSDB in 4th grade and graduated from there as well.
Bonnie also has an uncle, brother, and sister who graduated from FSDB. She hopes to have a cousin attending in the future, too.
In addition to her teaching, Bonnie loves to explore national parks. Last September, for her birthday, she spent a week at Glacier National Park and was thrilled to see a moose, which had been her birthday wish!
Welcome to the FSDB Family, Bonnie!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Welcome Todd Newman to FSDB!
Todd was previously a caretaker, and he will now be working in the Deaf Middle School as a Social Studies Teacher.
When asked what he looks forward to the most in his new job, he shared that he loves teaching and is eager to meet his students.
Here are some fun facts about Todd: he is from Largo, Florida, has a great sense of humor, and loves to read.
We are so excited to have you join us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Todd was previously a caretaker, and he will now be working in the Deaf Middle School as a Social Studies Teacher.
When asked what he looks forward to the most in his new job, he shared that he loves teaching and is eager to meet his students.
Here are some fun facts about Todd: he is from Largo, Florida, has a great sense of humor, and loves to read.
We are so excited to have you join us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
On Tuesdays, we will focus on the Blind ELC and the Elementary/Middle School Department.
Similar to Mondays, we will highlight various activities, including class events, clubs, teacher and student spotlights, and dorm life.
The example above is from last year's Founder's Day celebration with the Blind Middle School at Fountain of Youth.
Be sure to check in tomorrow to see what every Wednesday will bring!
#BlindELCTuesdays #BEMSTuesdays #ThisIsFSDB
Similar to Mondays, we will highlight various activities, including class events, clubs, teacher and student spotlights, and dorm life.
The example above is from last year's Founder's Day celebration with the Blind Middle School at Fountain of Youth.
Be sure to check in tomorrow to see what every Wednesday will bring!
#BlindELCTuesdays #BEMSTuesdays #ThisIsFSDB
The Welcome Back Staff Luncheon was a success! There were five different food trucks and two dessert trucks. We want to thank the following businesses for helping us make our luncheon a success:
- Sal's Cucina
- Smokin' Spencer's Q
- Uncle KC's Hot Dogs
- Wingin' It
- Yamo
- Bananas Loco
- Hippie Chix Frozen Treats
It was a beautiful day to enjoy good food, fellowship, and reconnect with colleagues. We are excited and ready for the 2026-2027 school year!
To view the rest of the photos from the event, click the link shared below: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p553808438
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDB2026 #WelcomeBack #SummerIsOver
Welcome Jax Pedersen to FSDB!
Originally from Pleasanton, California, he previously worked as an Assistant Brewer. He will now serve as an Instructional Assistant in the CTE Program at FSDB.
"I'm excited to work with students and see them thrive. Go Dragons!" says Jax.
A fun fact about Jax is that he was born and raised in California, so he loves water activities, from jet skiing to surfing and everything in between.
We are thrilled to have you as part of the FSDB family!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Originally from Pleasanton, California, he previously worked as an Assistant Brewer. He will now serve as an Instructional Assistant in the CTE Program at FSDB.
"I'm excited to work with students and see them thrive. Go Dragons!" says Jax.
A fun fact about Jax is that he was born and raised in California, so he loves water activities, from jet skiing to surfing and everything in between.
We are thrilled to have you as part of the FSDB family!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
This year, for the 2026-2027 school year, we will focus our daily social media campaign on each school. On Mondays, we will highlight Deaf High School by sharing information about class activities, clubs, teacher and student spotlights, and dorm life.
Below is an example of a post from last year's prom.
#FSDBDHSMondays #ThisIsFSDB
Below is an example of a post from last year's prom.
#FSDBDHSMondays #ThisIsFSDB
Welcome, Alexa Rodriguez, to FSDB!
Alexa is our newest teacher at the Early Learning Center for the Deaf Department.
When asked what she is most excited about regarding her work at FSDB, she said, "I am excited to meet my students, learn their personalities, grow with them, and have a great year together!"
Alexa is from St. Johns, Florida. She enjoys dirt biking and has been learning sign language for seven years.
We are so glad to have you join our FSDB Family!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
I had so much fun being part of FSDB's social media campaign last year, and I'm excited to continue it for the 2026-2027 school year! This year, watch for my President's Posts every Sunday as part of "Prez SNOW DAY". (This Massachusetts girl still thinks snow days are the best!)
A huge thank-you to Emma Hancock, FSDB Class of 2023, for partnering with me to create the fun new logo that will be featured on my post. Emma recently earned her Associate Degree in graphic production from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and completed co-op hours right here at FSDB by being a photographer during the Clerc Classic and Academic Bowl tournaments. In the fall she will be heading to Rochester Institute for the Deaf to pursue a BFA in advertising photography. I couldn't be more proud of her accomplishments and grateful for her creativity and talent.
Be sure to look for my "Prez SNOW DAY" posts every Sunday this year!
Photo Description: President Snow (left) and Emma Hancock (right) hold a laptop displaying the new "Prez SNOW Day" logo. President Snow is grinning pointing toward the screen and Emma holds the laptop with a huge smile. The laptop shows the new logo design which is a hot pink speech bubble with snowflakes, glitter, and a cartoon illustration of President Snow wearing a teal winter hat and scarf. The photo was taken against a neutral studio gray backdrop.
#PrezSnowDay #ThisIsFSDB
A huge thank-you to Emma Hancock, FSDB Class of 2023, for partnering with me to create the fun new logo that will be featured on my post. Emma recently earned her Associate Degree in graphic production from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and completed co-op hours right here at FSDB by being a photographer during the Clerc Classic and Academic Bowl tournaments. In the fall she will be heading to Rochester Institute for the Deaf to pursue a BFA in advertising photography. I couldn't be more proud of her accomplishments and grateful for her creativity and talent.
Be sure to look for my "Prez SNOW DAY" posts every Sunday this year!
Photo Description: President Snow (left) and Emma Hancock (right) hold a laptop displaying the new "Prez SNOW Day" logo. President Snow is grinning pointing toward the screen and Emma holds the laptop with a huge smile. The laptop shows the new logo design which is a hot pink speech bubble with snowflakes, glitter, and a cartoon illustration of President Snow wearing a teal winter hat and scarf. The photo was taken against a neutral studio gray backdrop.
#PrezSnowDay #ThisIsFSDB
Welcome Candi Milcznski to FSDB!
Candi will be Deaf High School's new Assistant Principal of Student Services. She previously worked as a Social Security Benefits Counseling Specialist.
Candi is very excited to help students succeed by understanding their strengths and learning needs. She enjoys collaborating with teachers, families, and support teams to find the best ways to support each student. She is especially looking forward to being part of a collaborative, student-focused environment and making a positive difference in students' educational experiences.
Candi is from Jacksonville, Illinois, and enjoys playing puzzles and games.
"Please come by and say hi—I’m looking forward to meeting everyone!" shares Candi.
We are happy to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Congratulations to Terri Samson!
Terri has recently transitioned into the role of Assistant Principal of Instruction at Deaf High School after previously working as a teacher at Deaf Middle School.
She began her career at FSDB in the Deaf High School 20 years ago, in 2006. Returning to Deaf High School now feels like a full-circle moment for her!
When asked what excites her the most about her new position, she said, "Mentoring and coaching teachers is a passion of mine. Now I get to do it all the time! I'm excited to witness all the amazing things happening in each classroom."
A fun fact about Terri is that she is a huge Harry Potter fan!
We are so happy for you, Terri!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Terri has recently transitioned into the role of Assistant Principal of Instruction at Deaf High School after previously working as a teacher at Deaf Middle School.
She began her career at FSDB in the Deaf High School 20 years ago, in 2006. Returning to Deaf High School now feels like a full-circle moment for her!
When asked what excites her the most about her new position, she said, "Mentoring and coaching teachers is a passion of mine. Now I get to do it all the time! I'm excited to witness all the amazing things happening in each classroom."
A fun fact about Terri is that she is a huge Harry Potter fan!
We are so happy for you, Terri!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
