This week, I had the pleasure of visiting Deaf High School's journalism class, where I was interviewed by student journalist Logan Bridges for their new student news publication, “Spreading Fire.”
Logan asked thoughtful questions about my experience as a school leader during Hurricane Matthew, which impacted Florida in October 2016. Hard to believe it was 10 years ago!
We talked about how we prepared for the storm, what we expected as it approached our region, and the impact it ultimately had on our school community. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on leadership during challenging times and the importance of planning, communication, and resilience.
I am thrilled that FSDB offers a journalism class and that our students are launching “Spreading Fire” this year. Their curiosity, professionalism, and passion will serve them well for years to come.
Thank you, Logan, for a great interview. I look forward to reading the first edition of “Spreading Fire!”
I’m curious, has anyone reading this post taken part in a journalism class when you were a student at FSDB? Would love to hear about it.
Photo 1:
President Snow sits at a classroom table in the foreground while Logan sits across the table with a laptop, notebook, and papers. Behind Logan, shelves filled with collectible figures and a bulletin board covered with photos, certificates, and a red Dragons banner decorate the classroom wall.
Photo 2:
President Snow and Logan sit across from one another at a large classroom table showing President Snow answering questions. The classroom contains bookshelves, student work, display shelves with collectibles, a large window with closed blinds, and colorful orange chairs arranged around the room.
#PrezSnowSundays #ThisIsFSDB
Logan asked thoughtful questions about my experience as a school leader during Hurricane Matthew, which impacted Florida in October 2016. Hard to believe it was 10 years ago!
We talked about how we prepared for the storm, what we expected as it approached our region, and the impact it ultimately had on our school community. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on leadership during challenging times and the importance of planning, communication, and resilience.
I am thrilled that FSDB offers a journalism class and that our students are launching “Spreading Fire” this year. Their curiosity, professionalism, and passion will serve them well for years to come.
Thank you, Logan, for a great interview. I look forward to reading the first edition of “Spreading Fire!”
I’m curious, has anyone reading this post taken part in a journalism class when you were a student at FSDB? Would love to hear about it.
Photo 1:
President Snow sits at a classroom table in the foreground while Logan sits across the table with a laptop, notebook, and papers. Behind Logan, shelves filled with collectible figures and a bulletin board covered with photos, certificates, and a red Dragons banner decorate the classroom wall.
Photo 2:
President Snow and Logan sit across from one another at a large classroom table showing President Snow answering questions. The classroom contains bookshelves, student work, display shelves with collectibles, a large window with closed blinds, and colorful orange chairs arranged around the room.
#PrezSnowSundays #ThisIsFSDB
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! OCTOBER 16-17!
Homecoming 2026 is approaching quickly!
Maryland Orioles vs. Florida Dragons
Gates open at 3 PM, and the game starts at 6 PM.
More details will follow soon!
#BuiltFSDBBuiltDifferent #GoFSDBDragons
Homecoming 2026 is approaching quickly!
Maryland Orioles vs. Florida Dragons
Gates open at 3 PM, and the game starts at 6 PM.
More details will follow soon!
#BuiltFSDBBuiltDifferent #GoFSDBDragons
In Deaf Elementary, our students became scientists and learned about the importance of safety gear! They tested lab coats and safety goggles while experimenting with red and blue dyes to create purple water!
#DESFridays #ThisIsFSDB
#DESFridays #ThisIsFSDB
The Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Program provides instruction and training for all students who are blind or visually impaired, including those who are deaf-blind. This instruction helps students develop the skills, knowledge, techniques, and confidence needed to lead safe, independent, and successful lives.
This morning, Marco De Santiago Alvarez, an O&M Specialist, worked with a 10th-grade student to practice skills off campus.
#BHSThursdays #ThisIsFSDB
This morning, Marco De Santiago Alvarez, an O&M Specialist, worked with a 10th-grade student to practice skills off campus.
#BHSThursdays #ThisIsFSDB
FSDB Blind Music is looking for their newest guitar teacher (OPS) !
Requirements:
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Must have experience playing and teaching guitar.
- Must have experience working with children or teens.
- Must complete background screening and fingerprinting.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, Performance, or a related field is preferred.
- Experience teaching students with visual impairments, disabilities, or different learning needs is a plus.
- Knowledge of tablature, printed music, and Braille music notation is helpful.
- Experience preparing students for performances, competitions, or recitals is a bonus.
- Experience working in a school or residential setting is preferred.
Please click the shared link to find more information and to submit your application: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/ST-AUGUSTINE-OPS-GUITAR-TEACHER-48915837-FL-32084/1425571700/
Welcome Emily Barth to FSDB!
Emily previously worked as an Emergency Room Registered Nurse for ten years and is now a Registered Nurse at FSDB. She is excited to explore a new aspect of nursing and to contribute to the St. Augustine community. Emily is also thrilled to be joining the FSDB team.
Originally from Deptford, New Jersey, Emily is a mother of twin boys!
We are delighted to have you as part of the FSDB family!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Emily previously worked as an Emergency Room Registered Nurse for ten years and is now a Registered Nurse at FSDB. She is excited to explore a new aspect of nursing and to contribute to the St. Augustine community. Emily is also thrilled to be joining the FSDB team.
Originally from Deptford, New Jersey, Emily is a mother of twin boys!
We are delighted to have you as part of the FSDB family!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Welcome to FSDB, Amy Lane!
Amy Lane is the Administrator for Allied Health Services.
Before joining FSDB, she held several positions, including Program Manager at Northeastern Early Steps, Program Administrator at FDLRS NEFEC, Education and Training Specialist at UF Health, and at the Division of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics.
Amy chose to work at FSDB because of the remarkable focus on children demonstrated by everyone on this campus. "It is a joyful place doing incredible work!" she shares.
A fun fact about Amy: she does her best thinking during long walks.
We are thrilled to have you here at FSDB with us!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Amy Lane is the Administrator for Allied Health Services.
Before joining FSDB, she held several positions, including Program Manager at Northeastern Early Steps, Program Administrator at FDLRS NEFEC, Education and Training Specialist at UF Health, and at the Division of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics.
Amy chose to work at FSDB because of the remarkable focus on children demonstrated by everyone on this campus. "It is a joyful place doing incredible work!" she shares.
A fun fact about Amy: she does her best thinking during long walks.
We are thrilled to have you here at FSDB with us!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
The Recreation Department offered an ice cream social this week. Our DMS students enjoy all their favorite ice cream and toppings, some social time with friends and a few rounds of games including strategizing at the pool table.
#DMSWednesdays #ThisIsFSDB
#DMSWednesdays #ThisIsFSDB
Culinary Arts students are collaborating in groups to research regional foods from the U.S.
Jav’ion, Haley, and Amari created a Hawaiian menu that featured poke tuna nachos, fried shrimp, Hawaiian slaw, and a pineapple coconut lush dessert.
The lesson concluded with a pop-up VIP luncheon where students practiced both front-of-house and back-of-house skills. Their performance was outstanding from start to finish! Bravo!
#DHSMondays #ThisIsFSDB
Jav’ion, Haley, and Amari created a Hawaiian menu that featured poke tuna nachos, fried shrimp, Hawaiian slaw, and a pineapple coconut lush dessert.
The lesson concluded with a pop-up VIP luncheon where students practiced both front-of-house and back-of-house skills. Their performance was outstanding from start to finish! Bravo!
#DHSMondays #ThisIsFSDB
One of the things I love most about my role is that you never quite know what opportunities the day might bring. This week, an email request happened to arrive aligned to a rare opening in my schedule, allowing me to say "yes" to something especially meaningful.
Our FSDB Teacher of the Year, Hannah Glynn, is an educator of many talents, and one of those talents is teaching Braille classes to staff after school. When she needed a sub-ASL interpreter for the first class of the session, she remembered that I had helped with an Orientation & Mobility lesson last year and reached out. I'm so glad she did!
Not only did I have the opportunity to spend time with staff members from the boarding and academic program who are eager to learn, but I also got to see Ms. Glenn in action. As expected from our Teacher of the Year, she is a fantastic educator! Smart, engaging and funny. During this first lesson, participants learned about the parts of a Braille writer, proper finger placement, the Braille cell, loading paper, setting margins, and practicing the dot patterns that form the foundation of Braille literacy.
My favorite part was sharing why learning Braille is so important. Braille gives our students access to their world, their education, and their independence. And, as Ms. Glynn reminded the class, reading Braille comes with a special bonus... it's a superpower because you can read in the dark! 😊
I love that FSDB provides free Braille, Orientation & Mobility, and ASL classes for our staff across campus. Seeing team members invest their time to learn new skills that better support our students is inspiring. Even more rewarding is having the chance to see it all in action. Thank you, Ms. Glynn!
#PrezSnowPost #ThisisFSDB #BrailleLiteracy #TeacherOfTheYear #LifelongLearning #Accessibility #StudentSuccess
Photo Description: Smiling for the photo, President Snow stands on the left beside Ms. Hannah Glynn, who is standing near the SMART Board displaying "Week 1: Welcome! Braille 1 for FSDB Staff." The photo captures classroom instructional materials visible in the background.
Our FSDB Teacher of the Year, Hannah Glynn, is an educator of many talents, and one of those talents is teaching Braille classes to staff after school. When she needed a sub-ASL interpreter for the first class of the session, she remembered that I had helped with an Orientation & Mobility lesson last year and reached out. I'm so glad she did!
Not only did I have the opportunity to spend time with staff members from the boarding and academic program who are eager to learn, but I also got to see Ms. Glenn in action. As expected from our Teacher of the Year, she is a fantastic educator! Smart, engaging and funny. During this first lesson, participants learned about the parts of a Braille writer, proper finger placement, the Braille cell, loading paper, setting margins, and practicing the dot patterns that form the foundation of Braille literacy.
My favorite part was sharing why learning Braille is so important. Braille gives our students access to their world, their education, and their independence. And, as Ms. Glynn reminded the class, reading Braille comes with a special bonus... it's a superpower because you can read in the dark! 😊
I love that FSDB provides free Braille, Orientation & Mobility, and ASL classes for our staff across campus. Seeing team members invest their time to learn new skills that better support our students is inspiring. Even more rewarding is having the chance to see it all in action. Thank you, Ms. Glynn!
#PrezSnowPost #ThisisFSDB #BrailleLiteracy #TeacherOfTheYear #LifelongLearning #Accessibility #StudentSuccess
Photo Description: Smiling for the photo, President Snow stands on the left beside Ms. Hannah Glynn, who is standing near the SMART Board displaying "Week 1: Welcome! Braille 1 for FSDB Staff." The photo captures classroom instructional materials visible in the background.
FSDB hosted a swim meet last Thursday, September 3, against Providence School. Here are some photos from the meet!
#FSDBSportsSaturdays #ThisIsFSDB #BuiltFSDBBuiltDifferent #GoFSDBDragons #GoFSDBCobras
#FSDBSportsSaturdays #ThisIsFSDB #BuiltFSDBBuiltDifferent #GoFSDBDragons #GoFSDBCobras
Here is what the Red Class in Early Learning Center has been up to!
They’ve started a new unit on Community Helpers, Construction, and Transportation, learning to screw and unscrew pipe fittings, sort colors, stack stones, and more!
#DeafELCFridays #ThisIsFSDB
They’ve started a new unit on Community Helpers, Construction, and Transportation, learning to screw and unscrew pipe fittings, sort colors, stack stones, and more!
#DeafELCFridays #ThisIsFSDB
Congratulations to Jaylene Rivera!
Jaylene has been part of the Deaf Department for three years. One of her favorite memories during her time at FSDB is spending time with her coworkers, her boss, and her teachers. She also shares that her favorite subject was Dance Troupe because she loves dancing and feeling the music.
Jaylene chose to return to FSDB to participate in the SOAR program because she wanted to find her own beginning in life and felt that this was the right time to do so. After leaving FSDB, she plans to work from home while waiting to attend college. In the meantime, she wants to enjoy time with her family and loved ones.
Jaylene encourages anyone considering attending FSDB to seize the opportunity for a quality education. She describes FSDB as a wonderful place and emphasizes the importance of fighting for your dreams and not settling for less.
She also wants to remind everyone to never let anyone stop them from pursuing their dreams. Always be prepared for anything and don’t let yourself down. Be your own biggest supporter!
We look forward to seeing what you will accomplish in the future!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Congratulations to LaSean Nagle!
LaSean has been attending FSDB in the Deaf Department for seven years. One of his favorite memories at FSDB is winning the 2024 3A Football Championship with his team.
Initially, LaSean decided to return to FSDB to participate in the SOAR program before receiving his diploma to focus on his career path at the Florida College of Technology (FCTC). He later chose to withdraw from that path. After leaving FSDB, he plans to look for a local job while he waits to hear back from colleges and decides where to attend.
He encourages his friends to keep pursuing their goals and never give up, no matter the challenges they face. LaSean also emphasizes that FSDB provides a great education for deaf students and ensures they are well-prepared for what comes next.
We are excited to see the great things you will accomplish, LaSean!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
LaSean has been attending FSDB in the Deaf Department for seven years. One of his favorite memories at FSDB is winning the 2024 3A Football Championship with his team.
Initially, LaSean decided to return to FSDB to participate in the SOAR program before receiving his diploma to focus on his career path at the Florida College of Technology (FCTC). He later chose to withdraw from that path. After leaving FSDB, he plans to look for a local job while he waits to hear back from colleges and decides where to attend.
He encourages his friends to keep pursuing their goals and never give up, no matter the challenges they face. LaSean also emphasizes that FSDB provides a great education for deaf students and ensures they are well-prepared for what comes next.
We are excited to see the great things you will accomplish, LaSean!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Twenty-five years later, we still remember.
This morning, on Patriot Day, students and staff from each department held a moment of silence to honor the lives lost and the acts of heroism displayed on September 11, 2001.
Mr. Ward is a Blind High School teacher of Government, History, and Economics. During the events of 9/11, he served as a Police Officer in Nassau County, New York, where he was assigned to the Marine Bureau. He assisted in evacuating people from Manhattan by boat.
The photos displayed show thank-you cards from students in Germany and Long Island, New York. The medals and commendations come from the Department of Transportation.
This morning, on Patriot Day, students and staff from each department held a moment of silence to honor the lives lost and the acts of heroism displayed on September 11, 2001.
Mr. Ward is a Blind High School teacher of Government, History, and Economics. During the events of 9/11, he served as a Police Officer in Nassau County, New York, where he was assigned to the Marine Bureau. He assisted in evacuating people from Manhattan by boat.
The photos displayed show thank-you cards from students in Germany and Long Island, New York. The medals and commendations come from the Department of Transportation.
This month, several girls in the Apartments enjoyed a fun "Girls' Night In." The students painted their nails with color-changing nail polish and had a great time experimenting with different colors and styles. The evening was filled with laughter, creativity, and provided opportunities for friends to relax and enjoy each other's company.
#BHSThursdays #ThisIsFSDB
#BHSThursdays #ThisIsFSDB
Recognizing Resiliency! Every week students are nominated by their teachers for demonstrating our resiliency character traits. We are so proud of our students for showing resiliency and citizenship! Check out their fun rewards they can choose from!
#DMSWednesdays #ThisIsFSDB
#DMSWednesdays #ThisIsFSDB
Congratulations to Jervell Baker on his new position!
Previously a Senior Residential Instructor, Jervell is now taking on the role of Associate Teacher at Blind High School. He is excited about this new opportunity and eager to grow in his role. Jervell looks forward to working with the students and making a positive impact in the classroom.
Jervell is from St. Augustine, where he enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes. He also values spending quality time with his family and friends.
Additionally, Jervell expressed his gratitude for this opportunity and his enthusiasm for the next chapter in his career. He looks forward to building positive relationships with both his students and colleagues.
We are happy for you!!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Previously a Senior Residential Instructor, Jervell is now taking on the role of Associate Teacher at Blind High School. He is excited about this new opportunity and eager to grow in his role. Jervell looks forward to working with the students and making a positive impact in the classroom.
Jervell is from St. Augustine, where he enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes. He also values spending quality time with his family and friends.
Additionally, Jervell expressed his gratitude for this opportunity and his enthusiasm for the next chapter in his career. He looks forward to building positive relationships with both his students and colleagues.
We are happy for you!!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Here's an update on the activities at the Blind Early Learning Center!
#BlindELCTuesdays #ThisIsFSDB
#BlindELCTuesdays #ThisIsFSDB
Happy Labor Day! FSDB wishes everyone a fun, safe, and relaxing Labor Day!
#ThisIsFSDB
#ThisIsFSDB
