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
Have you ever visited the FSDB Museum? Located on our campus, it is a wonderful place to step back in time and explore the rich history of our school. I always enjoy seeing the exhibits and discovering new artifacts with each visit. My favorite items are the documents and treasures from FSDB’s earliest years. Since 1885, generations of leaders, staff, and students have helped shape the story of our school, and I love learning more about that legacy.
This week, I had the pleasure of welcoming visitors from Austria who are interested in documenting and preserving their own history. They wanted to learn how FSDB has collected, maintained, and shared its story through our museum.
Their visit left me wondering: Have you visited museums at other schools for the Deaf or Blind? If so, which ones have you visited, and what stood out to you? I'd love to hear about your experiences and learn how other schools are preserving and celebrating their history.
#PrezSnowPost #FSDBProud #FSDBHistory #Since1885 #PreservingOurLegacy #ThisIsFSDB
Photo Description: President Snow stands in the foreground of the FSDB Museum, with displays and exhibits stretching throughout the gallery behind her. The museum features a wide collection of historical artifacts, photographs, documents, trophies, and memorabilia that showcase the rich history of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. Large black-and-white photographs hang from the ceiling, while display cases, benches, framed images, and historical items line the walls and exhibit spaces. The bright, open room provides a welcoming setting for exploring more than a century of FSDB history and celebrating the people, events, and achievements that have shaped the school since 1885.
We are excited to introduce our seniors from the Class of 2027 who are part of the Cheerleading and Cross Country teams!
#FSDBSportSaturdays #GoFSDBDragons #GoFSDBCobras #BuiltFSDBBuiltDifferent
#FSDBSportSaturdays #GoFSDBDragons #GoFSDBCobras #BuiltFSDBBuiltDifferent
Last week in Kindergarten, after learning about rules and laws, the students participated in a game of Red Light, Green Light to practice identifying the differences between them. The game's "laws" applied to everyone: Red means stop, and Green means go. If a student moved while the light was red, they had to return to the starting line.
This fun, hands-on activity helped students understand that laws are rules everyone must follow and that there are consequences when those laws are not followed.
Teachers Nicolas Rodriguez-Garcia and Judy Frasure, along with Instructional Assistant Tammy Pellicer, even invited Campus Police to visit the classroom and participate in the activity.
#DESFridays #ThisIsFSDB
This fun, hands-on activity helped students understand that laws are rules everyone must follow and that there are consequences when those laws are not followed.
Teachers Nicolas Rodriguez-Garcia and Judy Frasure, along with Instructional Assistant Tammy Pellicer, even invited Campus Police to visit the classroom and participate in the activity.
#DESFridays #ThisIsFSDB
Hope Dixon, a BHS senior, is a student assistant in the Communications Department and a D&B Designs student. This semester, she will assist the Communication and Public Relations Department with projects and gain work experience in design.
#BHSThursdays #ThisIsFSDB
#BHSThursdays #ThisIsFSDB
The DMS boys at McLane spend a lot of time focusing on their schoolwork, playing sports, and staying active. However, it's also nice to take a break and enjoy a game night. Whether they're playing a relaxing game of Uno or a strategic game of chess, they have fun teaching one another and socializing, all while strengthening their friendships.
#DMSWednesdays #ThisIsFSDB
#DMSWednesdays #ThisIsFSDB
Homework time is a crucial part of the day. Our BEMS students take their schoolwork seriously, completing it so they can enjoy their recreation time later.
#BEMSTuesdays #ThisIsFSDB
#BEMSTuesdays #ThisIsFSDB
Please join us in welcoming Russ Kestenbaum to FSDB!
Russ will be working as an Instructional Assistant in the Deaf Elementary program, while also assisting with the Athletic Department. He brings with him eleven years of experience from the Maryland School for the Deaf and has spent the same amount of time coaching baseball.
Russ chose to work at FSDB because he admires and respects the students who strive to overcome challenges and learn despite the disabilities that others might think hold them back.
Originally from New York City, he is interested in paranormal activities and looks for ghosts. He travels to investigate these occurrences!
Russ also wants to share that he grew up loving and playing all outdoor sports, in contrast to his brother, who has a more cerebral approach.
We are so happy to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
How many ways can you cook an egg?
Culinary Arts students have learned to prepare eggs in 11 different ways and still have more to learn! They have mastered frying them in four different styles, scrambling, making omelettes, soft and hard boiling, poaching, stirring, and coddling eggs. These chefs are truly talented!
#DHSMondays #ThisIsFSDB
Culinary Arts students have learned to prepare eggs in 11 different ways and still have more to learn! They have mastered frying them in four different styles, scrambling, making omelettes, soft and hard boiling, poaching, stirring, and coddling eggs. These chefs are truly talented!
#DHSMondays #ThisIsFSDB
Welcome, Diane Diculescu, to FSDB!
Diane will be joining us as our newest Speech-Language Pathologist. She has dedicated her entire career to working with DHH students. After spending 13 years at the Lexington School for the Deaf in Queens, NY, she moved to the Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, where she worked for 9 years. Last year, she relocated to Florida and is very excited to become a part of the FSDB team.
Diane expressed her desire to work at FSDB because she is passionate about continuing her work with DHH students and helping them improve their speech and language skills.
A fun fact about Diane is that her father was a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army. She spent the first three years of her life living in Germany; however, unfortunately, she doesn’t remember much from that time.
Diane is also looking forward to making new friends here at FSDB!
We so thrilled to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Diane will be joining us as our newest Speech-Language Pathologist. She has dedicated her entire career to working with DHH students. After spending 13 years at the Lexington School for the Deaf in Queens, NY, she moved to the Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, where she worked for 9 years. Last year, she relocated to Florida and is very excited to become a part of the FSDB team.
Diane expressed her desire to work at FSDB because she is passionate about continuing her work with DHH students and helping them improve their speech and language skills.
A fun fact about Diane is that her father was a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army. She spent the first three years of her life living in Germany; however, unfortunately, she doesn’t remember much from that time.
Diane is also looking forward to making new friends here at FSDB!
We so thrilled to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Welcome, Diane Diculescu, to FSDB!
Diane will be joining us as our newest Speech-Language Pathologist. She has dedicated her entire career to working with DHH students. After spending 13 years at the Lexington School for the Deaf in Queens, NY, she moved to the Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, where she worked for 9 years. Last year, she relocated to Florida and is very excited to become a part of the FSDB team.
Diane expressed her desire to work at FSDB because she is passionate about continuing her work with DHH students and helping them improve their speech and language skills.
A fun fact about Diane is that her father was a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army. She spent the first three years of her life living in Germany; however, unfortunately, she doesn’t remember much from that time.
Diane is also looking forward to making new friends here at FSDB!
We so thrilled to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Diane will be joining us as our newest Speech-Language Pathologist. She has dedicated her entire career to working with DHH students. After spending 13 years at the Lexington School for the Deaf in Queens, NY, she moved to the Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, where she worked for 9 years. Last year, she relocated to Florida and is very excited to become a part of the FSDB team.
Diane expressed her desire to work at FSDB because she is passionate about continuing her work with DHH students and helping them improve their speech and language skills.
A fun fact about Diane is that her father was a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army. She spent the first three years of her life living in Germany; however, unfortunately, she doesn’t remember much from that time.
Diane is also looking forward to making new friends here at FSDB!
We so thrilled to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Friday marked our first Board of Trustees meeting of the 2026-2027 school year.
One of my favorite traditions at each meeting is inviting students to lead the Pledge of Allegiance and share a little about themselves. We ask their name, where they are from, their favorite classes, and what they hope to do in the future. This month, Zenia and Sylvia proudly shared that they both want to become teachers someday. What a wonderful goal and what a gift to hear our students dreaming about how they can make a difference in the lives of others.
The meeting was also special for me personally. I was honored to be recognized for 30 years of continuous service to FSDB. (And yes, for those doing the math, this is actually my 31st year. My first year was under a temporary teaching contract!) FSDB recognizes employees every five years for their service milestones, and as I listened to Zenia and Sylvia talk about becoming teachers, I couldn't help but wonder if one day I might have the privilege of presenting them with their own 5-year service awards.
It has been an honor to be part of this incredible community for more than three decades. Thank you, FSDB, for allowing me to do work I love alongside amazing students, families, and colleagues. I'm looking forward to the years ahead.
Photo 1 Description:
Zenia, President Snow, and Sylvia pose together in the Board of Trustees meeting room. The two elementary-age students stand in front while President Snow stands behind them with an arm around each student. The student on the left is wearing a blue floral dress, and the student on the right is wearing a patterned dress and holding a white mobility cane. Tables and board meeting materials are visible in the background.
Photo 2 Description:
President Snow smiles brightly all dressed in pink while sitting at a table holding her certificate recognizing 30 years of continuous service to the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind along with a pink gift bag presented in honor of the milestone. The photograph was taken during the Board of Trustees meeting.
