To celebrate the Dance Troupe's performance of The Addams Family this week, we want to hear your throwback favorites! What year’s Dance Troupe musical performance at FSDB is your all-time favorite?
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
President Snow is on the road! ✈️
This week I had the pleasure of traveling to Bloomington, Minnesota for the annual CEASD (Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf) conference. The first half of the week was spent collaborating with my fellow board members, followed by an engaging and energizing conference experience.
I was especially excited and honored to introduce and support our very own Dr. Shelley Ardis, who presented “Leadership Readiness: Prepare Your Leadership HUB.” Dr. Ardis highlighted how FSDB developed a SharePoint Academic Leadership Hub to centralize information, resources, schedules, and timelines for supervisors. Her presentation was extremely well received, and participants were eager to learn how they could replicate this innovative model at their own schools.
Photo description: President Snow snaps a shot with fellow smiling FSDB staff—Scott Trejbal, Randi Mitchell, Ryan Johnson, and Shelley Ardis—standing in front of Dr. Ardis’ presentation title slide.
#FSDBProud #CEASD2026 #EducationalLeadership #TeamFSDB
This week I had the pleasure of traveling to Bloomington, Minnesota for the annual CEASD (Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf) conference. The first half of the week was spent collaborating with my fellow board members, followed by an engaging and energizing conference experience.
I was especially excited and honored to introduce and support our very own Dr. Shelley Ardis, who presented “Leadership Readiness: Prepare Your Leadership HUB.” Dr. Ardis highlighted how FSDB developed a SharePoint Academic Leadership Hub to centralize information, resources, schedules, and timelines for supervisors. Her presentation was extremely well received, and participants were eager to learn how they could replicate this innovative model at their own schools.
Photo description: President Snow snaps a shot with fellow smiling FSDB staff—Scott Trejbal, Randi Mitchell, Ryan Johnson, and Shelley Ardis—standing in front of Dr. Ardis’ presentation title slide.
#FSDBProud #CEASD2026 #EducationalLeadership #TeamFSDB
Please join us in welcoming Karen Perlongo to FSDB!
Karen works at the Blind High School as an Instructional Assistant. She had taught French and TV Production for eighteen years or so before coming to FSDB.
" I have heard a lot about FSDB and how great everyone is, and found out its true!" shared Karen.
Karen is orginally from Michigan but has been in Florida for the past twenty years. A fun fact about her is she loves to swim and scuba dive.
We are so happy to have you here with us!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Karen works at the Blind High School as an Instructional Assistant. She had taught French and TV Production for eighteen years or so before coming to FSDB.
" I have heard a lot about FSDB and how great everyone is, and found out its true!" shared Karen.
Karen is orginally from Michigan but has been in Florida for the past twenty years. A fun fact about her is she loves to swim and scuba dive.
We are so happy to have you here with us!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Last week, Blind High School hosted its Spring Concert and Art Show for families, staff, students, and community members. Attendees had the chance to explore Gibbs Hall before and after the concert, where they could admire the sculptures, masks, and paintings created by our talented students in Sculpture 1, 2, and 3 Honors, as well as in the ACCESS 2D courses. The creativity of our students truly shone through!
To view photos of the art show, click here: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p121381884
#ThisIsFSDB
To view photos of the art show, click here: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p121381884
#ThisIsFSDB
On Monday, April 13th, FSDB hosted a Spring Community Open House. Visitors attended the event, where we showcased a variety of performances by FSDB music groups. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with students and staff to learn more about our FSDB programs.
#ThisIsFSDB
#ThisIsFSDB
Last night, the dorm students from Blind Middle School visited Cobras Corner Cafe to bowl and play games. It was a lot of fun!
#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays
#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays
Some Culinary students paired up with SOAR students for an enriching field trip to the Hyatt Regency Riverside in Jacksonville. Together, students experienced a behind‑the‑scenes guided tour, heard from senior leadership, participated in staff interviews, attended a graduation ceremony, and enjoyed a seated lunch.
During the interviews, students connected with inspiring Hyatt team members, including an FSDB alum and Hands‑On graduate now serving as a Garde Manger Manager, a Deaf front‑of‑the‑house server with 10 years of experience, and a 2023 FSDB Blind department graduate who has been employed for two years.
The culture at Hyatt truly reflects authentic hospitality, and the stories shared highlighted why Hyatt is such an outstanding employer. We’re incredibly grateful for this meaningful experience through the Hyatt Hands‑On Educational Training Program.
#FSDBCTETuesdays
During the interviews, students connected with inspiring Hyatt team members, including an FSDB alum and Hands‑On graduate now serving as a Garde Manger Manager, a Deaf front‑of‑the‑house server with 10 years of experience, and a 2023 FSDB Blind department graduate who has been employed for two years.
The culture at Hyatt truly reflects authentic hospitality, and the stories shared highlighted why Hyatt is such an outstanding employer. We’re incredibly grateful for this meaningful experience through the Hyatt Hands‑On Educational Training Program.
#FSDBCTETuesdays
On April 16th, Blind High School held its Spring Concert and Art Show in the Music Building. Attendees enjoyed impressive art in Gibbs Hall and performances by the Concert Band, Show Choir, and Concert Chorus. Great job by everyone!
To view the photos from the event, click here: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p48826672
#ThisIsFSDB
🌟 Applications Are OPEN for Summer Quest 2026! 🌟
Adventure awaits in Florida’s oldest city! 🏕️ Summer Quest is an overnight camp where kids who are Blind/ Visually Impaired, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, or Deafblind come together for fun, friendship, and growth.
☀️ Days are packed with Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) activities.
🌙 Evenings are filled with recreational and social experiences.
⚠️ Application Deadline: April 24, 2026 — Don’t miss your spot!
📅 Camp Dates
• June 7–12, 2026 — Ages 8–12
• June 14–19, 2026 — Ages 13–17
✅ Who Can Attend?
• Non-enrolled FSDB Students
• Blind/Visually Impaired
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing
• Deafblind (dual-sensory)
• 8-17 year olds
• Florida resident
👉 Apply NOW before the April 24 deadline — spots are limited!
Learn more and download your application at the link below:
https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/summer-quest
Adventure awaits in Florida’s oldest city! 🏕️ Summer Quest is an overnight camp where kids who are Blind/ Visually Impaired, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, or Deafblind come together for fun, friendship, and growth.
☀️ Days are packed with Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) activities.
🌙 Evenings are filled with recreational and social experiences.
⚠️ Application Deadline: April 24, 2026 — Don’t miss your spot!
📅 Camp Dates
• June 7–12, 2026 — Ages 8–12
• June 14–19, 2026 — Ages 13–17
✅ Who Can Attend?
• Non-enrolled FSDB Students
• Blind/Visually Impaired
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing
• Deafblind (dual-sensory)
• 8-17 year olds
• Florida resident
👉 Apply NOW before the April 24 deadline — spots are limited!
Learn more and download your application at the link below:
https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/summer-quest
On Friday, April 17, BMS students, families, and staff gathered in the Blind Library to recognize students who achieved Honor Roll and Perfect Attendance during the Third Quarter. BMS students were encouraged to “Do More, Be More, and Achieve More” during the final stretch of the school year as spring testing begins and to make every day count. Students recognized Ms. Fertsch for Assistant Principal’s Appreciation Week with her own certificate and flowers. A light reception followed the ceremony.
Congratulations to everyone!
#ThisIsFSDB
Congratulations to everyone!
#ThisIsFSDB
Our FSDB Academic Bowl team traveled to Washington, D.C. this past Thursday, April 16th, where they began their visit by exploring Union Market. The students also requested to observe a class at Gallaudet University and were invited to attend Tawny Hilbok's Deaf Studies Policies class.
Competition took place from Friday through Sunday. Brenna Freeman, a senior, qualified as one of the top 16 individual students and advanced to the top 4! Additionally, Joss Dagenais, also a senior, was nominated for All-Star player.
We are thrilled to announce that our team placed 8th nationally out of 64 teams! Way to go, Dragons!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBAcademicBowl2026
Competition took place from Friday through Sunday. Brenna Freeman, a senior, qualified as one of the top 16 individual students and advanced to the top 4! Additionally, Joss Dagenais, also a senior, was nominated for All-Star player.
We are thrilled to announce that our team placed 8th nationally out of 64 teams! Way to go, Dragons!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBAcademicBowl2026
The Track & Field season is coming to an end! On April 24th, the FHSAA District meet will take place at St. Johns Country Day School, starting at 8 a.m. Be sure to come out and support our teams! Enjoy some photos from their recent meet held at Pedro Menendez High School.
#FSDBSportsSunday #PassionPridePerseverance #GoFSDBDragons #GoFSDBCobras
On Friday, April 17th, we celebrated three SOAR students who deferred their diplomas and will start their next chapter! Congratulations to Tyler Bosket, Sakura Vinson, and Ariana Delgado!
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
Attention Current FSDB Families! We want to hear your valuable advice for new and future FSDB families. Share your insights in the comments below!
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
On Friday, April 17th, we celebrated three SOAR students who deferred their diplomas and will start their next chapter! Congratulations to Tyler Bosket, Sakura Vinson, and Ariana Delgado!
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
Congratulations to Ariana Delgado!
Ariana is a SOAR student in the Deaf Department and has been with us for five years. She decided to defer her diploma due to her age.
One of Ariana's favorite memories at FSDB includes recreation night activities and socializing with friends.
After leaving FSDB, she plans to work with her mom, at Café Alcazar, and in Recreation at FSDB.
Ariana encourages other kids who want to attend FSDB to remember where they come from. If they are from another country, she reminds them not to forget their first language. She advises them to stay focused on their goals and never give up.
"I want to thank you all for teaching me, inspiring me, and helping me experience so many positive things," shared Ariana.
We are so proud of you and look forward to seeing you come back to work at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Ariana is a SOAR student in the Deaf Department and has been with us for five years. She decided to defer her diploma due to her age.
One of Ariana's favorite memories at FSDB includes recreation night activities and socializing with friends.
After leaving FSDB, she plans to work with her mom, at Café Alcazar, and in Recreation at FSDB.
Ariana encourages other kids who want to attend FSDB to remember where they come from. If they are from another country, she reminds them not to forget their first language. She advises them to stay focused on their goals and never give up.
"I want to thank you all for teaching me, inspiring me, and helping me experience so many positive things," shared Ariana.
We are so proud of you and look forward to seeing you come back to work at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Congratulations to Sakura Vinson!
Sakura is a SOAR student in the Deaf Department and has been with us since the 2nd grade. She decided to defer her diploma because she wanted to learn more and gain more experience which was a goal she had for herself.
One of Sakura's favorite memories is how much her teachers helped her learn for reading, language, math and job experience. She also loved making friends too.
After leaving FSDB, she will get a job working at a hotel close to her home.
Sakura wants to share that communication is important, and so is working together. She'd like to share with future FSDB students that she hopes they have the same experiences as she did learning and making new friends.
We will miss seeing you around campus, but looking forward to seeing the great things you will do!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Sakura is a SOAR student in the Deaf Department and has been with us since the 2nd grade. She decided to defer her diploma because she wanted to learn more and gain more experience which was a goal she had for herself.
One of Sakura's favorite memories is how much her teachers helped her learn for reading, language, math and job experience. She also loved making friends too.
After leaving FSDB, she will get a job working at a hotel close to her home.
Sakura wants to share that communication is important, and so is working together. She'd like to share with future FSDB students that she hopes they have the same experiences as she did learning and making new friends.
We will miss seeing you around campus, but looking forward to seeing the great things you will do!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Congratulations to Tyler Bosket!
Tyler is a SOAR student in the Deaf Department and has been at FSDB for seven years. He made the decision to defer his diploma to better prepare for college life.
One of Tyler's favorite memories at FSDB is the senior trip to Universal Studios in Orlando. His favorite subject was English Language Arts.
After leaving FSDB, Tyler plans to attend Gallaudet University to study Business and start working.
Tyler would like to share this message with other kids who are interested in attending FSDB: "If life gets hard, never give up. Keep going." He also advises students to always have fun in school and enjoy themselves!
We are so proud of you and will miss you, Tyler!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Tyler is a SOAR student in the Deaf Department and has been at FSDB for seven years. He made the decision to defer his diploma to better prepare for college life.
One of Tyler's favorite memories at FSDB is the senior trip to Universal Studios in Orlando. His favorite subject was English Language Arts.
After leaving FSDB, Tyler plans to attend Gallaudet University to study Business and start working.
Tyler would like to share this message with other kids who are interested in attending FSDB: "If life gets hard, never give up. Keep going." He also advises students to always have fun in school and enjoy themselves!
We are so proud of you and will miss you, Tyler!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Congratulations to Sydney Kabrich!
Sydney was previously working as the Coordinator of Student Behavior and is now serving as the Early Learning Center teacher for students who are Blind and Visually Impaired.
She looks forward to establishing a solid foundation for her students as they prepare to transition into kindergarten. Sydney has a deep passion for teaching students with Blind/VI the readiness skills they need, and she believes this is the ideal age for their development.
Here are some fun facts about Sydney: she is originally from Clarksville, Tennessee, and she has never straightened her hair.
Congratulations again, Sydney!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
🌿 FSDB Alumni Spotlight 🌿
We were honored to welcome Summer Crider, an FSDB alumna, back to campus to present to our Deaf Middle School students! Summer shared her inspiring journey of following her passion for nature, breaking barriers, and advocating for accessibility in the outdoors.
After exploring different career paths, Summer returned to her childhood love of nature and traveled the U.S. in her converted bus, connecting Deaf individuals with the outdoors and promoting inclusive access. Today, she is the owner of The Wild Cypress, offering forest bathing, training, and nature‑connection retreats that celebrate Deaf strengths and community.
I had the pleasure to know Summer as a student and it was truly a pleasure to see the confident, purpose‑driven professional she has become. Our students had the opportunity to connect with nature, engage their senses, and see firsthand what is possible when you follow your passion.
So proud of you, Summer, and grateful you came home to inspire the next generation!
Photo Description: President Snow and Summer, stand outdoors on the FSDB campus between the split trunk of a large tree and positioned on either side of the tree, facing the camera. The setting includes green grass, plants at the base of the tree, and campus buildings visible in the background. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a natural, welcoming scene that reflects a connection to nature.
#AlumniInspiration #FSDBProud #ThePrezSnowPost
We were honored to welcome Summer Crider, an FSDB alumna, back to campus to present to our Deaf Middle School students! Summer shared her inspiring journey of following her passion for nature, breaking barriers, and advocating for accessibility in the outdoors.
After exploring different career paths, Summer returned to her childhood love of nature and traveled the U.S. in her converted bus, connecting Deaf individuals with the outdoors and promoting inclusive access. Today, she is the owner of The Wild Cypress, offering forest bathing, training, and nature‑connection retreats that celebrate Deaf strengths and community.
I had the pleasure to know Summer as a student and it was truly a pleasure to see the confident, purpose‑driven professional she has become. Our students had the opportunity to connect with nature, engage their senses, and see firsthand what is possible when you follow your passion.
So proud of you, Summer, and grateful you came home to inspire the next generation!
Photo Description: President Snow and Summer, stand outdoors on the FSDB campus between the split trunk of a large tree and positioned on either side of the tree, facing the camera. The setting includes green grass, plants at the base of the tree, and campus buildings visible in the background. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a natural, welcoming scene that reflects a connection to nature.
#AlumniInspiration #FSDBProud #ThePrezSnowPost
