Last week, students in the Construction class had the opportunity to attend the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Career Fair. This experience allowed students to gain hands-on exposure and explore the various trades and career pathways connected to their current coursework.
During the event, students also had the privilege of meeting a Deaf professional who works for FDOT. He shared his journey of earning his engineering degree and spoke about his experiences working in the field. Learning firsthand about his educational path and career success provided students with both insight and inspiration as they consider their own future goals.
#FSDBCTETuesdays
During the event, students also had the privilege of meeting a Deaf professional who works for FDOT. He shared his journey of earning his engineering degree and spoke about his experiences working in the field. Learning firsthand about his educational path and career success provided students with both insight and inspiration as they consider their own future goals.
#FSDBCTETuesdays
Sherry Gaynor, a Culinary Arts teacher, shares one of her favorite memories below:
"One of my favorite FSDB memories comes from our annual Thanksgiving dessert and sourdough bread sale. Each year, my students transformed our classroom into a bustling bakery—feeding our sourdough “baby,” mixing spices, and crafting desserts like apple‑pear pie with ginger, sweet potato pound cake with citrus glaze, and white‑chocolate pumpkin marble cheesecake with a gingerbread crust.
Students didn’t just bake—they learned to price items, prepare orders, and run a real food business. Their hard work funded a field study at a local restaurant, where they were welcomed as aspiring chefs, interviewed staff, toured the kitchen, and enjoyed a celebratory meal together.
The teamwork, pride, and camaraderie they built during these experiences remain some of my most cherished memories at FSDB. 💛🍞🥧"
We would also like to congratulate Sherry on earning her PhD in December! Congratulations!
#FSDBMemoryMondays #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB
🎪 Step Right Up to the Greatest Braille Show on Earth! 🎪
Last Thursday, February 26th, FSDB hosted St. Augustine Regional Braille Challenge. This annual event is a one‑of‑a‑kind competition that motivates students who are B/VI and celebrates the magic of Braille literacy. All 48 participants were true stars of the show—brave, focused, and ready to take on every act with confidence and flair!
By the end of the day, our performers dazzled the crowd, mastered each challenge, and proved once again that the greatest showstoppers are not the tricks or illusions, but the knowledge, perseverance, and pride our students carry with them. The real treasure wasn’t center stage—it was the learning we shared and the joy we witnessed throughout the day!
To view the photos from the event, click the link; https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p766633262
#ThisIsFSDB
Last Thursday, February 26th, FSDB hosted St. Augustine Regional Braille Challenge. This annual event is a one‑of‑a‑kind competition that motivates students who are B/VI and celebrates the magic of Braille literacy. All 48 participants were true stars of the show—brave, focused, and ready to take on every act with confidence and flair!
By the end of the day, our performers dazzled the crowd, mastered each challenge, and proved once again that the greatest showstoppers are not the tricks or illusions, but the knowledge, perseverance, and pride our students carry with them. The real treasure wasn’t center stage—it was the learning we shared and the joy we witnessed throughout the day!
To view the photos from the event, click the link; https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p766633262
#ThisIsFSDB
Spring Sports has begun!
Please be sure to stay current with the sports schedules on our website: fsdbathletics.org
We hope to see you come out and support our Dragons!
#GoFSDBDragons #GoFSDBCobras #FSDBSportsSundays #PridePassionPerserverance
Please be sure to stay current with the sports schedules on our website: fsdbathletics.org
We hope to see you come out and support our Dragons!
#GoFSDBDragons #GoFSDBCobras #FSDBSportsSundays #PridePassionPerserverance
Congratulations to Kyra- January Student Employee of the Month! 🎉
We are thrilled to recognize Kyra as our Student Employee of the Month for January! Kyra works as A/V Production Technician in the After School Work Program.
Here’s what she shared about her experience:
- Why do you want to work as an A/V Production Technician?
“I wanted a job that had variety in the routine. I enjoy learning different things, keeping physically active and seeing so much of the campus. Seeing others who worked for A/V Production, it got me interested in applying for the position.”
- How do you balance your career and education?
“I’ve learned to be efficient with my work on the job and in classwork, but I request time off as needed to catch up with my classwork along with any duties I may have in the dorm.”
- What advice do you have for students who want to work on campus?
“Be mindful of what job you want to apply for. Research the work schedule and what your schedule looks like. For example, if one is involved in sports, clubs, etc. then they need to consider what is a priority for them or plan how to manage their time. Also, communication is key. If you have a busy schedule, most bosses will be flexible with you if you communicate with them and inform them about your schedule ahead of time.”
- What are your plans after FSDB?
“I plan to go straight to work and take some college courses online or at night to work towards my business and engineering degree. I also have a personal goal to check things off on my bucket list like attending public classes for crafting or learning how to jet-ski!”
- If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
“I wouldn’t want to ruin the picture I have in mind of my idols by meeting them in person.”
- Supervisor Comment:
“Kyra is a hard worker and reliable team leader in the Tech Crew after school with any of our AV Productions. I can trust her to work independently or with a team to get a task done with minimal oversight from me. She is a dedicated worker with unmatched attention to detail that makes her dependable and a great employee.” -Scott Botelho
Congratulations Kyra! Your dedication, leadership, and commitment to growth inspire everyone around you- keep shining! 🌟
#FSDBSOARSaturdays #CTESpotlight
We are thrilled to recognize Kyra as our Student Employee of the Month for January! Kyra works as A/V Production Technician in the After School Work Program.
Here’s what she shared about her experience:
- Why do you want to work as an A/V Production Technician?
“I wanted a job that had variety in the routine. I enjoy learning different things, keeping physically active and seeing so much of the campus. Seeing others who worked for A/V Production, it got me interested in applying for the position.”
- How do you balance your career and education?
“I’ve learned to be efficient with my work on the job and in classwork, but I request time off as needed to catch up with my classwork along with any duties I may have in the dorm.”
- What advice do you have for students who want to work on campus?
“Be mindful of what job you want to apply for. Research the work schedule and what your schedule looks like. For example, if one is involved in sports, clubs, etc. then they need to consider what is a priority for them or plan how to manage their time. Also, communication is key. If you have a busy schedule, most bosses will be flexible with you if you communicate with them and inform them about your schedule ahead of time.”
- What are your plans after FSDB?
“I plan to go straight to work and take some college courses online or at night to work towards my business and engineering degree. I also have a personal goal to check things off on my bucket list like attending public classes for crafting or learning how to jet-ski!”
- If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
“I wouldn’t want to ruin the picture I have in mind of my idols by meeting them in person.”
- Supervisor Comment:
“Kyra is a hard worker and reliable team leader in the Tech Crew after school with any of our AV Productions. I can trust her to work independently or with a team to get a task done with minimal oversight from me. She is a dedicated worker with unmatched attention to detail that makes her dependable and a great employee.” -Scott Botelho
Congratulations Kyra! Your dedication, leadership, and commitment to growth inspire everyone around you- keep shining! 🌟
#FSDBSOARSaturdays #CTESpotlight
Happy Friday! We want to know what it means to be a Dragon or a Cobra. Comment below!
#FSDBQuestionOfTheDayFriday
#FSDBQuestionOfTheDayFriday
Step Right Up and Enjoy the Show!
Today I had the absolute joy of welcoming our students and families as the ringleader (Yes, clown nose and all!) for our Annual FSDB Braille Challenge: Under the Big Top. What a magical day celebrating braille literacy, confidence, and the incredible brilliance of our students.
From the moment our performers (ahem… students!) entered the "big tent" in Cary White, the energy was electric. They showcased their skills in reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation, and braille speed & accuracy with courage and determination. We are so proud of them!
Our families joined in the fun too by connecting with our amazing Parent Outreach team, exploring hands‑on exhibits with tools and technology, and even joining the Parade of Champions!
Every part of today reminded me why this event is one of my favorites. Our students are exceptional, their futures are bright, and witnessing their growth is the greatest show on Earth.
Bravo to every participant as you did your best and truly stole the show!
#FSDB #BrailleChallenge #UnderTheBigTop #PresidentSnow #ParadeOfChampions #LiteracyCelebration #ThePrezSnowPost
Last week, to celebrate Valentine's Day, our Blind and Deaf Middle and High School hosted a Valentine's Day dance to celebrate the occasion! Students came together to enjoy a night filled with music, laughter and the joy of friendship.
#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesday
#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesday
Welcome, Cameron Dubas, to FSDB!
Cameron is an Apartment Girls Residential Instructor. Before joining FSDB, she worked as a tasting guide at City Gate Spirits.
Cameron is excited about her new job as it allows her to return to her passion: working with kids and connecting with people.
Here are some fun facts about Cameron: she is newly married, her all-time favorite movie is "The Princess Bride," and she is from Ocala, Florida.
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Cameron is an Apartment Girls Residential Instructor. Before joining FSDB, she worked as a tasting guide at City Gate Spirits.
Cameron is excited about her new job as it allows her to return to her passion: working with kids and connecting with people.
Here are some fun facts about Cameron: she is newly married, her all-time favorite movie is "The Princess Bride," and she is from Ocala, Florida.
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Last Thursday, FSDB proudly hosted our annual CTE Showcase!
This exciting event gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and hands-on skills they are building in the classroom, and how those skills connect directly to future careers. Programs from both our Deaf and Blind departments were represented, along with CTE classes, student-run businesses, and community partners.
Some of the featured booths included:
- Work Experience Courses
- Art & Animation
- Photography
- Digital Information Technology
- 3D Print Shop
- Entrepreneurship
- Dragon’s Lair
- Culinary Arts
- After School Work Program
- D&B Boutique
- Agriscience/Horticulture
- Building a Tradesman
A special thank you to our incredible external vendors for supporting our students and helping make this event a success:
- First Coast Technical College
- University of North Florida
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Division of Blind Services
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Uptown Scratch Kitchen
- Huey Magoo’s
- Longhorn Steakhouse
- Ben’s Soft Pretzels
We are so proud of our students for showcasing their talents, professionalism, and career readiness. The future is bright!
#FSDBCTETuesdays
This exciting event gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and hands-on skills they are building in the classroom, and how those skills connect directly to future careers. Programs from both our Deaf and Blind departments were represented, along with CTE classes, student-run businesses, and community partners.
Some of the featured booths included:
- Work Experience Courses
- Art & Animation
- Photography
- Digital Information Technology
- 3D Print Shop
- Entrepreneurship
- Dragon’s Lair
- Culinary Arts
- After School Work Program
- D&B Boutique
- Agriscience/Horticulture
- Building a Tradesman
A special thank you to our incredible external vendors for supporting our students and helping make this event a success:
- First Coast Technical College
- University of North Florida
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Division of Blind Services
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Uptown Scratch Kitchen
- Huey Magoo’s
- Longhorn Steakhouse
- Ben’s Soft Pretzels
We are so proud of our students for showcasing their talents, professionalism, and career readiness. The future is bright!
#FSDBCTETuesdays
Informed & Included Parent Chat:
FSDB recognizes that family involvement positively impacts student success and encourages parents/legal guardians to take an active and supportive role in parents & staff members to share ideas and work together.
Topics:
- Be included in decision making.
- Meet with FSDB Principals and Staff.
-Provide feedback on grant spending.
- Plan for the upcoming school year.
Date: March 6, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Moore Hall CLD
Contact: Misty Porter , porterm@fsdbk12.org
RSVP by March 4, 2026
RSVP Link: https://bit.ly/Parent-Chat-Spring-2026
FSDB recognizes that family involvement positively impacts student success and encourages parents/legal guardians to take an active and supportive role in parents & staff members to share ideas and work together.
Topics:
- Be included in decision making.
- Meet with FSDB Principals and Staff.
-Provide feedback on grant spending.
- Plan for the upcoming school year.
Date: March 6, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Moore Hall CLD
Contact: Misty Porter , porterm@fsdbk12.org
RSVP by March 4, 2026
RSVP Link: https://bit.ly/Parent-Chat-Spring-2026
Welcome, Dawn Smythe, to FSDB!
Dawn previously worked as a Behavior Interventionist at Crookshank Elementary School in the St. Johns County School District. She now serves as the Coordinator of Behavior Support in the Blind Department at FSDB.
Dawn looks forward to becoming an FSDB employee and is excited to learn about this wonderful population of students who are new to her.
She grew up in a small town in Ohio on a dairy and hog farm and moved to Marco Island, Florida, during her senior year of high school. What a culture shock!
In her free time, Dawn enjoys golfing and is always eager to learn and try new things.
"I am so happy to be here!" shares Dawn.
And we are happy to have you with us at FSDB too!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Dawn previously worked as a Behavior Interventionist at Crookshank Elementary School in the St. Johns County School District. She now serves as the Coordinator of Behavior Support in the Blind Department at FSDB.
Dawn looks forward to becoming an FSDB employee and is excited to learn about this wonderful population of students who are new to her.
She grew up in a small town in Ohio on a dairy and hog farm and moved to Marco Island, Florida, during her senior year of high school. What a culture shock!
In her free time, Dawn enjoys golfing and is always eager to learn and try new things.
"I am so happy to be here!" shares Dawn.
And we are happy to have you with us at FSDB too!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Randall Hancock, Building Construction & Technologies teacher, shares his favorite memory below:
"FSDB is strong and consistent on this motto: Empowering the students. A favorite memory of mine was empowering the students at building of a Gazebo, in the enabling of students to cutting, sawing, and designing. It was a masterpiece that became one of the FSDB icons and landmarks. "
#FSDBMemoryMondays
"FSDB is strong and consistent on this motto: Empowering the students. A favorite memory of mine was empowering the students at building of a Gazebo, in the enabling of students to cutting, sawing, and designing. It was a masterpiece that became one of the FSDB icons and landmarks. "
#FSDBMemoryMondays
Please join us in welcoming Kevin Bohlin to FSDB!
Kevin was previously the Director of Interpreting Services at Pine Tree Society in Maine and will now be working with us as a staff assistant in the Deaf Elementary School.
Kevin is excited to return to the Deaf education environment after several years away and to see FSDB thriving. He looks forward to having more opportunities to watch students play sports on campus and to work in the same place where his son is attending!
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, a fun fact about Kevin is that he is a former college basketball coach!
We are so happy to have you here at FSDB, Kevin!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Kevin was previously the Director of Interpreting Services at Pine Tree Society in Maine and will now be working with us as a staff assistant in the Deaf Elementary School.
Kevin is excited to return to the Deaf education environment after several years away and to see FSDB thriving. He looks forward to having more opportunities to watch students play sports on campus and to work in the same place where his son is attending!
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, a fun fact about Kevin is that he is a former college basketball coach!
We are so happy to have you here at FSDB, Kevin!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Our FSDB cheerleaders participated in the National Deaf Cheerleading Competition at the Iowa School for the Deaf this past weekend. They delivered an outstanding performance, and we are so proud of their efforts!
#FSDBSportsSunday #GoFSDBDragons #PassionPridePerseverance
#FSDBSportsSunday #GoFSDBDragons #PassionPridePerseverance
SOAR students impressively showcased their talents at the CTE Showcase. Their projects highlighted their hard work and dedication, capturing the attention of all attendees. The event served as an important platform for students to demonstrate their commitment to future careers and the value of their education.
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
In celebration of our FSDB Cheerleaders at Iowa School for the Deaf for the National Deaf Cheerleading Compeititon, when did FSDB Cheerleading win the first National Deaf Cheerleading Competition as Division 1 champions?
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
Welcome, Olivia Malcom, to FSDB!
Olivia is an FSDB alum from the Class of 2008. She was previously an Elementary ASL/ELA Bilingual Specialist at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind. She now works at FSDB as a 4th-grade teacher in the Deaf Elementary School.
Olivia looks forward to meeting and teaching her elementary students. She is also happy to return and be part of the FSDB community as it continues to thrive.
We are so happy to have you back here with us too!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Olivia is an FSDB alum from the Class of 2008. She was previously an Elementary ASL/ELA Bilingual Specialist at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind. She now works at FSDB as a 4th-grade teacher in the Deaf Elementary School.
Olivia looks forward to meeting and teaching her elementary students. She is also happy to return and be part of the FSDB community as it continues to thrive.
We are so happy to have you back here with us too!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Today I had the opportunity to attend the North East Florida Educational Consortium (NEFEC) Board of Directors meeting.
I’m so grateful that FSDB is part of this amazing non-profit educational consortium, created to support small and rural districts across Northeast Florida. In addition to serving on the Board, I benefit tremendously as a leader — from networking with fellow superintendents to strengthening my own leadership skills.
Being a NEFEC district provides FSDB with invaluable services, including:
• Educational Technology Services
• FDLRS: Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System
• Professional learning for instructional staff
• School counselor training and resources
• Skyward student information system support
• Title IV support
• Title IX, Part A: McKinney-Vento Program support
NEFEC continuously helps FSDB ensure that students and staff have the tools, resources, and professional support they need to thrive.
Learn more about how FSDB benefits from being part of NEFEC:
🔗 https://www.nefec.org/services/
#ThisIsFSDB #NEFEC #Leadership #PrezSnowPost
I’m so grateful that FSDB is part of this amazing non-profit educational consortium, created to support small and rural districts across Northeast Florida. In addition to serving on the Board, I benefit tremendously as a leader — from networking with fellow superintendents to strengthening my own leadership skills.
Being a NEFEC district provides FSDB with invaluable services, including:
• Educational Technology Services
• FDLRS: Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System
• Professional learning for instructional staff
• School counselor training and resources
• Skyward student information system support
• Title IV support
• Title IX, Part A: McKinney-Vento Program support
NEFEC continuously helps FSDB ensure that students and staff have the tools, resources, and professional support they need to thrive.
Learn more about how FSDB benefits from being part of NEFEC:
🔗 https://www.nefec.org/services/
#ThisIsFSDB #NEFEC #Leadership #PrezSnowPost
Please join us in welcoming Taelor Mabry to FSDB!
Taelor previously worked as a social media marketing and communications manager, and she is now joining FSDB as an Instructional Assistant in the Deaf Middle School.
Taelor is eager to meet the students and learn more about ASL and the deaf community. Go Dragons!
Born and raised in St. Augustine, Florida, Taelor also had the opportunity to study abroad in Athens, Greece, during her college years.
We are thrilled to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Taelor previously worked as a social media marketing and communications manager, and she is now joining FSDB as an Instructional Assistant in the Deaf Middle School.
Taelor is eager to meet the students and learn more about ASL and the deaf community. Go Dragons!
Born and raised in St. Augustine, Florida, Taelor also had the opportunity to study abroad in Athens, Greece, during her college years.
We are thrilled to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
