Marissa Harrer, Communication Specialist, shares her favorite memory below:

"I have had the privilege of working of working at FSDB for the past 14 years. One of my favorite memories is from when I was the Eyes Alive! NEWS sponsor. We made monthly news videos to share with the Deaf Elementary department. It was so fun to help the students develop scripts, practice their filming and editing skills, and improve their public speaking. We even got to visit the studio for Action Jax news and be special guests on their morning broadcast! Such a wonderful experience for both myself and my students. ❤️"

#FSDBMemoryMondays #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
about 3 hours ago, FSDB
Marissa is wearing a black and white flower tank top smiling for her photo with a black background. A white textbox below her photo says"I have had the privilege of working of working at FSDB for the past 14 years. One of my favorite memories is from when I was the Eyes Alive! NEWS sponsor. "
The Dance Troupe performed "The Addams Family: Young@Part" last week for the community, including families, students, and staff.

Step into the wonderfully weird world of the Addams family—where the strange is celebrated, the unusual is normal, and every family is perfectly themselves. Click the link to view the photos from the performance: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p667846203

#ThisIsFSDB
about 10 hours ago, FSDB
Hands snapping on stage in Kirk.
A girl dressed in a white wedding dress sign and perform on stage in Kirk.
A dance troupe student dressed in black and white clothing and a white bald cap perform on stage in Kirk.
A dance troupe performer dressed in a black dress holding a black doll perform on stage in Kirk.
Two students dressed in black perform on stage in Kirk.
A student dressed in a business suit sign "honest" on stage in Kirk.
The Varsity Girls Flag Football season has come to an end. On Tuesday, April 21st, they faced Santa Fe High School in the first round of the playoffs but unfortunately lost, with a score of 0-12. We are incredibly proud of our girls for a great season, and we will miss our seniors.

#FSDBSportsSundays #PassionPridePerseverance #GoFSDBDragons
1 day ago, FSDB
Varsity Girls Flag Football team smile for a photo on a red turf and a big red blow up helmet that says "Storm" on the top.
Congratulations to Melissa Oromas-Santana!

Melissa is a SOAR student in the Blind Department and has been with us at FSDB for two years.

One of her favorite memories at FSDB was the Ski Club trip to Montana, and her favorite subject is Psychology.

Melissa has decided to defer her diploma to continue learning and exploring before moving on to her next chapter. She plans to attend the Career, Technology, and Training Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Daytona.

Melissa wants to share with future students that they can improve their skills here at FSDB. There are great opportunities to achieve their goals, and the teachers and staff are dedicated to supporting students in this journey. Even with a disability, students can pursue their passions.

"Thank you to FSDB for the opportunities you have given me!" Melissa expressed.

We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the future!

#FSDBSOARSaturdays #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB
2 days ago, FSDB
Photo of President of BHS and Assistant Principal of BHS smile with Melissa who is holding her diploma inside the classroom,.
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
3 days ago, FSDB
Background photo of dance troupe's performance of the lion king with a white quote box and black text that says "Throwback Time! What year's dance troupe musical performance at FSDB is your all-time favorite?"
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
4 days ago, FSDB
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.
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
4 days ago, FSDB
Karen is wearing a navy blue stripe shirt smiles for her photo in front of a silver backdrop and blue background. Below her photo is a white text graphic that says "Karen Perlongo, BHS Instructional Assistant"
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
4 days ago, FSDB
Creation of The Demogorgon by a Blind student displayed on a black tablecloth.
Creation of a mask that is pink and covered with colorful beads created by a Blind student held for display on a cardboard.
Creation by a blind student of a white canvas board with photos of One Direction band members on all four corners, with a black mask with red eyes and mouth, along with the phrase "I know I'll be alright, we still got the rest of lives."
Two clay surfboards are displayed. The left surfboard is white with blue turtles painted on it, while the right surfboard is white decorated with pink, orange, and yellow hibiscus flowers.
A mask created by a student that looks like a beach with tan color sand, blue for the water, white cotton balls for the clouds and creation of fish swimming through the blue water held for display on a cardboard.
A creation made by a blind student of a yellow chicken looking down on its brown nest with three white eggs ready to hatch.
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
4 days ago, FSDB
Group of BHS Chorus wear matching black shirt collars standing on stage in Kirk singing to the audience.
FSDB Dance Troupe performer sign a song to a guest from the audience on stage in Kirk.
Blind Elementary dressed in costumes like animals perform on stage in Kirk.
Dance Troupe performers dance on stage in Kirk.
Blind Elementary student dressed like a zebra singing on stage in Kirk.
FSDB Dance troupe student signs "Now" on stage surrendering by her peers in Kirk.
Two blind high school students act on stage in Kirk.
Two dance troupe performers dance on stage in Kirk.
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
5 days ago, FSDB
Group of BMS students building blocks inside the Cobras Corner.
A BMS student bowling inside Cobras Corner.
Group of students playing stacking with cups games inside Cobras Corner.
Two students are bowling inside Cobras Corner.
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

 
6 days ago, FSDB
Two photo collage of SOAR and Culinary Arts students smile for photos inside the Hyatt Regency .

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

7 days ago, FSDB
A Blind FSDB student wearing a black long sleeve with blue vest stands on stage in Music Building and performing his flute.
A Blind FSDB student is wearing a black concert dress holding the microphone and singing on stage in the Music Building.
A group of FSDB students wearing blue and red concert outfits singing on stage in the Music Building.
A group of FSDB students wearing blue concert outfits singing on stage in the Music Building.
A FSDB student is wearing a black long sleeve shirt and blue vest sitting on a black chair in the Music Building performing his clarinet.
An FSDB student wearing a black concert dress is standing and playing xylophone on stage in the Music Building.
🌟 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
7 days ago, FSDB
Two students kayaking at the FSDB Summer Quest.
Student doing the limbo at FSDB Summer Quest.
Girls sitting on stage at the FSDB 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
8 days ago, FSDB
Photos of the Honor Roll set up with flowers inside the library.
Blue table cloth with a cake that is written in blue says "Congratulations BMS Honor Roll" with cookies and plastic plates, forks and bowls.
A closeup of the cake that is covered in white and blue text that says "Congratulations BMS Honor Roll;"
Students hold their certification smiles with Mr. Ferguson inside the library.
Students hold their certification smiles for a photo inside the library.
Students smile holding their certification with the Blind principal inside the library.
Students smile with their certification with the principal inside the library.
Students smile with Mr. Ferguson holding their certification inside the library.
Students smile with Ms. Fertsch holding her flowers and her own certificate for National Assistant Principal Week inside the library.
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
8 days ago, FSDB
A navy blue sign that says "Welcome to the Academic Bowl National Championship" standing inside Gallaudet University.
FSDB Academic Bowl team and staff smile for a photo outside of Gallaudet University.
FSDB Academic Bowl team smile for a photo inside Gallaudet University.
Screen protector shows hall of game class of 2026, for an FSDB alumni of Timothy Woodford, 07.
FSDB Academic Bowl team and staff smile for a photo together inside a classroom at Gallaudet University.
The Academic Bowl Brackets of the individual competition with Brenna name on it.
Wide shot photo of the All-Star Players from each school smile for a photo on stage.
A photo of Joss wearing a medal and smiles for her photo with an Gallaudet University background.
Close-up photo of the all-star players from each school, and Joss Dagenais, FSDB student, on the top right.

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

8 days ago, FSDB
Two track runners side by side running to the finish line.
FSDB girl runner wears her uniform and focuses on running to the finish line.
A FSDB boy runner focuses on running to the finish line.
FSDB girl runner runs with a baton in her hands running on the track field.
A FSDB boy runner runs to the finish line outside on the track field.
A FSDB girl runner focuses on running to the finish line.
Two FSDB boy runners run to the finish line.
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
9 days ago, FSDB
Wide shot of the SOAR group with staff member surrounding the three SOAR students holding their diploma exiting FSDB.
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
10 days ago, FSDB
Faded background photo of an FSDB family smiling outside for a photo with a black quote text box that says "What advice would you give new FSDB families?"
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
10 days ago, FSDB
Wide shot of the three SOAR students with the SOAR group and staff member surrounding them inside the Dragon''s Lair.
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
10 days ago, FSDB
Ariana smiles with President Snow holding her diploma inside the Dragon 's Lair.