Florida School for the Deaf & the Blind - Do More. Be More. Achieve More.

Healthy Habits & Winter Wellness at FSDB!

This week, I had the joy of joining an elementary physical education class where students learned about the importance of drinking water and eating a healthy breakfast. They didn’t just learn why these habits matter...they set personal goals and shared creative ways to remind themselves to stick to them! We wrapped up the lesson with a group photo, where you can see they were all eager to proudly hold up their water bottles that they carry throughout the day. These young students are a great inspiration!

Next, I stayed to visit with the Lifestyle Fitness Design class for our blind high school girls. Coach Tutak shared their amazing project: a "Winter Health & Fitness Challenge!" They created a list of 28 fun activities to keep us healthy in every way: mental, emotional, social, and physical over winter break. The students even let me snap a "selfie" with them before I left to share with all of you.

Here are a few ideas they came up with:
Spend quality time with your family pet
Hold a plank as long as you can
Read a book or listen to an audiobook in a cozy spot
Send a “thinking of you” message to 3 people
Do something creative: draw, bake, craft, or write
Unplug from devices for one hour
Time yourself for a 1 mile walk, jog, or run
I’m definitely doing creative activities (and yes, I’ll be using my stash of GLITTER ✨)!

What are your plans for the break?

Let’s all pick an activity each day, invite family and friends to join, and track our progress.
Wishing our FSDB community a happy, healthy, and positive New Year! 🎉

#ThePrezSnowPost

The Blind Department hosted an incredible annual holiday concert last night, showcasing the talent of the Concert Band, Concert Chorus, Reflection Show Choir, and the Blind Lights Show Choir. Each group delivered outstanding performances that truly impressed everyone in attendance.

To view the photos from the concert, please click the link shared below: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p218155121

#ThisIsFSDB #HappyHolidays

Last week, our Deaf and Blind middle school students had a wonderful time on their annual holiday shopping trip to The Avenues Mall!

#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays#FSDBrecreation

Students enrolled in the Career Experience class learn how to develop a comprehensive work portfolio that includes a cover letter, resume, and letters of recommendation while also building essential workplace skills such as professional communication, time management, teamwork, and other soft skills needed for employment success. These skills are reinforced through real-world scenarios, including mock interviews that are designed to closely reflect actual hiring experiences. Students are expected to treat the mock interviews as real interviews by dressing professionally and demonstrating appropriate interview etiquette. The interviews are conducted by FSDB staff members, some familiar and others new to the students, providing authentic practice and helping students build confidence and preparedness for future employment opportunities.

#FSDBCTETuesdays

LT Arline Lagasse, School Safety Specialist, proudly shares her favorite memory from her time at FSDB so far:

"Thinking back, there are so many wonderful memories working at FSDB but one that stands out is this one. A Blind Alumni student came to visit the campus and noticed me. She gave me a big hug and shared with me that I was always her favorite police officer and that she appreciated that I took the time to invest in her life while at FSDB. She never knew how much I needed to hear that. It's always a reminder to me to keep going and pour into our students because you never truly know the impact you'll leave with our kids. Our FSDB students are amazing and I'm so blessed to contribute a small part in their journey here. "

#FSDBMemoryMondays #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB

Last weekend, our Boys and Girls Goalball teams traveled to Texas for the U.S. National High School Goalball Championships.

Our Boys team placed second, and our Girls team placed third.

Congratulations, Cobras!

#FSDBSportsSundays #PassionPridePerserverance #GoFSDBCobras

Congratulations to Clark Ashley!

Clark started at FSDB's Deaf Department in the fall of 2019 and has been part of our community for seven years.

His favorite subject was the off-campus work program through CTE. Some of his best memories at FSDB are playing games and spending time with friends.

Clark chose to defer his diploma so he could keep learning and build his skills. After leaving FSDB, he plans to keep learning and working.

Clark says he will miss his friends, teachers, and all his experiences at FSDB, but he is excited for the new opportunities ahead.

We will miss you, Clark, and can’t wait to see all the great things you will do!

#FSDBSOARSaturdays #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam

As we celebrate the upcoming Christmas season, we invite our alumni and current students to share one of their most memorable holiday experiences at FSDB. We look forward to hearing your stories!

#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays

Parent Engagement Workshops (PEW) are learning opportunities open to ALL FSDB parents, guardians and caregivers. During PEW, we discuss current and relevant information about our school, parenting strategies, helpful resources, and much more.

Travel reimbursement is available for these events. Parents living more than 50 miles from campus are eligible for hotel reimbursement and mileage. Often, we partner with other departments on campus to offer additional events or classes the day before the workshop. We encourage you to consider scheduling meetings with teachers or dorm staff the day before as well.

The next meeting will be on Friday, January 9, 2026.

For more information contact
FSDB Parent Liaison MISTY PORTER @ porterm@fsdbk12.org

Visit or SCAN QR Code to view the Parent Services website at:
fsdbk12.org/page/parent-services
Save-the-Date-2026-Flyer-Web.png

The FSDB Dance Troupe amazed the audience with their performance of "Elf The Musical Jr." The show highlighted the talent of our students and vibrant costumes that brought the story to life. It was a joyful night that created unforgettable memories.

To view the photos from the event, click the link below: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p796251342

#ThisIsFSDB

Deaf Middle School 8th graders are exploring Washington, D.C., on their annual trip. Laughter fills the air as they make memories together, and for some, the magic of seeing snow for the very first time adds an extra layer of excitement.

#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays

Students in the Entrepreneurship class have been exploring what it takes to start and manage their own businesses. As part of the course, they were challenged to develop a brand identity by creating their own logo and selecting a color palette to represent their business. In addition, students designed professional business cards and crafted social media posts to promote their brand. A few weeks ago, they had the opportunity to receive valuable advice from a local businessman, which they later applied to their “Grand Opening” project. These activities allowed them to combine creativity with practical marketing strategies, giving them a hands-on experience in building a business from the ground up.

#FSDBCTETuesdays

Tracey Dennis, Dragon's Lair Supervisor, shares her favorite memory below:

"My favorite memory is when a student took a soup recipe that him and I made, home for him and his mom to make. He sent me pictures of their table set up with the soup in their bowls ready to be eaten. He said mom and brother loved it!! He became my Soup Chef that semester! He had to find a recipe, decide how many servings we needed, and look to see what we had verses what the soup called for in the recipe. He became the chef that day and I was his sous chef."

#FSDBMemoryMonday #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB

Winter Sports have 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

This is Michael Diaz.

Michael is a SOAR student in the Deaf Department. He graduated in 2024 and has been a part of FSDB for nine years.

One of his favorite memories at FSDB is his first year when he socialized with other kids who are deaf like him.

Michael chose to defer his diploma so he could participate in the SOAR program to receive additional education, prepare for college, and learn essential skills for adult life, such as financial literacy, critical thinking, and time management. He also hopes to earn an Associate in Arts degree while enrolled in the SOAR program. After leaving FSDB, he plans to attend FSCJ.

He loves being a part of the SOAR program because it allows him to attend off-campus courses at SJRSC, which feels like a step into college life.

#FSDBSOARSaturdays #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB

In honor of our Goalball teams heading to Texas for the U.S. National High School Goalball Championships, we would like to test your knowledge of Goalball history.

When did the boys' and girls' Goalball teams win their first National Youth Goalball Championship?

#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays

Cobras are in Texas!

FSDB’s Girls and Boys Goalball teams have landed in Austin, Texas for the 2025 USABA National High School Goalball Championship (Dec. 4–6)!

You might be wondering what is Goalball? It’s a fast-paced team sport designed for athletes who are blind or have low vision. Teams of three compete by throwing a ball—embedded with bells—toward the opponent’s goal while using their bodies to block incoming shots. Sounds simple? Think again!
+ The ball weighs nearly 3 pounds and is slightly larger than a soccer ball.
+ At the Paralympic level, throws have been clocked at 37 mph!

I had the privilege of spending time with both teams before they left on Wednesday. The Boys Cobras and I posed proudly in front of the trophy case in Copeland Gym under the sign “Home of the Cobras,” and I squeezed in for a fun photo with our Girls Cobras on the bus before they headed to the airport.

No matter what color medal they bring home, these student-athletes will shine with integrity, honor, and leadership—on and off the court. When asked why competing nationally matters, they said it’s about community, heart, showing what FSDB has to offer, playing our best with peers like us—and because it’s FUN!”

Fun Fact: FSDB Boys Cobras are the reigning champions—6 national titles in a row—and they’re aiming for lucky number 7!

Let’s cheer them on as they represent FSDB with pride!

#FSDBCobras #Goalball #USABA #PassionPridePerseverance #ThePrezSnowPost

Students from Vaill Hall visited a local Mexican restaurant to practice social skills. They certainly enjoyed their delicious meal!

#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays

Spring Community Open House 2026

Monday, April 13, 2026 @ 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Please join us for an opportunity to learn about FSDB programs, watch a variety of performances from FSDB music groups and Q&A with staff and students. Special guests include FSDB President, Tracie Snow and D & B Designs with unique gifts and apparel.

Click the following link to register:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2rbuns6