It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of one of our beloved students, Sophia Fink, a 9th‑grader in the Blind Department.

At the request of her parents, we are sharing her obituary and funeral information with our FSDB community. Sophia’s family expressed how much she loved being a student at FSDB and how she had many friendships with both students and staff.

Sophia’s joyful, bright spirit and the impact she had on those around her will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Visit Sophia's memorial page to share a memory or send condolences to the family as well as read her beautiful obituary.

https://www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/sophia-fink/#!/TributeWall
14 days ago, FSDB
7th grade photo of Sophia. She has wavy brunette hair that is shoulder length and smiling at the camera. She is wearing a grey t-shirt and standing in front of a blue background.
Michelle Sminkey, a Braille Specialist, shares her favorite memory during her time at FSDB below:

"It’s difficult to choose just one defining memory when my FSDB career has been filled with countless small moments that mean so much. Still, a few highlights stand out: representing the Blind Elementary School as Teacher of the Year, attending a colloquium in Kentucky to advocate for improved testing accommodations for our blind and visually impaired learners, and the privilege of looping with some of my students and watching them grow from one grade to the next or reconnecting with them years later to witness their incredible progress. FSDB brings me joy the moment I step onto campus, and the experiences I’ve had here are among the happiest and proudest of my educational career!"

#FSDBMemoryMonday #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
15 days ago, FSDB
Michelle is wearing a navy blue stripe short sleeve smiling for her photo with a white textbox on the left side of the photo that says It’s difficult to choose just one defining memory when my FSDB career has been filled with countless small moments that mean so much. Still, a few highlights stand out: representing the Blind Elementary School as Teacher of the Year..."
Students will learn, practice and explore different areas of the expanded core curriculum, ECC, all while doing something fun and meeting new people!

Who: BVI, DHH, and DSI students ages 6-17 living in Florida. Parent supervision is expected, and siblings are encouraged to join.

Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time)
Location: Zoom virtual classroom – Materials will be mailed to each student’s home before the event.

Contact: Jennifer Valderrama, 904-827-2454, valderramaj@fsdbk12.org

Registration: Please register with your Parent/Guardian and siblings, so they can be included in this activity.
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/n5wz79e
15 days ago, FSDB
Blue background graphic with pink textbox and white font with the descriptions of the date, time, and where the event is located.
Last Thursday, January 22, we celebrated Senior Night for our Boys' and Girls' Basketball teams and the Cheerleaders. Congratulations to everyone!

#FSDBSportsSundays
16 days ago, FSDB
Six photos of Senior Cheerleaders, and Boys & Girls Basketball seniors smile for their photo with friends, coaches and family in Settles Gym.
Six photos of Senior Cheerleaders, and Boys & Girls Basketball seniors smile for their photo with friends, coaches and family in Settles Gym.
Six photos of Senior Cheerleaders, and Boys & Girls Basketball seniors smile for their photo with friends, coaches and family in Settles Gym.
Max Finley has been attending FSDB in the the Deaf Department since the 2nd grade. His favorite teacher in elementary school was Jessica Kaspar, who left a significant impression on him.

Known as Chef M2, Max was a popular soup chef at FSDB. The staff always looked forward to his next culinary creation during his work experiences.

Max is excited about joining the workforce and is also considering opportunities for continuing his education.

Congratulations, Max!

#FSDBSOARSaturdays
17 days ago, FSDB
President Snow wearing a blue dress smiling with Max who is holding his diploma outside of the Kramer playground.
Group photo of the SOAR students and Max in the front on the Kramer playground outside.
President Snow smiling with Max and his Mom outside on Kramer playground.
Tracie Snow and Max hold his diploma with the dinosaur eating the diploma outside on Kramer playground.
To honor our FSDB Wrestling team competing at the Indiana School for the Deaf in the Willigan Wrestling Tournament this weekend, what place did the FSDB wrestling team finish in at last year's Willigan Wrestling Tournament?

#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
18 days ago, FSDB
Faded photo of the FSDB Wrestling team wearing red warmup suit with a black quote box on bottom right that says "What place did the FSDB Wrestling finish in at the Willigan Wrestling Tournament last year?"
Mark your calendars, FSDB Families! Parent University will offer ASL Level 2 Classes every Thursday from January 29 to February 26 for FSDB parents and guardians.

The classes will be from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Moore Hall CLD. On February 26, it will be located in room 215.
Please RSVP at the following link:
HTTPS://BIT.LY/ASL-PARENT-CLASS-2026

Families must check in at the front gate, and travel reimbursement is available.

Questions? Please contact FSDB Parent Liaison Misty Porter at porterm@fsdbk12.org | 904-827-2988 See less
18 days ago, FSDB
Blue and Purple flyer that says "Parent ASL Level 2 Classes 2026" with the dates and time listed, and contact information with an QR code for easier access.
During recreation, the kids at Deaf Elementary had a blast enjoying the warm, sunny weather while playing "Steal the Bacon!" It was such a fun way to spend time together and make great memories outside!

#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays
20 days ago, FSDB
Group of Deaf Elementary students wearing yellow jerseys and pose for a photo with a chicken toy outside of Settles.
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
20 days ago, FSDB
"Spring Community Open House 2026, Monday, April 13 from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM" with a photo of two students signing outside a dorm.

FSDB proudly hosted the Clerc Classic this weekend, and it truly took a team effort to make it a success! We are incredibly grateful for the many staff members who volunteered their time, and we’re just as proud of our student workers who stepped up and shined.

 Through our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, students can participate in the After School Work Program (ASWP). Students ages 14 and up can work one-on-one with a Vocational Instructor to build resumes, practice interviewing skills, receive support with job applications, and gain valuable feedback throughout the process. Then when they are ready, they can apply for a job and go through the interviewing process. What's better is students earn a real paycheck every two weeks while gaining meaningful work experience!

 During the Clerc Classic, students showcased their on-campus roles, including:
- Technology Assistant
- D&B Designs Associate
- Concessions Stand Assistant

 And these are just a few of the many job opportunities available on campus! We are so proud of our students for their professionalism, dedication, and hard work.
#FSDBCTETuesdays

21 days ago, FSDB
Six photos of CTE students helping during the Clerc Classic tournament this past weekend.
FSDB proudly hosted the Clerc Classic XXIV for the first time, and it was a great success! Thank you to the Dream Team, the eight participating schools, the student ambassadors, volunteers, and fans for making this event possible. Keep an eye out for all the photos that will be shared this week! Follow and check @fsdbathletics and visit www.clercclassic.com for the latest updates on scores.

The Girls' Basketball team placed 3rd, the Boys' Basketball team placed 8th, and our FSDB cheerleaders delivered a fantastic performance.

#FSDBSportsSunday
23 days ago, FSDB
FSDB Cheerleaders do a toe touch on the cheer mat inside Settles Gym.
During the Clerc Classic, one of our talented SOAR students managed the livestream. It's wonderful to see our student workers getting involved.!

#FSDBSoarSaturdays
24 days ago, FSDB
A SOAR student worker is working on the livestream for Clerc Classic inside Settles Gym.
In honor of FSDB hosting the first Clerc Classic tournament in history, we are testing your knowledge of FSDB Clerc Classic history. This will be the fifth year for the Girls Basketball team attending the Clerc Classic, and the fourth year for the Boys Basketball team. Where was the tournament held when the Boys Basketball team joined for the first time?

#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeek
25 days ago, FSDB
A faded photo of the FSDB page in the Clerc Classic booklet, with a black question box on the bottom right that says "Where was the Clerc Classic tournament when the boys team joined for the first time?"

The day is finally here! We are thrilled to welcome Clerc Classic XXIV to the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind campus! It’s an incredible honor to host student-athletes, coaches, leaders, families, and friends from California – Fremont, California – Riverside, Indiana, Maryland, Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD), New Mexico, and Texas this week.

A huge shout-out to our amazing FSDB community, led by our “Dream Team,” who have worked tirelessly over the past year to make this tournament a reality. If you haven’t seen our posts leading up to the event, check them out—our students and staff have done an outstanding job. KUDOS! @fsdbathletics

Follow the action:
- FSDB Athletics social media pages @fsdbathletics
- Dedicated website: https://clercclassic.com/
- Fun fact: You can watch all games and competitions FREE via livestream from the comfort of your home or gather with friends and family! https://clercclassic.com/live/
Wishing all teams the best—play hard, give it your all, and let your talent shine! (And yes, my inside voice is cheering: GO DRAGONS!!!)

#ThePrezSnowPost #PassionPridePerseverance #GoFSDBDragons #ClercClassicIV #ThisIsFSDB #GoDragons

26 days ago, FSDB
Happy President Selfie standing in front of the new sidewalk decals welcoming visitors to the campus.   (President Snow is smiling brightly wearing a pink hat and black jacket because yes, it is COLD in Florida).  Photo shows an outdoor sidewalk area with circular decals featuring various team logos and names arranged in a circular pattern on the concrete surface. At the center is a larger decal that reads “Clerc Classic XXIV” with a graphic design. Surrounding it are smaller decals representing different states and mascots of the teams playing in the tournament.
Students in the Blind Department are actively engaged in a wide range of after-school activities, fromnworkouts and enjoyable walks around our beautiful campus to exciting carnival events.

#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays
27 days ago, FSDB
A student working out in the weight room.
A student is enjoying herself at the bowling alley on campus.
Two students and staff member smile outside as they are walking around the track.
Two students have their face painting and smile for a photo outside the carnival event.
Mark your calendars, FSDB Families! Parent University will offer ASL Level 2 Classes every Thursday from January 29 to February 26 for FSDB parents and guardians.

The classes will be from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Moore Hall CLD. On February 26, it will be located in room 215.
Please RSVP at the following link:
HTTPS://BIT.LY/ASL-PARENT-CLASS-2026

Families must check in at the front gate, and travel reimbursement is available.

Questions? Please contact FSDB Parent Liaison Misty Porter at porterm@fsdbk12.org | 904-827-2988
27 days ago, FSDB
Light blue and purple tie dye graphic says "Parent ASL Level 2 Classes 2026", with the dates provided and location in Moore Hall CLD from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm..
It’s Clerc Classic week at FSDB! Entrepreneurship students are gearing up for the tournament by designing, producing, and preparing items for their school store, D&B Designs. As part of their real-world learning, students analyzed past sales, predicted how much they expect to sell during the event, and will compare their forecasts to actual results to see how close they came. This hands-on experience helps students build skills in planning, teamwork, and financial decision-making, all while supporting school spirit!

#FSDBCTETuesdays
28 days ago, FSDB
Three photos of FSDB students working on shirts and getting ready for the Clerc Classic this weekend.
🎪 Step Right Up! The Braille Challenge Deadline Has Been Extended! 🎪

New Deadline: January 23, 2026

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls—don’t miss the greatest literacy event under the big top! We’ve extended the registration deadline to January 23, 2026, so there’s still time to join the fun. To register and complete the Parent Permission form, scan QR code or visit www.fsdbk12.org/braille-challenge

🎟 Event Date: February 26, 2026
🎪 Theme: Circus Extravaganza

Help us spread the word! Thank you for helping us make this year’s Braille Challenge the greatest show on earth!
28 days ago, FSDB
A flyer that says "Save the Date" with important information that include the date February 26, 2026 and contact information.

Hello FSDB Families and Students,

Another reminder that this weekend is a very long weekend as FSDB will host the Clerc Classic Basketball Tournament and Cheerleading Competition. All students will go home tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14, at 2:05 p.m. (Friday Schedule). Students will not have classes on Thursday, January 15th and Friday, January 16th. School will also be closed on Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

(NOTE: The Clerc Classic is a sold-out event and you must have already purchased a ticket in order to attend the tournament.)

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Wednesday, January 14, at 2:05 p.m. – All students will go home. (Friday Schedule)

  • Thursday, January 15 – No Classes

  • Friday, January 16 – No Classes

  • Monday, January 19 – No Classes, but SHOW Bus students will be picked up at their regular time.

  • Tuesday, January 20 – Classes Resume

We hope you enjoy the extra time with your child!

28 days ago, FSDB
Long Weekend Graphic for January 14
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) announces public meetings open to all members of the public. Members of the public may address the board for up to three minutes per person. All public comments are limited to 45 minutes in total. Only the Regular Board meeting will be livestreamed at https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/board-of-trustees-livestream

📅 Date
Friday, January 23, 2026

⏰ Time
8:30 a.m. – Enrollment and Outreach Committee Meeting (215)
9:15 a.m. – Regular Board Meeting (CLD)

📍 Location
Moore Hall, CLD Meeting Room and 215
28 days ago, FSDB
Board of Trustees Meeting, Friday, January 23, 2026