This is Missy Kaler.
Missy started at FSDB as an 8th grader in 1980, and graduated in 1985. She graduated from Gallaudet University in 1992. She went to Alaska to learned that she did not like the job so she returned home to Florida. Her mother encouraged Missy to go back to FSDB and give back to the community as she had great memories there.
Missy started her career at FSDB in 1993 as a bus chaperone. Then, she became a teacher's assistant in Deaf Elementary Department. While a teacher's aide, she had the opportunity to go back to college to get her teachers certification, and Master's in Special Education. Missy then became a teacher in the Deaf Middle School Department. While teaching DMS, she got her 2nd masters in school counseling. In full circle, she is now in Deaf High School as a School Counselor.
"FSDB has been my home for the last thirty years. I have a few more years until I offically retired" shared Missy.
Missy wanted to become a park ranger, work in recreation or a travel guide. However, she decided to give a try and work at FSDB. It turned out she really liked working in the education system. She loves teaching, helping, and working with the students.
Missy had so many great memories as a student with classmates in class and outside of class. As a freshman living in Koger Hall was a fun year for her. Her favorite club was Canoe Club. They were able to go on canoe trips to the beautiful waterways in Ocala with Mr. OJA. Another fun memory was being part of JR. NAD.
Missy and her partner love to travel the world. They have been to Bora Bora to swim with sharks, explored Costa Rica and spotted a sloth, explored the Galapagos and greeted by many friendly sea lions. They also hiked the Inca Trail and saw the beauty of Machu Picchu in Peru, and explored Bali where they saw many many bats flying in the sky. Their next trip will be in Europe. They have a goal to see the world and then travel in an RV to see all of United States.
We are so happy you choose to come back here to FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBGrowingUpAtFSDBFridays
Our Deaf Middle School Assistant Principal, Karen Newton, will take over our socials today! Check out our stories for some fun content from Karen and Deaf Middle School!
#FSDBTakeoverThursdays
In 1986, FSDB Deaf and Blind Dance Troupe students went to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
FSDB students performed on stage to recognize Ray Charles for receiving the awards. FSDB students met the legendary singer Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones, a legendary music producer, with the students. Quincy Jones recently passed away.
Source: FSDB Museum.
#FSDBWayBackWhenesday
Cary White has been working on persevering and improving their success skills this month. Our students learned how to set goals for themselves, and we conveyed what determination looks like when the going gets tough. Each of them did their best and felt great about their achievements this school year so far.
#FSDBCampusLifeWednesday
Deaf Middle School went to the planetarium to apply what students had learned in my science classes. They have been learning about outer space and the Earth-Moon-Sun system. The lesson was on Solar and Lunar eclipses. They learned that solar and lunar eclipses are different. They get to see the total solar eclipse and how dark it got when the sun reached totality. They also saw how the moon turned red during the total lunar eclipse.
What a great experience!
#FSDBAcademicMonday
The Blind and Deaf Elementary School had their annual Vocabulary Showcase on Thursday, October 31.
This is a fun way for our students to expand their vocabulary while dressing up in costumes for Halloween!
To view the photos from the event, click on the link below:
https://zenfolio.page.link/U289A
#FSDBRecapSunday
Last Thursday, the Cross Country team hosted their first "Spooktacular Halloween," which was successful! The route was decorated with decorations, and the runners even had a surprise guest at the finish line: Ghostface!
#FSDBSportsSaturday #OneTeamOneHeartbeat
This is Patrick Turnage.
Patrick attended FSDB in 1989 as a 2nd grader and graduated in 2001.
Patrick had so many great memories as a student that it was hard for him to choose one, but he shared that his friends and his sense of friendship made all his memories stand out.
His plan was not to come back and work at FSDB, but fate brought him back, and he realized it was an opportunity to give back to the students and acknowledge all the teachers, mentors, dorm staff, and friends who gave so much of themselves.
"It feels right to honor their spirit and their memories by sharing my knowledge and experience to ensure they have the best experience and opportunity to learn and grow." shared Patrick.
Patrick started working at FSDB in 2013 as an Assistive Technology Specialist, then as an Assistive Technology Coordinator, and now as a Senior Network Systems Analyst.
Some of his best memories as an employee include the times that he is working directly with the students. He enjoys hearing the stories they share with him because they are usually the same unique experiences he had as a student.
A fun fact about Patrick is that he considers himself a blend of the arts and the sciences.
We are so glad you are part of the FSDB Family!
#FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB
Happy Halloween!
Follow our stories today to see our students and staff's festive celebrations and creative costumes!
#FSDBTakeoverThursdays
Ms. Willie McLane was a long-time dorm teacher and sewing teacher standing with the blind students in front of the old Walker Hall. The ramp that the students are standing at leads them to McLane Hall. At that time, Deaf and Blind girls lived there, but now it is used for Deaf Middle School Boys. McLane Hall is named after her.
This photo was taken in the 1930's.
Source: FSDB Museum
#FSDBWayBackWhensdays #FSDBHistory
The tradition continues.
Every year, the Deaf Awareness Club works with FSDB to host trick-or-treat in the dorms of Ponce at Flagler College.
Students and staff dressed in various costumes, from superheroes to princesses to animals and so much more!
#FSDBCampusLifeTuesday
Mr. Keller and Ms. Jensen hosted the first of three math tournaments this year on October 25 during Fang Time. Around 50 students from BHS and BEMS participated and competed. The first round last week featured the 24-game and Adsumudi.
#FSDBAcademicMonday
The Dance Troupe and the Blind Music Department went to Daytona State College to perform for Disabilities Awareness Day!
#FSDBRecapSunday #ThisIsFSDB
On Tuesday, October 22, the volleyball team played against FSDB staff. The seniors were also recognized at the game.
Congratulations to the following seniors:
- Ivabella Essex
- Corian Spalding
- Dionni Quinzy
- Guadalupe Bazaldua
- Julia Diego
- Myianeii Murray
- Annabelle Abenchuchan
- Kayla Debrow
#FSDBSportsSaturday #OneTeamOneHeartbeat #GoDragons
Welcome to FSDB, Sara Tinti!
Sara will be working as a Deaf Education & Transition Coordinator in Outreach.
Her previous position was Duval Itinerant and OPS RMTC - DHH.
"I am excited to support teachers on a larger scale, take my technology skills, and put them to good use," said Sara.
A fun fact about Sarah is that she worked at security for the Jags games.
"I am very excited to get started." shared Sara.
We are so excited to have you here, Sara!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
This is Anabelle and Jonah Abenchuchan.
Jonah is a Junior, and Anabelle is a Senior in the Deaf Department.
Jonah has attended FSDB for ten years. Throughout his time at FSDB, he has many great memories that make it hard for him to choose; however, traveling with his teammates will always be his favorite.
A fun fact about Jonah is that he has a pet cat named Fuzzy, and he is the ultimate gym buddy, meaning he watches him work out!
Anabelle has attended FSDB for twelve years. She said that she has many memories that she wishes to share, but one thing she loved was doing the dance troupe performances.
Here are some fun facts about Anabelle: Her favorite subject is forensic science, and fall is her favorite season.
We loved seeing you both grow over the years at FSDB!
#FSDBGrowingUpAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
This week, the Communication & Public Relations Department will be stepping in front of the camera, taking on a more visible role instead of their usual position behind the scenes. Be sure to check out our stories!
#FSDBTakeoverThursday
In the 1920s, the posing children stood on the raised sidewalk, some with their houseparents standing on the ground. It occurred before the Wartmann Cottage, Bloxham Cottage, Rhyne Hall, and McLane Hall existed.
This photo was taken in front of the FSDB campus, where the gate is currently located.
#FSDBWayBackWhensdays
October is Blind Awareness Month. Throughout the month, our Blind department celebrated. This past Friday was our annual Blind Awareness Parade. Staff and students from the Deaf Department came out on Usina Field to cheer on our Blind Department.
To view the photos from the parade, please click the link share below: https://zenfolio.page.link/CNZWU
#FSDBCampusLifeWednesday
We want to congratulate Johanna Lennon for her new position as Deaf Middle School Staff Assistant.
Johanna joined FSDB in October 2021 as a Spanish/ASL Language Facilitator and DES Instructional Assistant.
"I am excited about working with the students, staff, and parents and building great relationships with them." shared Johanna.
Johanna was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She moved to Florida in 2009, where she first learned English. She eventually joined FSDB, where she learned ASL, and became an FSDB Alumni of 2011.
A fun fact about Johanna is that she loves reading, writing, crafting and spending time with her husband and three children.
Congratulations on your new position, Johanna!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
