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

The Blind High School Class of 2025 and the FSDB Recreation Program hosted a carnival on March 13 in the Blind Department Courtyard. The event featured delicious food, lively music, fun activities, and exciting prizes! BES students also had a great time meeting President Snow at the carnival. #FSDBCampusLifeTuesdays

A group of 9 DMS students went to Utah for their National Deaf Theatre Festival this weekend. 🎭 They have immersed themselves in workshops and activities to learn theatre history, networking with peers, and performance skills. They have been buzzing with energy the whole trip! We’re so grateful to have this fantastic opportunity. #FSDBAcadmeicMondays

In a collaboration between DMS' Brandon Call's Biology class and DHS' Hancock's woodshop, a Chameleon Cage Enclosure was created out of pressure-treated lumber- called to the work to assemble a cabinet from scratch. It was designed carefully to include lighting, water, and air where the screens were installed. Two chameleons are diving into the world of nature in the friendly confines of this enclosure.  The students involved were the entire class, Joey Locklear, Gabe Mitchell, Joey Seppala, Byrce do los Santos, and Frantz Valbrun were great contributors to the work.  Awesome work! #FSDBReapSundays

In a nail-biting contest, the Lady Dragons triumphed over Veritas Academy on March 25th. The game kicked off with a defensive safety by Mayrani Aguilar, putting the Dragons ahead 2-0. Veritas Academy fought back fiercely, scoring a pick-six and another touchdown to take the lead. But the Dragons, embodying true grit and determination, cameback to clinch the victory with a final score of 24-20. Anita Reyes, Chazzy Barria, and Mayrani Aguilar contributed crucial points. The defense was the backbone of this victory, with stellar flag pulls and preventing any major yardage plays. This team exemplifies continuous improvement and resilience. #FSDBSportsSaturday #GoDragons #OneTeamOneHeartbeat

This is Alison Colvin. Alison began her career at FSDB in 1997 as a Residential Dorm Staff member. She later transitioned to her current role as an Instructional Assistant for Deaf Elementary. Alison has been a three-year class sponsor and safety patrol leader for seven years. Additionally, she has been involved in the Reading Summer Camp for sixteen years. In 1992, due to the hurricane, Alison relocated from Miami, Florida, to Saint Augustine, seeking the best education for her three children. They graduated from FSDB in 2005, 2006, and 2010. Her grandson is currently enrolled at FSDB. "What makes FSDB unique is the incredible support from teachers and staff, along with the privilege of watching students learn, grow, and thrive!" Alison shared. Some fun facts about Alison include her love for fishing and participation in fishing tournaments, her enjoyment of traveling, and her favorite hobby, crocheting. We are thrilled to have you as part of our FSDB Family! #FSDBGrowingUpAtFSDBFridays #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam

Today, our Staff ASL Instructor, LaDonna Snyder, will take over our social media! Check our stories to see a typical day for her at FSDB. This week, our staff members have been learning about De'VIA, a genre of visual art that represents Deaf culture, so you can expect to see some stories featuring their presentations! #FSDBTakeoverThursdays

Today is the last Wednesday of March, so let's celebrate Women's History Month one final time! We highlight Inez B. Knowles, a teacher for black students from 1924-1959 for 35 years! Inez graduated from Georgia School for the Deaf in 1920 and had two deaf sisters. In 1924, she started working at FSDB  as a houseparent, home economics teacher, supervisor and academic classroom teacher. That picture of Old Knowles Hall shows where she taught students during segregation for many years. Many students and staff loved her.  She worked under four presidents:  Dr. Walker, Dr. Brown, Dr Settles and Mr. Wallace. Her hearing husband, Otis Knowles, was the principal of the Black Department and athletic director of black deaf sports teams.  In 1965, there was a building, Knowles Hall, named after her in her honor.  Source:  FSDB Florida School Herald, FSDB Museum. #FSDBWayBackWhensday

Today is the last Wednesday of March, so let's celebrate Women's History Month one final time! We highlight Inez B. Knowles, a teacher for black students from 1924-1959 for 35 years! Inez graduated from Georgia School for the Deaf in 1920 and had two deaf sisters. In 1924, she started working at FSDB  as a houseparent, home economics teacher, supervisor and academic classroom teacher. That picture of Old Knowles Hall shows where she taught students during segregation for many years. Many students and staff loved her.  She worked under four presidents:  Dr. Walker, Dr. Brown, Dr Settles and Mr. Wallace. Her hearing husband, Otis Knowles, was principal of the Black Department and athletic director of black deaf sports teams.  In 1965, there was a building, Knowles Hall, named after her in her honor.  Source:  FSDB Florida School Herald, FSDB Museum. #FSDBWayBackWhensday

Congratulations to our Troupe 11048 Thespians on bringing home top honors from the Florida State Thespian Festival! All four students earned a Superior and have qualified for the International Competition! Be sure to congratulate these talented Thespians when you see them! They did a fantastic job at States! #FSDBCampusLifeTuesdays #FSDBArts

FSDB announces a public meeting to which all persons of the public are invited. Location • FSDB Campus: 207 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32084 • Building: Moore Hall (corner of San Marco Ave. and Macaris St.) • Rooms: Center for Learning and Development (CLD) and Room 215 Date and Time • Friday, February 28, 2025 • 8:30 a.m. – Audit Committee Meeting (Room 215) • 9:30 a.m.– Regular Board Meeting (CLD) Note: Only the Regular Board Meeting will be livestreamed and available on the FSDB Board of Trustees Meeting webpage at https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/board-of-trustees-livestream

On Friday, February 28, BMS civics students participated in "Women's Suffrage Day" as the culmination of a mini-unit on the women's suffrage movement. After studying the road to the Nineteenth Amendment and the "visual rhetoric" of period suffrage-inspired postcards, students were tasked with creating educational presentations and designing suffrage postcards to present on "Suffrage Day." Students researched and worked in groups of 2-3, preparing drafts and final versions of presentations and postcards. Students delivered the following presentations, after which a short intermission took place. Following the brief intermission, students returned to the stage and presented their postcards. Ms. Hillary and Mr. Ferguson then presented students with actual certificates of completion. "Women's Suffrage Day" was a valuable experience for students. In addition to learning social studies content, students practiced the ECC skills of Compensatory Access, Assistive Technology, Self-Determination, Orientation and Mobility, and Social Interaction while working in groups. #FSDBAcademicMondays

The new Mentors and Models Program is designed to support children and youth who are blind or visually impaired by engaging with adults as role models. The Models for our group represent a variety of people with visual impairments who share strategies and suggestions from their own lives to support your successful progression into the world we all live in. Click the link below to register to participate on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. EDT for casual informational panel discussions from a variety of FSDB Mentors and Models who will share information, resources, and details about their lives as persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired. https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/mentors-and-models

We had a wonderful week at our schools before Spring Break! The Academic Bowl team proudly secured 3rd place at the Regional competition, and during lunchtime, they were recognized and celebrated by the entire Deaf High School community. The cheerleading team also achieved 3rd place at the National Deaf Cheer Competition in Rochester, NY, and they received a warm celebration as well. On Friday, March 14th, which is Pi Day, Mr. Keller's math class enjoyed some delicious pie to celebrate the occasion! Additionally, on the same day, BHS hosted its Poetry Slam in the Music Building. #FSDBRecapSunday

Last weekend, our cheerleaders traveled to Rochester, New York, where the National Deaf Cheer Competition was hosted at RIT. We are thrilled to announce that they won the Sportsmanship award and secured third place! We are incredibly proud of our cheerleaders. Please join us in congratulating them! #FSDBSportsSaturday #GoDragons #OneTeamOneHeartbeat

This is Thomas Rice. Thomas started at FSDB in 2016 as an 8th grader and graduated from the Blind Department in 2021. One of his favorite memories from his time as a student at FSDB was participating in Goalball, where he won two national championships with his teammates. This experience helped him discover his love for the sport, which he still plays today. Thomas returned to work at FSDB because he wanted to give back to the community that helped him succeed. "I struggled in public school, and when my family and I discovered FSDB, it changed my life for the better and made me who I am today. I want to pass on all the knowledge I gained at FSDB to the students to help them become successful and independent," Thomas shared. He started as a dorm staff member before becoming an instructional assistant for BEMS. Additionally, he assists with the Boys Goalball team and works as an OPS Technology and Athletics Assistant, as well as a dorm staff member. Thomas has many memories as an employee of FSDB, making it difficult to choose just one. However, a standout moment for him is witnessing his students light up when they finally grasp a difficult concept. "Seeing them make that connection and demonstrate mastery of a new skill reminds me why I do what I do every day," Thomas reflected. One fun fact about Thomas is that after graduating from FSDB, he continued to play Goalball as an adult and travels to compete in tournaments. He just got back from a tournament in Canada last weekend!  We love having you as part of the FSDB Family! #FSDBGrowingUpAtFSDB #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB

March is "Music In Our Schools Month" , so our music department is taking over today's social! From keyboard to band to chorus and everything beyond, we will share it all! #FSDBTakeoverThursday

March is National Music Month, so our music department is taking over today's social! From orchestra to band to choir, we will share it all! #FSDBTakeoverThursday

As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, we honor Brenda Jean Woods, FSD '63, who was the founder of the FSDB Museum and served as its first coordinator from 1993 to 2009. Brenda graduated from FSDB in 1963 and then attended Gallaudet University, where she also graduated. She returned to FSDB as a teacher in 1972, where she taught Home Economics and Middle School history, and she retired in 2007. In 1993, Brenda founded the FSDB Museum with the support of the FSDAA, which donated $2,000 to help initiate the museum. As its first coordinator, she recruited many volunteers to assist with the museum's operations. Numerous alumni and friends contributed artifacts and collections to support the museum, which has grown increasingly popular over the years. The FSDB Museum is not only for the FSDB community; it is also open to the public, including stakeholders, parents, friends, and neighbors, all of whom have enjoyed and learned from FSDB's rich history. Brenda passed away in 2009, and in her honor, a room within the museum has been named the BJ Woods Room, which showcases timeline history panels and is located in the main lobby of the museum. #FSDBWayBackWhensdays #FSDBHistory

Our Academic Bowl team traveled to the Alabama School for the Deaf from February 27 to March 2 for the Regional Tournament and secured 3rd place. #FSDBCampusLifeTuesdays

Congratulations to Gavin Swart on being hired as a dishwasher who will spend time in culinary! Chef Bobby Parlon attended our Chefs' Table Dinner event last year and was impressed with our Culinary students' skills. He is supporting our students' growth and professional development by hiring Gavin. He is excited to build a professional pathway for our students at the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel. Chef Bobby raved about Gavin's quality of work after his first day on the job, explaining that Gavin went above and beyond, offering to help others when his station was caught up and got along well with the crew. Keep up the great work, Gavin!! #FSDBAcademicMonday