Today, Friday, September 19, we held our annual Deaf Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally. This marks the third year that the Homecoming Court was escorted in Jeep Wranglers. This year, we welcomed several new additions, including the St. Augustine High School ROTC, the St. Augustine High School Marching Band, Pirates, and UNF students.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our Deaf High School Department and Homecoming Court.

We are excited for this evening's events, starting with swimming, followed by volleyball and football tomorrow!

To view the photos from the Parade & Pep Rally, click on the link below:
https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p242823486

#HocoWeek #Homecoming2025 #FSDBHomecoming #ThisIsFSDB
about 2 months ago, FSDB
Homecoming Court King and Queen sit in the back of the Jeep Wrangler waving for the camera.
Two FSDB cheerleaders help an elementary school student dressed up in football gear during a race game in Settles Gym.
Two Homecoming Court sit onto of a Jeep Wrangler with red, white and blue balloons smiling for a photo.
A former staff member hold arms with Samy the Dragon inside Settles Gym.
FSDB Cheerleaders hold a Dragons flag and waving with their red and white pom poms outside during the parade.
The students get loud and hyper inside Settles Gym during the Pep Rally.
Students high five a woman dressed up as a pirate during the parade.
A ELC student smile with Samy the Dragon inside Settles Gym.
A student getting excited outside as the parade walks by him.
Deaf High School held its annual Homecoming Skits and Dance last night, featuring skits based on the theme "Avatar." The Dance Troupe performed songs from the movie.

Congratulations to Jonah Abenchuchan and Brenna Freeman for being named Homecoming King and Queen!

To view the photos from the event, click the link below:
https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p527537799

#ThisIsFSDB #HocoWeek #Homecoming2025 #FSDBHomecoming #Avatar
about 2 months ago, FSDB
FSDB cheerleaders on stage in Kirk smiling and dancing with their red and white pom poms.
FSDB cheerleaders doing a stunt with the flyer who is holding her arms up on stage in Kirk.
Two students wearing green with green face painting and performing on stage in Kirk.
An avatar and an human dressed in camo push each other while acting on stage in Kirk.
A dance troupe student wearing camo dancing on stage in Kirk.
Two dance troupe students dressed in camo and blue relating to the Avatar theme dance on stage in Kirk. The boy is holding the girl on her shoulders.
A senior is dressed in a suit holding her parents arms on stage in Kirk.
Two ELC students are dressed fancy and holding the homecoming queen and king crown on stage in Kirk.
The Assistant Principal of DHS kneeling down with the Homecoming King as they smile at the ELC student who gave the crown to him on stage in Kirk.
The Homecoming Queen hands the ELC student her princess crown as she becomes the Homecoming Queen.
Congratulations to Jonah Abenchuchan and Brenna Freeman for being announced FSDB's Homecoming King and Queen!

#HocoWeek #HomecomingWeek #FSDBHomecoming2025 #ThisIsFSDB
about 2 months ago, FSDB
The senior King and Queen are smiling with two ELC students on stage in Kirk.
Yesterday, BHS members and BMS members of the Blinding Lights and Reflections Show Choirs had their first off campus performance of the year! They went to downtown St. Augustine for the Ringing of the Bells event. This event highlights the signing of the Constitution in 1787, and was hosted by the Maria Jefferson chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Each Show Choir member received a personal bell to keep and participated with the rest of the attendees ringing their bells along with the city church bells at 4:03. The Show Choir, dressed in red, white, and blue uniforms, performed the Star-Spangled Banner to open the ceremony, entertained with Homeward Bound and A Million Dreams in the middle, and closed the ceremony with God Bless America.

With the help of the directors Laurie Wohl, Leslie Costello, and Brigit Jensen, every member has practiced how they would perform for this event and will continue to practice for upcoming events. They were excellent ambassadors. We can't wait to see where they go next!
about 2 months ago, FSDB
Group of blind students wearing red, white and blue clothing singing on the plaza in downtown St. Augustine.
A close-up photo of three girl singers wearing blue and red dresses in the plaza outside downtown St. Augustine.
A photo of an St. Augustine member making a speech introducing the choir.
A group photo of the students wearing variety of colors between red, blue and white smiling with President Snow outside of the plaza downtown St. Augustine.
A close-up of one student wearing a red dress with red bow doing a solo outside in the plaza of downtown St. Augustine. Her classmates surround her all around.
A photo of two St. Augustine members dressed as soldiers shooting the gun outside the plaza in downtown St. Augustine.
A close-up of a few boy students wearing red and white vests outside the plaza in downtown St. Augustine.
A Proud Moment in the Plaza!
 
It was an absolute joy to join our Blind Department Show Choir in downtown St. Augustine on Wednesday as they showcased their incredible talents during the Bells Across America event celebrating Constitution Day. Their voices filled the air with beauty and pride—I couldn't be more proud of them!
 
Did you know?
Bells Across America is an annual tradition commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. Churches and community groups nationwide ring bells to honor this historic moment. The event is part of Constitution Week (Sept 17–23), established in 1956 thanks to the efforts of the Daughters of the American Revolution to promote public understanding of the Constitution's role in American democracy.
 
#ThePrezSnowPost #FSDBPride #ConstitutionDay #BellsAcrossAmerica #CelebrateHistory
about 2 months ago, FSDB
President Snow is taking a selfie and smiling with the Blind Department Show Choir outside downtown St. Augustine.
In honor of the 85th Homcoming Football game tomorrow, when was the first FSD Homecoming Football game, and who did they play?

#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
about 2 months ago, FSDB
A photo of the first homecoming flyer with the quote box above it asking "When was the first FSDB Homecoming Football Game, and Who did they play?"
Bioluminescence illuminated campus today. Each class wore their colors, brightening up the campus. We were thrilled to witness the vibrant and striking combinations of colors!

#Homecoming2025 #FSDBHomecoming #Avatar #HocoWeek
about 2 months ago, FSDB
Group of seniors smiling for a photo with their class colors, blue and yellow clothing.
Group of four students smiling and posing with peace signs in the hallway of Pope.
Group of juniors smiling with the blue light shining on their clothing inside a classroom.
Group of elementary students and staff members smiling for their photo wearing neon color clothing.
Group of students wearing white shirts and black bottoms smiling for their photo outside of Pope.
Group of students wearing their class color clothing color pink smiling for a group outside of Pope.
Group of students smiling for their photo with yellow and blue face paining on their face in the hallway.
A student wearing her class color white shirt smiling for a photo with the blue light and balloon arch around her.
Three staff members are wearing matching "ESOL Team" shirts posing with peace signs for their photo with the balloon arch and blue light.
The FSDB Deaf High School Skit Night and Homecoming Court presentation will be livestreamed tonight at 6 p.m. You can watch on our Facebook page or by clicking the link below.

https://vimeo.com/event/5390804
about 2 months ago, FSDB
DHS Homecoming Skit Night & Court Thumbnail 2025
Please join us in welcoming Karita Lewis to FSDB!

Karita will be working as a 3rd Grade Deaf Elementary Teacher. She is particularly excited about connecting with her students and fostering a joyful, supportive learning environment where they can discover their passions and grow.

A fun fact about Karita is that she loves to travel. She spent a year backpacking across Southeast Asia and South America!

Karita shared, "If our paths cross, please don't hesitate to say hello! I'm excited to meet everyone in the community."

We are thrilled to have you here with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
about 2 months ago, FSDB
Karita is wearing a white short sleeve shirt smiling for her photo with a silver backdrop and red background. Below the photo says "Karita Lewis, 3rd Grade Deaf Elementary Teacher"
With cooler weather, we're heading outside!

The first picture shows Serraya, Juana and Meadow walking along our beautiful campus waterfront. The second picture shows Jesa, Mariah, Aspen and Jermeka enjoying time on the playground.

#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays
about 2 months ago, FSDB
Two photo collage of blind residential students enjoying the weather outside by the water and park.
Which element do you prefer: Water, Wind, Fire, or Earth? The campus looks amazing today, truly showcasing the vibrant colors of these powerful forces!

#HocoWeek #Homecoming2025 #FSDBHomecoming #Avatar
about 2 months ago, FSDB
Two deaf students are dressed in all red resembling "fire" smiling for a photo outside of Pope.
Four staff members are dressed like the elements colors smiling for a photo together inside the cafeteria.
Two staff members smile with three elementary students as they are all dressed in colors relating to the elements.
A staff member is wearing a tie dye color of blue and green resembling one of the element colors.
Four deaf high school students are dressed in the colors of the elements posing on a bench inside Pope.
A group of middle schoolers are dressed in white and blue resembling water smile as a group for a photo.
A student is wearing red gloves and a red fire hat smiling for his photo inside the cafeteria.
A student is wearing a blue long sleeve with blue skirt smiling for her photo outside of DB Gardens.
A high schooler is wearing tan pants with a brown shirt resembling the earth poses with one foot for the photo inside the Pope hallway.
Two high schoolers are dressed for earth with their brown and olive green colors pose with their arms crossed for the photo.
In Technology Education, SOAR students are divided into two groups. One group identifies what Artificial Intelligence (AI) can do, while the other identifies what it cannot. To support their research, we used an AI application called Copilot.

#FSDBCTETuesdays
about 2 months ago, FSDB
Four photo collage of SOAR students grouping up and learning about AI in the SOAR classroom.
Entering the FSDB campus today felt like stepping into Pandora. Vivid shades of blue and purple filled the air, as students dressed nature-inspired clothing that brought the scene to life.

#HOCOWeek #Homecoming2025 #FSDBHomecoming #Avatar #WelcometoPandora
about 2 months ago, FSDB
Staff member is wearing a green shirt with green tutu and flowers smiling for her photo next to the "Welcome to Deaf High School" sign.
Elementary students smile with their teachers dressed in colorful clothing and Hawaiian leis.
Four student dressed in colorful clothing as they smile for their photo at the photo op booth.
A student is wearing a green t-shirt with orange with flower skirt showing off his muscle arms for a photo.
Elementary students wearing colorful Hawaiian skirt and leis smiling with their teachers in the hallway of Gore.
Five students dressed in floral and colorful clothing as they smile for their photo in the hallway of Pope.
Five students wearing coloful and nature color clothing as they smile for their photo at the photo op booth.

Homecoming week is here in the Deaf Department! Yesterday's theme was CAMO vs. NA'VI. Some students wore camouflage to blend in, while others dressed in bright Na'vi-inspired outfits to stand out.

#HOCOWeek #Homecoming2025 #FSDBHomecoming #Avatar

about 2 months ago, FSDB
Group of students dressed in camo or blue smile for a photo with green and blue balloon arch.
Four students with avatar blue face painting smile for a photo outside the cafeteria.
Four students dressed in camo smile for a photo outside of Pope.
Four students dressed in camo pose for a picture outside of Pope.
Two students wearing blue and blue face painting smile for a photo in DB Gardens.
Two students with a staff member dressed in camo smile for a photo in the hallway.
Four students with a staff member dressed in camo and blue Na'vi clothing smile for a photo in the hallway of Pope.
A student giving another student a piggy back ride both wear camo as they smile for a photo in the hallway of Kirk.
Jessie Girton, Executive Director of Career Development, shares her favorite memory below:

"I have been fortunate to know some of these students since their early years. It has been a true privilege to witness their growth, whether watching them mature from childhood or begin their high school journey, and to see them develop into young adults, as graduates or as participants in the SOAR program."

#FSDBMemoryMondays #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
about 2 months ago, FSDB
Jessie is wearing a black short sleeve shirt smiling for her photo with a silver background. Next to the photo is a text box says "I have been fortunate to know some of these students since their early years. It has been a true privilege to witness their growth..."
Less than a week until Homecoming 2025!

Get ready, FSDB—this year's Homecoming is rewriting the playbook. History, rivalry, and school pride all collide in one epic weekend.
---
 September 19 (Friday)
- Swimming Meet vs St. Joseph Academy
We're diving into Homecoming weekend with a swim meet for the first time. Pack the pool deck and cheer on our athletes as they make waves!
---
 September 20 (Saturday)
 - Volleyball Match at 1 PM
We're taking on California School for the Deaf – Riverside in a high-energy showdown. Let's spike the spirit and rally the crowd!
-  Football Game at 6 PM
Same opponent, same intensity—California School for the Deaf – Riverside returns to the field for a clash under the lights. Expect passion, pride, and perseverance.

#PassionPridePerserverance #GoFSDBDragons #FSDBSportsSundays
about 2 months ago, FSDB
Flyer with a photo of a cheerleader, football and volleyball player. Above says "Homecoming, Saturday, September 20, 2025" with the Dragons and California Riverside logo.

This is Jaylene Rivera.

Jaylene has been with FSDB for two years now. She is currently in the SOAR program.

One of her favorite memories at FSDB would be having the time to enjoy the little things in school, like having friends to talk to.

She would advise other students who want to attend FSDB to take advantage of everything FSDB gives them. They give you so much support, and you can find different things to learn that will guide you through your life journey.

Jaylene decided to defer her diploma so that she had more time to think about what she wants to do in the future, in line with her education and decisions.

After leaving FSDB, she plans to find a stable job and go to college to become a lawyer. She isn't sure what kind of lawyer yet, but she knows she wants to become one.

One of the things Jaylene loves most about being part of the SOAR program is that they teach her how to become an adult, as in the real world, you will be treated like one.

Jaylene hopes to accomplish her successes in the SOAR program by remembering everything she was taught, looking back on it in the future and being proud of her decision to stay at FSDB after graduation.

"FSDB is a good option because it gives you so many options to choose from if you want to be involved in something, but also knowing that you can do as much as you can on this campus about respecting the policy and the rules that they have, but most of all having fun with the time that you have in FSB and making it last. Make it known that you can ask questions about anything and need support. Staff and teachers will support you in any way possible. Because they're there to support and help you if you don't understand anything, so take advantage of anything you can in FSDB because you will not see that in a regular school," shared Jaylene.

#FSDBSoarSaturdays #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam
about 2 months ago, FSDB
SOAR logo graphic in the background with a photo of Jaylene wearing her red cap and gown smiling for a photo. Below it says "Jaylene Rivera, SOAR Student"

In celebration of Homecoming 2025 next week, which year was your favorite FSDB Homecoming?
#FSDBQuestionOfTheDay #FSDBHomecoming2025 #Homecoming2025 #ThisIsFSDB

about 2 months ago, FSDB
Two senior courts standing in jeeps that was decorated for homecoming, along with the new FSDB bleachers at Usina field in the background. Above the photo is a white speech bubble that says " Homecoming is coming up next week for the deaf department, what year was your favorite homecoming?"
Our Deaf High School seniors in English Honors have been diving into an adapted version of Beowulf this semester. When I shared that I studied the Old English poem in college, they invited me to stop by—and I couldn't resist!

Ms. Brady led an engaging lesson where we paired up to analyze the article's summary and commentary. I loved joining in and seeing the innovative learning happening firsthand.

These classroom visits are always a highlight—reading a story, joining a discussion, or simply connecting with students and looking forward to many more!

#FSDBPride #InnovativeLearning #DeafEducation #LeadershipInAction #ThePrezSnowPost
about 2 months ago, FSDB
President Snow is smiling for a selfie with a thumbs up with the deaf high school seniors English class inside the classroom in Pope.
FSDB Recreation is back! Last week, they kicked off the year with an ice cream social. Here’s to a fun-filled year ahead!

#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays
about 2 months ago, FSDB
Six photos of FSDB students smiling with their ice creams outside of Palm Row.