Judy Frasure and Jessica Kaspar co-created the Mystery Readers to give our kiddos access to more Deaf readers.
They felt that our classrooms were missing some opportunities for good literature (aside from curriculum) and experience being read to by various Deaf adults. Although our kiddos get lots of reading time with us, something special happens when guests come to share their love of literacy with children.
Mystery Readers began in the Spring of 2024. They created a flyer to recruit readers and were able to start with a monthly guest reader who was a surprise. We wanted to get some volunteer readers who weren't "familiar" with our kids and tried to recruit from outside of DES. In the 24-25 year, we filled every month with a reader. They select books for the readers to choose from unless they have their own, and schedule a time for them to read to our classes.
As a thank you, our readers receive a pin to wear proudly. Our 2nd graders love seeing our Readers wear their pins. The responses from our Mystery Readers have been very positive. They have all enjoyed it, and we have had multiple offers for repeat readers. In fact, LaDonna, Calvin, and Lenore have all been back twice!
We asked a few of our kiddos if they enjoyed our Mystery Readers, and Kaiden said, "Yes, I like our Mystery Readers because they read us cool books." Xander said, "I like the Mystery Readers so I can learn new things."
We also asked a few of our mystery readers, LaDonna and Calvin, for their feedback. LaDonna said, "Once you share ASL reading with children, you will see the bright glow on their faces as they joyfully engage."
Calvin shared, "My experience as a mystery reader for 2nd graders was amazing. Jessica and Judy did an outstanding job of providing me with various book options to read aloud to their students, which made me feel comfortable and at ease. I enjoyed how engaged and fascinated the students were while I read to them. We have amazing teachers and students here at FSDB! If you ever get the opportunity to be a mystery reader, go for it!"
#FSDBAcademicMondays
Tewdros Hammons is from Ponte Vedra, Florida. He is graduating with honors with a 3.7 GPA. While at FSDB, he was involved in the Book Club. His favorite memory at FSDB was playing after-school P.E. games on Fridays. After graduation, he plans to attend FCTC to become a chef.
Congratulations Tewdros!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Angel Andres Guillen is from Miami, Florida. While at FSDB, he was on the basketball and football teams. His favorite memory at FSDB was being on the football team. After graduation, he plans on attending the Fire Academy in Miami to become a firefighter.
Congratulations Angel!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Calli Larison is from Naples, Florida. She was active in the Lighthouse program as part of the Division of Blind Services. While at FSDB, Calli participated in Young Life and took college classes at St. Johns River State College through the dual enrollment program. Calli desires to become a journalist and published author. Calli will return to FSDB to take dual enrollment classes at St. Johns River State College to work toward her career goal. She will also attend the S.O.A.R. program to continue working on independent living skills as well as employment skills.
Congratulations, Calli!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
On Thursday, May 8, our talented FSDB students held a dance recital titled "Under the Big Top," making you feel as if you were at the circus. They did an outstanding job!
Stay tuned for the link to the photos, which will be shared later this week.
#FSDBRecapSundays
Victor Joseph Gonzalez Jr. is from Jacksonville, Florida. While at FSDB, he was on the wrestling team. After graduation, he plans on pursuing college studying welding and computer science to have a lifestyle career.
Congratulations Victor!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Shane Lee Ferenc is from Hastings, Florida. His favorite memories at FSDB include working in the print shop and helping make deliveries. He also enjoyed reading and making friends. After graduation, he plans to work at Walmart but is unsure about his future job.
Congratulations Shane!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Markeil Jordan is from Jacksonville, Florida. While at FSDB, Markeil participated in Goalball, Football, Basketball, Competitive Cheer, Track and Field, Flag Football, Wrestling, Ski Club, International Thespian Society, Dance Troupe, and Show Choir. MJ earned a Superior rating at the State Thespian competition and was invited to the International Thespian Festival competition. In Track and Field, MJ placed first in the region for the long jump, and second in the triple jump. MJ served as class president for four years, and was selected to be on the Homecoming Court for three years. MJ will be the first student at FSDB to graduate with the Seal of Fine Arts degree. After graduation, MJ plans to attend Bethune Cookman University to study sociology.
Congratulations, MJ!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Our beloved alumnus, Allen Davis, has completed his first year on the swim team at Gallaudet University, achieving remarkable swim times, first-year athletic award and earning the Unsung Hero award. His photo is also displayed on the Bison gym wall in Gallaudet Field Hall! We are incredibly proud of his dedication and perseverance. Keep on swimming!
To read the article about him written by Gallaudet University, click the link below:
https://gallaudetbison.com/.../bhm-2025-spotlight-davis...
#FSDBProud #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBSportsSaturday
Nathaniel Blake Richardo Facey is from St. Augustine, Florida. He is graduating with honors. While at FSDB, he was involved in the Academic Bowl and Robotics Club. His favorite memories include spending time with friends, learning from teachers, and learning new things. After graduation, he plans to attend RIT and work in a programming-related field.
Congratulations Nathaniel!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Paige Hart-Myers is an honor graduate from Orange Park, Florida. While at FSDB, Paige participated in Art Club, Young Life, Student Leadership Council, Social Dance Club, and the on-campus student work program. She was named Homecoming Princess in the 11th grade and Homecoming Queen in the 12th grade. Paige was also inducted into the National Honor Society.Some of her most cherished memories at FSDB are of spending time with friends on campus. After graduation, Paige will continue to increase her independent living skills while training to enter the workforce.
Congratulations Paige!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Ivabella Carrie Essex is from St. Augustine, Florida, and she is graduating with honors. During her time at the FSDB, she participated in several activities, including Close-Up, the Dance Troupe, Junior NAD, and the Yearbook Committee. Additionally, she was a member of the basketball, flag football, track and field, and volleyball teams. One of her favorite memories at FSDB is winning the Clerc Classic Championship in Austin, Texas. After graduation, she plans to attend the RIT to study either Hospitality and Tourism or Nutrition, as she is still deciding on her future career path.
Congratulations Ivabella!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
This is Franklin Stewart.
Franklin began his journey at FSDB in 1999 as a pre-kindergartener and graduated in 2015.
One of his favorite memories as a student was in the fall of 2013 when the FSDB football team was recognized as deaf national champions. The team played an unforgettable game against the California School for the Deaf-Fremont, winning with a game-sealing interception touchdown.
"The energy, pride, and sense of community in that moment made it truly special and something I'll never forget," Franklin stated.
He returned to FSDB because it has always felt like a second home to him. As a former student, he experienced firsthand how much the staff and teachers truly cared about and invested in his success as well as that of others. His time at FSDB had a lasting impact on him, and now he wants to give back by supporting the next generation of Deaf students.
Franklin started as an associate teacher and later transitioned to the role of coordinator of student enterprises. He has also served as an assistant coach for both the football and wrestling teams.
Reflecting on his time as an employee, he shared, "One of my favorite memories was serving as an assistant coach for the football and wrestling teams. Those roles allowed me to build strong, meaningful connections with the student-athletes."
A fun fact about Franklin is that he is a HUGE Florida Gators fan. Go Gators!
We love having you as part of the FSDB Family!
#FSDBGrowingUpAtFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB
Hello FSDB Families,
We wanted to send a reminder that this weekend will be a "Long Weekend." All students will go home today, Friday, May 9, at 2:05 p.m. There is no school on Monday, so students can spend time with their families on Sunday for Mother's Day. SHOW Bus students will be picked up on Monday, May 12, at their normal pick-up time. Classes will resume on Tuesday, May 13.
We hope you have a wonderful long weekend and a Happy Mother's Day!
Bryan Hart is from St. Augustine, Florida.. While at FSDB, Bryan participated in the chess club, Young Life, Coding Club, Student Leadership Council, Close-Up, Goalball, VERC, and the Poetry Slam. Bryan participated in the 2025 Run with a Vision 5k, taking 1st place in the Blind Runner category. Bryan was awarded as St. Johns County Student of the Month. After graduation, Bryan plans to attend the Career, Technology, and Training Center to obtain certification in Technology and Cybersecurity. He then plans to attend UNF to continue his education in the field of technology.
Congratulations, Bryan!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Juliana Diego is from West Palm Beach, Florida. While at FSDB, she was on the basketball, track & field, and volleyball teams. Her favorite memories at FSDB include taking a trip to see manatees in 6th grade. After graduation, she plans on attending college, but her major is undecided.
Congratulations Juliana!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
The FSDB Dance Program will take over our social media tonight with their performance, "Under the Big Top" at Kirk Auditorium.
#FSDBTakeoverThursdays
Sara Griley is from St. Augustine, Florida. She has earned the title of Salutatorian for the class of 2025. While at FSDB, Sara participated in the Book Club, Yearbook Club, Student Leadership Council, Art Club, and the National Honor Society. She was a member of the SAC team, the Sub SAC team, and part of the Tech Crew for the International Thespian Society. Sara served as class Treasurer during her 12th grade year, Secretary during the 11th grade, and Sergeant of Arms during the 9th grade. Sara was named Homecoming Lady for the 9th grade Homecoming court. Her favorite memories at FSDB are spending time with friends and enjoying the ice cream socials. Sara was the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen award. Sara earned 15 credits at St. Johns River State College through the dual enrollment program. Sara has been accepted into the University of North Florida, where she plans to study computer science.
Congratulations, Sara!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Kayla Symone Debrow is from Jacksonville, Florida. She is graduating with honors. While at FSDB, she was involved in the Dance Troupe and on the basketball, flag football, track & field, and volleyball teams. Her favorite memories at FSDB include making history by winning the Clerc Championships and having good moments with her teammates. After graduation, she plans on attending Gallaudet University to study and become a physical education teacher or coach.
Congratulations Kayla!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
In October 2024, a donor went to the FSDB Museum and gave away the chair that had been in his family for three generations. Originally, it was owned by his grandfather, who was blind and went to the Perkins School for the Blind in Massachusetts around 1884. As a young boy, his grandfather created the caned chair and kept it within the family. The donor is now 75 years old, is determined to preserve the chair and does not want to lose it or have it destroyed. So, he has donated it to the FSDB Museum for preservation.
The Caned Chair is 140 years old.
The chair will be showcased as a replica in the Museum, allowing blind students and visitors to appreciate its significance.
It’s important to highlight that from the 1930s to the 1960s, blind students at FSDB crafted caned chairs. This remarkable history underscores the significance of including a replica, as it honors their creativity and celebrates a vital part of our heritage.
Fact history: Mr. Thomas Gibbs, who was FSDB teacher (1921 to 1956) for blind students, taught blind students how to craft the caned chair. See the photo below. There is a building named after Mr. Gibbs on FSDB campus in his honor.
Credit: FSDB Museum
#FSDBWayBackWhensdays
