February zoomed by, and it’s almost over! The Blind Department had an amazing month filled with fun and excitement! - Second and third graders participated in Kindness Week activities with Braille Specialist Michelle Sminkey. Aubrey, Luke and Penelope created tactile hearts on their braille, reviewed braille contractions, and then transferred their designs to greeting cards for members of a local community retirement home. - Third through fifth-grade students visited the Anastasia Mosquito Control Center, where they delved into the fascinating world of mosquitoes. - Our students created cards and messages in print and braille, tactile graphics, and shared artwork bedazzled with jewels and stickers for a local senior/retirement facility. - For Valentine's Day, Kramer students created candy bags and thank you cards and presented them to the middle school students in Gregg and McLane Hall, thanking them for all they have done. #FSDBRecapSunday
2 months ago, FSDB
Four photos of Blind Elementary and Middle School students working on valentine day activities, and visited the mosquito control center.
Our Wrestlers attended the FHSAA 1A D5 District Tournament this past Wednesday, February 19, at Crystal River High School. Daniel Healy - 1st  Dino Juedy Jr - 2nd  Robert McCullogh - 2nd  Ivan McAlphin - 2nd  Antonio Riggins - 2nd  Khayree Lofton - 3rd  Tyler Whitman - 4th  Joshua Newman - 4th  These results are from individual performance based on weight class in district tournaments. However, based on personal performance contributes to team points that a team can win altogether. Therefore, FSDB won third for team points in the FHSAA 1A D5 District Tournament with 146.5 points. #FSDBSportsSaturday #GoDragons #GoCobras
2 months ago, FSDB
FSDB Wrestler pose as he stands next to the other wrestlers.
FSDB Wrestler stands with the other wrestlers inside the gym.
FSDB Wrestler stands with other wrestlers inside the gym.
FSDB Wrestler stands with other wrestlers inside the gym.
FSDB Wrestler stands with other wrestlers inside the gym.
FSDB Wrestler stand with other wrestlers inside the gym.
FSDB Wrestler stand with other wrestlers inside the gym.
FSDB Wrestler stand with other wrestlers inside the gym.
Group photo of the FSDB Wrestling team smiling with their coaches inside the gym.
This is Addison Allen. Addison is a junior at Blind High School and has been with us for six years. One of his favorite memories at FSDB is becoming a District Champion in Track and Field during his freshman year. He has expressed his determination to win many more championships and break school records, but he will always cherish that first victory. A fun fact about Addison is that his mom was born in Colombia, and his dad was born in Chicago, making him half Colombian and half African American. He grew up in Chicago until he was ten years old. We love watching you grow over the years! #FSDBGrowingUpAtFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
2 months ago, FSDB
Left photo is young Addison wearing a blue patterned collar shirt, and right photo is current Addison wearing a black sweatshirt smiling for his school photo.
We are pleased to welcome Samantha Kennedy to FSDB! Samantha will work as a Residential Instructor for our Apartment students. She is eager to embrace new experiences, collaborate with students, and participate in FSDB events. An fun fact about Samantha is she is a cat mom! We are excited to have you here at FSDB! #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB
2 months ago, FSDB
Samantha is wearing a white with scattered white flowers shirt smiling for her photo outside of Moore Hall. White graphic on bottom left says "Samantha Kennedy, Apartment Residential Instructor"
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
2 months ago, FSDB
FSDB Board of Trustees Meeting, Friday, February 28, 2025
Welcome Jessica Voorhees to FSDB! Jessica was previously an Architectural Review Coordinator and works at FSDB as a Construction Projects Consultant II. Jessica is excited about doing what she loves as a professional and being able to do it for a great cause and with this, the amazing FSDB community. Jessica is a Peruvian architect from a North Coast city called "The Friendship's Capital" named Chiclayo. "The more I learn about FSDB, the prouder I am to be part of the FSDB Family," shared Jessica. We are so happy to have you as part of the FSDB Family! #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB
2 months ago, FSDB
Jessica wearing a navy winter jacket smiles for a photo outside of Palm Row. White graphic on bottom left says "Jessica Voorhees, Construction Projects Consultant II"
It’s that time of year again! In less than four months, our Class of 2025 seniors will graduate on the Kirk Auditorium stage. This week, our Deaf seniors have been visiting the Communication & Public Relations studio to take their photos. Be sure to check our stories for behind-the-scenes content! #FSDBTakeoverThursdays #Classof2025
2 months ago, FSDB
Stage spotlight graphic shining on a white photographer silhouette taking photos of four seniors in cap and gown red silhouette. Wording above the graphic says "Takeover Thursdays, DHS Senior Photos"
The Outdoor Club went on their last outing to Surfside Beach on February 6. #FSDBCampusLifeTuesdays
3 months ago, FSDB
Group of Blind students in the Outdoor Club smile for a photo on the beach at Surfside.
Our Early Learning Center students continued the tradition of stopping by Moore Hall to greet staff and give them special Valentine's Day treats! #FSDBRecapSunday
3 months ago, FSDB
Seven photo collage of ELC students from Deaf and Blind Department dressed up in Valentine Day outfits smiling and passing out cards to staff in Moore Hall.
Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a big round of applause to the FSDB Middle School Flag Football Team! 🏈 In their historic first-ever game on Tuesday, after just one practice, these incredible girls took to the field with determination and heart.  They worked tirelessly, learning the ins and outs of positioning, offense, defense, and the overall flow of the game. Kaliyah Jones and Cheyenne Phillips showcased their skills by sharing the quarterback duties. Despite a tough 44-0 loss, the team displayed remarkable sportsmanship and an unwavering drive for improvement. This is just the beginning of their journey, and we can't wait to see how they grow and excel in the future. #FSDBSportsSaturday
3 months ago, FSDB
Group of Girls Middle School Flag Football team smiling for a photo outside on the field.
This is Wesley Homewood. Wesley joined FSDB in 2007 at the end of fourth grade and graduated from the Blind Department as the valedictorian in 2015. He attended the University of North Florida, where he studied Deaf Education. While in college, he began working in the FSDB Recreational Department, coaching football and wrestling. After graduating from UNF, he took on the role of a fifth-grade teacher at the Deaf Elementary School (DES). Since then, he has served as a tutor for both DES and the Deaf Middle School (DMS), worked in the Recreational Department, and coordinated the K-2 Summer Camp for two years. He also partnered with the Recreational Department to coach the Youth League Basketball and Youth League Wrestling teams. Wesley fondly remembers his time as a student at FSDB. Some of his most treasured memories include winning the 2013 National Deaf Football Championship, qualifying for the State Wrestling Tournament after years of hard work and support from his coaches, attending Close Up in Washington D.C., and participating in the Ski Club. "FSDB provides many opportunities for its students," Wesley stated. Working at FSDB has been a rewarding experience for him. He enjoys watching his students grow both academically and personally. He strives to be the best version of himself for his students and was honored to be recognized as the 2024-2025 DES Teacher of the Year. Wesley strongly believes in FSDB's vision of preparing students for a lifetime of success. The school has allowed him to pursue this vision in various roles both in and out of the classroom. FSDB holds significant importance for him and his family. A fun fact about Wesley is that he loves traveling to national parks and camping during FSDB's winter, spring, and summer breaks! We loved seeing you grow throughout the years at FSDB! #FSDBGrowingUpAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
3 months ago, FSDB
Left photo is young Wesley in fifth grade wearing a Jaguars football jersey, and right photo is current photo of Wesley wearing black collar shirt smiling for his school photo.
Welcome Martha Stirrat to FSDB! Martha previously worked as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired and now serves as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist. She looks forward to teaching students essential skills they can use for the rest of their lives. A fun fact about Martha is that she moved to St. Augustine for her FSDB internship six years ago, and she is excited to be working here finally! We are thrilled to have you at FSDB! #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB
3 months ago, FSDB
Martha is wearing a light blue shirt with wording FSDB in ASL and Braille smiling for her photo outside of Moore Hall . White graphic on bottom left says "Martha Stirrat, Orientation. and Mobility Specialist"
FSDB wishes everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! We love our community, staff, students, and their families! #HappyValentinesDay #ThisIsFSDB
3 months ago, FSDB
Pink graphic scattered with red hearts with a pink envelope that opens up and shows a photo of four ELC boys smiling for their photo. Above the photo says "Happy Valentines Day from FSDB"
We are excited to welcome Ashley Williams to FSDB! Before joining FSDB, she worked as a Comptroller Assistant and is now a Professional Accountant Specialist. Ashley is eager to explore this new opportunity and gain more knowledge in the accounting field. A few fun facts about Ashley: she is from Mechanicsville, Maryland, and graduated high school at 17 and college at 20. Welcome to the FSDB Family! #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB
3 months ago, FSDB
Ashley is wearing a light brown colored shirt smiling for her photo outside of Moore Hall. White graphic on bottom left says "Ashley Williams Professional Accountant Specialist"
Today, Scott Botelho, from our Technology Department, will be taking over our social media! You can often spot him bustling around campus, ready to lend a hand. Be sure to check out our stories and join Scott on his exciting adventures today! #FSDBTakeoverThursdays
3 months ago, FSDB
Scott is wearing a black suit and striped tie smiling for the photo, shined by lights. Above the photo says "Takeover Thursdays, Scott Botelho"
Continuing with #FSDBBlackHistoryMonth: - **Photo A**: A Black Department workshop in the 1930s, where students are engaged in carpentry and farming, taught by Cary White. - **Photo B**: Cary White’s classroom at Old Knowles Hall, circa the 1950s. - **Photo C**: Girls in the Black Vocational Department participating in a cosmetology class in the 1960s. - **Photo D**: Ida Hampton’s classroom at Old Knowles Hall with students, also from the 1960s. Source: FSDB Museum #FSDBWayBackWhensdays
3 months ago, FSDB
Black and White photo of the Black Department Workshop, and students working in the shop doing Carpentry.
Black and White photo of Cary White's classroom and black students dancing and singing.
Black and White photo of girls in the Black Vocational Department working on hair.
Black and White photo of Ida Hampton smiling with her students inside old Knowles Hall.
Blind High School Close-Up students are in Washington, D.C.! We look forward to seeing their pictures and hearing about their learning. Have a great trip! #FSDBCampusLifeTuesdays
3 months ago, FSDB
Group of Blind students with their teachers smiling for a photo in front of Jefferson Memorial.
Hello FSDB Deaf Department Families! Parent University Presents: Let's Talk About Springtime Fun! Students, Parents, Siblings and Friends are Welcome! This class will be on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Bloxham Hall, Room 213. During this class you will learn to communicate about all things spring! Learn signs for Spring: weather, clothing, activities, food, holidays and much more. Communicating doesn't just mean ASL. We will discuss strategies to use when others around you don't know sign language. All skill levels are welcome and needed. This is a perfect opportunity to learn and play together. RSVP is required to ensure we have sufficient materials and dinner for everyone. Please RSVP at the link below: https://bit.ly/FSDB-SPRING-2025 This is a new location for us. It is the first building on the right after entering the gates at Palm Row.   Parents must check-in at the Front Gate. Travel Reimbursement is available. For more information please visit the FSDB Parent Classes page at: https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/parent-classes
3 months ago, FSDB
Parent University Presents: Let's Talk About Springtime Classes
Sakura Vinson did an outstanding job on Friday, February 7, in the Restaurant Service SkillsUSA competition. The judge remarked on her resume skills, encouraged her to apply for service jobs through Disney and cruise ships, and commended her skills. Sakura demonstrated table setting, napkin folding, order taking, serving, and table-side Caesar salad. Her interpersonal skills and serviceable attitude shined. Well done Sakura!!! #FSDBAcademicMondays
3 months ago, FSDB
Sakura wearing a black shirt with black tie, and apron smiles for the photo outside by the water at FSDB.
Sakura demonstrated setting up the table for the judge.
Welcome Taria Pellicer to FSDB! Taria will be a Residential Instructor for Gregg Hall. She is excited about her position because she enjoys working with kids. Taria loves the FSDB community, which inspired her to join us. She also looks forward to being involved in sports with the students. Originally from Saint Augustine, Taria is passionate about sports! We are thrilled to have you as part of our FSDB family! #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB
3 months ago, FSDB
Taria is wearing a black short sleeve shirt , and smiling for the camera outside of Moore Hall. White graphic on bottom left says "Maria Pellicer, Residential Instructor for Gregg Hall"