Happy Halloween! The Early Learning Center students and staff stopped by Moore Hall to go trick or treating and to show off their amazing costumes!
#ThisIsFSDB
#ThisIsFSDB
Five years ago today, I was deeply honored to be selected as FSDB’s 19th President.
When I look at this photo of myself taken on October 30, 2020, standing outside my office door in a gray suit, with freshly installed lettering on the glass that read “Office of the President,” I can’t help but wonder: if I could go back in time, what would I tell her?
First and formost always be ready to pivot!
You’ll be surrounded by an incredible team of leaders and staff across every department. Strategic Planning will become your passion. And even on the toughest days, your greatest joy will come from time spent with students.
You’ll have countless opportunities to represent FSDB—at conferences, community events, parent meetings, with business partners, and state legislators. Each time, you’ll feel immense pride sharing the story of our programs and community.
And most importantly, never forget your journey as a teacher, specialist, director, administrator, colleague, and parent of two FSDB alumni. That journey will keep you grounded and connected.
I’m grateful for the past five years of serving FSDB as President and excited for the future ahead.
#FSDB #LeadershipJourney #Gratitude #AnniversaryReflection #DeafBlindEducation #PivotWithPurpose #ThisIsFSDB #ThePrezSnowPost
When I look at this photo of myself taken on October 30, 2020, standing outside my office door in a gray suit, with freshly installed lettering on the glass that read “Office of the President,” I can’t help but wonder: if I could go back in time, what would I tell her?
First and formost always be ready to pivot!
You’ll be surrounded by an incredible team of leaders and staff across every department. Strategic Planning will become your passion. And even on the toughest days, your greatest joy will come from time spent with students.
You’ll have countless opportunities to represent FSDB—at conferences, community events, parent meetings, with business partners, and state legislators. Each time, you’ll feel immense pride sharing the story of our programs and community.
And most importantly, never forget your journey as a teacher, specialist, director, administrator, colleague, and parent of two FSDB alumni. That journey will keep you grounded and connected.
I’m grateful for the past five years of serving FSDB as President and excited for the future ahead.
#FSDB #LeadershipJourney #Gratitude #AnniversaryReflection #DeafBlindEducation #PivotWithPurpose #ThisIsFSDB #ThePrezSnowPost
Hello, FSDB Families!!! Our next Parent Engagement Workshop, "Growing Together," is next Friday. Don't miss out on this excellent opportunity to engage with other families and FSDB staff members.
Date: November 7, 2025
Time: 9 AM – 2 PM
Location: Moore Hall, CLD
Topics:
Planting Success at Home: Presentation by the Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System. Grow your toolkit to help your children thrive in routines, communication, academics, and positive behaviors.
Cultivate Conversations: Tools for talking & skills for growing in active listening, conflict de-escalation, and supporting emotional growth.
Rooted in Reading with FSDB Literacy Specialists
President Pop-In!: FSDB President Tracie Snow will POP-In and lead an interactive activity.
Please remember to RSVP to ensure we have sufficient supplies and lunch! Travel Reimbursement is available for this event.
Click here to RSVP
This morning, the Blind Department held its annual Blind Awareness and Homecoming parade.
Usually, we have a separate parade to celebrate Blind Awareness Month; however, we decided to combine the two events this year due to the weather.
The Deaf Department and other groups all came out to support the Blind Department during their parade this morning.
To view the rest of the photos from the event, click the link shared below:
https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p1001397920
#ThisIsFSDB
Usually, we have a separate parade to celebrate Blind Awareness Month; however, we decided to combine the two events this year due to the weather.
The Deaf Department and other groups all came out to support the Blind Department during their parade this morning.
To view the rest of the photos from the event, click the link shared below:
https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p1001397920
#ThisIsFSDB
Last night, Blind High School hosted a Renaissance-themed dance in the Music Building. Everyone looked outstanding, and the dance floor was alive with fantastic dancers. Congratulations to our Homecoming 2025 King and Queen, Damian Palacios and Rihanna Ward!
The rest of the Homecoming Court includes Lord Carlos Pico Carattini, Lady Brilee Reynante, Duke Dino Jeudy, Duchess Jaylynn Ferreiro, Prince Aref Shabaneh, and Princess Meadow Schoen.
#ThisIsFSDB
The rest of the Homecoming Court includes Lord Carlos Pico Carattini, Lady Brilee Reynante, Duke Dino Jeudy, Duchess Jaylynn Ferreiro, Prince Aref Shabaneh, and Princess Meadow Schoen.
#ThisIsFSDB
Please join us in welcoming Joseph Seppala to FSDB!
Joseph is one of our groundskeepers, dedicated to keeping our campus clean and beautiful. He is excited about his role as a groundskeeper, as it is one of his favorite positions.
A fun fact about Joseph is that he loves playing various sports and enjoys watching the sunrise every morning while he works.
As Joseph says, "If you fail at the next step, try a new approach and reach out for your accomplishments to pursue your true dreams."
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB, Joseph!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Joseph is one of our groundskeepers, dedicated to keeping our campus clean and beautiful. He is excited about his role as a groundskeeper, as it is one of his favorite positions.
A fun fact about Joseph is that he loves playing various sports and enjoys watching the sunrise every morning while he works.
As Joseph says, "If you fail at the next step, try a new approach and reach out for your accomplishments to pursue your true dreams."
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB, Joseph!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
The Halloween season has arrived, creating a buzz of excitement! This week has been packed with festive activities, highlighted by a lively Halloween dance and party for blind and deaf middle schoolers.
#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays #HappyHalloween #SpookySeason #FSDBHalloweenCelebration
Today’s theme was Fairytale and Thespian Day, and it was a fantastic celebration! Students showed off their creativity by dressing up as characters from various time periods and beloved Disney classics. It was a vibrant display of imagination and spirit!'
The entire blind high school had the opportunity to participate in a series of challenges as grade-level teams to complete a quest. Once each class completed all their challenges, the final event was organized —a tug-of-war battle.
#FSDBHomecoming2025 #FSDBHomecoming #Homecoming2025
The entire blind high school had the opportunity to participate in a series of challenges as grade-level teams to complete a quest. Once each class completed all their challenges, the final event was organized —a tug-of-war battle.
#FSDBHomecoming2025 #FSDBHomecoming #Homecoming2025
In promotional enterprises, students are working on their business presentations, including creating logos, business cards, advertisements, and social media posts. They are also researching potential annual earnings for similar businesses. In production, they are working on senior posters, athletic shirts, and Clerc Tournament shirts.
#FSDBCTETuesdays
#FSDBCTETuesdays
Mythical creatures capture our imaginations! From the beautiful unicorns to the vampires, these beings spark our curiosity. Explore a world where magic and mystery meet, and uncover the amazing stories behind these legendary creatures!
#FSDBHomecoming2025 #FSDBBlindHomecoming2025 #Homecoming2025 #MythicalCreaturesDay #RenaissanceHomecoming
Jenny Enache, O&M Specialist for Blind K-8, shares her favorite memory from her time at FSDB so far:
"A few years ago, we held a White Cane Day parade that wound its way across the entire campus. As one of the students approached Pope Hall, the crowd erupted in cheers—so loud and full of joy! In that moment, one of our students pulled out his phone and called his mom. With excitement in his voice, he said, “Mom, they’re cheering for my independence!” It was incredibly moving to hear him share that realization, recognizing that the celebration was about honoring each student’s journey toward independence."
#FSDBMemoryMondays
"A few years ago, we held a White Cane Day parade that wound its way across the entire campus. As one of the students approached Pope Hall, the crowd erupted in cheers—so loud and full of joy! In that moment, one of our students pulled out his phone and called his mom. With excitement in his voice, he said, “Mom, they’re cheering for my independence!” It was incredibly moving to hear him share that realization, recognizing that the celebration was about honoring each student’s journey toward independence."
#FSDBMemoryMondays
Blind Homecoming has arrived, featuring a captivating Renaissance theme!
Students and staff dazzled in Medieval Glam attire, reminiscent of a regal court, creating a festive atmosphere filled with energy and history.
#Homecoming2025 #FSDBHomecoming2025 #Renaissance #MedievalGlam
Students and staff dazzled in Medieval Glam attire, reminiscent of a regal court, creating a festive atmosphere filled with energy and history.
#Homecoming2025 #FSDBHomecoming2025 #Renaissance #MedievalGlam
On Wednesday, October 22, Cross Country hosted a meet at home, which also served as Senior Night. Congratulations to the following seniors: Hannah Alford, Alexzander Bishop. Kai Huot, Khayree Lofton, Mason Long, Jasen McDaniel, Addison Allen and Caidan Hadley (not pictured).
#FSDBSportsSunday
Our SOAR students in Maddy Brady’s Fundamentals of Research class have been hard at work giving peer feedback on paragraphs about public figures they admire.
They’ve been focusing on writing for coherence; testing out different paragraph structures and finding the best word choices to make their ideas flow smoothly. Today they were partner up randomly by using a Wheel of Names (that way they always get fresh perspectives) and gave feedback on their application paragraphs from yesterday’s lesson.
And the best part? One student, Tyler, even got to give Maddy feedback on her own modeling paragraph! 💬✏️
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
They’ve been focusing on writing for coherence; testing out different paragraph structures and finding the best word choices to make their ideas flow smoothly. Today they were partner up randomly by using a Wheel of Names (that way they always get fresh perspectives) and gave feedback on their application paragraphs from yesterday’s lesson.
And the best part? One student, Tyler, even got to give Maddy feedback on her own modeling paragraph! 💬✏️
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
What's one thing that makes FSDB feel like home to you?
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
Welcome, Lascelles Williams, to FSDB!
Lascelles is one of our newest teachers at the Blind High School, where he teaches mathematics.
Before joining FSDB, he taught mathematics and IT in Jamaica and the Polk County School District.
As someone who is blind, Lascelles is passionate about inspiring blind and visually impaired students to learn mathematics.
Here are some fun facts about Lascelles: he is from Runaway Bay, Jamaica, and loves EPL soccer.
Lascelles shares, "I would like people to see our abilities before our disabilities."
We are so happy to have you here with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Lascelles is one of our newest teachers at the Blind High School, where he teaches mathematics.
Before joining FSDB, he taught mathematics and IT in Jamaica and the Polk County School District.
As someone who is blind, Lascelles is passionate about inspiring blind and visually impaired students to learn mathematics.
Here are some fun facts about Lascelles: he is from Runaway Bay, Jamaica, and loves EPL soccer.
Lascelles shares, "I would like people to see our abilities before our disabilities."
We are so happy to have you here with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
🎉 October is Blindness Awareness Month! 🎉
This week, I’m thrilled to spotlight our incredible students and the programs that support them here at FSDB. And of course, I had help crafting this post—from the very students we’re celebrating!
📸 In the first photo, I’m standing in my office with a group of students, all of us proudly wearing baseball caps that say “I CAN” in both print and braille, alongside a white cane. I’m honored to wear this new cap—along with all the other “hats” I wear as President—and even more honored by the message it represents.
When I asked the students what they wanted to share, Leonel offered this powerful reflection:
"Las personas deben enfocarse en lo que podemos hacer. No importa si tenemos un impedimento visual o físico, nosotros podemos hacer deportes, ir a la universidad, trabajar y un sinnúmero de cosas más. Estas imágenes sirven de ejemplo de las cosas que nosotros podemos lograr sin importar que tengamos un impedimento visual."
"People should focus on what we can do. It does not matter if we have a visual or physical impairment—we can do sports, go to college, work, and countless other things. These images serve as an example of what we can achieve even though we have a visual impairment."
🏃♂️ In the next photo from our recent Cross Country meet, guide runners helped students from visiting teams experience running without sight—using blindfolds and sighted guides. It was an incredible and memorable experience for all involved.
🦯 The final photo shows a familiar and inspiring sight on our campus: our amazing Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists working with a student. In this lesson, a student was learning to interpret landmarks and navigate areas with shadows—challenging spaces for those relying on functional vision. He’s working toward earning his mobility pass to travel off campus independently.
And to close, a student shared this spontaneous quote that says it all:
“Life can feel challenging as if it’s a game, but luckily, there’s mobility staff to teach you how to use your cane.”
As Blindness Awareness Month comes to a close, let’s remember:
We can do it all. We can celebrate. We can navigate a world that doesn’t revolve around sight. After we learn and grow, we do it with skill, confidence, and pride.
#BlindnessAwarenessMonth #FSDBPride #ICAN #OrientationAndMobility #StudentVoices #InclusionMatters #WhiteCaneDay #THISisFSDB #ThePrezSnowPost
This week, I’m thrilled to spotlight our incredible students and the programs that support them here at FSDB. And of course, I had help crafting this post—from the very students we’re celebrating!
📸 In the first photo, I’m standing in my office with a group of students, all of us proudly wearing baseball caps that say “I CAN” in both print and braille, alongside a white cane. I’m honored to wear this new cap—along with all the other “hats” I wear as President—and even more honored by the message it represents.
When I asked the students what they wanted to share, Leonel offered this powerful reflection:
"Las personas deben enfocarse en lo que podemos hacer. No importa si tenemos un impedimento visual o físico, nosotros podemos hacer deportes, ir a la universidad, trabajar y un sinnúmero de cosas más. Estas imágenes sirven de ejemplo de las cosas que nosotros podemos lograr sin importar que tengamos un impedimento visual."
"People should focus on what we can do. It does not matter if we have a visual or physical impairment—we can do sports, go to college, work, and countless other things. These images serve as an example of what we can achieve even though we have a visual impairment."
🏃♂️ In the next photo from our recent Cross Country meet, guide runners helped students from visiting teams experience running without sight—using blindfolds and sighted guides. It was an incredible and memorable experience for all involved.
🦯 The final photo shows a familiar and inspiring sight on our campus: our amazing Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists working with a student. In this lesson, a student was learning to interpret landmarks and navigate areas with shadows—challenging spaces for those relying on functional vision. He’s working toward earning his mobility pass to travel off campus independently.
And to close, a student shared this spontaneous quote that says it all:
“Life can feel challenging as if it’s a game, but luckily, there’s mobility staff to teach you how to use your cane.”
As Blindness Awareness Month comes to a close, let’s remember:
We can do it all. We can celebrate. We can navigate a world that doesn’t revolve around sight. After we learn and grow, we do it with skill, confidence, and pride.
#BlindnessAwarenessMonth #FSDBPride #ICAN #OrientationAndMobility #StudentVoices #InclusionMatters #WhiteCaneDay #THISisFSDB #ThePrezSnowPost
Welcome, Jason Marlow, our new Executive Director of Technology Services!
Before joining FSDB, Jason worked as a network engineer. He is excited to learn more about the technology and the people involved in his new role.
A fun fact about Jason is that he enjoys playing trivia.
Welcome aboard, Jason!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Before joining FSDB, Jason worked as a network engineer. He is excited to learn more about the technology and the people involved in his new role.
A fun fact about Jason is that he enjoys playing trivia.
Welcome aboard, Jason!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Welcome, Tara Sloan, to FSDB!
Tara will be working as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
Before joining FSDB, she was an independent contractor as a teacher for the visually impaired.
Tara shared, "This truly feels like a dream come true after completing my internship at FSDB, where the students, staff, and supportive community deeply inspired me. I am incredibly excited to join the team and cannot wait to contribute to the mission of empowering students with the skills they need to navigate the world with confidence and independence."
Tara envisions a perfect day spent relaxing with her family by the water.
We are thrilled to have you as part of our FSDB family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Tara will be working as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
Before joining FSDB, she was an independent contractor as a teacher for the visually impaired.
Tara shared, "This truly feels like a dream come true after completing my internship at FSDB, where the students, staff, and supportive community deeply inspired me. I am incredibly excited to join the team and cannot wait to contribute to the mission of empowering students with the skills they need to navigate the world with confidence and independence."
Tara envisions a perfect day spent relaxing with her family by the water.
We are thrilled to have you as part of our FSDB family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Please join us in welcoming Goran Aksentiev to FSDB!
Goran was previously an English Language and Literature Teacher and an ESOL Teacher in North Macedonia. He is now an Associate Teacher at the Blind High School.
Goran is excited to support students on their learning journey, develop as an educator, and be a part of our unique and inspiring school community.
A fun fact about Goran is that he hopes to own a board game café one day.
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB, Goran!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Goran was previously an English Language and Literature Teacher and an ESOL Teacher in North Macedonia. He is now an Associate Teacher at the Blind High School.
Goran is excited to support students on their learning journey, develop as an educator, and be a part of our unique and inspiring school community.
A fun fact about Goran is that he hopes to own a board game café one day.
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB, Goran!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
