Please join us in welcoming Denise "Dee" Bisch to FSDB!
Prior to joining FSDB, Denise served as the Director of Community Outreach and Hospice Ambassador. She is now working as an instructional assistant in the Deaf Middle School.
Denise is most excited about her new role, where she gets to work with children.
Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Denise lived on a boat during her younger years.
She also wanted to express her gratitude, stating that everyone on campus has been incredibly helpful!
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Prior to joining FSDB, Denise served as the Director of Community Outreach and Hospice Ambassador. She is now working as an instructional assistant in the Deaf Middle School.
Denise is most excited about her new role, where she gets to work with children.
Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Denise lived on a boat during her younger years.
She also wanted to express her gratitude, stating that everyone on campus has been incredibly helpful!
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Welcome, Zora Elliott-Mendelsohn, to FSDB!
Zora recently graduated from college this past May and is ready to be a Social Studies Teacher in the Deaf Middle School.
"I am most excited about the personal growth and rich experiences this new position will bring me," Zora shared.
Originally from Bowie, Maryland, Zora is working on a book, and her biggest dream is to publish it.
Welcome to the FSDB family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Zora recently graduated from college this past May and is ready to be a Social Studies Teacher in the Deaf Middle School.
"I am most excited about the personal growth and rich experiences this new position will bring me," Zora shared.
Originally from Bowie, Maryland, Zora is working on a book, and her biggest dream is to publish it.
Welcome to the FSDB family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Wednesdays are designated as FSDB After Hours Wednesdays! The posts will cover a variety of topics, including recreation, clubs, residential life, and much more.
This past Saturday, August 10, we held our open house for students and their families. During the event, families had the opportunity to meet teachers, tour the dorms, assist their children with moving in, and speak with representatives from various departments.
To view the photos from Open House, click the link shared below:
https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p940973800
#FSDBAfterHoursWednesdays
This past Saturday, August 10, we held our open house for students and their families. During the event, families had the opportunity to meet teachers, tour the dorms, assist their children with moving in, and speak with representatives from various departments.
To view the photos from Open House, click the link shared below:
https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p940973800
#FSDBAfterHoursWednesdays
Welcome, Natalie Rivera, to FSDB!
Natalie previously worked as a preschool teacher for three year olds at Treasure Harbor Preschool. She will now be joining Deaf Middle School as an Instructional Assistant.
She is particularly excited about working in an ASL environment.
In her free time, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, and experimenting with coffee.
As a CODA, both of her parents are alumni of FSDB.
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Natalie previously worked as a preschool teacher for three year olds at Treasure Harbor Preschool. She will now be joining Deaf Middle School as an Instructional Assistant.
She is particularly excited about working in an ASL environment.
In her free time, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, and experimenting with coffee.
As a CODA, both of her parents are alumni of FSDB.
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Welcome, Robin Metallo, to FSDB!
We're thrilled to announce that Robin will be joining us as a 4th-grade teacher at Deaf Elementary. She is looking forward to meeting the staff and becoming a member of the FSDB family.
Robin comes to us from Hillsborough, New Jersey, and has a background in competitive gymnastics.
We are happy to have you as part of our FSDB Family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
We're thrilled to announce that Robin will be joining us as a 4th-grade teacher at Deaf Elementary. She is looking forward to meeting the staff and becoming a member of the FSDB family.
Robin comes to us from Hillsborough, New Jersey, and has a background in competitive gymnastics.
We are happy to have you as part of our FSDB Family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Welcome to FSDB, Elizabeth Surber!
Elizabeth Previously worked as an OPS Associate Teacher before becoming an Instructional Assistant in the Deaf Elementary program.
"I look forward to working with children," Elizabeth shared.
Here are some fun facts about Elizabeth: she is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and enjoys reading books.
We are thrilled to have you as part of our FSDB family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Elizabeth Previously worked as an OPS Associate Teacher before becoming an Instructional Assistant in the Deaf Elementary program.
"I look forward to working with children," Elizabeth shared.
Here are some fun facts about Elizabeth: she is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and enjoys reading books.
We are thrilled to have you as part of our FSDB family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Welcome to FSDB, Sophia Donnelly!
Sophia has just graduated from the University of North Florida; this is her first year as a teacher. Before accepting her teaching position at Deaf Elementary, she completed an internship at the same school.
Sophia is excited to be part of the FSDB community and looks forward to meeting and growing alongside her students and colleagues.
We are looking forward to having you here at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Tuesdays are Career & Tech Tuesdays!
We will be highlighting all of the programs and CTE students. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program prepares students for college or workforce success by integrating academics and career development coursework and training opportunities.
We are throwing it back to last year's CTE Showcase this Tuesday! Our students had the opportunity to engage with various vendors, each offering unique insights and opportunities.
#FSDBCTETuesdays
We will be highlighting all of the programs and CTE students. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program prepares students for college or workforce success by integrating academics and career development coursework and training opportunities.
We are throwing it back to last year's CTE Showcase this Tuesday! Our students had the opportunity to engage with various vendors, each offering unique insights and opportunities.
#FSDBCTETuesdays
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) announces public meetings to which all members of the public are invited to attend. Members of the public may address the board for up to three minutes per person. All public comments are limited to 45 minutes in total. Note: Only the 2:00 p.m. Regular Board meeting will be livestreamed at https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/board-of-trustees-livestream
Location: Moore Hall, CLD Meeting Room
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
Times: 8:30 a.m. – Board of Trustees Workshop; 2:00 p.m. – Regular Board Meeting
Welcome Daniel Pletenets to FSDB!
Daniel will be the newest science & unique skills teacher at Deaf Middle School. Before accepting the job, he was an American Sign Language Consultant Student Manager.
Daniel looks forward to meeting new students and seeing them grow successfully in academics and extracurricular activities!
"I am looking forward to being part of the FSDB family and bringing my experience and knowledge into the classroom," shared Daniel.
A fun fact about Daniel is that he swam at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil, representing Team USA and won six medals!
We are so happy to have you as part of our FSDB Family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Daniel will be the newest science & unique skills teacher at Deaf Middle School. Before accepting the job, he was an American Sign Language Consultant Student Manager.
Daniel looks forward to meeting new students and seeing them grow successfully in academics and extracurricular activities!
"I am looking forward to being part of the FSDB family and bringing my experience and knowledge into the classroom," shared Daniel.
A fun fact about Daniel is that he swam at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil, representing Team USA and won six medals!
We are so happy to have you as part of our FSDB Family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Welcome, Kelsey Walsh, to FSDB!
Kelsey has recently graduated from Flagler College and will be working as an English and Language Arts teacher in a Deaf Middle School.
She looks forward to connecting with her students and watching them grow as learners.
A fun fact about Kelsey is that she was a member of the Flagler College Cheerleading team during her time there.
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Kelsey has recently graduated from Flagler College and will be working as an English and Language Arts teacher in a Deaf Middle School.
She looks forward to connecting with her students and watching them grow as learners.
A fun fact about Kelsey is that she was a member of the Flagler College Cheerleading team during her time there.
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Welcome, Alexis Griffin, to FSDB!
Alexis will be an English and Language Arts teacher at Deaf High School. She is excited to help her students discover their uniqueness and creativity through learning. She eagerly anticipates those "AHA" moments and celebrates her students' successes!
"I love to learn and expand my knowledge, and I look forward to sharing that appreciation with my students," said Alexis.
Here are some fun facts about Alexis: she is from Jackson, New Jersey, and has been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records.
"Teaching at FSDB has been a dream, and I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity!" stated Alexis. "I look forward to embarking on this new journey!"
We are excited to welcome you to our FSDB family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Alexis will be an English and Language Arts teacher at Deaf High School. She is excited to help her students discover their uniqueness and creativity through learning. She eagerly anticipates those "AHA" moments and celebrates her students' successes!
"I love to learn and expand my knowledge, and I look forward to sharing that appreciation with my students," said Alexis.
Here are some fun facts about Alexis: she is from Jackson, New Jersey, and has been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records.
"Teaching at FSDB has been a dream, and I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity!" stated Alexis. "I look forward to embarking on this new journey!"
We are excited to welcome you to our FSDB family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Please welcome Raquel Grindstaff to FSDB!
She is from New Market, Maryland and was previously a School Behavior Counselor. She is joining FSDB as the High School Counselor at the Deaf High School.
Raquel is most excited about the opportunity to get to know the students. She is also looking forward to being part of the FSDB Family.
A fun fact about Raquel is that she loves traveling and picking up something new everywhere she visits, whether it's a skill, a story or a local dish.
We are so thrilled to have you here at FSDB with us!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
She is from New Market, Maryland and was previously a School Behavior Counselor. She is joining FSDB as the High School Counselor at the Deaf High School.
Raquel is most excited about the opportunity to get to know the students. She is also looking forward to being part of the FSDB Family.
A fun fact about Raquel is that she loves traveling and picking up something new everywhere she visits, whether it's a skill, a story or a local dish.
We are so thrilled to have you here at FSDB with us!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
We are excited to welcome Ryan Johnson to FSDB!
Ryan will be the new Assistant Principal of Student Services for Deaf High School. He hails from Faribault, MN, where he previously worked as the MSAD School Director.
Ryan is eager to collaborate with staff, get to know the students and their families, and become an integral part of the FSDB community.
"While I will always be a Trojan, as I was an MSAD alum, I am ready to be a Dragon!" stated Ryan.
A fun fact about Ryan is that his team won the gold championship at the 2022 World Deaf Curling Championships in Banff, Canada. He described it as a rich experience, especially after winning four comeback matches on the way to the victory.
Ryan is also a father to two children: Ariel, age 14, and Aviela, age 11.
Welcome to the FSDB Family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Ryan will be the new Assistant Principal of Student Services for Deaf High School. He hails from Faribault, MN, where he previously worked as the MSAD School Director.
Ryan is eager to collaborate with staff, get to know the students and their families, and become an integral part of the FSDB community.
"While I will always be a Trojan, as I was an MSAD alum, I am ready to be a Dragon!" stated Ryan.
A fun fact about Ryan is that his team won the gold championship at the 2022 World Deaf Curling Championships in Banff, Canada. He described it as a rich experience, especially after winning four comeback matches on the way to the victory.
Ryan is also a father to two children: Ariel, age 14, and Aviela, age 11.
Welcome to the FSDB Family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
On Mondays, we will share a favorite memory from a staff member, teacher, student, or alumni each week.
Mel Botterbusch-Goodall, Director of Student Life, shares her favorite memory below:
"As an alumnus of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB), I carry countless memories from my junior high school years through graduation. Over the past 31 years of working here, I've had the privilege of creating many more meaningful experiences, especially during my evening shifts with high school students.
One of the most impactful experiences involved a student who struggled with managing his temper and would often become easily frustrated. During difficult moments, he knew he could come to my office—his safe space—to vent and express his emotions. It became a refuge for him, and I was grateful to be someone he trusted during those times. Supporting students in this way has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career at FSDB."
#FSDBMemoryMondays
Mel Botterbusch-Goodall, Director of Student Life, shares her favorite memory below:
"As an alumnus of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB), I carry countless memories from my junior high school years through graduation. Over the past 31 years of working here, I've had the privilege of creating many more meaningful experiences, especially during my evening shifts with high school students.
One of the most impactful experiences involved a student who struggled with managing his temper and would often become easily frustrated. During difficult moments, he knew he could come to my office—his safe space—to vent and express his emotions. It became a refuge for him, and I was grateful to be someone he trusted during those times. Supporting students in this way has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career at FSDB."
#FSDBMemoryMondays
Students will learn or improve their personal interactions with others. Learn, practice and implement cooking skills like measuring, temperatures, and following a recipe. Students will also create a menu, talk about table setting, and manage clean up when they are all done! And of course they will eat!
Who: BVI, DHH, and DSI students ages 6-17 living in Florida. Parent supervision is expected, and siblings are encouraged to join.
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time)
Location: Zoom virtual classroom – Materials will be mailed to each student’s home before the event.
Contact: Jennifer Valderrama, 904-827-2454, valderramaj@fsdbk12.org
Registration: Please register with your Parent/Guardian and siblings, so they can be included in this activity. Parent supervision is requested, and siblings are encouraged to join. Please use the link below:
https://bit.ly/Fall-Virtual-ECC-2025
Who: BVI, DHH, and DSI students ages 6-17 living in Florida. Parent supervision is expected, and siblings are encouraged to join.
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time)
Location: Zoom virtual classroom – Materials will be mailed to each student’s home before the event.
Contact: Jennifer Valderrama, 904-827-2454, valderramaj@fsdbk12.org
Registration: Please register with your Parent/Guardian and siblings, so they can be included in this activity. Parent supervision is requested, and siblings are encouraged to join. Please use the link below:
https://bit.ly/Fall-Virtual-ECC-2025
During the second week of July, Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind proudly hosted the National Student Life Conference for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing—and what an incredible week it was! Over 200 passionate representatives from 35 schools across the country came together to share ideas, learn, and celebrate student life programs.
We were thrilled to welcome 144 registrants who stayed right here in our dorms, making FSDB a buzzing hub of energy, connection, and inspiration all week long. Throughout the week, FSDB warmly welcomed everyone creating a vibrant community atmosphere filled with learning and connection. Participants engaged with a diverse lineup of outstanding presenters who delivered dynamic workshops designed to inspire, educate, and empower.
This conference was a monumental undertaking—and it truly showcased the strength of our FSDB community. From household staff to maintenance, campus police to administration, technology teams to the public relations office, and the dedicated volunteers and event staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes—every individual played a vital role in making this event an incredible success.
The positive feedback from attendees statewide has been overwhelming, with many expressing admiration for the excellence and hospitality demonstrated here at FSDB.
#ThisIsFSDB
We were thrilled to welcome 144 registrants who stayed right here in our dorms, making FSDB a buzzing hub of energy, connection, and inspiration all week long. Throughout the week, FSDB warmly welcomed everyone creating a vibrant community atmosphere filled with learning and connection. Participants engaged with a diverse lineup of outstanding presenters who delivered dynamic workshops designed to inspire, educate, and empower.
This conference was a monumental undertaking—and it truly showcased the strength of our FSDB community. From household staff to maintenance, campus police to administration, technology teams to the public relations office, and the dedicated volunteers and event staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes—every individual played a vital role in making this event an incredible success.
The positive feedback from attendees statewide has been overwhelming, with many expressing admiration for the excellence and hospitality demonstrated here at FSDB.
#ThisIsFSDB
Maddy Brady, an English teacher at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, was one of just 13 educators selected nationwide—and the only representative from Florida—for the 2025 Museum Teacher Fellowship Program through the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
This highly competitive fellowship is designed to deepen educators’ understanding of Holocaust history and pedagogy while supporting their efforts to bring high-quality, accessible Holocaust education to students and communities. Fellows participate in an intensive summer institute at the Museum and commit to leading professional development in their local area.
Maddy began this journey as a teacher in Deaf Middle School and will continue to serve the Museum as she transitions into a new role in Deaf High School. She is proud to bring this important work to the Deaf and Blind community and beyond, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust remain relevant, inclusive, and impactful.
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
This highly competitive fellowship is designed to deepen educators’ understanding of Holocaust history and pedagogy while supporting their efforts to bring high-quality, accessible Holocaust education to students and communities. Fellows participate in an intensive summer institute at the Museum and commit to leading professional development in their local area.
Maddy began this journey as a teacher in Deaf Middle School and will continue to serve the Museum as she transitions into a new role in Deaf High School. She is proud to bring this important work to the Deaf and Blind community and beyond, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust remain relevant, inclusive, and impactful.
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Today was the final day of the Summer Quest Camps! The campers worked hard throughout the week, practicing for their Skit Day performance for their families.
FSDB wishes everyone a fantastic summer! We look forward to seeing you this August!
The Summer Quest campers visited the Alligator Farm to see various alligators and went zip lining. In the evening, they will have a cookout, enjoy water slides, and spend time outdoors!
