Our students enjoyed the Jr. NAD Conference at the New Mexico School for the Deaf! They learned how to unleash their potential and become leaders who can positively impact our school community.

During the trip, they enjoyed hiking, participated in various leadership workshops, and worked on special projects such as video creation, ASL entertainment, and competitions. It was truly an inspiring and memorable experience for them.

#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays
 
4 months ago, FSDB
Jr. NAD group of students and staff wear matching black shirts smiling for a photo with yellow fall trees.
Two photos of the FSDB Jr. NAD group smile together with their certificate and the "New Mexico School for the Deaf" sign.
Two photos of the Jr. NAD group smiling outside with yellow trees, and inside a gym talking with fellow students.
Students in the Career Experience course develop essential employability skills and have the opportunity to apply them in a variety of on-campus roles.

Our students have gained hands-on experience in positions such as:
- Food Service Worker
- Front Office Assistant
- Print Shop Associate
- Teacher Assistant
- PE Assistant
…and more!

#FSDBCTETuesdays
4 months ago, FSDB
Two photo collage of two students sitting at a desk and working on their laptops.
A student washing dishes inside the kitchen.
Two photo collage of students working in the woodshop and the athletics department.

Penelope, a Blind Elementary School student at FSDB, and her mother were recently featured in an exclusive story in People Magazine!

You can read the original article, titled "Mom Creates Adaptive Pajama Line to Help Blind Daughter," written by Brittany Talarico, by clicking the link below:

https://people.com/mom-creates-adaptive-pajama-line-to-help-blind-daughter-exclusive-11827999

Photo credit: Renelita Montesano

4 months ago, FSDB
Mackenzie and Penelope wearing Pixies pajamas, sitting  together holding their canes. Photo credit: Renelita Montesano.
Alvina LaPlante, Director of Interpreter Services, shares her favorite memory during her time at FSDB so far:

"A flood of many events and moments come to mind when asked of my favorite memory. I've had some unique, fun, and challenging interpreting assignments which require me to learn and expand my own knowledge about various topics - one of my favorites has been the opportunities I've had while interpreting in the FSDB Museum. The rich history of FSDB from 1885 until now can't be explored in a day - each time I'm in the museum, I learn more and more. It's even more interesting to me since I have family members who attended and/or graduated from FSDB. A fun fact about me: my parents met as FSDB students while in high school (back in 1970/1971). Yes, it's true. If not for FSDB, I wouldn't exist!"

#FSDBMemoryMonday
4 months ago, FSDB
Alvina is wearing a teal color shirt and smiling for her photo with a white text box on her right shares the quote she stated which is in the caption.

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. The Regular Board meeting will be livestreamed at https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/board-of-trustees-livestream

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – Regular Board Meeting
Location: Moore Hall, CLD Meeting Room

4 months ago, FSDB
Board of Trustees Meeting, Friday, October 31, 2025
On October 16, the swimming team hosted Senior Night to honor Gavin Swart, who is graduating this year.

Congratulations, Gavin!

#FSDBSportsSunday
4 months ago, FSDB
Gavin and his family are smiling for a photo next to Gavin's senior poster inside the pool facility.
Congratulations to Cassidy Squitieri!

Cassidy has been attending FSDB since third grade, totaling eleven years, plus an additional year with SOAR.

Her favorite subjects are math, reading, and art. One of her fondest memories at FSDB includes improving her skills, learning new things, and making new friends.

She has decided to defer her diploma to gain work experience. After leaving FSDB, her plans include helping her family.

Cassidy is excited about graduating from FSDB and has expressed that her family will be there to congratulate her on her last day of school.

Her teachers have commented that Cassidy is a bright, bubbly young lady. She often gets up and dances with excitement. Known for her service-oriented heart, Cassidy will truly be missed!

#FSDBSOARSaturday
4 months ago, FSDB
Group photo of Cassidy and her SOAR group wave their hands in the air in front of the FSDB sign.

Current students & Alumni!

What were some of your favorite field trips during your time at FSDB?

#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays

4 months ago, FSDB
Faded photo of blind seniors smile at Universal with a black quote above says "Current Students & Alumni! What were some of your favorite field trips during your time at FSDB?"

FSDB Families...We're Planning Parent Events...And We Want To Hear From You!

The Parent Services Department is committed to offering quality educational classes for our FSDB families.  Please take a quick moment to share your ideas and requests for upcoming trainings and workshops.

Click here to complete the questionnaire.

4 months ago, FSDB
We’re planning parent events…..and we want to hear from you! The Parent Services Department offer educational workshops and classes through Parent University. Please take a quick moment to complete the questionnaire and share your ideas.

FSDB Parent Engagement Workshop presents "Growing Together"

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

4 months ago, FSDB
FSDB Parent Engagement Workshop Growing Together Graphic.
Mr. Hancock’s Construction students had the opportunity to partner with Habitat for Humanity, gaining hands-on experience that brought their classroom learning to life. Through this partnership, students could see how the skills they developed in class. Skills such as measuring, framing, and teamwork apply directly to real construction projects that make a difference in the community.
 
This experience not only strengthened their technical abilities but also showed them the impact of their work in helping families build safe, affordable homes. The collaboration with Habitat for Humanity gave students a deeper understanding of how their training connects to real-world careers and community service.

#FSDBCTETuesdays
4 months ago, FSDB
Group of FSDB students smiling with their teacher outside after a long day of hard work.
FSDB students working on construction outside in a St Augustine neighborhood.
FSDB students working on construction inside a house with their teacher.
FSDB students watch their teacher teach them what to do before going ahead and doing it.
FSDB students carrying material to where it should be in the house they are building.
Marco De Santiago Alvarez, O&M/ECC Specialist, shares his favorite memory from his time at FSDB.

"One of my favorite memories is from my first year at FSDB, during the Blindness Awareness Parade. At the time, I was completing my Orientation & Mobility internship, and I still vividly remember the excitement and energy of the students and staff as they came together to celebrate. Even as an "outsider," I felt a strong sense of community and belonging. Thinking back on that day fills me with joy and motivates me to continue working hard for our students!"

#FSDBMemoryMonday
4 months ago, FSDB
Marco is wearing a navy blue shirt with the FSDB logo and "Orientation & Mobility" on the right of his chest, smiles for a photo. On the left side of the photo is a white text box that says "One of my favorite memories is from my first year at FSDB, during the Blindness Awareness Parade. At the time, I was completing my Orientation & Mobility internship..."
Congratulations to our Girls Volleyball team for winning the 35th Mason-Dixon Volleyball Tournament hosted by Alabama School for the Deaf.

Way to go!!

#FSDBSportsSunday #PassionPridePerserverance #GoFSDBDragons
4 months ago, FSDB
The FSDB Volleyball team smiling with their trophies inside Alabama School for the Deaf gym.
FSDB High School and SOAR students recently visited the University of North Florida. The students had a fantastic time exploring their college options and learning about what UNF has to offer. It was an excellent opportunity to experience college life firsthand.

We were fortunate to have two FSDB alumni on staff accompany us on the trip. They shared their college experiences and helped guide our students throughout the day, adding a meaningful touch to the visit.

#FSDBSOARSaturdays
4 months ago, FSDB
Group of deaf high school and SOAR students smiling for a photo in front of the UNF sign.
Girls Volleyball travels to Alabama for the Mason-Dixon Volleyball tournament this weekend.

In celebration of that, what year did the FSDB Girls Volleyball team win the first championship in Mason-Dixon tournament?

Hint: It was taken place at Tennessee School for the Deaf.

#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeek
4 months ago, FSDB
Photo of the volleyball team that won the Mason-Dixon tournament for the first time, with a black quote box that asks "What year did the FSDB girls volleyball team win the first championship in Mason-Dixon? "

Hello FSDB Families and Students, We wanted to send a reminder that this weekend will be a "Long Weekend." All students will go home today, Friday, October 10, at 2:05 p.m. SHOW Bus students will be picked up on Monday, October 13, at their normal pick-up time. Classes will resume on Tuesday, October 14. We hope you have a wonderful long weekend!

4 months ago, FSDB
Long weekend graphic. All students leave Friday, October 10 at 2:05 PM. SHOW Bus Students return on Monday, October 13. Classes Resume on Tuesday, October 14.
Michael is ready to SOAR!

When I became President of FSDB, I realized there was something missing. Some of our students earned their diploma, walked during their graduation and then returned as deferred students—now part of our SOAR program. But when it was time for them to exit and start their next chapter, most of them had their IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting and then quietly left. That didn’t sit right with me.

If you know me, you know I believe in celebrating students. So for the past five years, I’ve made it a point to personally hand them their diploma—whether it’s in the cafeteria, at their job site, during a class party with cupcakes, or like yesterday, surrounded by a small group of staff sharing pride, encouragement, and reflections on the student's journey at FSDB.

Michael Diaz-Ramos, a student from the Blind High School, is leaving FSDB with more than he started with: A standard diploma, a deep understanding of himself, a sense of belonging, and two certifications he earned while attending the First Cost Technical College whom we partner with.

Thrilled that he now has certification in EPA Type 1 & Type 2 (HVAC certification qualifying him to work on small, medium-pressure, and high-pressure appliances

He’s first starting in the food industry at a local restaurant, with his sights set on a future in HVAC.

Michael, we are so proud of you. You’ve got this—and we’re just a phone call or email away.
#FSDBPride #SOARProgram #StudentSuccess #HVACCertified #BlindHighSchool #CelebratingStudents
4 months ago, FSDB
Left to Right: Tracie Snow, Michael, and Blind High School AP smile for a photo with Michael's diploma.
Please join us in welcoming Dylana Galery to FSDB!

Dylana is joining us as an overnight D/HH Residential Instructor. Previously, she served as a National Field Support Manager.

Dylana is excited to engage with the students and help them develop healthy habits. She has expressed that understanding what is essential to the students brings her joy.

A fun fact about Dylana is that she has visited all of the Presidential museums.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to use my talents in a meaningful way,” Dylana stated.

We are so fortunate to have you here with us at FSDB!

#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
4 months ago, FSDB
Dylana is wearing a pink and blue stripe collar shirt smiling for the camera with a silver backdrop and red background. Below the photo is a white textbox says "Dylana Galery, Overnight D/HH Residential Instructor"

Congratulations to Dani Quinones on being named the DES Teacher of the Year. Ms. Dani teaches Kindergarten, a mentor for our new teachers, a committee member of our PBiS team & many more. She contributes to DES by sharing fresh ideas, support, and being a team player for our school. We are delighted for Ms. Dani to represent DES as Teacher of the Year.

#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #TeacherOfTheYear2026

4 months ago, FSDB
Left to Right: President Snow, Dani and DES Assistant Principal smile for a photo together.
Dani is smiling with three of her students with the whole Deaf Elementary School Department behind her.
Last year's Teacher of the Year smile with the new Teacher of the Year for a photo together.
Dance is back! Elementary and middle school students meet every Monday for ballet and every Wednesday for tap. They are ready to enhance their skills and master new moves.

#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays
4 months ago, FSDB
Group of elementary students on stage in their tap shoes wearing pink or black ballet clothing.
A elementary student wearing a black shirt that says "move with heart" and a black tutu skirt smiling for her photo.
A photo of boys and girls wearing their black and pink ballet clothing practicing their dance moves on stage in Kirk.