Hello, ALMUNIS!
What helps you stay connected to our school community? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays #ThisIsFSDB #ForTheAlumnis
What helps you stay connected to our school community? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays #ThisIsFSDB #ForTheAlumnis
EXCELLENT ALL AROUND!
Over spring break, FSDB Blind High School’s Thespian Troupe 11048 attended the Florida State Senior Thespian Festival, joining nearly 16,000 thespians from across Florida for an unforgettable week of learning, creativity, and performance.
Our students participated in workshops with celebrities from stage and screen, including several Florida Thespian alumni, and experienced outstanding mainstage productions such as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Our troupe competed in three adjudicated events and earned an EXCELLENT rating in all three.
I had the chance to meet with our Thespians this week to snap a selfie of them with their sponsors in front of the stage in the Music Building ask them why they wanted to join the club and what motivated them to go to states. Here were there of their responses:
- I joined because my teacher knew I had potential, and once I found my group, it became something really fun.
- Theater was way outside my comfort zone. I am athletic and never saw myself as a performer, but seeing my friends enjoy it made me try.
- I did not realize how much I loved the arts until I got involved.
These students did not just compete. They grew and shined! We are incredibly proud of them and thankful for our amazing sponsors who made this happen on SPRING BREAK! Can't thank Ms. Wohl and Mr. Botello enough for supporting these amazing students.
Congratulations to Thespian Troupe 11048 for excellent work representing FSDB.
#FSDBProud #BlindHighSchool #Thespians #StudentSuccess #SoStudentsCan #ExcellenceInAction #ThePrezSnowPost
Over spring break, FSDB Blind High School’s Thespian Troupe 11048 attended the Florida State Senior Thespian Festival, joining nearly 16,000 thespians from across Florida for an unforgettable week of learning, creativity, and performance.
Our students participated in workshops with celebrities from stage and screen, including several Florida Thespian alumni, and experienced outstanding mainstage productions such as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Our troupe competed in three adjudicated events and earned an EXCELLENT rating in all three.
I had the chance to meet with our Thespians this week to snap a selfie of them with their sponsors in front of the stage in the Music Building ask them why they wanted to join the club and what motivated them to go to states. Here were there of their responses:
- I joined because my teacher knew I had potential, and once I found my group, it became something really fun.
- Theater was way outside my comfort zone. I am athletic and never saw myself as a performer, but seeing my friends enjoy it made me try.
- I did not realize how much I loved the arts until I got involved.
These students did not just compete. They grew and shined! We are incredibly proud of them and thankful for our amazing sponsors who made this happen on SPRING BREAK! Can't thank Ms. Wohl and Mr. Botello enough for supporting these amazing students.
Congratulations to Thespian Troupe 11048 for excellent work representing FSDB.
#FSDBProud #BlindHighSchool #Thespians #StudentSuccess #SoStudentsCan #ExcellenceInAction #ThePrezSnowPost
It's Deaf Culture Month: Dr. Renca Dunn visited on Tuesday, March 24th. At the beginning of her presentation, she introduced herself and her family, sharing that she is a third‑generation Deaf individual. She discussed her upbringing and explained how she became involved with the Daily News alongside Alex Abenchuchan.
Following her biography, Dr. Dunn presented several videos and interactive activities. Students were highly engaged and eager to respond to her questions. Several students joined her on stage to participate in the activities.
After the presentation, some students approached Dr. Dunn to ask additional questions and take photographs. Following the workshops, she met with several students in Memorial Hall for further interaction. She is widely recognized as a strong role model within the Deaf community.
Deaf Culture Month is extremely important for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students as it promotes understanding of ASL, Deaf culture, and history. During this time, students have the opportunity to learn and strengthen their language skills through ASL, gestures, and facial expressions, which are essential components of effective communication.
#ThisIsFSDB #DeafCultureMonth
Following her biography, Dr. Dunn presented several videos and interactive activities. Students were highly engaged and eager to respond to her questions. Several students joined her on stage to participate in the activities.
After the presentation, some students approached Dr. Dunn to ask additional questions and take photographs. Following the workshops, she met with several students in Memorial Hall for further interaction. She is widely recognized as a strong role model within the Deaf community.
Deaf Culture Month is extremely important for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students as it promotes understanding of ASL, Deaf culture, and history. During this time, students have the opportunity to learn and strengthen their language skills through ASL, gestures, and facial expressions, which are essential components of effective communication.
#ThisIsFSDB #DeafCultureMonth
Gregg Hall in the Deaf Department enjoyed snacks, working on crafts, and bonding with one another.
#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays
#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays
CTE is highlighting Raymond’s Warehouse, a worksite in the FSDB After School Work Program. Through this opportunity, students develop real-world workplace skills such as customer service, inventory management, teamwork, stock rotation, and money handling. This paid work experience helps students build confidence and prepares them for future employment by allowing them to apply the skills they are learning in the CTE program.
#FSDBCTETuesdays
#FSDBCTETuesdays
📣 Attention FSDB Families!
It’s that time of year — physicals & heart screenings are required for all student-athletes for the 2026–2027 school year.
📅 Physical Exam Dates (FREE, in partnership with Mayo Clinic):
• April 14 | 3:00–6:30 PM — Spring sports & high school athletes
• May 5 | 3:00–6:30 PM — 5th grade, middle school & make-ups
❤️ NEW this year: Florida’s Second Chance Act requires all high school athletes to complete a FREE ECG/EKG heart screening before participating. We’re partnering with Who We Play For to offer screenings on the same days!
Required forms: EL1 (ECG), EL2 (Physical), EL3 (Consent) — submit to the Athletic Dept by April 9 or May 1.
Questions? Contact us at 904-325-9317 or email tallentm@fsdbk12.org or jonesn@fsdbk12.org.
To learn more and download forms, visit: https://fsdbathletics.org/sports/2026/3/3/2026-27-sports-physicals.aspx
June Ann LeFors, a member of the Board of Trustees, shares her favorite memory from her time at FSDB below:
"Fifteen years ago, I worked as a toddler teacher in the Early Learning Center. Over the years, I had the privilege of teaching so many young children. It was enjoyable to me to see little hands moving as they learn to sign, express new ideas, and discover the world around them. Seeing their minds grow and flourish has always been a true blessing.
One student, in particular, has stayed close to my heart. She moved to Florida from Morocco with her family so she could attend FSDB. She was bright, sweet, and eager to learn sign language. After she completed the toddler program, her family relocated, and once in a while her mother would reach out to share updates about how she was doing.
Then, this past January, during the Clerc Classic Basketball Tournament at FSDB, something sweet happened. That same little girl—now as a young teen—found me in the stands. I didn’t recognize her at first glance but when she smiled, I knew who she was.
She said, “You were my first Deaf teacher. You gave me my sign name. I went to FSDB, then to several different schools, and now I attend a Deaf school. I am so happy. Thank you for teaching me.”That moment meant more to me than words can express. She never left my heart, and seeing her thrive and succeed reminds me why this work matters so deeply. I am incredibly proud to know that her journey began right here at FSDB."
#FSDBMemoryMondays #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB
"Fifteen years ago, I worked as a toddler teacher in the Early Learning Center. Over the years, I had the privilege of teaching so many young children. It was enjoyable to me to see little hands moving as they learn to sign, express new ideas, and discover the world around them. Seeing their minds grow and flourish has always been a true blessing.
One student, in particular, has stayed close to my heart. She moved to Florida from Morocco with her family so she could attend FSDB. She was bright, sweet, and eager to learn sign language. After she completed the toddler program, her family relocated, and once in a while her mother would reach out to share updates about how she was doing.
Then, this past January, during the Clerc Classic Basketball Tournament at FSDB, something sweet happened. That same little girl—now as a young teen—found me in the stands. I didn’t recognize her at first glance but when she smiled, I knew who she was.
She said, “You were my first Deaf teacher. You gave me my sign name. I went to FSDB, then to several different schools, and now I attend a Deaf school. I am so happy. Thank you for teaching me.”That moment meant more to me than words can express. She never left my heart, and seeing her thrive and succeed reminds me why this work matters so deeply. I am incredibly proud to know that her journey began right here at FSDB."
#FSDBMemoryMondays #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB
On Thursday, March 12, we celebrated Senior Night at St. Augustine High School for our Varsity Girls' Flag Football team. Congratulations to our five seniors: Skylar Bergman, Joss Dagenais, Mariska Dize, Priscilla Lefors, and Daniela Torres.
#FSDBSportsSunday #PassionPridePerseverance #GOFSDBDragons
#FSDBSportsSunday #PassionPridePerseverance #GOFSDBDragons
Senai, a SOAR student, is currently interning with the Communications and Public Relations Department through DB Designs & CTE. He has been working with the C&PR team to learn about the department's daily operations and will assist with graphic design and photo editing, especially for the upcoming senior class and athletic photos. .
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
Happy Spring Break! What are your plans for the break? Have a fun and safe week, and we look forward to seeing everyone return!
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays #HappySpringBreak #SpringBreak2026
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays #HappySpringBreak #SpringBreak2026
🎉 We are THRILLED to announce this year's Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Classes of 2026!
Blind:
Valedictorian: Addison Allen
Salutatorian: Nathaniel Figueroa Borrero
Deaf:
Valedictorian: Brenna Freeman
Salutatorian: Jocelyn Dagenais
CONGRATULATIONS to all four of these exceptional students! 🎓🌟
Blind:
Valedictorian: Addison Allen
Salutatorian: Nathaniel Figueroa Borrero
Deaf:
Valedictorian: Brenna Freeman
Salutatorian: Jocelyn Dagenais
CONGRATULATIONS to all four of these exceptional students! 🎓🌟
Today, students celebrated Pi Day (March 14)! Pi (22/7 or approximately 3.14) is a crazy, never-ending, and awesome irrational number used mathematically to find the circumference and area of a circle.
While this is typically a 7th-grade standard, all students were introduced to using Pi on Thursday, March 12. Today, they celebrated their learning with a Pi feast of circular foods such as York Peppermint Patties, M&Ms, Gummy Lifesavers, Peanut Butter Cups, Pizza, and Cookie Pie.
Before the feast began, students first found the circumference and area of a paper plate (because we are not cavemen or cavewomen—we must be a little dignified!). Once they correctly calculated the circumference and area of the plate, they moved on to find both measurements for their first food item. When students believed they had solved it accurately, a teacher checked their work and rewarded them with the food item if correct. They then continued working through the circular treats one by one until reaching the grand finale—a slice of cookie pie! 🥧📏
#ThisIsFSDB #PiDay
While this is typically a 7th-grade standard, all students were introduced to using Pi on Thursday, March 12. Today, they celebrated their learning with a Pi feast of circular foods such as York Peppermint Patties, M&Ms, Gummy Lifesavers, Peanut Butter Cups, Pizza, and Cookie Pie.
Before the feast began, students first found the circumference and area of a paper plate (because we are not cavemen or cavewomen—we must be a little dignified!). Once they correctly calculated the circumference and area of the plate, they moved on to find both measurements for their first food item. When students believed they had solved it accurately, a teacher checked their work and rewarded them with the food item if correct. They then continued working through the circular treats one by one until reaching the grand finale—a slice of cookie pie! 🥧📏
#ThisIsFSDB #PiDay
Today’s post is a little different as I’m behind the camera instead of in front of it capturing a selfie. What you’re seeing in this photo is the view from my office window. Photo description: Flowering azalea bushes with bright pink blooms in the foreground, set in a mulched garden bed. Behind them are several medium-sized green shrubs and tall trees, including large oaks draped with Spanish moss. In the distance, a row of tall palm trees (Palm Row) line a sidewalk with parked cars on both sides. The Deaf Department Boarding Program buildings with red tiled roofs appear partially visible through the trees under a partly cloudy sky.
This morning, a beautiful yellow swallowtail butterfly was fluttering around these azalea bushes, which are in full bloom. In that moment, I thought: Spring is here! Perfect timing, since Spring Break is next week.
I wish each of you a happy, healthy, and enjoyable Spring Break. I’d love to hear how you’re spending your week as I’ll be spending time doing things that make my heart happy and help recharge my batteries. I look forward to seeing our students back on the campus for school on Monday, March 23rd.
#ThePrezSnowPost #HappySpring #SpringBreak2026
This morning, a beautiful yellow swallowtail butterfly was fluttering around these azalea bushes, which are in full bloom. In that moment, I thought: Spring is here! Perfect timing, since Spring Break is next week.
I wish each of you a happy, healthy, and enjoyable Spring Break. I’d love to hear how you’re spending your week as I’ll be spending time doing things that make my heart happy and help recharge my batteries. I look forward to seeing our students back on the campus for school on Monday, March 23rd.
#ThePrezSnowPost #HappySpring #SpringBreak2026
Nine middle school students had the privilege of attending the National Deaf Theater Festival in Riverside, California last week. During the event, they connected with students from six other middle and high schools while participating in workshops, activities, and collaborative theatrical productions.
To conclude the week, the students performed for the Riverside Deaf community, showcasing the skills and creativity they developed throughout the festival. They were also thrilled by special appearances from John Maucere (SuperDeafy) and the Vich family, Arthur and Amanda, who came out to show their support!
#ThisIsFSDB
Kramer students in the blind department are having a fantastic time playing games in the dorm, while the apartment girls are confidently mastering their yoga practice. It's a lively and uplifting atmosphere!
#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays
#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays
The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) is a national nonprofit organization that promotes inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Our students had the opportunity to design, produce, and sell items while presenting our CTE program to conference attendees. They also explored other vendors and entrepreneurs at the conference, gaining valuable exposure to business and career opportunities.
#FSDBCTETuesdays
#FSDBCTETuesdays
Justyn Keller, a mathematics teacher at Blind Middle School, reflects on his favorite memories as an alumnus and staff member at FSDB:
"Two of my favorite memories from my time as a student at FSDB are participating in the National Braille Challenge in Los Angeles, California, and representing Florida in goalball.
As a staff member, one of my favorite memories is being on the Teacher of the Year Committee, where I have the opportunity to see the incredible work my colleagues do across the District when I visit their classrooms."
#FSDBMemoryMondays #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
"Two of my favorite memories from my time as a student at FSDB are participating in the National Braille Challenge in Los Angeles, California, and representing Florida in goalball.
As a staff member, one of my favorite memories is being on the Teacher of the Year Committee, where I have the opportunity to see the incredible work my colleagues do across the District when I visit their classrooms."
#FSDBMemoryMondays #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Girls Middle School Flag Football achieved their first win on Tuesday, March 3rd, against Victory Preparatory School, with a score of 12-0! Gooooo Dragons Go!
#PassionPridePerseverance #GoFSDBDragons #FSDBSportSundays
#PassionPridePerseverance #GoFSDBDragons #FSDBSportSundays
SOAR students from both the Deaf and Blind departments participated in our annual Safety Fair on Wednesday, March 4th.
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
To celebrate March as National Women's History Month, we invite you to take a quiz on FSDB Women's History! Who was the first female president of FSDB?
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
