
Congratulations to Mariajose Perez Perez on her new position as Community Engagement Facilitator in the Outreach Department!
Mariajose previously worked as an Instructional Assistant at Deaf Elementary School before transitioning to the Outreach Department. She is excited to help prospective families and the community discover the beauty of FSDB, the numerous opportunities available, and her genuine love and pride in being part of this extraordinary school.
A fun fact about Mariajose is that she spent part of her summer volunteering at a summer camp in Homestead, Miami, and the rest exploring the outdoors while hiking in Alabama.
We are so happy for you!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Mariajose previously worked as an Instructional Assistant at Deaf Elementary School before transitioning to the Outreach Department. She is excited to help prospective families and the community discover the beauty of FSDB, the numerous opportunities available, and her genuine love and pride in being part of this extraordinary school.
A fun fact about Mariajose is that she spent part of her summer volunteering at a summer camp in Homestead, Miami, and the rest exploring the outdoors while hiking in Alabama.
We are so happy for you!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB

Summer seemed to pass in the blink of an eye, and just like that, a new school year at FSDB is here! Our school community was excited to welcome our students and families back to campus and looks forward to the learning, growing, and memories that await. There's nothing quite like the energy of a school filled with students, and we are thrilled to begin another great year together.
Photo Description: President Snow and her husband, David, pose for a selfie in front of the FSDB sign at Palm Row. Seen in the background are colorful pinwheels and a giant, pink wacky waving inflatable tube man greeting families to the beautiful campus.
#PrezSnowDay #ThisIsFSDB
Photo Description: President Snow and her husband, David, pose for a selfie in front of the FSDB sign at Palm Row. Seen in the background are colorful pinwheels and a giant, pink wacky waving inflatable tube man greeting families to the beautiful campus.
#PrezSnowDay #ThisIsFSDB

The Open House was a great success! It was fantastic to see so many familiar and new faces on campus. The smiles from parents, students, and staff truly made it a memorable day. We are eager and fully prepared for the first day of the 2026-2027 school year tomorrow!
To view the photos from the Open House event, click the link shared below: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p174114878
#ThisIsFSDB
To view the photos from the Open House event, click the link shared below: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p174114878
#ThisIsFSDB








Finally, this year our Fridays are dedicated to the Deaf ELC and Deaf Elementary School, featuring Lil' Dragon fun class lessons, field trips, boarding program and more.
#DeafELCFridays #DESFridays #ThisIsFSDB
#DeafELCFridays #DESFridays #ThisIsFSDB

Welcome, Kathy Hamill, to FSDB!
Kathy previously worked as a school counselor in Alachua and St. Johns County, and then served as the Accommodations Coordinator at the Community College of Denver. Now, she is joining us at FSDB as our Blind K-9th Grade School Counselor!
Kathy is excited to build connections with the students, staff, and families of FSDB while learning about the needs of our community.
Kathy recently moved back to Florida from Colorado. Before living in Colorado, she lived in Florida and competed in sprint triathlons around the state. During her training, she often ran the Vilano 10K. This race starts on the other side of the bridge and loops through the FSDB campus.
While running through the campus, she admired the beautiful grounds and always thought it would be a great school to work for. Now, she has the chance to do just that!
We are so glad to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Kathy previously worked as a school counselor in Alachua and St. Johns County, and then served as the Accommodations Coordinator at the Community College of Denver. Now, she is joining us at FSDB as our Blind K-9th Grade School Counselor!
Kathy is excited to build connections with the students, staff, and families of FSDB while learning about the needs of our community.
Kathy recently moved back to Florida from Colorado. Before living in Colorado, she lived in Florida and competed in sprint triathlons around the state. During her training, she often ran the Vilano 10K. This race starts on the other side of the bridge and loops through the FSDB campus.
While running through the campus, she admired the beautiful grounds and always thought it would be a great school to work for. Now, she has the chance to do just that!
We are so glad to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB

Welcome, Kathy Hamill, to FSDB!
Kathy previously worked as a school counselor in Alachua and St. Johns County, and then served as the Accommodations Coordinator at the Community College of Denver. Now, she is joining us at FSDB as our Blind K-9th Grade School Counselor!
Kathy is excited to build connections with the students, staff, and families of FSDB while learning about the needs of our community.
Kathy recently moved back to Florida from Colorado. Before living in Colorado, she lived in Florida and competed in sprint triathlons around the state. During her training, she often ran the Vilano 10K. This race starts on the other side of the bridge and loops through the FSDB campus.
While running through the campus, she admired the beautiful grounds and always thought it would be a great school to work for. Now, she has the chance to do just that!
We are so glad to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Kathy previously worked as a school counselor in Alachua and St. Johns County, and then served as the Accommodations Coordinator at the Community College of Denver. Now, she is joining us at FSDB as our Blind K-9th Grade School Counselor!
Kathy is excited to build connections with the students, staff, and families of FSDB while learning about the needs of our community.
Kathy recently moved back to Florida from Colorado. Before living in Colorado, she lived in Florida and competed in sprint triathlons around the state. During her training, she often ran the Vilano 10K. This race starts on the other side of the bridge and loops through the FSDB campus.
While running through the campus, she admired the beautiful grounds and always thought it would be a great school to work for. Now, she has the chance to do just that!
We are so glad to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB

Thursdays will focus on Blind High School! From engaging lessons to clubs and the Boarding Program, get ready for fun-filled Thursdays!
#BHSThursdays #ThisIsFSDB
#BHSThursdays #ThisIsFSDB

We are excited to welcome Rachel Diamond to FSDB!
Previously, Rachel served as the Community Resource Assistant for Campus Police. Now, she has taken on the role of Instructional Assistant, working with our Blind/VI ELC students.
When asked about what she looks forward to most in her job, Rachel mentioned her excitement for working with the Pre-K students.
A fun fact about Rachel is that she is a Master Naturalist certified by the University of Florida.
Rachel also expressed how much she loves being a part of the FSDB community.
We're thrilled to have you as part of our FSDB family, Rachel!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Previously, Rachel served as the Community Resource Assistant for Campus Police. Now, she has taken on the role of Instructional Assistant, working with our Blind/VI ELC students.
When asked about what she looks forward to most in her job, Rachel mentioned her excitement for working with the Pre-K students.
A fun fact about Rachel is that she is a Master Naturalist certified by the University of Florida.
Rachel also expressed how much she loves being a part of the FSDB community.
We're thrilled to have you as part of our FSDB family, Rachel!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB

Just like we do on Mondays and Tuesdays, Wednesdays are all about shining a light on what’s going on in the Deaf Middle School Department! Let’s celebrate the cool stuff happening in between and keep the good vibes going!
#DMSWednesdays #ThisIsFSDB
#DMSWednesdays #ThisIsFSDB

Welcome Mikayla Waters to FSDB!
Mikayla previously worked as an OPS Instructional Assistant at the Deaf Elementary School before securing a position as a 2nd Grade teacher at DES.
When asked what she is most excited about, Mikayla expressed her eagerness to continue getting to know the Lil' Dragons and everyone else she will be working with.
A fun fact is Mikayla enjoys scuba diving. One time, she even discovered an octopus hiding in a rock—how cool!
We are thrilled to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Mikayla previously worked as an OPS Instructional Assistant at the Deaf Elementary School before securing a position as a 2nd Grade teacher at DES.
When asked what she is most excited about, Mikayla expressed her eagerness to continue getting to know the Lil' Dragons and everyone else she will be working with.
A fun fact is Mikayla enjoys scuba diving. One time, she even discovered an octopus hiding in a rock—how cool!
We are thrilled to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB

Welcome Marina Day to FSDB!
Marina previously worked as a cook on the line at Marco's Pizza, and now she is joining us at FSDB as a D/HH Overnight Residential Instructor.
She looks forward to being around Deaf individuals and those who know ASL.
Marina is from St. Augustine, Florida, and she enjoys spending time with her family.
We are thrilled to have you here with us!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Marina previously worked as a cook on the line at Marco's Pizza, and now she is joining us at FSDB as a D/HH Overnight Residential Instructor.
She looks forward to being around Deaf individuals and those who know ASL.
Marina is from St. Augustine, Florida, and she enjoys spending time with her family.
We are thrilled to have you here with us!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB

Please welcome Marissa Droleski to FSDB!
Marissa previously worked as a hostess at Harry's Seafood Restaurant in downtown St. Augustine, and she will now join FSDB as a Deaf/HH Overnight Dorm Staff member. She is very excited to be around people who know ASL, meet the students, and help them.
Originally from Plantation, Florida, Marissa loves to read.
Welcome to the FSDB family, Marissa!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Marissa previously worked as a hostess at Harry's Seafood Restaurant in downtown St. Augustine, and she will now join FSDB as a Deaf/HH Overnight Dorm Staff member. She is very excited to be around people who know ASL, meet the students, and help them.
Originally from Plantation, Florida, Marissa loves to read.
Welcome to the FSDB family, Marissa!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB

Please join us in welcoming Michael Mileznski to FSDB!
Michael will be working as a dorm staff member in the boys' deaf dorm, Rhyne Hall. He previously worked as a VR counselor.
He looks forward to meeting new people, working with those who use ASL, being a role model, and learning new things.
Michael is from Staten Island, New York, and has never fished in his life!
"If you want to know more, just ask!" says Michael.
Welcome to the FSDB Family, Michael!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Michael will be working as a dorm staff member in the boys' deaf dorm, Rhyne Hall. He previously worked as a VR counselor.
He looks forward to meeting new people, working with those who use ASL, being a role model, and learning new things.
Michael is from Staten Island, New York, and has never fished in his life!
"If you want to know more, just ask!" says Michael.
Welcome to the FSDB Family, Michael!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB

Welcome Bonnie Mueller to FSDB!
Bonnie taught middle school social studies at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf for ten years and served as their testing coordinator for three years. She has now joined FSDB as our newest U.S. History teacher in the Deaf Middle School.
Bonnie chose to work at FSDB because she considers it home. Most of her family lives in Florida, and she grew up here. She enrolled at FSDB in 4th grade and graduated from there as well.
Bonnie also has an uncle, brother, and sister who graduated from FSDB. She hopes to have a cousin attending in the future, too.
In addition to her teaching, Bonnie loves to explore national parks. Last September, for her birthday, she spent a week at Glacier National Park and was thrilled to see a moose, which had been her birthday wish!
Welcome to the FSDB Family, Bonnie!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Bonnie taught middle school social studies at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf for ten years and served as their testing coordinator for three years. She has now joined FSDB as our newest U.S. History teacher in the Deaf Middle School.
Bonnie chose to work at FSDB because she considers it home. Most of her family lives in Florida, and she grew up here. She enrolled at FSDB in 4th grade and graduated from there as well.
Bonnie also has an uncle, brother, and sister who graduated from FSDB. She hopes to have a cousin attending in the future, too.
In addition to her teaching, Bonnie loves to explore national parks. Last September, for her birthday, she spent a week at Glacier National Park and was thrilled to see a moose, which had been her birthday wish!
Welcome to the FSDB Family, Bonnie!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB

Welcome Todd Newman to FSDB!
Todd was previously a caretaker, and he will now be working in the Deaf Middle School as a Social Studies Teacher.
When asked what he looks forward to the most in his new job, he shared that he loves teaching and is eager to meet his students.
Here are some fun facts about Todd: he is from Largo, Florida, has a great sense of humor, and loves to read.
We are so excited to have you join us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Todd was previously a caretaker, and he will now be working in the Deaf Middle School as a Social Studies Teacher.
When asked what he looks forward to the most in his new job, he shared that he loves teaching and is eager to meet his students.
Here are some fun facts about Todd: he is from Largo, Florida, has a great sense of humor, and loves to read.
We are so excited to have you join us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB

On Tuesdays, we will focus on the Blind ELC and the Elementary/Middle School Department.
Similar to Mondays, we will highlight various activities, including class events, clubs, teacher and student spotlights, and dorm life.
The example above is from last year's Founder's Day celebration with the Blind Middle School at Fountain of Youth.
Be sure to check in tomorrow to see what every Wednesday will bring!
#BlindELCTuesdays #BEMSTuesdays #ThisIsFSDB
Similar to Mondays, we will highlight various activities, including class events, clubs, teacher and student spotlights, and dorm life.
The example above is from last year's Founder's Day celebration with the Blind Middle School at Fountain of Youth.
Be sure to check in tomorrow to see what every Wednesday will bring!
#BlindELCTuesdays #BEMSTuesdays #ThisIsFSDB

The Welcome Back Staff Luncheon was a success! There were five different food trucks and two dessert trucks. We want to thank the following businesses for helping us make our luncheon a success:
- Sal's Cucina
- Smokin' Spencer's Q
- Uncle KC's Hot Dogs
- Wingin' It
- Yamo
- Bananas Loco
- Hippie Chix Frozen Treats
It was a beautiful day to enjoy good food, fellowship, and reconnect with colleagues. We are excited and ready for the 2026-2027 school year!
To view the rest of the photos from the event, click the link shared below: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p553808438
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDB2026 #WelcomeBack #SummerIsOver







Welcome Jax Pedersen to FSDB!
Originally from Pleasanton, California, he previously worked as an Assistant Brewer. He will now serve as an Instructional Assistant in the CTE Program at FSDB.
"I'm excited to work with students and see them thrive. Go Dragons!" says Jax.
A fun fact about Jax is that he was born and raised in California, so he loves water activities, from jet skiing to surfing and everything in between.
We are thrilled to have you as part of the FSDB family!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Originally from Pleasanton, California, he previously worked as an Assistant Brewer. He will now serve as an Instructional Assistant in the CTE Program at FSDB.
"I'm excited to work with students and see them thrive. Go Dragons!" says Jax.
A fun fact about Jax is that he was born and raised in California, so he loves water activities, from jet skiing to surfing and everything in between.
We are thrilled to have you as part of the FSDB family!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB

This year, for the 2026-2027 school year, we will focus our daily social media campaign on each school. On Mondays, we will highlight Deaf High School by sharing information about class activities, clubs, teacher and student spotlights, and dorm life.
Below is an example of a post from last year's prom.
#FSDBDHSMondays #ThisIsFSDB
Below is an example of a post from last year's prom.
#FSDBDHSMondays #ThisIsFSDB

Welcome, Alexa Rodriguez, to FSDB!
Alexa is our newest teacher at the Early Learning Center for the Deaf Department.
When asked what she is most excited about regarding her work at FSDB, she said, "I am excited to meet my students, learn their personalities, grow with them, and have a great year together!"
Alexa is from St. Johns, Florida. She enjoys dirt biking and has been learning sign language for seven years.
We are so glad to have you join our FSDB Family!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
