Florida School for the Deaf & the Blind - Do More. Be More. Achieve More.

Follow our stories today as we go behind the scenes with a production crew that will be videotaping for a series called VIEWPOINT with Dennis Quaid. FSDB will be featured in this short-form documentary series that will air on Public Television stations in all 50 states. They'll also be producing a one-minute educational commercial that will be broadcast in primetime on channels like MSNBC, CNBC, CNN, Discovery Life, The Learning Channel, and Discovery Channel. #FSDBTakeoverThursdays

FSDB is excited to continue our Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) Interactive Learning Series for children who are blind/visually impaired (B/VI) or deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH). How to Make Almost Anything - Skills Workshop Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time) Agenda: Students will learn or improve their personal interactions with others. Learn, practice and implement DIY skills to make or complete simple projects. Strategize what skills are needed to meet their own personal goals. Complete at least one DIY- Do It Yourself Project to keep or share. Who: BVI, DHH, and DSI students ages 6-15 living in Florida. Parent supervision is requested, and siblings are encouraged to join. Date and Time: Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time) Location: Zoom virtual classroom – Materials will be mailed to each student’s home prior to 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. Click here to register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/b4fj2rz

We will share FSDB Black History for February to celebrate Black History Month. A farm and cows were once located on the FSDB campus. In the 1930s, Casa Cola near Saint Augustine airport was where black students were helped to build a barn by Cary White and Eugene Hogle. The cows and chickens were relocated from the main campus of the FSDB to a new barn to be cared for and milk produced by a dairy farmer. FSDB had a cow nicknamed "Victor Baby Hilda," who produced 16,553 pounds of milk and 753 pounds of butterfat in just 235 days. In the 1890s, an FSDB farm was on campus but discontinued in 1952. Every week, Cary White had to produce milk from cows, drive to Daytona Beach to have it cleansed, and finally return it to FSDB to provide meals for students. Creds to FSDB Museum. #FSDBWayBackWhensday #FSDBBlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryMonth #FSDBHistory

Spring Community Open House 2025 Wednesday, March 5, 2025 @ 9 AM – 12 PM Please join us for an opportunity to learn about FSDB programs, watch a variety of performances from FSDB music groups and Q&A with staff and students. Special guests include FSDB President, Tracie Snow and D & B Designs with unique gifts and apparel. Click the following link to register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/vz9b7nk

In Apartments, Ja'Niyah prepared chicken and corn with white rice for dinner for her peers. Looks delicious! #FSDBCampusLifeTuesdays

Congratulations to Debbi Day on her recent retirement from FSDB! Debbi moved from Rochester, New York to Saint Augustine in 1994 when her then-husband was hired at FSDB. While balancing the care of her two daughters, she frequently traveled back and forth to visit her mother, who was suffering from a brain tumor. After her mother's passing, Debbi found herself with more time and decided to apply for a temporary position at the Deaf library. When that position ended, another temporary role opened up in the technology department, which she took on afterward. Debbi has a health care background with training as a medical assistant, EMT, and radiological technologist. After temporary positions, she worked full-time as a Chelation Therapist for six years. She then took a position as a Transporter at the Health Care Center at FSDB, where she arranged off-campus medical appointments and drove students to their appointments, enjoying the one-on-one time with them. Eventually, due to some shifts in the Health Care Center, she transitioned to the role of Medical Unit Specialist, where she continued to work until her retirement. During her time at FSDB, she has met many wonderful people and forged lasting friendships. While the workload can be stressful, she knows this is typical in healthcare. "The thing that kept me here at FSDB, and I will miss the most, are the students. I will also miss my coworkers and colleagues," shared Debbi. Debbi plans to retire by spending quality time with her family and engaging in her granddaughters' activities. She aims to enjoy walks on the beach with her three dogs, volunteer at a shelter, attend the gym regularly, and cook healthy meals to make this chapter of her life fulfilling. She has everything she desires, including her faith, family, dogs, and friends. On her last day of work, Debbi's daughter, Anastasia, came to visit and brought her flowers. It was a bittersweet moment for Anastasia as well. For the past thirty years, she has been visiting her parents at FSDB since they moved to Saint Augustine and began working there. We will miss you, Debbi! Enjoy retirement! #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB

Ms. Daniels’ class used a zipline on a slope with a small wooden car attached. They were exploring if adding or removing mass to the car made any difference in the speed at which the wooden vehicle could travel.  Each student completed four trials using one amount of mass; they did another four trials using a different amount of mass. Each student developed a hypothesis: “If I add more mass to the car on the zipline, then it will travel faster.” Lastly, they had to analyze their data to prove or disprove their hypothesis.  Science Rocks! #FSDBAcademicMondays

The FSDB Wrestling team traveled to California School for the Deaf at Riverside last weekend for the 2025 Willigan Wrestling Tournament. To view the photos, click the link: https://scarlettvalenciaphotography.pixieset.com/williganwrestlingtournament/dayonefloridavsmaryland/ Photo credits go out to Scarlett Valencia Photography @scarlettvalenciaphotography #FSDBSportsSaturday

This is Brendan Murphy, though some of you may know him as "BP." BP is currently working as a Senior Residential Instructor and also serves as the FSDB Museum Coordinator in an OPS (Other Personnel Services) role. He is an alumnus of the Deaf Department, having enrolled at FSDB in 1971 and graduated in 1983. After graduating from FSDB, BP attended Gallaudet University, where he participated in the sports program as a manager and graduated in 1993. He then worked at MSSD as the Athletic Facility/Equipment Supervisor for five years before returning to Florida to work at FSDB. BP wanted to come back to FSDB because he loves his alma mater and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals, serving as a role model, and making a difference in their lives. BP began working at FSDB in 1995 as a Residential Instructor and has remained in that position for twenty-nine years. He has also held other OPS positions, including Bus Chaperone and Athletic Program Assistant. Additionally, he volunteered as the FSDB Historian at the museum for twenty years before becoming the OPS Museum Coordinator. As a student, BP participated in many memorable experiences. In 1979, he was the manager for the Varsity Football team that won the National Deaf Prep Championship. In 1983, he received several prestigious awards during the sports banquet, including Best Athletic Student Manager, the "BP—Our Key to Success" Award, and the Bob Greenman Award for Citizenship & Sportsmanship. "It was a big honor, and now these awards are displayed in my office at the museum," BP shared. As an employee, BP cherishes the time spent interacting with students, especially during weekends when they stay on campus and only occasionally go home. He enjoys working with them during those weekends, as they often go on fun trips together. BP is "busy as a bee." He loves researching the history of FSDB and reads the news daily to stay informed about global events. We have enjoyed watching you grow over the years. You are truly awesome! #FSDBGrowingUpAtFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB

Lori Hall, an art teacher in the Blind Department, and her art classes will be taking over our social media today! Be sure to check our stories to see the creative artwork our students have completed throughout the day. #FSDBTakeoverThursdays

Photos shown above are the teams that first won Mason Dixion Champions: – The 1968 Varsity Boys basketball team won the championship game at FSDB; FSDB beat Alabama. – 1984 Varsity Girl's basketball team won the championship game at VSDB; FSDB beat Alabama.  – -1970 cheerleaders won the competitions voted by the judges at SCSDB.  FSDB championship history in the Mason-Dixon Tournament : Boys Basketball Champions: 1968, 1979, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2023 Girls Basketball Champions: 1984, 2001, 2011, 2013, 2015,2019, 2023, 2024 Cheerleading  Champions: 1970, 1973, 1979, 1980 (tied), 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020 and 2023 This weekend, FSDB teams are going to Louisiana School for the Deaf for the Mason-Dixon Basketball tournament.  The tournament is on Friday and Saturday, January 31 and February 1, 2025.   More information about the tournament can be found on the website: lsd.mdsports.org.    Good Luck to the Dragons teams! Source:  FSDB Archive, 1970 Florida School Herald, FSDB 1984 yearbook and Mason-Dixon Tournament program books. #FSDBWayBackWhensdays #FSDBHistory

Our MS Robotics Team 32084A attended the Haile Storm IQ competition this weekend. They did a fantastic job and placed 7th in the finals! They also were given the special honor of the Judges Award! Go Dragons! #FSDBCampusLifeTuesdays

In line with this month’s PBiS theme, we would like to highlight the achievement of one of our middle school students who exemplifies responsibility, mentorship, and citizenship. Jermeka is a talented young artist who has refined her skills in Technology class. Using the app Procreate, Jermeka created a customized name poster for Mr. Keller, thoughtfully incorporating his favorite colors and activities. Her design even features a goalball court and a goalball, showcasing her attention to detail and dedication. Jermeka’s project highlights her artistic talents and sense of responsibility in delivering a meaningful gift. By taking the initiative to learn and use new technology, she demonstrates the importance of mentorship and citizenship, inspiring her peers to explore their creative potential. Keep up the fantastic work, Jermeka! #FSDBAcademicMondays

Over the weekend, our dragons competed both in the Marty Willigan Duals and Individual tournaments at California School for the Deaf - Riverside. Here are the results: Friday-Duals-Runner Up Saturday-Individuals- CHAMPIONS Individual medalists: Joss Dagenais-106lb CHAMP Ivan McAlpin-113lb CHAMP Khayree Lofton-126lb CHAMP Joshua Newman-132lb CHAMP Dino Juedy Jr.-138lb Runner Up Daniel Healy-144lb Runner Up Addison Allen-157lb Runner Up Muntaser Wadi-HWT 3rd place Additional Awards: Most Outstanding Wrestler Lightweight (106-144)-Joshua Newman Most Pins in the Least Amount of Time (8 pins in 8:52)-Ivan McAlpin Team Scores: 1st place-Florida-246 2nd place-Indiana-180.5 3rd place-Maryland-170.5 4th place-Model Secondary School-166.5 5th place-California Riverside-136 6th place-Texas-97 7th place-California Fremont-68 8th place-University-64 Way to go!!! #FSDBRecapSundays #OneTeamOneHeartbeat

Senior Night for Boys Basketball and our Cheerleaders took place on Tuesday, January 21. During the game, we recognized our senior basketball players: Dylan Bellorin-Santos, Angel Guillen, Frantz Valbrun, and Joesph Wurtz. We also recognized our cheerleaders: Ashlyn Jackson, Senai Medhane, Myianeii Murray, Dionni Quinzy, Kavira Vihugho, Vanessa Waldhof, Corian Spalding, Haley McDaniels, and Guadalupe Bazaldua. Thanks to the Yearbook Club student Photographers, Roberto Centeno and Mareesa Manoj. #FSDBSportsSaturday #GoDragons #OneTeamOneHeartbeat

This is Melody Cooke. Melody began attending FSDB in 2011 and graduated in 2015. Some of her favorite memories as a student include participating in the Dance Troupe, engaging in various sports, and making many friends. In 2020, she returned to FSDB and has worked as an Instructional Assistant in the Deaf Elementary School ever since. Melody has a strong passion for teaching and a desire to positively influence young individuals. She derives intrinsic joy from witnessing her students’ development and success. She also values the opportunity to give back to her community as well as the vibrant and fulfilling aspects of her job, where each day brings fresh challenges and opportunities. Her favorite memory as an employee at FSDB is collaborating with her best friends from second grade, Jessica K. and Judy F. A fun fact about Melody is that she has a side gig taking care of pets. We love having you at FSDB with us! #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBGrowingUpAtFSDB

Welcome Tamara King to FSDB! Tamara will be joining us as a Senior Motor Vehicle Operator (Bus Driver). She is eager to have an attendant with her and to work with the Deaf and Blind community. Originally from Kissimmee, Tamara is a people person who loves working with children! We are so excited to have you with us! #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB

Our Blind High School Ski Club will be in Whitefish, Montana, from January 21 to 26. They will take over our social media to share their winter adventures with us. Follow our stories to see their fun moments on the slopes and enjoy the beautiful snowy scenery! #FSDBTakeoverThursdays

Congratulations to Billy Lange on his recent retirement! Billy worked at FSDB for nearly six years. He began his career as an instructional assistant in the PE Department and was later promoted to Assistant Athletic Director under Donna Johnson. After her retirement, Billy took on the role of Interim Assistant Principal for the PE and Athletic Department. Following this interim position, he was appointed as the full-time Athletic Director. Billy moved to Florida when he was six years old from Knoxville, Tennessee. He graduated from FSDB in '81. His siblings are Alumnis as well, and his parents worked at FSDB as teachers! Billy has always aspired to work at FSDB. He retired from the Kentucky School for the Deaf after nearly thirty years and decided to apply for the instructional assistant position. Once he secured the job, he realized he wanted to give back to FSDB for all that it had done for his family. "My best memories at FSDB are numerous, but two stand out: we won the Mason-Dixon Basketball Tournament in '79 and the Prep Football National Championships in '80," Billy shared. Now that he is retired, Billy plans to pursue his interests in golf, work on home improvement projects, travel overseas, ride an E-bike on various trails across the state, and spend quality time with his new grandson, August. A fun fact about Billy is that he used to compete in dirt bike racing and loved skateboarding. He even built a half-pipe ramp from scratch! Although he wished to continue working at FSDB for a few more years, Billy decided to retire to focus on spending more time with his grandson. Thank you for everything you have done for FSDB! #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB

The 1982-83 Wrestling team record was 12-3, and they had a good team. They also participated in the  First Mason-Dixon Wrestling Tournament and won the Championship at Georgia School for the Deaf, Cave Spring, Ga.  The Mason-Dixon Wrestling tournament was folded in 1988 due to insufficient school wrestling teams. (see picture) The current FSDB 2024-25 team will attend the XVIII Willigan Wrestling Tournament at California School for the Deaf, Riverside, California, on January 24- 25, 2025.  Last year, the FSDB team got 4th place in the tournament at Texas School for the Deaf, Austin, Texas.   For more information about the XVIII Willigan Wrestling Tournament, go to: https://csdrathletics.com/willigan/ Source: XVII Willigan Wrestling Tournament Program book, picture from FSDB Museum.