On Wednesday, October 22, Cross Country hosted a meet at home, which also served as Senior Night. Congratulations to the following seniors: Hannah Alford, Alexzander Bishop. Kai Huot, Khayree Lofton, Mason Long, Jasen McDaniel, Addison Allen and Caidan Hadley (not pictured).
#FSDBSportsSunday
They’ve been focusing on writing for coherence; testing out different paragraph structures and finding the best word choices to make their ideas flow smoothly. Today they were partner up randomly by using a Wheel of Names (that way they always get fresh perspectives) and gave feedback on their application paragraphs from yesterday’s lesson.
And the best part? One student, Tyler, even got to give Maddy feedback on her own modeling paragraph! 💬✏️
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
Lascelles is one of our newest teachers at the Blind High School, where he teaches mathematics.
Before joining FSDB, he taught mathematics and IT in Jamaica and the Polk County School District.
As someone who is blind, Lascelles is passionate about inspiring blind and visually impaired students to learn mathematics.
Here are some fun facts about Lascelles: he is from Runaway Bay, Jamaica, and loves EPL soccer.
Lascelles shares, "I would like people to see our abilities before our disabilities."
We are so happy to have you here with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
This week, I’m thrilled to spotlight our incredible students and the programs that support them here at FSDB. And of course, I had help crafting this post—from the very students we’re celebrating!
📸 In the first photo, I’m standing in my office with a group of students, all of us proudly wearing baseball caps that say “I CAN” in both print and braille, alongside a white cane. I’m honored to wear this new cap—along with all the other “hats” I wear as President—and even more honored by the message it represents.
When I asked the students what they wanted to share, Leonel offered this powerful reflection:
"Las personas deben enfocarse en lo que podemos hacer. No importa si tenemos un impedimento visual o físico, nosotros podemos hacer deportes, ir a la universidad, trabajar y un sinnúmero de cosas más. Estas imágenes sirven de ejemplo de las cosas que nosotros podemos lograr sin importar que tengamos un impedimento visual."
"People should focus on what we can do. It does not matter if we have a visual or physical impairment—we can do sports, go to college, work, and countless other things. These images serve as an example of what we can achieve even though we have a visual impairment."
🏃♂️ In the next photo from our recent Cross Country meet, guide runners helped students from visiting teams experience running without sight—using blindfolds and sighted guides. It was an incredible and memorable experience for all involved.
🦯 The final photo shows a familiar and inspiring sight on our campus: our amazing Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists working with a student. In this lesson, a student was learning to interpret landmarks and navigate areas with shadows—challenging spaces for those relying on functional vision. He’s working toward earning his mobility pass to travel off campus independently.
And to close, a student shared this spontaneous quote that says it all:
“Life can feel challenging as if it’s a game, but luckily, there’s mobility staff to teach you how to use your cane.”
As Blindness Awareness Month comes to a close, let’s remember:
We can do it all. We can celebrate. We can navigate a world that doesn’t revolve around sight. After we learn and grow, we do it with skill, confidence, and pride.
#BlindnessAwarenessMonth #FSDBPride #ICAN #OrientationAndMobility #StudentVoices #InclusionMatters #WhiteCaneDay #THISisFSDB #ThePrezSnowPost
Before joining FSDB, Jason worked as a network engineer. He is excited to learn more about the technology and the people involved in his new role.
A fun fact about Jason is that he enjoys playing trivia.
Welcome aboard, Jason!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Tara will be working as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
Before joining FSDB, she was an independent contractor as a teacher for the visually impaired.
Tara shared, "This truly feels like a dream come true after completing my internship at FSDB, where the students, staff, and supportive community deeply inspired me. I am incredibly excited to join the team and cannot wait to contribute to the mission of empowering students with the skills they need to navigate the world with confidence and independence."
Tara envisions a perfect day spent relaxing with her family by the water.
We are thrilled to have you as part of our FSDB family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Goran was previously an English Language and Literature Teacher and an ESOL Teacher in North Macedonia. He is now an Associate Teacher at the Blind High School.
Goran is excited to support students on their learning journey, develop as an educator, and be a part of our unique and inspiring school community.
A fun fact about Goran is that he hopes to own a board game café one day.
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB, Goran!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
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
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
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
"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
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
Congratulations, Gavin!
#FSDBSportsSunday
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
Current students & Alumni!
What were some of your favorite field trips during your time at FSDB?
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
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.
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
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
"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
