Alessandra French, Mental Health Counselor in Deaf Elementary School, shares her favorite memory below:
" The FIRST thing that came to mind was FIELD DAYS! I first got hired as an elementary teacher, so DES was the department I first joined, and Field Days were the first thing I would call "extra" that I joined in on as a new teacher.
I was on the field day committee for most of my year as a DES teacher before I changed positions, and I LOVED IT. The kids ALL knew what field day meant; it was a tradition to paint shirts with your class the day before. The whole school did it, and it got us all so excited! And then we spent all day outside playing water games, eating popcorn and popsicles and having the BEST time. Some kids graduate who will still say their field day is one of their most incredible memories, and it's one of mine, too! "
#FSDBMemoryMonday
" The FIRST thing that came to mind was FIELD DAYS! I first got hired as an elementary teacher, so DES was the department I first joined, and Field Days were the first thing I would call "extra" that I joined in on as a new teacher.
I was on the field day committee for most of my year as a DES teacher before I changed positions, and I LOVED IT. The kids ALL knew what field day meant; it was a tradition to paint shirts with your class the day before. The whole school did it, and it got us all so excited! And then we spent all day outside playing water games, eating popcorn and popsicles and having the BEST time. Some kids graduate who will still say their field day is one of their most incredible memories, and it's one of mine, too! "
#FSDBMemoryMonday
Congratulations to Maddy Brady on her new position!
Maddy was previously an 8th-grade English and Language Arts teacher and is now the Deaf High School and SOAR English teacher.
She is excited to reconnect with the students she taught in 8th grade and to teach them high-level content.
"We have already begun diving deeply into rhetorical analysis, Beowulf, and research for college success!" Maddy shared.
Originally from Tampa, Florida, Maddy enjoys cooking, working out, and reading books.
While she will miss her Deaf Middle School family, Maddy is looking forward to embracing this new challenge.
Way to go, Maddy!!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Maddy was previously an 8th-grade English and Language Arts teacher and is now the Deaf High School and SOAR English teacher.
She is excited to reconnect with the students she taught in 8th grade and to teach them high-level content.
"We have already begun diving deeply into rhetorical analysis, Beowulf, and research for college success!" Maddy shared.
Originally from Tampa, Florida, Maddy enjoys cooking, working out, and reading books.
While she will miss her Deaf Middle School family, Maddy is looking forward to embracing this new challenge.
Way to go, Maddy!!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Congratulations to Nicol Lobaczewski on her new position!
Before joining the CTE Department, Nicol was an Instructional Assistant for Deaf Middle School. She is excited to advance her career as a vocational instructor, where she will gain new skills and experiences. Nicol looks forward to working with students, assisting them with career-related questions, and supporting their personal growth.
Nicol would like to clarify that her name is "Nicol," without an "e." Any previous confusion regarding the spelling was not an error. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, she also has family roots in Poland, which she visited this past summer, along with Paris, France.
We are proud of you, Nicol!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Before joining the CTE Department, Nicol was an Instructional Assistant for Deaf Middle School. She is excited to advance her career as a vocational instructor, where she will gain new skills and experiences. Nicol looks forward to working with students, assisting them with career-related questions, and supporting their personal growth.
Nicol would like to clarify that her name is "Nicol," without an "e." Any previous confusion regarding the spelling was not an error. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, she also has family roots in Poland, which she visited this past summer, along with Paris, France.
We are proud of you, Nicol!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
FSDB Families, mark your calendars! Parent Engagement Workshop presents: Power Up For Success, Level Up Your Learning.
This workshop will be on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. EST at the Moore Hall CLD.
We will be covering the following topics:
Pause, Recharge, Play On: Mental Health Matters at FSDB
Level Up Your Access!:
•New Website overview and mobile app introduction
•Using the Portal & Skyward Parent Portal overview
•Decode assessments and progress monitoring
FSDB President Tracie Snow will also Pop-In!
Please remember to RSVP to ensure we have sufficient supplies, lunch! Travel Reimbursement is available for this event.
For more Information and to RSVP, please go to the link below:
https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/parent-engagement-workshops-pew
This workshop will be on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. EST at the Moore Hall CLD.
We will be covering the following topics:
Pause, Recharge, Play On: Mental Health Matters at FSDB
Level Up Your Access!:
•New Website overview and mobile app introduction
•Using the Portal & Skyward Parent Portal overview
•Decode assessments and progress monitoring
FSDB President Tracie Snow will also Pop-In!
Please remember to RSVP to ensure we have sufficient supplies, lunch! Travel Reimbursement is available for this event.
For more Information and to RSVP, please go to the link below:
https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/parent-engagement-workshops-pew
2025-2026 Athletics Tagline Revealed!
FSDB Athletics: A New Year, A Bold New Tagline
We’re ready to kick off another incredible year in FSDB Athletics—and we’re doing it with a powerful new tagline that reflects everything we stand for:
Passion. Pride. Perseverance.
This tagline represents not only our teams, but also our amazing supporters: parents, families, staff, alumni, and community members. Together, we embody the spirit of FSDB.
Passion
Each of us brings heart and energy to every game, match, and meet. Whether you’re competing, coaching, or cheering from the stands, your passion fuels the success of FSDB Athletics.
Pride
Our student-athletes, team members, and coaches wear their uniforms with honor and represent FSDB with spirit and unity. Show your pride—wear our school colors, support our teams, and stand tall. Be a Dragon. Be a Cobra. Be FSDB.
Perseverance
We rise to every challenge. We work hard, push through barriers, and lift each other up—on and off the playing field. No matter the struggle, we stick together and never give up.
Let’s make this year unforgettable. Let’s live our tagline—Passion. Pride. Perseverance.
#PassionPridePerseverance#GoDragons #GoCobras
#FSDBSportsSundays
FSDB Athletics: A New Year, A Bold New Tagline
We’re ready to kick off another incredible year in FSDB Athletics—and we’re doing it with a powerful new tagline that reflects everything we stand for:
Passion. Pride. Perseverance.
This tagline represents not only our teams, but also our amazing supporters: parents, families, staff, alumni, and community members. Together, we embody the spirit of FSDB.
Passion
Each of us brings heart and energy to every game, match, and meet. Whether you’re competing, coaching, or cheering from the stands, your passion fuels the success of FSDB Athletics.
Pride
Our student-athletes, team members, and coaches wear their uniforms with honor and represent FSDB with spirit and unity. Show your pride—wear our school colors, support our teams, and stand tall. Be a Dragon. Be a Cobra. Be FSDB.
Perseverance
We rise to every challenge. We work hard, push through barriers, and lift each other up—on and off the playing field. No matter the struggle, we stick together and never give up.
Let’s make this year unforgettable. Let’s live our tagline—Passion. Pride. Perseverance.
#PassionPridePerseverance#GoDragons #GoCobras
#FSDBSportsSundays
Congratulations to Yeniel Oliveras Muniz, who has recently exited the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind SOAR Program!
#FSDBSOARSaturdays #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam
#FSDBSOARSaturdays #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam
Every Friday, we will present a "Question of the Week" for students and staff to answer as they quickly pass by the camera.
This week, we’re kicking things off with a fun question for everyone: Please share a fun summer memory you had this past summer!
We love hearing what our students, their families, staff, and community have to share.
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeek
This week, we’re kicking things off with a fun question for everyone: Please share a fun summer memory you had this past summer!
We love hearing what our students, their families, staff, and community have to share.
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeek
FSDB welcomed all of the staff on Monday, August 4th, with our mascots, followed by an incredible, motivating presentation from StandTallSteve. On Sunday, August 10th, we welcomed back our students for our annual Family Open House.
Wishing everyone a great start to the school year!
#ThisIsFSDB #ThePrezSnowPost
Wishing everyone a great start to the school year!
#ThisIsFSDB #ThePrezSnowPost
Please join us in welcoming Denise "Dee" Bisch to FSDB!
Prior to joining FSDB, Denise served as the Director of Community Outreach and Hospice Ambassador. She is now working as an instructional assistant in the Deaf Middle School.
Denise is most excited about her new role, where she gets to work with children.
Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Denise lived on a boat during her younger years.
She also wanted to express her gratitude, stating that everyone on campus has been incredibly helpful!
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Prior to joining FSDB, Denise served as the Director of Community Outreach and Hospice Ambassador. She is now working as an instructional assistant in the Deaf Middle School.
Denise is most excited about her new role, where she gets to work with children.
Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Denise lived on a boat during her younger years.
She also wanted to express her gratitude, stating that everyone on campus has been incredibly helpful!
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Welcome, Zora Elliott-Mendelsohn, to FSDB!
Zora recently graduated from college this past May and is ready to be a Social Studies Teacher in the Deaf Middle School.
"I am most excited about the personal growth and rich experiences this new position will bring me," Zora shared.
Originally from Bowie, Maryland, Zora is working on a book, and her biggest dream is to publish it.
Welcome to the FSDB family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Zora recently graduated from college this past May and is ready to be a Social Studies Teacher in the Deaf Middle School.
"I am most excited about the personal growth and rich experiences this new position will bring me," Zora shared.
Originally from Bowie, Maryland, Zora is working on a book, and her biggest dream is to publish it.
Welcome to the FSDB family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Wednesdays are designated as FSDB After Hours Wednesdays! The posts will cover a variety of topics, including recreation, clubs, residential life, and much more.
This past Saturday, August 10, we held our open house for students and their families. During the event, families had the opportunity to meet teachers, tour the dorms, assist their children with moving in, and speak with representatives from various departments.
To view the photos from Open House, click the link shared below:
https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p940973800
#FSDBAfterHoursWednesdays
This past Saturday, August 10, we held our open house for students and their families. During the event, families had the opportunity to meet teachers, tour the dorms, assist their children with moving in, and speak with representatives from various departments.
To view the photos from Open House, click the link shared below:
https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p940973800
#FSDBAfterHoursWednesdays
Welcome, Natalie Rivera, to FSDB!
Natalie previously worked as a preschool teacher for three year olds at Treasure Harbor Preschool. She will now be joining Deaf Middle School as an Instructional Assistant.
She is particularly excited about working in an ASL environment.
In her free time, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, and experimenting with coffee.
As a CODA, both of her parents are alumni of FSDB.
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Natalie previously worked as a preschool teacher for three year olds at Treasure Harbor Preschool. She will now be joining Deaf Middle School as an Instructional Assistant.
She is particularly excited about working in an ASL environment.
In her free time, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, and experimenting with coffee.
As a CODA, both of her parents are alumni of FSDB.
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Welcome, Robin Metallo, to FSDB!
We're thrilled to announce that Robin will be joining us as a 4th-grade teacher at Deaf Elementary. She is looking forward to meeting the staff and becoming a member of the FSDB family.
Robin comes to us from Hillsborough, New Jersey, and has a background in competitive gymnastics.
We are happy to have you as part of our FSDB Family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
We're thrilled to announce that Robin will be joining us as a 4th-grade teacher at Deaf Elementary. She is looking forward to meeting the staff and becoming a member of the FSDB family.
Robin comes to us from Hillsborough, New Jersey, and has a background in competitive gymnastics.
We are happy to have you as part of our FSDB Family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Welcome to FSDB, Elizabeth Surber!
Elizabeth Previously worked as an OPS Associate Teacher before becoming an Instructional Assistant in the Deaf Elementary program.
"I look forward to working with children," Elizabeth shared.
Here are some fun facts about Elizabeth: she is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and enjoys reading books.
We are thrilled to have you as part of our FSDB family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Elizabeth Previously worked as an OPS Associate Teacher before becoming an Instructional Assistant in the Deaf Elementary program.
"I look forward to working with children," Elizabeth shared.
Here are some fun facts about Elizabeth: she is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and enjoys reading books.
We are thrilled to have you as part of our FSDB family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Welcome to FSDB, Sophia Donnelly!
Sophia has just graduated from the University of North Florida; this is her first year as a teacher. Before accepting her teaching position at Deaf Elementary, she completed an internship at the same school.
Sophia is excited to be part of the FSDB community and looks forward to meeting and growing alongside her students and colleagues.
We are looking forward to having you here at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Tuesdays are Career & Tech Tuesdays!
We will be highlighting all of the programs and CTE students. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program prepares students for college or workforce success by integrating academics and career development coursework and training opportunities.
We are throwing it back to last year's CTE Showcase this Tuesday! Our students had the opportunity to engage with various vendors, each offering unique insights and opportunities.
#FSDBCTETuesdays
We will be highlighting all of the programs and CTE students. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program prepares students for college or workforce success by integrating academics and career development coursework and training opportunities.
We are throwing it back to last year's CTE Showcase this Tuesday! Our students had the opportunity to engage with various vendors, each offering unique insights and opportunities.
#FSDBCTETuesdays
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. Note: Only the 2:00 p.m. Regular Board meeting will be livestreamed at https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/board-of-trustees-livestream
Location: Moore Hall, CLD Meeting Room
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
Times: 8:30 a.m. – Board of Trustees Workshop; 2:00 p.m. – Regular Board Meeting
Welcome Daniel Pletenets to FSDB!
Daniel will be the newest science & unique skills teacher at Deaf Middle School. Before accepting the job, he was an American Sign Language Consultant Student Manager.
Daniel looks forward to meeting new students and seeing them grow successfully in academics and extracurricular activities!
"I am looking forward to being part of the FSDB family and bringing my experience and knowledge into the classroom," shared Daniel.
A fun fact about Daniel is that he swam at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil, representing Team USA and won six medals!
We are so happy to have you as part of our FSDB Family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Daniel will be the newest science & unique skills teacher at Deaf Middle School. Before accepting the job, he was an American Sign Language Consultant Student Manager.
Daniel looks forward to meeting new students and seeing them grow successfully in academics and extracurricular activities!
"I am looking forward to being part of the FSDB family and bringing my experience and knowledge into the classroom," shared Daniel.
A fun fact about Daniel is that he swam at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil, representing Team USA and won six medals!
We are so happy to have you as part of our FSDB Family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Welcome, Kelsey Walsh, to FSDB!
Kelsey has recently graduated from Flagler College and will be working as an English and Language Arts teacher in a Deaf Middle School.
She looks forward to connecting with her students and watching them grow as learners.
A fun fact about Kelsey is that she was a member of the Flagler College Cheerleading team during her time there.
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Kelsey has recently graduated from Flagler College and will be working as an English and Language Arts teacher in a Deaf Middle School.
She looks forward to connecting with her students and watching them grow as learners.
A fun fact about Kelsey is that she was a member of the Flagler College Cheerleading team during her time there.
We are thrilled to have you with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Welcome, Alexis Griffin, to FSDB!
Alexis will be an English and Language Arts teacher at Deaf High School. She is excited to help her students discover their uniqueness and creativity through learning. She eagerly anticipates those "AHA" moments and celebrates her students' successes!
"I love to learn and expand my knowledge, and I look forward to sharing that appreciation with my students," said Alexis.
Here are some fun facts about Alexis: she is from Jackson, New Jersey, and has been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records.
"Teaching at FSDB has been a dream, and I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity!" stated Alexis. "I look forward to embarking on this new journey!"
We are excited to welcome you to our FSDB family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Alexis will be an English and Language Arts teacher at Deaf High School. She is excited to help her students discover their uniqueness and creativity through learning. She eagerly anticipates those "AHA" moments and celebrates her students' successes!
"I love to learn and expand my knowledge, and I look forward to sharing that appreciation with my students," said Alexis.
Here are some fun facts about Alexis: she is from Jackson, New Jersey, and has been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records.
"Teaching at FSDB has been a dream, and I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity!" stated Alexis. "I look forward to embarking on this new journey!"
We are excited to welcome you to our FSDB family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
