Happy New Year from FSDB! We are looking forward to seeing our students next week!

FSDB wishes you & your family a Happy Holidays & a wonderful New Year!

This week was packed with joyous holiday celebrations and delightful activities!
- Blind Elementary and Middle School held their annual Holiday Shopping event, allowing students to purchase gifts for their families.
- The school gathered in Kirk Auditorium to watch and celebrate the Dance Troupe's performance of "Holiday Road."
- The Blind High School Department put on a show, "Little Scrooge," Friday morning for the entire Blind Department.
- Dance Troupe and Elementary Rec Dance traveled to Gainsville at the University of Florida to watch The Nutcracker.
#FSDBRecapSundays

FSDB Athletics wishes everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! We are excited to kick off the 2025 season with more winning games! Let's go, Dragons and Cobras!
#FSDBSportSaturdays

This is Corian Spalding.
Corian has been a part of the Deaf Department at FSDB for thirteen years and is currently a senior.
One of her favorite memories at FSDB is the school trip to the zoo, and her favorite subject is English.
A fun fact about Corian is that she enjoys watching horror movies frequently!
We enjoyed seeing you grow over the years at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB

This evening, Wartman Hall will be taking over our social media! Be sure to follow along as we share stories highlighting the exciting activities and fun that our Wartman Girls are getting up to.
#FSDBTakeoverThursdays

In December 1973, Blind students in Speech and Drama Class held a Christmas play called "Miracle of the Madonna" in Kirk Auditorium.
Source: FSDB Museum, Florida School Herald, January 1974
#FSDBWayBackWhensday

We are looking for our next Executive Director of Mental Health! Visit www.fsdbk12.org/careers or click the link below to learn more about the position, qualifications, and how to apply. Take this opportunity to make a difference in a student's life and become part of a great school! #YouBelongHere
https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/ST-AUGUSTINE-EXECUTIVE-DIRECTOR-OF-MENTAL-HEALTH-48008299-1-1-1-FL-32084/1240264900/

On Thursday, December 12, we held our Annual Holiday Celebration with students, staff, and families. There were hot chocolate, cookies, holiday performances, and a Signing Santa!
To view the photos from the celebration, click the link shared below:
https://zenfolio.page.link/kPjaT
#FSDBCampusLifeTuesday

Pragina Gosai taught students how to prepare an authentic Indian meal in Culinary Arts, including tandoori chicken, jeera rice, yogurt mint sauce, chapati and rasmalai dessert made with homemade cheese.
Great job!
#FSDBAcademicMonday

Deaf 8th graders took their annual trip to Washington, D.C., this week. The trip was full of history, culture, and great memories. 🇺🇸✨
📍 Monday: Travel day! We hit the road to D.C. 🚍🛣️
📍 Tuesday: Stepped back in time exploring Jamestown & Williamsburg – where early America came to life! 🏰📜
📍 Wednesday: Explored Gallaudet University 🧏♂️✨, grabbed coffee at the Signing Starbucks 🤟☕, and toured iconic D.C. monuments that took our breath away 🏛️🇺🇸.
📍 Thursday: Honored heroes at Arlington National Cemetery, stood in awe of more monuments & memorials, and wrapped up at the Smithsonian museums 🪦🖼️.
This trip gave us all the feels and knowledge, from history buffs to future leaders. 💙👏 #DCAdventures #GovernmentInAction #FSDBinDC #FSDBRecapSundays






Last weekend, FSDB hosted the U.S. High School Goalball Championships. The event featured ten boys' teams and eleven girls' teams, taking place on Friday and Saturday, with the medal games scheduled for Sunday. We are excited to announce that our FSDB Boys Goalball team won the championship!
To view the photos from the tournament, please click the link below:
https://zenfolio.page.link/abRRX
#GoCobras #OneTeamOneHeartbeat #FSDBSportsSaturday

This is Charles Pascarella.
Charles works as a Residential Instructor in the Apartment program at FSDB.
Charles was a student at FSDB from 2013 to 2016 and became an FSDB Alumni.
He wanted to come back and work for FSDB to make a difference. He wants to encourage more students to enter the workforce and set their goals high after graduation.
One of his favorite memories as a student was attending the goal ball games and making lifelong friendships and connections.
One of his favorite memories as an employee is a mixture of all the special occasions he gets to support the students. He enjoys being there and helping his students at prom and graduation. He also enjoys watching his students progress in the kitchen and improve their independent living skills throughout the year.
A fun fact about Charles is that he enjoys fishing and doing home improvement projects.
We enjoy having you here as part of the FSDB Family!
#FSDBGrowingUpAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB

Catherine Bailey, the Director of the Early Learning Center, will take over our social media today. She will share updates from the Deaf ELC and the Blind ELC. Check our stories for fun and exciting content from Catherine and our adorable little students!
#FSDBTakeoverThursdays

1935, the Beauty Shop was in the old Vocational Department, later called old Pope Hall. Students were learning how to trim hair and doing some beautification for students and staff.
It was an excellent start for their career after graduating from FSDB!
Source: FSDB Museum.
#FSDBWayBackWhensday #FSDBHistory

Welcome Summer Flynn to FSDB!
Summer will be working as a Registered Nurse in the Health Center.
Summer looks forward to working with the children and young adult population. She loves working as a school nurse and is excited to join the FSDB team.
In her free time, she loves enjoying the Florida sunshine, spending time with family, and finding activities in our area.
Another fun fact is Summer has rescued an Australian Shepard puppy named Bindi!
We are so happy to have you here with us!
#FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB

Kramer Hall has been having a fabulous and festive time!
Before leaving for Thanksgiving break, our students enjoyed Friendsgiving, a heartwarming event filled with good food, music, and laughter.
They also attended The Shine as One event. It was an incredible experience! A collaboration of performances that included the FSDB show choir was inspiring and uplifting. We are grateful that our students had the opportunity to attend such a special event at the Wilson Center for the Arts located at FSCJ in Jacksonville, FL.
#FSDBCampusLifeTuesdays

Michelle Sminkey is the Braille Specialist who works with our blind students.
Kindergarten student Savannah practices braille sentences on her braille writer. She loves braille time!
#FSDBAcademicMondays

On Thursday, December 5, the Blind Department held a vibrant holiday performance in the Music Building. The event featured the BHS Concert Band, BES General Music, BHS Concert Choir, and the group Blinding Lights.
Students, staff, and families enjoyed an evening filled with festive music and holiday spirit. The performers showcased their hard work, leaving the audience impressed and fully immersed in the joy of the season!
To view the photos from the concert, click on the link below:
https://zenfolio.page.link/2y74U
#FSDBRecapSunday

Welcome Kimberly Taylor to FSDB!
Kimberly will be a Residential Instructor for our Apartment students.
She enjoys helping others and is super excited to work with kids and learn new things.
One fun fact about Kimberly is she loves doing fundraisers and raising money for those in need.
We are happy you are part of the FSDB Family!
#FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB

