FSDB participated in several weather briefings over the last few hours about potential Tropical Cyclone Nine. This system is expected to become a hurricane and could potentially reach the coast as a major hurricane. The leadership team has decided that five SHOW bus students will go home early this week following the regular Friday pick-up bus schedules (see routes below). We understand you may not have bad weather in your area, however, there is concern that the roads might not be safe later in the week because of the storm. We also have to make sure our bus chaperones have enough time to make it back safely to FSDB after dropping off your child. Our thoughts are with every family during this weather event and hope you all stay safe. Further communication regarding classes for the rest of the week will be shared as we learn more about the path and impact of this storm.   The following SHOW routes WILL go home on Tuesday, September 24 at 2:05 p.m. All students on these routes MUST go home. • SHOW Route 1 – Naples • SHOW Route 2 – Pinellas Park • SHOW Route 3 – Pensacola • SHOW Route 8 – Ocala  • SHOW Route 9 – Land O’ Lakes Please visit our FSDB Alerts page for further updates. (www.fsdbk12.org/alerts)

Here's a recap of an exciting and eventful week at FSDB! - Deaf Middle School took a field trip where they got to swim with Manatees. - Cary White Dorm students made sandwiches and took them downtown to help provide food to people experiencing homelessness. - Blind High School had lab day this week. The experiment was "Acid-Base Reflection Lab Abstract." The purpose was to observe the changes that occur when an acid and a base are combined. - Deaf Elementary Third Graders took a field trip to the Alligator Farm. They connected the book they were reading, "Cocoliso," to the actual live Albino Crocodiles! #FSDBRecapSunday

After a successful meet, our enthusiastic swim team gathers for a group photo, beaming with pride. Go, team! #FSDBSportsSaturday #GoDragons #OneTeamOneHeartbeat

Please welcome Dale Kinnaman to FSDB! Dale will be working as a maintenance mechanic, mainly doing painting jobs. "I look forward to working on these historic and amazing grounds at FSDB," shared Dale. A fun fact about Dale is that he laughs at his own jokes. Welcome to the FSDB Family!! #ThisisFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB

Say Hello to Tracie C. Snow, our FSDB President! Tracie started working at FSDB in the fall of 1995. She worked many positions before before working as FSDB President. Listed Below are the positions she worked, from first to current: Classroom teacher for the Deaf Department (High School Special Needs, Middle School & 2nd Grade) Reading Specialist Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Adminstrator of Instructional Services FSDB President Tracie has also worked as Jr. NAD sponsor, Student Concil sponsor, interpreter, Assistant Cross Country Coach, and FSDB's first girls soccer coach! Traice's husband, David Snow, was first hired at FSDB, then she was hired right before school started that fall. "We did not know how lucky we were to start our career journey here" shared Tracie. She shared that FSDB is unique because we are the only school of our kind in Florida, and the largest school in the nation serving both students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, and deafblind. "The students, staff, and families make us unique and special" stated Tracie. Tracie has thirty years worth of memories at FSDB, which makes it challenging to choose one. She has loved her time as a teacher, coach, leader, co-worker, and parent. When Tracie is not at work, she loves spending time with her family, cooking, gardening, and crafting. She also wanted to share that her favorite color is Glitter! FSDB loves you, Tracie!   #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam #GrowingUpAtFSDBFridays

Welcome Derek Ferguson! Derek will be working as a Blind Middle School Social Studies teacher! Previously, before working at FSDB, he was a Social Studies Instructor (A.P. Human Geography and World History) at Celebration High School and a Social Studies Instructor (A.P. Modern World History, Dual Enrollment U.S. History, Rhokappa founder and advisor) at St. Joesph Academy. "I am most excited about giving back to a school community that empowered me for success and inspiring fellow students with visual disabilities to do more, be more and achieve more." shared Derek. Derek was born in Sarasota, Florida and lived in Homosassa, Florida, through 6th grade. He then moved to Saint Augustine so he could attend FSDB. Derek's twin brother also attended FSDB, and his mother worked at the school. Some fun facts about Derek: - He lived in France for one summer and enjoyed trying new restaurants. - He is a licensed tour guide in Saint Augustine. - He is an active liturgical minister in the local community. He finds fulfillment in serving others. Welcome back to FSDB! We are so happy to have you here! #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB

Today, our Deaf Elementary School Assistant Principal, Jessica Waldbillig, is taking over our social media. Check out our stories to see a day in the life of our DES Assistant Principal! #FSDBTakeOverThursdays

Welcome Daniel Villa to FSDB! Daniel will be working with the Rhyne Hall High School Deaf Boys. He is looking forward to being back at FSDB and working with the fantastic campus staff! Some fun facts about him are that he loves hiking, outdoor activities, gaming, and sports. We are so happy to have you here at FSDB with us! #ThisisFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB

Then & Now: Top Photo taken in the 1980's Bottom Photo taken in 2020 Shows the changes that took place over the years. Credit goes to Jamie McElfresh, Museum Staff. #FSDBHistory #FSDBWayBackWhensday

Our FSDB Elementary Dance Program is in full swing! #FSDBCampusLifeTuesdays

Last week in our Culinary Arts class, students learned to cure salmon and made delicious gravlax served on pumpernickel with homemade lemon-dill aïoli. Yummy! #FSDBAcademicMondays

Recap of last week's Deaf High School Homecoming: The theme for this year's homecoming was Las Vegas. Spirit Days included Cowboys & Desert, Hard Rock, Circus, and Red & White themes. On Thursday, there was a Skit/Coronation Night and Homecoming Dance. The school held its annual parade on Friday, where the whole school came together to support the Deaf High School Department. Each class walked with their banners, accompanied by cheerleaders, staff members on motorcycles, the Deaf Awareness Club from Flagler College, and the Homecoming Court in Jeeps. After the parade, a Pep Rally was held in Settles Gym, introducing each fall sports team and organizing fun games for the entire school. On Saturday, the FSDB Volleyball team played against Tennessee School for the Deaf and Louisiana School for the Deaf, winning both games. The Academic Bowl team also competed against alumni, and later that night, the Varsity Football team played against Tennessee School for the Deaf, emerging victorious. It was wonderful to see the support from alumni, staff, students, and the wider community at FSDB. Thanks for a fantastic Homecoming, and we're looking forward to next year! #FSDBHomecoming2024 #Homecoming2024 #FSDBRecapSunday

Last weekend, we had our Homecoming celebration with volleyball games & football games. Our Varsity Girl Volleyball won both games vs Lousiana School for the Deaf and Tennessee School for the Deaf. Our Boy's Football team won against Tennessee School for the Deaf. To view the photos from the football game, click the link below: https://zenfolio.page.link/AiTwk To view the photos from the volleyball game, click the link below: https://zenfolio.page.link/QF4j1 #GoDragons #Homecoming2024 #FSDBHomecoming2024 #OneTeamOneHeartbeat #FSDBSportsSaturdays

Karen Newton is the Assistant Principal of the Deaf Middle School. Since 2007, she has been at FSDB. Before becoming the Assistant Principal, she was a 7th-grade Social Studies & Science teacher, Varsity soccer coach, 7th-grade ELA teacher and 8th-grade ELA teacher. Growing up, Karen always knew she wanted to become a teacher. Her Mom was an educator, and she has always loved kids. Her 4th-grade teacher taught her class the pledge in ASL, and that was when her interest grew.  Karen attended the University of North Florida and knew that FSDB was magical from her practicum experience. " FSDB is amazing in its quality of care and services for students. Every day has a purpose. The people and the place are gorgeous!" shared Karen. One of her favorite memories at FSDB was meeting her husband here! She also loves her memories of being in the classroom with her students. A fun fact about Karen is that she loves to visit national parks and has a goal of visiting every single one! #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam #GrowingUpAtFSDBFridays

Hello! Are you interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL)? FSDB welcomes community members and business partners to register for our Free Community Education American Sign Language Classes offered on campus for over eight weeks from September to November 2024. The classes will be face-to-face and it will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. EST. Class Dates: - Sept. 26, 2024 - Oct. 3, 2024 - Oct. 10, 2024 - Oct. 17, 2024 - Oct. 24, 2024 - Oct. 31, 2024 - Nov. 7, 2024 - Nov. 14, 2024 - Nov. 21, 2024 Registration is required and will be limited to 25 participants. Each individual must register with their email address. Participants must check in at the FSDB Police guard house using a valid form of identification to enter the campus building. To Register, please click the link below: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/5txaxw5/lp/c13f64b2-2306-4b1e-b976-611ed6470ef2

Don't forget to tune in to our stories today for a fascinating look at the history of FSDB! #FSDBTakeoverThursday

Want to be a part of the FSDB Family? We are looking for an Executive Director of Mental Health. If that's you, click the link below to learn more and apply. If you know someone who would be interested, please share! https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/ST-AUGUSTINE-EXECUTIVE-DIRECTOR-OF-MENTAL-HEALTH-48008299-1-FL-32084/1211914800/

The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) will host a job fair to recruit talent for all departments and positions this Saturday, September 14, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The event will be in Moore Hall on the FSDB campus in historic St. Augustine and is open to the public. Join us to learn about employment opportunities! FSDB is a state of Florida agency and a major employer in St. Johns County that offers many challenging and rewarding career opportunities. For more information about current openings and benefits, visit www.fsdbk12.org/careers

In 1977, Blind students participated in the Orchestra Club, where they learned to play music and gave performances at FSDB. Some of the instruments they played were drums, flutes, horns, violins, and piano. Source:  FSDB Museum #FSDBWayBackWhenensday

Residential Supervisor Joann Janson, from Gregg Hall, teaches student Janiya how to put their new furniture together. Great work! #FSDBCampusLifeTuesdays #ThisIsFSDB