We are less than a month away from our Fall Open House! Registration closes on October 5. Learn about FSDB programs, watch performances from FSDB music groups, and participate in a Q&A session with staff and students. Special guests include FSDB President, Tracie Snow and D&B Designs with unique gifts and apparel. If you are unable to attend, the event will be livestreamed.
Yesterday, BHS members and BMS members of the Blinding Lights and Reflections Show Choirs had their first off campus performance of the year! They went to downtown St. Augustine for the Ringing of the Bells event. This event highlights the signing of the Constitution in 1787, and was hosted by the Maria Jefferson chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Each Show Choir member received a personal bell to keep and participated with the rest of the attendees ringing their bells along with the city church bells at 4:03. The Show Choir, dressed in red, white, and blue uniforms, performed the Star-Spangled Banner to open the ceremony, entertained with Homeward Bound and A Million Dreams in the middle, and closed the ceremony with God Bless America.
With the help of the directors Laurie Wohl, Leslie Costello, and Brigit Jensen, every member has practiced how they would perform for this event and will continue to practice for upcoming events. They were excellent ambassadors. We can't wait to see where they go next!
9 days ago, Blind Elementary/Middle School
¡Viva San Agustín! Learning Local History by Doing
On Saturday, September 6, BMS students attended the annual Founder’s Day Celebration at the Mission Nombre de Dios and Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park to commemorate the 460th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine. The day began with a re-enactment of the landing of Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, accompanied by canon and musket salutes. The Spanish landing was followed by a solemn Mass at the Rustic Altar (the real First Thanksgiving) and a Grand Procession to the Fountain of Youth. Students experienced a First Thanksgiving Meal re-enactment, a re-created encampment and Timucuan village, living history demonstrations, and a delicious birthday cake for St. Augustine! In addition to earning extra credit points on their first social studies tests, students learned local history through a concrete experience while practicing Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) skills of orientation and mobility, sensory efficiency, compensatory access, social interaction, recreation and leisure, independent living, and career education. A delightful time was had by all! Derek Ferguson, BMS Social Studies Teacher
15 days ago, Laurie Wohl
Fall Community Open House 2025 Wednesday, October 15, 2025 @ 9 AM – 12:30 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. If you are unable to attend, the event will be livestreamed.
🥁 Blind Cadence Drumline is off to a banging start! 🥁 Our talented students have already mastered their first full cadence — Donna Reed — and are now diving into their second, Bart! 🎶 Even though most of the crew is new this year, they’re already locking in the beat like pros and creating some seriously impressive sounds on the marching drums. 💥 From first taps to full-on rhythm warriors, this group is marching to greatness — one cadence at a time! 👏 🎉 When passion meets percussion, the results are drum-tastic! 🥁💫 #BlindCadence #DrumlineMagic #MarchToTheBeat #StudentSuccess
23 days ago, Laurie Wohl
The Cobra Chats Podcast is a student-curated podcast produced by Blind Middle School students at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. Contributions are included from elementary and high school students across the K–12 Blind Department.
Each episode features engaging interviews, reports, and creative segments that highlight student voices, experiences, and learning. Through this dynamic platform, students build essential Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) skills—such as communication, self-advocacy, career education, and technology use—while strengthening literacy and confidence in real-world contexts.
Did you know? The latest episode of the Cobra Chats Podcast was posted over the summer. Please take a listen to our students showcasing their talents and interests in the various ECC fields.
Big smiles on their faces as they take a group photo. Mr. Chris, Manny, Hadley, Kessler, Raelyn, Jesa, and Ms. Hillary standing in front a bulletin board with the Cobra Chats logo and QR code.
Members not available for the picture include Jayden, Jaliyah, and Arabella.
24 days ago, Blind Elementary/Middle School
This week in music, students in grades 3-5 completed a Pre-Assessment through the use of the Quaver Curriculum. Students completed several questions together, and then took turns approaching the board to make a selection. Shown here, the 3rd grade Pre-Assessment questions included a review of the 2nd grade curriculum and touched on concepts and skills they will be covering throughout the 3rd grade curriculum. Aubrey, Egypt and Luke (along with the other students not pictured) used their ECC and music skills to make selections to their given questions.
29 days ago, Laurie Wohl
Blind Elementary Students Excel in Summer Reading Challenge This summer, Blind Elementary students in grades K–5 were invited to embark on a literary adventure through the Summer Reading Challenge 2025, hosted by Literacy Specialist April Wallace. Designed to make reading accessible and fun, the challenge encouraged students to explore stories through audiobooks, tactile books, Braille books, and read-alouds.
From June 6 to August 15, students completed at least eight reading activities from a diverse list that included listening to audiobooks, reading with family members, participating in read-alouds, and creating tactile or audio projects inspired by books. Each activity was designed to promote literacy, creativity, and connection—whether through describing a favorite part of a story or recommending a book to a friend.
Among the many enthusiastic participants, two students stood out: Teddy, a rising 3rd grader, and Ellie, a rising 2nd grader. These dedicated readers completed the challenge with heart and imagination, earning the title of Literacy Stars for their outstanding effort and love of reading.
Students documented their journey using a Summer Reading Log, noting book titles, formats used, and reflections on their favorite parts. The challenge not only celebrated literacy but also empowered students to engage with stories in ways that honored their unique learning styles.
Congratulations to Teddy, Ellie, and all the young readers who made this summer a season of storytelling and growth!
about 1 month ago, Blind Elementary/Middle School
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
about 2 months ago, FSDB
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) will host a job fair to recruit talent for all departments and positions on Friday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 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, offering many challenging and rewarding career opportunities.
For more information about current openings and benefits, visit www.fsdbk12.org/careers
4 months ago, FSDB
Hello FSDB Blind Department Families! Parent University will have a Braille Workshop on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. at Cary White, room #203.
Blind Department students and their families are invited to join us for a Lunch & Learn Braille Workshop.
Please RSVP at the link below:
https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/parent-classes
Parents must check in at the Front Gate on Genoply Street. Travel Reimbursement is also available.
4 months ago, Alexander Winogradow Ribeiro
The FSDB Blind Elementary Theatre will present their production of Annie KIDS on Thursday, May 22, at 1:30 p.m. The performance is invitation only for students, families and staff. However, you can watch the livestream at the link below.
https://vimeo.com/event/4770188
Families who plan to attend in person, please arrive early. Enter the campus through the Genoply Street entrance, which intersects with San Marco Avenue, and proceed to the guardhouse to check in with Campus Police for parking instructions. Remember to bring identification.
5 months ago, FSDB
Congratulations to Aubrey Bilow (2nd grade) and Maely Porter (5th grade) from the Blind Elementary School, who have been selected as one of the top 50 braille readers from all participating regionals (across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.) and excelled in their age categories during the Braille Challenge Preliminaries. They will be traveling to Los Angeles, CA, with their families this summer to compete at the National Competition. Let's wish them the best of luck! #ThisIsFSDB #BrailleChallenge #YouBelongHere
5 months ago, FSDB
Hello FSDB Families,
We wanted to send a reminder that this weekend will be a "Long Weekend." All students will go home today, Friday, May 9, at 2:05 p.m. There is no school on Monday, so students can spend time with their families on Sunday for Mother's Day. SHOW Bus students will be picked up on Monday, May 12, at their normal pick-up time. Classes will resume on Tuesday, May 13.
We hope you have a wonderful long weekend and a Happy Mother's Day!
5 months ago, FSDB
Join us on May 9, 2025, at 9 a.m., for our final Parent Engagement Workshop of the 2024-25 school year, "Keep Kids Learning All Summer Long." All FSDB families are invited! Topics to be covered are:
• Fun with Literacy
• Mental Health and Community Connections
• Parent FAST Portal
• Online Safety and Digital Citizenship
Please RSVP by May 7, 2025, to ensure we have sufficient supplies, lunch and cookies. Travel reimbursement is available for this event. Click the link below to RSVP.
https://bit.ly/FSDB-PEW-MAY-9
5 months ago, FSDB
Arnolfo Bada, “Mr. Arnold” as he is known to students and staff, is a beloved custodian who works in the BEMS department. Born in the Philippines, Mr. Arnold immigrated to Guam in 1979. He later returned to the Philippines where he married his wife. In 2000, Mr. Arnold and his wife immigrated to the United States and settled in Florida where they raised their son and daughter. Mr. Arnold’s son is currently in the United States Air Force and his daughter works in the banking industry. Over the years, Mr. Arnold worked in his field at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, the naval hospital, and at the University of Florida. Mr. Arnold enjoys woodworking and spending time with his family, including his grandson.
Eventually, Mr. Arnold made his way to FSDB where he has worked for the past five years. When asked what he likes about FSDB, Mr. Arnold says, “The staff and students are so friendly. I talk to the kids and ask them what they learned today.” Mr. Arnold can often be seen engaging with students and staff as he travels through the building doing all the many things that are required to keep our building immaculate. We often receive comments from visitors, staff, and students about how immaculate Mr. Arnold keeps our building and classrooms.
When asked to share comments about Mr. Arnold, staff and students responded as follows:
- The students love Mr. Arnold!
- I ABSOLUTELY love how he remembers the kids’ names and always has a smile on his face!!!
- Mr. Arnold is always willing to help at the drop of a hat, he is kind, positive, and is dedicated to making our school shine! Our students love chatting with him, and he even goes out of his way to participate in events we have, such as handing out candy to the students on Halloween. We love Mr. Arnold and all that he does for us!
- I sincerely appreciate Mr. Arnold’s dedication to the students and staff. Mr. Arnold is always going above and beyond to help everyone! I am very grateful for Mr. Arnold and his wonderful happy smile!
- I appreciate Mr. Arnold’s humility, kindness, infective joy, and ability to remember everyone's name. Mr. Arnold is a valued member of our team, and I am grateful for the work that he does for us.
- Mr. Arnold is incredibly kind! He greets everyone with a warm smile and a friendly hello. His dedication to keeping our buildings immaculate is truly commendable.
- Mr. Arnold is extraordinary, his dedication to our students and school is commendable. He regularly goes above and beyond in his duties to improve conditions for all.
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
5 months ago, FSDB
Hello FSDB Families,
We wanted to send a reminder that this weekend will be a "Long Weekend." All students will go home today, Thursday, April 17, at 2:05 p.m. (Friday schedule). There is no school on Friday and Monday (Easter Weekend). SHOW Bus students will be picked up on Monday, April 21, at their normal pick-up time. Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 22.
We hope you have a wonderful long weekend!
5 months ago, FSDB
Congratulations to Dayton Newman on receiving the title of distinguished Wrestling Coach of the Year! This honor reflects his exceptional ability, dedication, and passion for inspiring, mentoring, and guiding his wrestling team to greatness. We look forward to seeing his continued success in the years to come.
#GoDragons #oneteamoneheartbeat #nationaldeafinterscholasticathleticassociation
6 months ago, FSDB
Interested in participating in athletics for the 2025- 2026 school year? FSDB will offer free sports physical exams on the following dates:
• April 15th, 3:30-6:30 pm (Football Players and Current High School Student-Athletes)
• May 6th, 3:30-6:30 pm (All Current Middle School and 5th Grade Student-Athletes)
