Parent Services

The Parent Services Department offers a series of educational opportunities for parents and caregivers through Parent University. This program offers classes and workshops to parents and families throughout the year to learn, increase knowledge of techniques, and promote student achievement. Classes target needs specific to parents of students who are blind/visually impaired or deaf/hard of hearing. Parents/legal guardians are encouraged to participate as informed partners with schools to support programs in an effort to encourage lifelong learning and improve student academic achievement.
About
We are pleased you have chosen the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) for your child’s education. We recognize that family involvement has a powerful influence on a child’s achievement in school and encourage you to take an active and supportive role in your child’s education and help make learning a positive experience both at home and at school.
The FSDB Parent Services Department offers learning, engagement, and capacity-building opportunities for parents/legal guardians of enrolled students. Classes, workshops, meetings, and events throughout the year are designed to promote parental involvement in their child’s growth and learning.
The Parent Infant Program and the Early Learning Center (ELC) are under the purview of the FSDB Parent Services Department.
Campus tours are also provided for families of prospective students during school weekdays by appointment.
contact
General Information
PH: 904-827-2200
VP: 904-245-1022
Parent Services
PH: 904-827-2212
VP: 904-201-4527
Health Care Center
PH: 904-827-2410
VP: 904-201-3910
Campus Police
PH: 904-827-2315
Transportation
PH: 800-992-8747
Outreach Services
PH: 904-827-2212

Home Hyjinks
You’ll want to attend this class on using humor and common sense to support success. We are adapting the environment to meet the unique needs of students who are blind or visually impaired. Learn tips and tricks on supporting independence during daily living routines, such as Task Analysis and Compensatory Survival Skills. Blind Department and Dual Sensory students and their families are invited to attend.
March 10, 2023
ELC & BEMS at 2:30 PM
BHS at 3:30 PM
Travel reimbursement is available.
Parent Chat
Join us on March 24th, at 9 a.m. for the second Parent Chat of the 2022-23 school year. The parent chat is open to all FSDB parents. This meeting will be face-to-face at the Moore Hall CLD. You can also join in via Zoom (link below).
Parent Chat provides FSDB families with a place to:
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Meet with our principals, Angela Wallace (Deaf Dept.) and Carol Bogue (Blind Dept.)
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Learn about current campus events
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Ask questions
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Provide feedback
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Learn about opportunities to be included in decision-making teams as stakeholders
Lunch will be provided, and parent travel reimbursement is available—parents must check-in at the front gate before class. Please RSVP to ensure there are sufficient treats and materials for everyone.
Zoom link: https://bit.ly/ZoomParentChatMarch2023

"Please Touch the Art!"
Art is all around us. Join in this fun & educational event to create accessible art that everyone can enjoy!
This learning event is open to Blind Department students and their families, siblings are welcome. Parents must check in at the front gate before parking and entering campus.
RSVP by March 15.
Parent travel reimbursement is available..
CTE Showcase and Post High School Pathways
Join us on February 24, 2023, for the CTE Showcase and Post High Schoo Pathways. This event will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
This event is open to FSDB families. Parents must check in at the front gate before parking and entering campus.
Click the link below to learn more.
Parent travel reimbursement is available.


Parent Engagement Workshops (PEW) are learning opportunities open to ALL FSDB parents, guardians and caregivers. During PEW, we discuss current and relevant information about our school, parenting strategies, helpful resources and so much more. Please join us for these educational events.
Dates
PEW Dates for the 2022-23 Academic Year
September 9, 2022
December 2, 2022
February 10, 2023
April 21, 2023
Contact
For more information on resources for FSDB Families and the Parent Services Department, contact:
Parent Services Liaison
PH: 904-827-2988
VP: 904-201-4527

Upcoming Parent Events
Digital Citizenship Class
FSDB families are invited to a viewing party! You can participate face to face or virtually. Join in as we view the documentary Childhood 2.0 The Living Experiment as a group. We will pause periodically to discuss real-world applications for our FSDB kiddos. This event will be led by our new Executive Director of Mental Health, Erica Wortherly, LCSW. This is going to be a great event for us to learn together how to support and protect our kids in the digital age. Lunch will be provided!
Date: Friday, April 8, 2022
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Moore Hall, Room 215
RSVP by April 1: bit.ly/RSVPOnlineSafety
Note: Parents must check-in at the front gate before parking and entering campus.
For parent travel reimbursement contact:
Misty Porter, Parent Liason
PH: 904-827-2988
Email: porterm@fsdbk12.org
About the Documentary
Childhood 2.0 The Living Experiment. Childhood 2.0 is required viewing for anyone who wants to better understand the world their children are navigating as they grow up in the digital age. Featuring actual parents and kids as well as industry-leading experts in child safety and development, this documentary dives into the real-life issues facing kids today — including cyberbullying, online predators, suicidal ideation, and more.
For more information about this film please visit: childhood2movie.com



FSDB Parents are Informed and Included
Parents are valued stakeholders. Stay informed on campus happenings and join the team to be included in decision-making opportunities.
School Advisory Council (SAC)
The FSDB School Improvement Process is a critical part of annual planning. Each year, school-level plans are developed to provide a strong foundation for a productive academic year for students and teachers. These plans are reviewed by a comprehensive school leadership team which include parents and community stakeholders. Final school improvement plans are filed with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), as also mandated by federal educational requirements.
Be a Part of the District Team!
The School Advisory Council (SAC) meets four (4) times a year to discuss FSDB-wide issues and topics including reviewing district-wide assessment data, parent survey feedback and School Improvement Plans. The purpose of the council is to hear from stakeholders about issues that impact our community as a whole and make recommendations for change/improvement.
Members of the council include parents, several high school students, the Principal for the Blind and the Principal for the Deaf, and several staff members including a boarding department representative.
Dates
SAC Dates for the 2022-23 Academic Year
Oct. 6: 12:30 p.m.
Dec. 2: 8:15 a.m.
Feb. 10: 8:15 a.m. – Teams link
April 21: 8:15 a.m.
Sub School Advisory Council (sub-SAC)
FSDB Assistant Principals host quarterly Sub-SAC meetings. These smaller meetings allow the group to focus more intently on school specific topics. During these meetings stakeholders discuss that individual School Improvement Plan. If you are interested in participating, please contact your Assistant Principal.
BEMS Dates
Oct. 3: 10 a.m.
Dec. 13: 11:45 a.m. – Link to join
March 3: 10 a.m.
May 5: 10 a.m.
BHs Dates
Oct. 6: Time TBA
Jan. 19: 2 p.m.
March 31: 10:30 a.m.
DES Dates
Jan. 25: 9:30 a.m.
April 3: 9:15 a.m.
DMS Dates
Sept. 8: 12:15 p.m – Link to join
Nov. 17: 12 p.m.
March 2: 12 p.m.
April 26: 12 p.m.
DHS Dates
Sept. 14: 10 a.m.
March 3: 10 a.m.
May 5: 10 a.m.
Title I Parent Advisory Team
Title I is a federal grant that: provides supplemental funds to approved schools to meet educational goals, supports professional development of staff, and supports parent engagement programs. The purpose of Title I is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and assessments.
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) receives Title I Part A funds for Deaf Elementary, Deaf Middle, and Blind Elementary/Middle Schools. These schools are classified as school-wide Title I Schools meaning that all students and families of these schools receive the benefit of Title I funded programs.
Parent involvement is a powerful influence on a child’s achievement in school. When schools work together with parents to support learning, children are more likely to succeed not only in school, but throughout life. Parents, families, and legal guardians are encouraged to participate as informed partners with school personnel in implementing the Title I school programs in an effort to improve student academic achievement and school performance.
Title I Mission: Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind strives to provide families and staff with capacity building opportunities to increase our combined abilities to support our students’ academic and personal growth. All parents of students in Title I schools are welcome to attend Title I meetings.
BEMS Dates
Sept. 30: 10-11 a.m
Dec. 13: 11:45 a.m. – Link to join
March 3: 11:45 a.m.
May 5: 11:45 a.m.
DES Dates
Dates forthcoming.
DMS Dates
Sept. 8: 12:15 p.m – Link to join
Nov. 17: 12 p.m.
March 2: 12 p.m.
April 26: 12 p.m.
Hey Families!
"Hey Families!" is a collection of resources for FSDB families to use throughout the school year. Whether navigating individual learning environment (ILE) or attending brick and mortar (BAM), we are here to support you every step of the way. We hope you never feel alone, as we are on this journey of learning and discovery together.