Dee Stoddard, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Deaf Department, shares her favorite memory below:
"My favorite memory from FSDB is the day I was interviewed for my position. After the interview, I was taking a campus tour with Hugh Lewis, Fmr. Principal. While standing on the edge of the grass between Kirk Memorial and Deaf Middle School, my left foot was atop a red ant hill. When the 3rd or 4th ant crawled inside or bit me on the outside of my pantyhose, I kicked my shoes off while screaming in agony, I pulled as hard as I could on the toe of the stocking, while hoping on one foot, and all the while, reassuring Hugh that I was ok, and to ignore all the commotion. Hugh's reaction was PRICELESS. He did not speak for approximately 1-2 minutes; he just stared at me with his mouth open... still the funniest expression I have ever seen on anyone. Thanks, Hugh, for all the laughs!!"
#FSDBMemoryMondays
"My favorite memory from FSDB is the day I was interviewed for my position. After the interview, I was taking a campus tour with Hugh Lewis, Fmr. Principal. While standing on the edge of the grass between Kirk Memorial and Deaf Middle School, my left foot was atop a red ant hill. When the 3rd or 4th ant crawled inside or bit me on the outside of my pantyhose, I kicked my shoes off while screaming in agony, I pulled as hard as I could on the toe of the stocking, while hoping on one foot, and all the while, reassuring Hugh that I was ok, and to ignore all the commotion. Hugh's reaction was PRICELESS. He did not speak for approximately 1-2 minutes; he just stared at me with his mouth open... still the funniest expression I have ever seen on anyone. Thanks, Hugh, for all the laughs!!"
#FSDBMemoryMondays
Only four days remain until the Clerc Classic XXIV tournament, hosted at FSDB! Who’s ready?
#FSDBSportsSunday #ClercClassicXXIV #ThisIsFSDB #GoFSDBDragons #PassionPridePerseverance
#FSDBSportsSunday #ClercClassicXXIV #ThisIsFSDB #GoFSDBDragons #PassionPridePerseverance
🩺📚 Welcome to the Literary Morgue!
Thursday, our AP Lit juniors, seniors, and SOAR students scrubbed in for Thesis Autopsy Day—a hands-on, high-engagement lesson where we dissected the AP Literature essay rubric, piece by piece.
Their goal? To demystify what College Board means by a defensible thesis. Students examined “dead on arrival” thesis paragraphs and learned how to resuscitate them with precise language, literary elements, and a clear line of reasoning. We discussed the difference between summary vs. analysis, commentary vs. observation, and broke down why strong thesis statements are the heartbeat of any successful literary analysis.
Dressed in PPE and gloves (we really went full method here 😅), students became literary medical examiners—questioning, diagnosing, and revising sample claims to better understand what earns points on the exam.
This lesson wasn’t just about fun (though it definitely was); it was about empowering students to take ownership of their writing and to understand the rubric like graders do. 📝
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
Thursday, our AP Lit juniors, seniors, and SOAR students scrubbed in for Thesis Autopsy Day—a hands-on, high-engagement lesson where we dissected the AP Literature essay rubric, piece by piece.
Their goal? To demystify what College Board means by a defensible thesis. Students examined “dead on arrival” thesis paragraphs and learned how to resuscitate them with precise language, literary elements, and a clear line of reasoning. We discussed the difference between summary vs. analysis, commentary vs. observation, and broke down why strong thesis statements are the heartbeat of any successful literary analysis.
Dressed in PPE and gloves (we really went full method here 😅), students became literary medical examiners—questioning, diagnosing, and revising sample claims to better understand what earns points on the exam.
This lesson wasn’t just about fun (though it definitely was); it was about empowering students to take ownership of their writing and to understand the rubric like graders do. 📝
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
Happy New Year! What is one thing you look forward to in 2026?
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
Hello FSDB Families and Students,
Next weekend is a very long weekend as FSDB will host the Clerc Classic Basketball Tournament and Cheerleading Competition. All students will go home on Wednesday, January 14, at 2:05 p.m. (Friday schedule). Students will not have classes on Thursday, January 15th and Friday, January 16th. School will also be closed on Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
(NOTE: The Clerc Classic is a sold-out event and you must have already purchased a ticket in order to attend the tournament.)
IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday, January 14, at 2:05 p.m. – All students will go home. (Friday Schedule)
Thursday, January 15 – No Classes
Friday, January 16 – No Classes
Monday, January 19 – No Classes, but SHOW Bus students will be picked up at their regular time.
Tuesday, January 20 – Classes Resume
Behind the Scenes at FSDB!
I thought it would be fun to share a peek at what goes on behind the camera as I record the welcome letter for our upcoming Clerc Classic XXIV Boys and Girls Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament!
As President, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to be in front of the camera—whether for photos or videos taken by students, staff, or the media. Truth be told, I still get butterflies when the lens is pointed my way! I feel most confident when I’ve had time to practice, but sometimes I speak straight from the heart.
What makes it easier? Talking about our amazing school, programs, students, staff, and families. I’m never at a loss for words when the topic is FSDB!
Kudos to all our students and staff who also bravely step in front of the camera for social media, our website, or media affiliates. One of our Strategic Priorities is that EVERYONE KNOWS OUR NAME, and I’m grateful we’ve all rallied behind this strategic goal with a grin on our faces.
Check out the full Clerc Classic Tournament welcome letter and video here:
👉 https://clercclassic.com/letters-from-the-hosts/
Photo Description: The photo collage posted, has six candid photos of me sitting outside in our "mall area" between Walker Hall and Memorial Hall/Kirk Auditorium in front of one of our garden boxes with poinsettias behind me. I have my tripod/ring light pointed in my direction as I record the Clerc Classic welcome letter in ASL.
Can you catch the ASL signs in each photo (photo collage in this post)?
🔹 Top left: “Clerc”
🔹 Top middle: (honestly, I have no idea!)
🔹 Top right: “team”
🔹 Middle right: “wonderful”
🔹 Bottom right: “tournament”
🔹 Large photo: “welcome”
#ThisIsFSDB #SocialMediaForTheWin #FSDBEveryoneKnowsOurName #ClercClassicXXIV #DeafAthletics #ThePrezSnowPost
I thought it would be fun to share a peek at what goes on behind the camera as I record the welcome letter for our upcoming Clerc Classic XXIV Boys and Girls Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament!
As President, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to be in front of the camera—whether for photos or videos taken by students, staff, or the media. Truth be told, I still get butterflies when the lens is pointed my way! I feel most confident when I’ve had time to practice, but sometimes I speak straight from the heart.
What makes it easier? Talking about our amazing school, programs, students, staff, and families. I’m never at a loss for words when the topic is FSDB!
Kudos to all our students and staff who also bravely step in front of the camera for social media, our website, or media affiliates. One of our Strategic Priorities is that EVERYONE KNOWS OUR NAME, and I’m grateful we’ve all rallied behind this strategic goal with a grin on our faces.
Check out the full Clerc Classic Tournament welcome letter and video here:
👉 https://clercclassic.com/letters-from-the-hosts/
Photo Description: The photo collage posted, has six candid photos of me sitting outside in our "mall area" between Walker Hall and Memorial Hall/Kirk Auditorium in front of one of our garden boxes with poinsettias behind me. I have my tripod/ring light pointed in my direction as I record the Clerc Classic welcome letter in ASL.
Can you catch the ASL signs in each photo (photo collage in this post)?
🔹 Top left: “Clerc”
🔹 Top middle: (honestly, I have no idea!)
🔹 Top right: “team”
🔹 Middle right: “wonderful”
🔹 Bottom right: “tournament”
🔹 Large photo: “welcome”
#ThisIsFSDB #SocialMediaForTheWin #FSDBEveryoneKnowsOurName #ClercClassicXXIV #DeafAthletics #ThePrezSnowPost
Before the break, the girls in James Hall made thank-you cards for the support staff on campus. The photo in the top left corner shows the girls presenting the cards to the staff at the Guard House. What a wonderful way to brighten someone's day!
#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays #ThisIsFSDB
Congratulations, FSDB Culinary Arts students: (left to right in group photo) Jacob Brand, Gabe Kramer, Robert McCullough, Kyra Hollerman, and Christopher Sterner for earning national industry certification as a ServSafe Food Safety Manager! Our students have been hard at work mastering essential industry practices. They've gained proficiency in technical vocabulary and learned to apply safe food-handling techniques at every stage of the food flow. Additionally, they've developed skills to maintain equipment and facilities to the highest standards in a commercial foodservice environment.
These competencies are the foundation of excellence in hospitality and culinary arts—setting our learners up for success in the professional kitchen! 👩🍳👨🍳
#FSDBCTETuesdays #ThisisFSDB
These competencies are the foundation of excellence in hospitality and culinary arts—setting our learners up for success in the professional kitchen! 👩🍳👨🍳
#FSDBCTETuesdays #ThisisFSDB
Hey Families, we hear you! Holiday fatigue is real!
The Parent Engagement Workshop scheduled for this Friday has been canceled.
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! The presentation will be offered during our final PEW on May 1st.
In the meantime, remember to visit the Parent Services website to learn about other engaging opportunities!
Thank you for understanding, and we look forward to seeing you then!
Christy Garcia, Rhyne Hall Supervisor (Deaf Boarding Program), shares her favorite memory so far while working at FSDB.
"One of my favorite memories is when the boys arrive at the dorm, excited to see me and eager to share all about their day. Another cherished memory is taking the boys on various field trips to explore downtown and the town center, and watching them socialize with the ASL students at Nease High School!"
#FSDBMemoryMondays #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
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!
Hello FSDB Families! FSDB Parent Engagement Workshop: Count on Safety: Parental Controls & Math, Simple. This Workshop will be on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 9:30 A.M., and all FSDB Families are invited!
Topics at this event:
• Tech Talk:
“Parental Controls Made Simple: Keeping Kids Safe Online”
• Safe Connections:
“Preventing Bullying and Building Respect”
• Math Matters:
“Making Numbers Work for Your Child’s Success”
• President Pop-In:
FSDB President Tracie Snow will POP-In and lead an interactive game.
RSVP at the following link:
https://bit.ly/PEW-JAN-09-2026
Please remember to RSVP to ensure we have sufficient supplies, lunch!
Travel Reimbursement is available for this event.
Topics at this event:
• Tech Talk:
“Parental Controls Made Simple: Keeping Kids Safe Online”
• Safe Connections:
“Preventing Bullying and Building Respect”
• Math Matters:
“Making Numbers Work for Your Child’s Success”
• President Pop-In:
FSDB President Tracie Snow will POP-In and lead an interactive game.
RSVP at the following link:
https://bit.ly/PEW-JAN-09-2026
Please remember to RSVP to ensure we have sufficient supplies, lunch!
Travel Reimbursement is available for this event.
Season's Greetings from your Athletics Department—where teamwork makes the holidays brighter!
#FSDBSportsSaturdays #PassionPridePerseverance #GoFSDBDragons #GoFSDBCobras
#FSDBSportsSaturdays #PassionPridePerseverance #GoFSDBDragons #GoFSDBCobras
Congratulations to Shane Ferenc!
Shane joined FSDB's Deaf Department in first grade and has been with us for twelve years.
He chose to defer his diploma to focus on gaining independent living skills and work experience. After leaving FSDB, he plans to work at Walmart near his home.
One of Shane's favorite memories at FSDB is the opportunity to tour St. Augustine and gain various work experiences.
Shane shared this with other individuals who want to attend FSDB: "FSDB is so much better than mainstream school. At FSDB, I had friends and language access."
Shane, we will miss seeing you on campus, but we look forward to seeing all the great things you will accomplish in the future!
#FSDBSOARSaturdays #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Shane joined FSDB's Deaf Department in first grade and has been with us for twelve years.
He chose to defer his diploma to focus on gaining independent living skills and work experience. After leaving FSDB, he plans to work at Walmart near his home.
One of Shane's favorite memories at FSDB is the opportunity to tour St. Augustine and gain various work experiences.
Shane shared this with other individuals who want to attend FSDB: "FSDB is so much better than mainstream school. At FSDB, I had friends and language access."
Shane, we will miss seeing you on campus, but we look forward to seeing all the great things you will accomplish in the future!
#FSDBSOARSaturdays #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Winter break is here! We are calling all students, families, alumni, FSDB staff, and the community. What do you and your family have planned for the holidays? We want to hear your plans in the comments!
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
We are happy to announce that Sujal Patel, a senior in the Deaf Department, graduated today. Sujal has been a part of the FSDB community for one and a half years. He plans to study business at Gallaudet University.
Sujal moved to the United States from India two and a half years ago. He appreciates the education he received at FSDB. He enjoyed all of his classes and wants to thank the teachers, staff, counselors, and everyone who supported him during his studies. The opportunities at FSDB helped him grow and prepared him for his future.
We are proud of Sujal’s achievements and look forward to seeing his success ahead!
#YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #Congratulations
Sujal moved to the United States from India two and a half years ago. He appreciates the education he received at FSDB. He enjoyed all of his classes and wants to thank the teachers, staff, counselors, and everyone who supported him during his studies. The opportunities at FSDB helped him grow and prepared him for his future.
We are proud of Sujal’s achievements and look forward to seeing his success ahead!
#YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #Congratulations
Healthy Habits & Winter Wellness at FSDB!
This week, I had the joy of joining an elementary physical education class where students learned about the importance of drinking water and eating a healthy breakfast. They didn’t just learn why these habits matter...they set personal goals and shared creative ways to remind themselves to stick to them! We wrapped up the lesson with a group photo, where you can see they were all eager to proudly hold up their water bottles that they carry throughout the day. These young students are a great inspiration!
Next, I stayed to visit with the Lifestyle Fitness Design class for our blind high school girls. Coach Tutak shared their amazing project: a "Winter Health & Fitness Challenge!" They created a list of 28 fun activities to keep us healthy in every way: mental, emotional, social, and physical over winter break. The students even let me snap a "selfie" with them before I left to share with all of you.
Here are a few ideas they came up with:
Spend quality time with your family pet
Hold a plank as long as you can
Read a book or listen to an audiobook in a cozy spot
Send a “thinking of you” message to 3 people
Do something creative: draw, bake, craft, or write
Unplug from devices for one hour
Time yourself for a 1 mile walk, jog, or run
I’m definitely doing creative activities (and yes, I’ll be using my stash of GLITTER ✨)!
What are your plans for the break?
Let’s all pick an activity each day, invite family and friends to join, and track our progress.
Wishing our FSDB community a happy, healthy, and positive New Year! 🎉
#ThePrezSnowPost
This week, I had the joy of joining an elementary physical education class where students learned about the importance of drinking water and eating a healthy breakfast. They didn’t just learn why these habits matter...they set personal goals and shared creative ways to remind themselves to stick to them! We wrapped up the lesson with a group photo, where you can see they were all eager to proudly hold up their water bottles that they carry throughout the day. These young students are a great inspiration!
Next, I stayed to visit with the Lifestyle Fitness Design class for our blind high school girls. Coach Tutak shared their amazing project: a "Winter Health & Fitness Challenge!" They created a list of 28 fun activities to keep us healthy in every way: mental, emotional, social, and physical over winter break. The students even let me snap a "selfie" with them before I left to share with all of you.
Here are a few ideas they came up with:
Spend quality time with your family pet
Hold a plank as long as you can
Read a book or listen to an audiobook in a cozy spot
Send a “thinking of you” message to 3 people
Do something creative: draw, bake, craft, or write
Unplug from devices for one hour
Time yourself for a 1 mile walk, jog, or run
I’m definitely doing creative activities (and yes, I’ll be using my stash of GLITTER ✨)!
What are your plans for the break?
Let’s all pick an activity each day, invite family and friends to join, and track our progress.
Wishing our FSDB community a happy, healthy, and positive New Year! 🎉
#ThePrezSnowPost
The Blind Department hosted an incredible annual holiday concert last night, showcasing the talent of the Concert Band, Concert Chorus, Reflection Show Choir, and the Blind Lights Show Choir. Each group delivered outstanding performances that truly impressed everyone in attendance.
To view the photos from the concert, please click the link shared below: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p218155121
#ThisIsFSDB #HappyHolidays
To view the photos from the concert, please click the link shared below: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p218155121
#ThisIsFSDB #HappyHolidays
Last week, our Deaf and Blind middle school students had a wonderful time on their annual holiday shopping trip to The Avenues Mall!
#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays#FSDBrecreation
#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays#FSDBrecreation
