When I became President of FSDB, I realized there was something missing. Some of our students earned their diploma, walked during their graduation and then returned as deferred students—now part of our SOAR program. But when it was time for them to exit and start their next chapter, most of them had their IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting and then quietly left. That didn’t sit right with me.
If you know me, you know I believe in celebrating students. So for the past five years, I’ve made it a point to personally hand them their diploma—whether it’s in the cafeteria, at their job site, during a class party with cupcakes, or like yesterday, surrounded by a small group of staff sharing pride, encouragement, and reflections on the student's journey at FSDB.
Michael Diaz-Ramos, a student from the Blind High School, is leaving FSDB with more than he started with: A standard diploma, a deep understanding of himself, a sense of belonging, and two certifications he earned while attending the First Cost Technical College whom we partner with.
Thrilled that he now has certification in EPA Type 1 & Type 2 (HVAC certification qualifying him to work on small, medium-pressure, and high-pressure appliances
He’s first starting in the food industry at a local restaurant, with his sights set on a future in HVAC.
Michael, we are so proud of you. You’ve got this—and we’re just a phone call or email away.
#FSDBPride #SOARProgram #StudentSuccess #HVACCertified #BlindHighSchool #CelebratingStudents
Dylana is joining us as an overnight D/HH Residential Instructor. Previously, she served as a National Field Support Manager.
Dylana is excited to engage with the students and help them develop healthy habits. She has expressed that understanding what is essential to the students brings her joy.
A fun fact about Dylana is that she has visited all of the Presidential museums.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to use my talents in a meaningful way,” Dylana stated.
We are so fortunate to have you here with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
Congratulations to Dani Quinones on being named the DES Teacher of the Year. Ms. Dani teaches Kindergarten, a mentor for our new teachers, a committee member of our PBiS team & many more. She contributes to DES by sharing fresh ideas, support, and being a team player for our school. We are delighted for Ms. Dani to represent DES as Teacher of the Year.
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #TeacherOfTheYear2026
#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays
Please join us in recognizing Colleen for her outstanding dedication, passion, and impact on our students and our school community. This is a well-deserved honor, and we are so lucky to have such an inspiring educator on our team!
Colleen creates true classroom magic, bringing math to life through hands-on activities and inquiry-based learning. In addition to being a stellar math teacher, Colleen also goes above and beyond as the Junior and Senior class sponsor—supporting our students in and out of the classroom with the same energy and heart.
Please take a moment to congratulate Colleen and let her know how much she is appreciated!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #TeacherOfTheYear2026
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #TeacherOfTheYear2026
#FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #TeacherOfTheYear2026
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Hillary Norman, the 2026-2027 Blind Elementary Middle School (BEMS) Teacher of the Year. Ms. Hillary is our Blind Middle School Technology teacher as well as a graduate of FSDB. In addition, Ms. Hillary heads up the Cobra Chats Podcast. We are thrilled to have Ms. Hillary as part of our team as an educator and advocate for our students.
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongToFSDB #TeacherOfTheYear2026
#FSDBDCTETuesdays
"One of my favorite memories is starting my first day of FSDB career at the convocation in 2022. That was a WILD and ENRICHING experience that I will always cherish. "
#FSDBMemoryMondays
FSDB Interactive Learning Series presents: Cookies for Family & Friends. Join us on Saturday, November 15, from 10 am to 12 pm, where students will learn cooking techniques, explore service project ideas, practice social and compensatory skills, and bake cookies to share with loved ones.
This class is available for BVI, DHH, and DSI students ages 6-17 living in Florida. Parent supervision is expected, and siblings are encouraged to join.
Click here to register.
To learn more, visit our ECC Interactive Learning Series page or contact Jennifer Valderrama, 904-827-2454, valderramaj@fsdbk12.org
To view the updated schedule, click the link shared below:
https://fsdbathletics.org/sports/swimming/schedule
#FSDBSportsSundays #PassionPridePerserverance #GoFSDBDragons
Breanna is a SOAR student in the Blind Department. She graduated in 2023 and has been a part of FSDB for nearly eleven years.
One of her favorite memories at FSDB is when her senior class visited Bravos. They had the entire venue to themselves and even played laser tag.
Breanna chose to defer her diploma so she could focus on developing her workplace skills and completing her AA degree at Saint John's River State College.
After leaving FSDB, she plans to obtain her AA degree, which she hopes will qualify her for an IA position at FSDB while also working toward her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She aims to build connections during her time in the SOAR Program.
"What I like most about the SOAR Program is that it gives me the opportunity to develop essential skills for everyday life, such as cooking, cleaning, and workplace skills," shared Breanna.
Breanna advises future students considering the SOAR Program to take full advantage of the experience. She encourages them to apply for jobs after school, build connections with teachers and staff, and learn as much as possible.
#FSDBSoarSaturdays #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFriday
Celebrate Independence at the White Cane Day Parade
FSDB students, staff, and families are invited to join us for the Annual White Cane Day Parade on October 10th at 9:30 AM at the Usina Athletic Field track. This heartwarming celebration honors student empowerment and independence. Come witness the pride and determination of each student as they walk with confidence, celebrating their journeys and achievements.
We are excited to share a preview of some powerful and creative posters designed by our students. Each poster vibrantly reflects their unique voices and the spirit of independence.
Let’s come together to cheer them on and celebrate the strength, resilience, and pride that make this day unforgettable. #WhiteCaneDay #BlindnessAwarenessMonth
Today I had the joy of reading to one of our kindergarten classes in FSDB Deaf Elementary School—In my previous life as a 2nd grade teacher, it was one of my favorite things to do!
We shared laughs and learning with Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems, but with a fun twist: in our “enhanced version,” the pigeon became President Snow and the bus driver was Mr. Greene, our Executive Director of Transportation. The students had a blast shouting “No! No! No!” every time “President Snow” begged and pleaded to drive the bus.
Reading to children is one of the best ways to build vocabulary, boost comprehension, and spark curiosity. I’m so grateful for opportunities to be in our classrooms and connect with our amazing students.
#FSDBPride #DeafEducation #LiteracyMatters #Kindergarten #ThisIsFSDB #ThePrezSnowPost
Nicole will be working as a Residential Instructor at Gregg Hall. She looks forward to working with deaf students.
A fun fact about Nicole is that she loves to dance.
We are excited to have you as part of the FSDB Family!
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Click the link to read the full story and see more photos. https://www.fsdbk12.org/article/2461908
#FSDBAfterSchoolHoursWednesdays
Previously, John worked for thirty-five years for the Department of Defense as a Firefighter and Emergency Management Specialist.
John is looking forward to starting a new, rewarding experience, being part of something greater.
He wanted to share that he has spent many years dealing with emergencies and planning, and looks forward to being part of a new team.
We are so happy to have you here with us at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
