The deadline for Summer Quest applications is fast approaching, and spots are filling up! Please submit your completed application by April 25, 2025.
Dates
• June 16-20, 2025 (ages 8-12)
• June 21-27, 2025 (ages 13-17)
Who Can Attend?
• Blind/Visually Impaired
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing
• Deafblind (dual-sensory)
• 8-17 year olds
• Florida resident
Visit our Summer Quest webpage to learn more and apply!
https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/summer-quest
In Deaf Elementary, our 4th-grade students from Ms. Bell’s learned about a famous Deaf artist, Chuck Baird, through our celebration of Deaf History Month. So, students decided to make their own Chuck Baird-inspired art!
#FSDBAcademicMonday #DeafHistoryMonth
Congratulations to our FSDB Varsity Girls Basketball Team for being named the NDIAA Team of the Year! Their remarkable teamwork, perseverance, and excellence have earned them this recognition. We are so proud of their achievements this season and look forward to more accomplishments.
#GoDragons #oneteamoneheartbeat #nationaldeafinterscholasticathleticassociation
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
Congratulations to Joy Fraychineaud on being named Basketball Coach of the Year! Her exceptional leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on her girls basketball team and other student-athletes. This recognition shows her extraordinary influence and success.
#GoDragons #oneteamoneheartbeat #nationaldeafinterscholasticathleticassociation
Congratulations to Kayla Debrow on earning the prestigious Player of the Year honor for girls basketball! Her talent, dedication, and hard work have set her apart as a true champion in girls basketball. We look forward to following her continued journey and accomplishments throughout college.
#GoDragons #oneteamoneheartbeat #nationaldeafinterscholasticathleticassociation
Summer 2025 ECC Interactive Learning Series: Forever Gardening
Join us for a two-day skills workshop. Students will use a variety of clay, paint, brushes, and tactile materials to create an everlasting garden of tactile flowers. They will also learn about gardening, flowers, and jobs related to gardening and art. We will also have a special guest from the D&B Garden Center. The workshop will be facilitated by certified teachers in the field. Students aged 6-17 who live in Florida and are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Blind/Visually Impaired, or Deafblind/Dual Sensory Impaired are eligible to join us.
Learn more at https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/ecc-interactive-learning-series
On Wednesday, April 9, AT& T Pioneers came to provide BES grades K-3 a beeping egg hunt at Kid's Town. This community volunteer group has been coming to FSDB for over 20 years. The visually impaired students used blindfolds and goggles to ensure equal access while locating the eggs. Each student had a volunteer as a sighted guide to assist. Once all the eggs were collected, the students counted to see who had found the most eggs. The pioneer group then gave the kids a snack and a goody bag to bring home. It is such a special event that the kids and adults look forward to each year.
#FSDBRecapSunday #ThisIsFSDB
On Tuesday, April 8, the Girls' Flag Football team hosted a home game celebrating Senior Night. We honored our five seniors: Kavira Vihugho, Ivabella Essex, Annabelle Abenchuchan, Markeil Jordan, and Kayla Debrow.
Photo credits: Deaf High School Yearbook Staff
#FSDBSportsSaturdays #GoDragons #OneTeamOneHeartbeat
This is Kendall Younkman.
Kendall attended FSDB in 2011 as an 8th grader and graduated from the Deaf Department in 2016.
Kendall chose to attend FSDB because she wanted to connect with other Deaf students who were just like her. She was thrilled to discover that the teachers knew ASL. Before attending FSDB, she believed she was the only Deaf person, but her experience there changed that perception. With her energetic personality, she quickly made many friends and loved to uplift others with her positive attitude.
One of her fondest memories from her time at FSDB is from her junior year prom, where she danced all night with her friends after taking off her heels. She also enjoyed all the after-school field trips.
After graduating from FSDB, Kendall attended RIT/NTID to study communications for three years. She then moved back to Florida to pursue an associate degree at a local community college. Currently, she is living in St. Augustine and attending Flagler College, where she is set to graduate with her Bachelor's degree this May.
A fun fact about Kendall is that she loves adventures, including taking her family's boat out on the water.
We love to see our alumni thriving after graduating from FSDB!
#FSDBGrowingUpAtFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam
Have you ever wondered why our campus looks so clean and beautiful? It's because we have a fantastic Grounds team! Check our social media today to see what our Grounds team accomplishes daily!
#FSDBTakeoverThursdays
Deaf History Month continues.
Dr. Albert H. Walker was born in Cedar Springs, South Carolina. His grandfather founded the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind (SCSDB), his father served as the superintendent, and his siblings were also educators for the deaf. Together, their family operated SCSDB for 131 years, from 1849 to 1980. In recognition of their contribution, Walker Hall at SCSDB is named after them.
In 1896, Albert married Betty Rawlings in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and they had two daughters together. Before joining FSDB, he taught at the Tennessee and Texas Schools for the Deaf.
Beginning in 1902, Walker served as the head teacher and later became the president of FSDB, holding that position for twenty-one years—one of the longest presidencies in FSDB history.
In addition to his roles as an educator, Walker worked as an interpreter, chauffeur, editor, scorekeeper, and a promoter of FSDB. He also served as a director of Commercial Bank in St. Augustine, was a trustee at Flagler Hospital, and was a member of the Rotary Club.
In 1916, Walker received an honorary doctorate from the University of Florida.
In 1921, he invited United States President Warren G. Harding to visit FSDB and presented to the students and staff. President Harding returned for another visit in 1923.
In honor of his contributions, Walker Hall at FSDB is named after Dr. Albert H. Walker.
#FSDBWayBackWhensdays #FSDBHistory #DeafHistoryMonth
During recreation time, students have the option to practice yoga.
#FSDBCampusLifeTuesdays
Congratulations to Shawn O'Brien on his new position!
Shawn began his journey at FSDB in 2015 as a police dispatcher. His dedication and strong work ethic distinguished him, leading him to become a law enforcement officer in 2018. He then advanced to the role of law enforcement investigator. We are excited to congratulate him on his promotion to lieutenant.
Shawn is eager to assume a leadership role within the Campus Police Department.
A resident of St. Augustine, Shawn is also an avid photographer and motorcycle enthusiast. Additionally, he is pursuing a master's degree in Public Relations.
#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
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)
Are you ready to become a vital part of the FSDB Family? We’re on the lookout for our next outstanding athletic director! If you’re passionate about athletics and leadership, we want to hear from you. Click the link below to discover more about this exciting opportunity and submit your application. Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this message!
https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/careers
Thursday evening, April 3, the Blind High School Performing Arts students enjoyed a full theatre experience. They got dressed up and went out for a night on the town. They attended Les Miserables, a Broadway Musical about overcoming your past and setting your sights on living a good and prosperous life, set during the French Revolution. This musical was held at the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts at Moran Theatre in downtown Jacksonville, Fl.
The students enjoyed having a night out with their friends and listening to amazing music. They also gained experience in ECC components, etiquette, and advocacy. Students were selected by completing an interest form which included short essay answering why they desired to go and what they hoped to gain from their attendance.
Special thanks to the Artist in Residency Program for sponsoring this event.
#FSDBAcademicMonday
Here are some exciting recaps from both our deaf and blind departments!
- In Deaf Elementary, Mr. Homewood's 5th grade class completed a project related to the Florida Gators Softball team. In this project, they were challenged to find the best recruit to add to the Gators team to help them win the 2025 NCAA Women's College World Series. The Florida Gators were super kind and sent the students signed posters and a signed softball to be displayed in the classroom!
- On March 31, Students from BES attended a theatre event through the Artist in Residency program! We traveled to the Florida Theater in downtown Jacksonville to see The Stinky Cheese Man!
- On April 1, Culinary Arts and guest Career Experience/Soar students today toured the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hands-On training program. Students (aged 18+) can gain paid on-the-job training in an 80-hour program, earning a certificate and a chance for hire at a world-class hotel! There are several training sites in Florida and others around the country.
#FSDBRecapSundays
Our Boys Middle School Flag Football team is thriving and making great strides this season!
#FSDBSportsSaturdays #GoDragons #OneTeamOneHearbeat
This is Logan Cake.
Logan is a senior in the Blind Department and has been with FSDB for six years.
Some of Logan's favorite memories at FSDB include dressing up in fun costumes for spirit days, spending time with staff and students during school trips, events, and classes.
His favorite subjects are math and science.
Logan is very dedicated to his studies and will graduate with his Associate of Arts degree before completing high school this May. He is the first student in the Blind High School to achieve this milestone that any staff member can remember.
What a great accomplishment, Logan! We will miss seeing you around campus once you graduate.
#FSDBGrowingUpAtFSDBFridays #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
