Congratulations to Ashton Bartok!
Ashton has been a part of the FSDB Deaf Department for two and a half years. He decided to defer his diploma to gain more experience before pursuing college. Ashton plans to work until August and then attend Gallaudet University in the fall.
Some of his favorite memories at FSDB include winning the Mason-Dixon competition with the cheer squad, participating in the Lion King performance, and dancing with the Dance Troupe. His favorite subjects are English and Dance.
Ashton shared, "FSDB is an amazing community, and if you keep an open mind, you will find friends here!"
We will miss seeing you around campus and dancing with the Dance Troupe!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Congratulations to Phoenix Lambirth!
Phoenix has been with us in the Deaf Department for three to four years.
"Each year has been filled with learning, challenges, and great memories!" stated Phoenix.
He deferred his diploma to take more time to focus on his goal of preparing for Southwest College for the Deaf (SWCD) at Howard College, with plans to transfer to either Gallaudet University or RIT/NITD.
Phoenix’s favorite subjects are English and Unique Skill, and he has received significant support in reading and English from his teachers, Zachary Bridgett and Lauren Fox.
One of his favorite memories at FSDB is winning the 69th Annual Mason-Dixon Boys Basketball Tournament Championship, a moment he will cherish forever.
Phoenix advises other kids who wish to attend FSDB that it is a fantastic place to be yourself and grow in unexpected ways. There are countless activities to participate in and opportunities to learn. The deaf community, along with the teachers and staff, is outstanding.
"It's not just a school; it's a community where everyone's uniqueness is celebrated!" Phoenix shared.
He is grateful for everything he has experienced at FSDB and plans to carry the lessons, friendships, and memories into the future.
We will miss you, Phoenix, and we can’t wait to see you accomplish great things!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
During the last week of school in December, the Blinding Lights Show Choir, along with guest soloist, McKenzie, was requested for some private events in the community.
On Tuesday, December 17, the group performed at Sawgrass Country Club where they sang for a "standing-room-only" audience. Students enjoyed touring the Club area, which was beautifully decorated for Christmas and Hanukkah before their performance, which included songs such as Jazz Waltz of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Theme from Elf.
They followed up this performance with another at the NEFEC Winter Conference in Palatka. The students thoroughly enjoy singing at these performances and look forward to visiting every year.
#FSDBCampusLifeTuesdays
In the Early Learning Center, our students have classroom pets!
Having fish and frogs as classroom pets is a fun way for students to enhance their social skills! They bond with one another by interacting and working together to care for these little creatures. Plus, it gives them a chance to learn about responsibility through feeding, cleaning, and discovering the fascinating world of aquatic life. We have each student's name assigned to feed the pet every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. They recognize their name and know it's their turn to feed them. It's a great way to make learning hands-on and enjoyable!
#FSDBAcademicMondays
FSDB Robotics Team 74837B won the Judges Award this past weekend's Warrior Robotic Tournament in Lutz, FL!
Way to go!
#ThisIsFSDB
Our Robotics teams have recently qualified for the NRSC Deaf/HH tournament through their programming skills. They have been very busy preparing for the upcoming February tournament in Georgia.
So far, FSDB's High School teams have competed 3 times since October and have made it to the qualifying rounds.
The game components include alliance matches, skills assessments, an engineering notebook, and a team interview.
Each component has criteria the teams must learn to prepare for the tournament day. During the tournament day, they are expected to show their abilities toward each component to earn points.
We wish our teams the best of luck!
#FSDBRecapSunday
Our Wrestling team participated in a District Dual Tournament meet on Wednesday, and they wore their new uniforms for the first time!
#FSDBSportsSaturday
This is Parker Watson.
Parker has been a student with FSDB for thirteen years and is currently a senior in the Blind Department.
One of his favorite memories was his band class in ninth grade. He shared that the people in the class were talented, funny, and a great group of people to be around. The group was all musically inclined and worked well together, which made that year's concert band "one of the best," in his opinion.
Parker's favorite class at FSDB is any class that involves computers and technology. Outside of school, he has taught himself different programming languages, including C & C++, Python, C#, and JavaScript/HTML. He is hoping to advance his programming skills and start a business in the future.
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBGrowingUpAtFSDBFridays
Congratulations to Marissa Harrer on her new position at FSDB!
Marissa was previously a Language Lab Teacher and is now the newest Communication Specialist for the Speech and Audiology Department.
She looks forward to working with students one-on-one and in small groups to improve their communication skills.
"Language is such an important aspect of life, and I am honored to help students grow in that area," Marissa shared.
Marissa has spent her entire career at FSDB and is excited to continue in her new role.
A fun fact about Marissa is that she runs a small business called Strawberry & Sage, making clay jewelry and accessories.
Congratulations once again!
#FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB
Welcome Denise Trujillo to FSDB!
Denise will be joining us as a Campus Police Dispatcher. Before her role at FSDB, she worked as a weight inspector for FDOT.
Denise is looking forward to learning about the new facet of law enforcement.
In her free time, she enjoys making card crafts.
"I am so glad to be at FSDB!" shared Denise.
We are so glad to have you here at FSDB with us!
#FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB
Today, our Interpreter Services Department will be taking control of our social media accounts. They will be sharing insights, updates, and engaging content related to their work and the importance of sign language in communication. Stay tuned for exciting stories!
#FSDBTakeoverThursdays
FSDB Campus was covered in snow from January 17-18, 1977. An Arctic Blast swept across Florida, where temperatures were around 20 degrees. Snow covered the entire state of Florida, including Miami, as reported by the news. The photo shows students from FSDB High School playing in the snow outside near Rhyne and McLane Hall.
Source: FSDB Museum & photo from 1977 FSDB Yearbook
#FSDBWayBackWhenesdays #FSDBHistory
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) will host a job fair to recruit talent for all departments and positions Wednesday, January 15, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 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 that offers many challenging and rewarding career opportunities.
For more information about current openings and benefits, visit www.fsdbk12.org/careers
Before the Holiday break, the Outdoor Club went downtown St. Augustine to see the famous Nights of Lights!
#FSDBCampusLifeTuesdays
Blind High School students in Algebra 1 are learning about “slope.” They spent a Friday afternoon using a measuring tape and kinesthetic learning to find and compare the slopes of the slides at the Kramer playground. The largest slide had a hill of ¾, meaning for every 3 feet of drop, it had 4 feet of forward movement. This was not particularly steep, but those who slid down it would argue it was.
#FSDBAcademicMondays
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!
This week was packed with joyous holiday celebrations and delightful activities!
- Blind Elementary and Middle School held their annual Holiday Shopping event, allowing students to purchase gifts for their families.
- The school gathered in Kirk Auditorium to watch and celebrate the Dance Troupe's performance of "Holiday Road."
- The Blind High School Department put on a show, "Little Scrooge," Friday morning for the entire Blind Department.
- Dance Troupe and Elementary Rec Dance traveled to Gainsville at the University of Florida to watch The Nutcracker.
#FSDBRecapSundays
FSDB Athletics wishes everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! We are excited to kick off the 2025 season with more winning games! Let's go, Dragons and Cobras!
#FSDBSportSaturdays
This is Corian Spalding.
Corian has been a part of the Deaf Department at FSDB for thirteen years and is currently a senior.
One of her favorite memories at FSDB is the school trip to the zoo, and her favorite subject is English.
A fun fact about Corian is that she enjoys watching horror movies frequently!
We enjoyed seeing you grow over the years at FSDB!
#ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
