Welcome, Dawn Smythe, to FSDB!
Dawn previously worked as a Behavior Interventionist at Crookshank Elementary School in the St. Johns County School District. She now serves as the Coordinator of Behavior Support in the Blind Department at FSDB.
Dawn looks forward to becoming an FSDB employee and is excited to learn about this wonderful population of students who are new to her.
She grew up in a small town in Ohio on a dairy and hog farm and moved to Marco Island, Florida, during her senior year of high school. What a culture shock!
In her free time, Dawn enjoys golfing and is always eager to learn and try new things.
"I am so happy to be here!" shares Dawn.
And we are happy to have you with us at FSDB too!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Dawn previously worked as a Behavior Interventionist at Crookshank Elementary School in the St. Johns County School District. She now serves as the Coordinator of Behavior Support in the Blind Department at FSDB.
Dawn looks forward to becoming an FSDB employee and is excited to learn about this wonderful population of students who are new to her.
She grew up in a small town in Ohio on a dairy and hog farm and moved to Marco Island, Florida, during her senior year of high school. What a culture shock!
In her free time, Dawn enjoys golfing and is always eager to learn and try new things.
"I am so happy to be here!" shares Dawn.
And we are happy to have you with us at FSDB too!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Randall Hancock, Building Construction & Technologies teacher, shares his favorite memory below:
"FSDB is strong and consistent on this motto: Empowering the students. A favorite memory of mine was empowering the students at building of a Gazebo, in the enabling of students to cutting, sawing, and designing. It was a masterpiece that became one of the FSDB icons and landmarks. "
#FSDBMemoryMondays
"FSDB is strong and consistent on this motto: Empowering the students. A favorite memory of mine was empowering the students at building of a Gazebo, in the enabling of students to cutting, sawing, and designing. It was a masterpiece that became one of the FSDB icons and landmarks. "
#FSDBMemoryMondays
Please join us in welcoming Kevin Bohlin to FSDB!
Kevin was previously the Director of Interpreting Services at Pine Tree Society in Maine and will now be working with us as a staff assistant in the Deaf Elementary School.
Kevin is excited to return to the Deaf education environment after several years away and to see FSDB thriving. He looks forward to having more opportunities to watch students play sports on campus and to work in the same place where his son is attending!
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, a fun fact about Kevin is that he is a former college basketball coach!
We are so happy to have you here at FSDB, Kevin!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Kevin was previously the Director of Interpreting Services at Pine Tree Society in Maine and will now be working with us as a staff assistant in the Deaf Elementary School.
Kevin is excited to return to the Deaf education environment after several years away and to see FSDB thriving. He looks forward to having more opportunities to watch students play sports on campus and to work in the same place where his son is attending!
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, a fun fact about Kevin is that he is a former college basketball coach!
We are so happy to have you here at FSDB, Kevin!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Our FSDB cheerleaders participated in the National Deaf Cheerleading Competition at the Iowa School for the Deaf this past weekend. They delivered an outstanding performance, and we are so proud of their efforts!
#FSDBSportsSunday #GoFSDBDragons #PassionPridePerseverance
#FSDBSportsSunday #GoFSDBDragons #PassionPridePerseverance
SOAR students impressively showcased their talents at the CTE Showcase. Their projects highlighted their hard work and dedication, capturing the attention of all attendees. The event served as an important platform for students to demonstrate their commitment to future careers and the value of their education.
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
In celebration of our FSDB Cheerleaders at Iowa School for the Deaf for the National Deaf Cheerleading Compeititon, when did FSDB Cheerleading win the first National Deaf Cheerleading Competition as Division 1 champions?
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
Welcome, Olivia Malcom, to FSDB!
Olivia is an FSDB alum from the Class of 2008. She was previously an Elementary ASL/ELA Bilingual Specialist at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind. She now works at FSDB as a 4th-grade teacher in the Deaf Elementary School.
Olivia looks forward to meeting and teaching her elementary students. She is also happy to return and be part of the FSDB community as it continues to thrive.
We are so happy to have you back here with us too!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Olivia is an FSDB alum from the Class of 2008. She was previously an Elementary ASL/ELA Bilingual Specialist at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind. She now works at FSDB as a 4th-grade teacher in the Deaf Elementary School.
Olivia looks forward to meeting and teaching her elementary students. She is also happy to return and be part of the FSDB community as it continues to thrive.
We are so happy to have you back here with us too!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Today I had the opportunity to attend the North East Florida Educational Consortium (NEFEC) Board of Directors meeting.
I’m so grateful that FSDB is part of this amazing non-profit educational consortium, created to support small and rural districts across Northeast Florida. In addition to serving on the Board, I benefit tremendously as a leader — from networking with fellow superintendents to strengthening my own leadership skills.
Being a NEFEC district provides FSDB with invaluable services, including:
• Educational Technology Services
• FDLRS: Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System
• Professional learning for instructional staff
• School counselor training and resources
• Skyward student information system support
• Title IV support
• Title IX, Part A: McKinney-Vento Program support
NEFEC continuously helps FSDB ensure that students and staff have the tools, resources, and professional support they need to thrive.
Learn more about how FSDB benefits from being part of NEFEC:
🔗 https://www.nefec.org/services/
#ThisIsFSDB #NEFEC #Leadership #PrezSnowPost
I’m so grateful that FSDB is part of this amazing non-profit educational consortium, created to support small and rural districts across Northeast Florida. In addition to serving on the Board, I benefit tremendously as a leader — from networking with fellow superintendents to strengthening my own leadership skills.
Being a NEFEC district provides FSDB with invaluable services, including:
• Educational Technology Services
• FDLRS: Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System
• Professional learning for instructional staff
• School counselor training and resources
• Skyward student information system support
• Title IV support
• Title IX, Part A: McKinney-Vento Program support
NEFEC continuously helps FSDB ensure that students and staff have the tools, resources, and professional support they need to thrive.
Learn more about how FSDB benefits from being part of NEFEC:
🔗 https://www.nefec.org/services/
#ThisIsFSDB #NEFEC #Leadership #PrezSnowPost
Please join us in welcoming Taelor Mabry to FSDB!
Taelor previously worked as a social media marketing and communications manager, and she is now joining FSDB as an Instructional Assistant in the Deaf Middle School.
Taelor is eager to meet the students and learn more about ASL and the deaf community. Go Dragons!
Born and raised in St. Augustine, Florida, Taelor also had the opportunity to study abroad in Athens, Greece, during her college years.
We are thrilled to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Taelor previously worked as a social media marketing and communications manager, and she is now joining FSDB as an Instructional Assistant in the Deaf Middle School.
Taelor is eager to meet the students and learn more about ASL and the deaf community. Go Dragons!
Born and raised in St. Augustine, Florida, Taelor also had the opportunity to study abroad in Athens, Greece, during her college years.
We are thrilled to have you here with us at FSDB!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
We are excited to welcome Ryan Saxon to FSDB!
Ryan joins us as an Associate Teacher at Blind High School, where he will passionately contribute to a field he loves and thrive in our outstanding institution.
Hailing from Tallahassee, Florida, Ryan proudly descends from the Minorcan settlement that established roots in Florida in the 1760s.
Welcome to the FSDB Family!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Ryan joins us as an Associate Teacher at Blind High School, where he will passionately contribute to a field he loves and thrive in our outstanding institution.
Hailing from Tallahassee, Florida, Ryan proudly descends from the Minorcan settlement that established roots in Florida in the 1760s.
Welcome to the FSDB Family!
#FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB #ThisIsFSDB
Our Junior Thespians, JJ, Amari, Arabella, Whyatt and Raelyn traveled to Orlando, Florida for the Junior State Thespian Festival from February 5-8, 2026. These students attended a qualifier in November at FSCJ, earning a right to advance to the state level competition. While in Orlando, they were given the opportunity to learn from industry professionals in workshops including Broadway Dance Choreography, Movement, and Vocals. They met new friends from all over the state - interacting with about 5,000 other thespians. They attended a Mainstage (full length musical) and opening and closing ceremonies featuring the top students from each district and each competition room, respectively.
JJ and Amari competed in Duet Acting with a duet piece entitled Abbott and Costello. This was a spoof on the Abbott and Costello baseball skit we all know and love. The judges loved their performance, even seeking them out afterward to tell them how enjoyable they were! They earned a score of Excellent, missing Superior by only 1 point!
Arabella and Whyatt also competed in Duet Acting with a duet piece entitled The Address Label. This was a piece about a man who was calling into Customer Service to change his address. The "recorded welcome message" at this company was also the customer service agent who asks silly questions of the customer, and who was also the shipping department agent he was transferred to in the end! Whyatt and Arabella scored SUPERIOR and have earned the right to move on to the International Competition this summer in Indiana!
CONGRATULATIONS to our Junior Thespians!
#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays
JJ and Amari competed in Duet Acting with a duet piece entitled Abbott and Costello. This was a spoof on the Abbott and Costello baseball skit we all know and love. The judges loved their performance, even seeking them out afterward to tell them how enjoyable they were! They earned a score of Excellent, missing Superior by only 1 point!
Arabella and Whyatt also competed in Duet Acting with a duet piece entitled The Address Label. This was a piece about a man who was calling into Customer Service to change his address. The "recorded welcome message" at this company was also the customer service agent who asks silly questions of the customer, and who was also the shipping department agent he was transferred to in the end! Whyatt and Arabella scored SUPERIOR and have earned the right to move on to the International Competition this summer in Indiana!
CONGRATULATIONS to our Junior Thespians!
#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays
FSDB hosted the Academic Bowl South Regional Tournament last weekend. Our FSDB team took 2nd place and qualified for the Nationals in April at Gallaudet University!
Congratulations to our team members: Brenna, Bryan, Elijah, and Joss! Special recognition goes to Elijah, who received the All-Star Player award.
To see photos from the tournament, click the link below: (https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p53893369)
#ThisIsFSDB #AcademicBowl2026
Congratulations to our team members: Brenna, Bryan, Elijah, and Joss! Special recognition goes to Elijah, who received the All-Star Player award.
To see photos from the tournament, click the link below: (https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p53893369)
#ThisIsFSDB #AcademicBowl2026
Let's Braille Together!
Virtual Community Braille Course:
This eight-week virtual beginner class is designed to teach the fundamentals of beginning by sight to help you learn just enough to help your child, student, friend or colleague. Students can then decide if they want to learn more and take more intense training!
Who: Parents/guardians, educators, and community members involved with children who are blind/visually impaired (B/VI)
Where: Virtual Event
Why: To help your child, your friend, your parent, your coworker, or just learn.
When: Class starts MARCH 2 to APRIL 30, 2026; Every Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Register: https://bit.ly/FSDB-Comm-Braille-2026 or SCAN OR CODE
Contact: Jennifer Valderama | valderramaj@fsdbk12.org
Virtual Community Braille Course:
This eight-week virtual beginner class is designed to teach the fundamentals of beginning by sight to help you learn just enough to help your child, student, friend or colleague. Students can then decide if they want to learn more and take more intense training!
Who: Parents/guardians, educators, and community members involved with children who are blind/visually impaired (B/VI)
Where: Virtual Event
Why: To help your child, your friend, your parent, your coworker, or just learn.
When: Class starts MARCH 2 to APRIL 30, 2026; Every Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Register: https://bit.ly/FSDB-Comm-Braille-2026 or SCAN OR CODE
Contact: Jennifer Valderama | valderramaj@fsdbk12.org
Last week in Culinary Arts, 2nd block students had the opportunity to observe a food delivery by approved vendors, adding context to their focus on the receiving process in the flow of food.
Jacob finished his first practice cake (Italian Cream) for the SkillsUSA Baking and Pastry competition, and Ashley trimmed her time spent preparing Elote corn for the Job Skills Demonstration competition.
#CTETuesdays
Jacob finished his first practice cake (Italian Cream) for the SkillsUSA Baking and Pastry competition, and Ashley trimmed her time spent preparing Elote corn for the Job Skills Demonstration competition.
#CTETuesdays
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) announces public meetings open to all members of the public. Members of the public may address the board for up to three minutes per person. All public comments are limited to 45 minutes in total. Only the Regular Board meeting will be livestreamed at https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/board-of-trustees-livestream
📍 Location
Moore Hall, CLD Meeting Room and 215
📅 Date
Friday, February 27, 2026
⏰ Time
8:30 a.m. – Audit Committee Meeting (215)
9:30 a.m. – Regular Board Meeting (CLD)
Happy President's Day!
Did you know back in 1921, U.S. President-elect Warren G. Harding visited FSDB? He made his first visit at the request of A.H. Walker, school president. Harding took a special interest in the school because he had a blind sister. He shook hands with 200 students and staff and said "Your State has provided wonderfully for your training and education... advancing you for full participation in citizenship and... the pleasure of living American lives."
In 1923, he visited again and remarked, "It is a pleasure to see you again, and I wish you the best of luck. If any of you ever comes to Washington, I hope you will call on me as I have called on you."
#HappyPresidentDay #FSDBHistory #ThisIsFSDB
Did you know back in 1921, U.S. President-elect Warren G. Harding visited FSDB? He made his first visit at the request of A.H. Walker, school president. Harding took a special interest in the school because he had a blind sister. He shook hands with 200 students and staff and said "Your State has provided wonderfully for your training and education... advancing you for full participation in citizenship and... the pleasure of living American lives."
In 1923, he visited again and remarked, "It is a pleasure to see you again, and I wish you the best of luck. If any of you ever comes to Washington, I hope you will call on me as I have called on you."
#HappyPresidentDay #FSDBHistory #ThisIsFSDB
FSDB Girls Varsity Basketball left it all on the court in the District Championship, battling St. John’s Country Day School and finishing as District Runner-Up, 33–63. While the scoreboard didn’t fall our way, the heart, resilience, and determination these girls showed all season long speak louder than any final score.
This team represents what it means to compete with passion, pride, and perseverance. We are beyond proud of their fight, their growth, and the way they represent FSDB every single day.
Hold your heads high, Dragons — this is something to be proud of! 🐉🏀
#FSDBSportsSunday #PassionPridePerseverance #GoFSDBDragons
Last week, the Deaf Department SOAR class held a meeting to discuss T-shirt designs and important information for the school calendar. Afterward, they enjoyed a beautiful day outside and took a group photo for the yearbook.
Additionally, please welcome Becky as a new SOAR sponsor, joining Zachary in this role.
#FSDBSOARSaturdays
❤️ This Valentine's Day, we're celebrating the heart of our school. What do you love most about our school?
Share the love in the comments! 💌
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
Share the love in the comments! 💌
#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
Hello FSDB Families and Students...we wanted to send a reminder that this weekend will be a "Long Weekend." All students will go home today, Friday, February 13, at 2:05 p.m. There will be no classes on Monday, February 16 as we celebrate Presidents Day. SHOW Bus students will be picked up on Monday at their normal pick-up time. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 17. We hope you have a wonderful long weekend!
