Parent Services
FAMILY OPEN HOUSE
Family Open House will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 1–4 p.m. Families can meet teachers, visit the dorms and assist their child in moving in, bring medications to the Health Care Center and speak with representatives from the Transportation, Athletics, and other departments.
About
We are pleased you have chosen the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) for your child’s education. We recognize that family involvement has a powerful influence on a child’s achievement in school and encourage you to take an active and supportive role in your child’s education and help make learning a positive experience both at home and at school.
The FSDB Parent Services Department offers learning, engagement, and capacity-building opportunities for parents/legal guardians of enrolled students. Classes, workshops, meetings, and events throughout the year are designed to promote parental involvement in their child’s growth and learning.
The Parent Infant Program and the Early Learning Center (ELC) are under the purview of the FSDB Parent Services Department.
Campus tours are also provided for families of prospective students during school weekdays by appointment.
contact
General Information
PH: 904-827-2200
VP: 904-245-1022
Parent Services
PH: 904-827-2212
VP: 904-201-4527
Health Care Center
PH: 904-827-2410
VP: 904-201-3910
Campus Police
PH: 904-827-2315
Transportation
PH: 800-992-8747
Outreach Services
PH: 904-827-2212
The Parent Services Department offers a series of educational opportunities for parents and caregivers through Parent University. This program offers classes and workshops to parents and families throughout the year to learn, increase knowledge of techniques, and promote student achievement. Classes target needs specific to parents of students who are blind/visually impaired or deaf/hard of hearing. Parents/legal guardians are encouraged to participate as informed partners with schools to support programs in an effort to encourage lifelong learning and improve student academic achievement.
Parent Engagement Workshops (PEW) are learning opportunities open to ALL FSDB parents, guardians and caregivers. During PEW, we discuss current and relevant information about our school, parenting strategies, helpful resources and so much more. Please join us for these educational events.
Dates
PEW Dates for the 2024-25 Academic Year
September 13, 2024
December 6, 2024
January 17, 2025 (Canceled)
May 9, 2025
Contact
For more information on resources for FSDB Families and the Parent Services Department, contact:
Parent Services Liaison
PH: 904-827-2988
VP: 904-201-4527
Upcoming Parent Events
Fri, Jan 17Jan 17, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PMParent Engagement Workshops (PEW) are learning opportunities open to ALL FSDB parents, guardians and caregivers. During PEW, we discuss current and relevant information about our school, parenting strategies, helpful resources and so much more. Please join us for these educational events.
Thu, Mar 06Parent University: Let's Talk About Fun – ASL ClassesMar 06, 2025, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM ESTGet ready to discover the signs of the changing seasons. Attention FSDB families! Join us for exciting thematic events where we'll have tons of fun. Learn American Sign Language signs for weather, clothing, activities, food, holidays, and more.
Fri, Mar 07Mar 07, 2025, 12:00 PMFSDB recognizes that family involvement has a positive impact on student success and encourages parents/legal guardians to take an active and supportive role to enhance the student learning environment.- Fri, May 09May 09, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PMParent Engagement Workshops (PEW) are learning opportunities open to ALL FSDB parents, guardians and caregivers. During PEW, we discuss current and relevant information about our school, parenting strategies, helpful resources and so much more. Please join us for these educational events.
- Wed, Jun 11Parent University: Let's Talk About Fun – ASL ClassesJun 11, 2025, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM EDTGet ready to discover the signs of the changing seasons. Attention FSDB families! Join us for exciting thematic events where we'll have tons of fun. Learn American Sign Language signs for weather, clothing, activities, food, holidays, and more.
FSDB Parents are Informed and Included
Parents are valued stakeholders. Stay informed on campus happenings and join the team to be included in decision-making opportunities.
School Advisory Council (SAC)
The FSDB School Improvement Process is a critical part of annual planning. Each year, school-level plans are developed to provide a strong foundation for a productive academic year for students and teachers. These plans are reviewed by a comprehensive school leadership team which include parents and community stakeholders. Final school improvement plans are filed with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), as also mandated by federal educational requirements.
Be a Part of the District Team!
The School Advisory Council (SAC) meets four (4) times a year to discuss FSDB-wide issues and topics including reviewing district-wide assessment data, parent survey feedback and School Improvement Plans. The purpose of the council is to hear from stakeholders about issues that impact our community as a whole and make recommendations for change/improvement.
Members of the council include parents, several high school students, the Principal for the Blind and the Principal for the Deaf, and several staff members including a boarding department representative.
Dates
SAC Dates for the 2024-25 Academic Year
Oct. 10 – Time TBD
Dec. 6 – 8 - 9:15 a.m.
Mar. 7 – 8 - 9:15 a.m.
May 16 – Time TBD
Sub School Advisory Council (sub-SAC)
FSDB Assistant Principals host quarterly Sub-SAC meetings. These smaller meetings allow the group to focus more intently on school specific topics. During these meetings stakeholders discuss that individual School Improvement Plan. If you are interested in participating, please contact your Assistant Principal. Note: Our elementary and middle schools have combined their Sub-SAC and Title 1 meetings (see more information about Title I below).
BEMS Dates
Sep. 20, 2024 – 10-11 a.m.
Nov. 15, 2024 – 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 7, 2025 – 10-11 a.m.
May 2, 2024 – 10-11 a.m.
BHs Dates
Dates TBA
DES Dates
Dates TBA
DMS Dates
Dates TBA
DHS Dates
Dates TBA
Title I Parent Advisory Team
Title I is a federal grant that: provides supplemental funds to approved schools to meet educational goals, supports professional development of staff, and supports parent engagement programs. The purpose of Title I is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and assessments.
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) receives Title I Part A funds for Deaf Elementary, Deaf Middle, and Blind Elementary/Middle Schools. These schools are classified as school-wide Title I Schools meaning that all students and families of these schools receive the benefit of Title I funded programs.
Parent involvement is a powerful influence on a child’s achievement in school. When schools work together with parents to support learning, children are more likely to succeed not only in school, but throughout life. Parents, families, and legal guardians are encouraged to participate as informed partners with school personnel in implementing the Title I school programs in an effort to improve student academic achievement and school performance.
Title I Mission: Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind strives to provide families and staff with capacity building opportunities to increase our combined abilities to support our students’ academic and personal growth. All parents of students in Title I schools are welcome to attend Title I meetings, which are held during the same time as the Sub-Sac meetings.
Master of Education, Special Education, University of North Florida
Bachelor of Science, Deaf Education, University of Tennessee
I believe parents are the most influential teachers. Our role is to empower parents to educate and advocate for their children.
Programs
Stay and Play Group
The parent-involved Stay and Play Group on the FSDB campus provides developmental learning experiences for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing or Blind/Visually Impaired, ages birth to 36 months and their caregivers.
The early years are when children use their bodies, senses, and emerging problem-solving skills to make sense of their world. Babies and toddlers actively seek information by exploring their environment and making new discoveries
Early Learning Center
The Early Learning Center (ELC) is a Montessori preschool for children ages 3-5 who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired. The ELC is a place where your child can learn and grow in a cheerful, nurturing and stimulating environment that emphasizes learning through discovery.
from the President
Contact Parent Services
Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
207 San Marco Avenue
St. Augustine, FL 32084
PH: 800-344-3732
PH: 904-827-2212
VP: 904-201-4527