Keep up with parent learning, engagement, and event opportunities at the Parent Resources Webpage.

You will find contacts, classes, workshops, meetings, instructional videos, rights, calendars, ways to be involved, and all kinds of parent-specific resources.

Meet 6th Grader, Maely!

Maely is now in middle school but has been at FSDB since she began school in the Early Learning Center (ELC)! She has a brother who graduated from FSDB and is now in college. She also has a cat and 2 dogs.

Maely's favorite subject is Math, with Technology and Science being close runners-up. She enjoys playing games on the computer. She likes to spend time looking for accessible games to play and learning about coding.

Maely's favorite memory from FSDB was after 5th grade graduation last year when she got to spend time with Ms. Tate. It was a really nice moment when we just chatted and shared snacks. She also enjoys the Ice Cream Social and Water Day.

About FSDB, Maely says, "I think that FSDB is so welcoming and encourages us to do things on our own and that we are capable."

🎉To celebrate Blindness Awareness Month and White Cane Day, students are invited to submit a poem, cheer, song, or inspirational message that highlights the importance of their white cane and their independence. Students can work as a group, class, or individually.

🗓️ Deadline: Submit entries by October 3rd to Mrs. Enache 

🏆 Winners Announced: October 8th 

🎤 Open House Presentation: Winning entries will be shared at Open House on October 15.

Students are encouraged to share personal stories and creative expressions that show why their white cane matters and how independence empowers them.

Let your voice be heard—your story can inspire others!

Family Reading Night started our annual author study learning about fables, with the story the Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. We discussed how stories began as oral traditions and how authors keep writing their own versions. We learned that fables are stories meant to teach a specific lesson. Students made character finger puppets with their families and ended the evening with lion's mane cookies.

by Gordon Pettit, Sophomore

BMS members of the Blinding Lights and Reflections Show Choirs had their first off campus performance of the year! They went to downtown St. Augustine for the Ringing of the Bells event. This event highlights the signing of the Constitution in 1787, and was hosted by the Maria Jefferson chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Each Show Choir member received a personal bell to keep and participated with the rest of the attendees ringing their bells along with the city church bells at 4:03. The Show Choir, dressed in red, white, and blue uniforms, performed the Star-Spangled Banner to open the ceremony, entertained with Homeward Bound and A Million Dreams in the middle, and closed the ceremony with God Bless America.

With the help of the directors Laurie Wohl, Leslie Costello, and Brigit Jensen, every member has practiced how they would perform for this event and will continue to practice for upcoming events. They were excellent ambassadors. We can't wait to see where they go next!

*This event tied in nicely with the state-mandated Required Instruction of Constitution Week and Constitution Day. It also emphasized further state mandated required instruction in Patriotism, Veterans, Character Education, Life Skills, ECC Skills, Leadership, and US History.

The Kramer Hall boarding program is in full swing, and there’s plenty to celebrate! Our PBiS store is officially open — a much-anticipated event where students get to spend their hard-earned PBiS bucks. These bucks are awarded for demonstrating respect, responsibility, and cooperation, and our students have been stepping up!

We’re also excited to welcome a new dorm student, Zaiden, who brings great energy to the group and a passion for playing the electric drums.

Recent activities have included baking sessions, lively freeze dance competitions, and an engaging police service training led by Campus Police Officer Dexter Wimberly.

With fall in the air, we’re looking forward to all the seasonal activities ahead. Be sure to check back for more updates and photo fun — only in The Kaleidoscope!

Despite the rainy weather over the past few weeks, our time at Cary White has been full of laughter, creativity, and connection. Indoors, students enjoyed a variety of engaging activities including Jenga, Bop-It, and Connect Four - games that sparked both excitement and teamwork. We also kept the energy flowing with music and movement, dancing, exercising, and even exploring the piano!

Whenever the sun peeked through, we made the most of our outdoor time. Students had fun on the playground, practiced their skills on the basketball court, and balanced their way across the beam. Walks around the playground offered wonderful opportunities for socializing and building friendships.

We’re so proud of how our students embraced each moment, rain or shine, and look forward to more joyful experiences ahead!

Athletics Page

It is National Hispanic Heritage Month! Hispanic Americans celebrate "nuestra cultura con orgullo"- our culture with pride.

Hispanic Heritage Month is one of the state-mandated Required Instruction topics. Watch this space for stories on how it was celebrated in various classroom and campus activities!

In our own little universe, here at FSDB, Hispanic students make up 10.5% of the total population! It is my honor to celebrate the cultures which make such a difference on our campus and bring so much vibrancy to our schools.

​Our BEMS School Advisory Council (SubSAC) is comprised of stakeholders including parents, administrators, and staff. We discuss school goals, data, spending, and programs related to Title 1 funds. The virtual meetings are held four times per year on Fridays from 10:00-11:00. If you are interested in joining, reach out to Assistant Principal Ellen Fertsch at fertsche@fsdbk12.org

25/26 Title 1 Dates Remaining: November 14, February 6, May 1

Hey Families, The Parent Services Department offers travel reimbursement. Including mileage, meals, and even hotel expenses.  A couple of things you need to know first: All Parent University and Parent Engagement Workshops qualify for reimbursement.  Title I Parent meetings and School Advisory Council meetings qualify too.  We can’t reimburse travel to attend teacher conferences, IEP meetings, athletic events, school plays, etc.  We can’t reimburse travel to attend teacher conferences, IEP meetings, athletic events, school plays, etc.  We are working together to schedule more meetings in connection with campus events so you can attend multiple things during each visit.  

Nice to Know Tips:

*if you travel more than 50 miles we can reimburse hotel accommodations up to $225.

*many of our large events are scheduled on Friday so your child can ride home with you.  

Let’s Discuss. There are a couple of other things we will need to discuss before you start traveling.  Give me a call or send an email if you’d like to know more.

Misty Porter, Parent Liaison.  Porterm@fsdbk12.org  904-827-2988 

FSDB has private and grant funds, in addition to donor services, that benefit homeless students.

Homeless students are those students and their families who lack fixed, regular, adequate nighttime housing.

Examples include:

• Couch surfing—staying with family or friends temporarily

• Living in a homeless shelter

• Living in a vehicle

• Living in run down buildings that are not adequate

• Living in any public or private dwelling not designed for humans

Blind Elementary/Middle School "MV Team" representative is Ms. Laura Pamer. She meets with BEMS homeless students regularly and directly. You may reach her at pamerl@fsdbk12.org  or 904-827-2238