Students interested in being part of the Cobra's Adventurers Guild (D&D Club) please email Ms. Glynn and Mr. De Santiago. The first meeting for those interested in participating will be on Tuesday, 11/18 after school from 3:30PM to 5:30PM. Day students please make sure you make arrangements to be picked up by your parents/guardians and let Ms. Linda know for bus pass. Dorm students make sure you communicate with dorm staff and let them know you will be attending the meeting. 

This past Tuesday saw the first freeze here in St. Augustine, with temperatures in the low 30's as school began, with wind chills hitting 19 degrees! 

A reminder to send warm clothes, jackets, and layers for fluctuating weather. The temperatures in St. Augustine during winter months can vary widely from other parts of the state and even from day to day.

Junior Gabby arrived to school toasty warm in multiple layers including 4 hoodies, flannel pants, boots, and a blanket!

The Academic Calendar for FSDB 2026-2027 school year has been released. As always, you can visit the calendar section of the FSDB website for up-to-date calendars.

On October 31, students in the Blind High School were celebrated for their hard work and success. Congratulations to all of these students!

Homecoming Royalty

Damian Palacios, Homecoming King

Rihanna Ward, Homecoming Queen

Meadow Schoen, Homecoming Princess

Aref Shabaneh, Homecoming Prince

3.5-3.74 GPA Honors

Shawn Long

Takiah Coleman

Kale Apongan

Amanda Alberro Hernandez

Meadow Schoen

Derrick Major II

Jeremiah Bradshaw

Danna Santiago Galvez

Kevin Gallardo Rodriguez

Mackenzie Clark

Caidan Hadley

Alina Tirado

Jazmine West

Nicholas Lannutti

Janna Clark

3.75-3.99 GPA High Honors

Caitlin White

Serraya Robinson

Nicholas Mehrtens

Vivienne Matos

Briella Lawson

Jayden Fleurimond

Rihanna Ward

Lily James

Brooke Witherington

Gamari Lewis

Serenity Herrell

Abhi Chitturi

Kayla Bodiford

Danika Stanchi

Demitri Kostakis

4.0+ GPA Highest Honors

Tyler Wittman

Gracelynn Wise

Damian Palacios

Kaitlyn Nevins

Jeremiah Mathews

Tristan Mason

Khayree Lofton

Juana Juan Andres

Moses Jeudy

Christian Chapu

Nicolas Baroni

Jasen McDaniel

Nathaniel Figueroa

Hope Davis

Jack Coleman

Addison Allen

Perfect Attendance

Addison Allen

Kale Apongan

Allan Burgess

Facundo Chirino

Derrick Chisholm II

Jack Coleman

Gabriela Cuevas

Alina Tirado

Nathaniel Figueroa

Sophia Fink

Kevin Gallardo

Lily James

Khayree Lofton

Tristan Mason

Vivienne Matos

Jasen McDaniels

Melissa Oramas Santos

Damian Palacios

Rylee Landes

Angie Solorzano

Aidan Tucker

Jazmine West

Tyler Wittman

2019 FSDB Graduate and former Valedictorian Zoe Wilson will be visiting FSDB from November 17th through December 19th as part of her doctoral research as she is in the final stage of completing her doctoral program in Occupational Therapy (OT) at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Zoe’s research project is titled “Meeting the Needs of Students with Low Vision or Blindness: Through the OT Lens.” Zoe will have the following goals during her visit as part of her project:

*Conduct classroom observations of teachers, occupational therapists, and other professionals within the Blind Department.

*Conduct one-on-one interviews with consenting educators, occupational therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, and low vision specialists.

*Observe the educational and social participation of students who are blind or visually impaired in their natural learning environments.

*Collect non-identifiable qualitative data (e.g., observation notes and interview transcripts) to develop an educational resource guidebook that supports inclusive teaching and therapy practices.

FSDB’s administration and staff members are excited to support this project, to host Zoe over the next month, and for our school to continue to be a resource for improving the outcomes of children who are blind or have low vision nation-wide. Zoe’s overall goal with this project is to develop a resource that will be used to inform and further enhance the role of OT’s in serving the blind and low vision population, to be a resource for OT university programs, and to help expand the number of OT’s who specialize in “Low Vision”.

We are so proud of Zoe for all her accomplishments since graduating from FSDB, proud that she wants to make a difference in the lives of children who are blind or have low vision, and that she is returning home to FSDB to learn from the best once again. Good luck Zoe!

Mrs. Carr's Contemporary Literature class has recently finished their study of To Kill a Mockingbird, wrapping it up with a deep dive into some of the novel's symbols and a group activity to assess their understanding of the development of plot. Then, students worked together to complete a character analysis group project. Students found quotes from and descriptions of their chosen character. They analyzed the text to uncover the characters' values and beliefs, challenges, conflicts, accomplishments, symbols, and more. 

The month of October was eventful for all students, including the Algebra and Foundational Mathematics course students. 

In Algebra, students were tasked with creating their first initial on a tactile geoboard and subsequently identifying the coordinates used in all four quadrants, and the intercepts that occurred. Some students even extended this task to include slope or created a second image of higher difficulty. All students had success.This task also helped them practice their print initial formation for use in their signature. This was reinforced by using print letter magnets and/or wikki-stix representations. 

In Foundational Mathematics, students created colorful fall themed art by answering many math questions that covered basic arithmetic, universal numbers (such as # of cards in a deck), conversions, order of operations, and a few tricky ones. The numerical answers then corresponded to a square on a 100's grid and was associated with a color or color of choice. Then the students were able to embellish their art with extra details. Once again, all students had success and enjoyed the mini project. 

BHS Lego Lunch Club has launched. New this year, the library is hosting bi-monthly Lego Club meetings for students to come build Lego sets together in groups to work on team building skills. Our next meeting is on November 20th during lunch.

Next week, Friday, November 21, we will showcase some of our talented thespians from Junior and Senior International Thespian Society and Drama Club at 1:15pm. Click on the livestream link below to watch!

FSDB Arts Thespian Showcase Livestream

No Report

Greetings from MacWilliams Hall.

· October 30th was the last home game and “Senior night” for our FSDB Dragon football team. A couple of our young men of MacWilliams Hall were “called up” from the Jr. Varsity squad to play on the Varsity team for this game. Pictured are Juniell, Carlos & Mr. Gabriel who attended the game to support Dino & Moses.

· Our Juniors recently had a great activity with the students of Kramer Hall. Several students read (and acted out) the book “This is the Turkey”. After story-time, the Juniors passed out snacks and drinks and socialized with their young peers. Pictured are Ethan, Edwin, Kevin and Derrick looking on as Aref and Nathaniel read from a book.

· Our Sophomores have a plan in the works to celebrate the first half of the year coming to a close with a “home cooked” meal prior to Winter break. The best part is that they will be doing the cooking themselves, I guess that technically makes it a “dorm cooked” meal. Ms. Lacy & Mr. Gabriel will provide guidance as the students prepare a Caesar salad, Spaghetti & Meatballs with Texas Style garlic bread. We’ll definitely have pictures to share in an upcoming newsletter.

Kitchen Fun
With the arrival of fall, our young ladies have been busy in the kitchen creating a variety of delicious seasonal treats. They’ve learned to make brownies, candy apples, cinnamon rolls, lemon bars, and an assortment of homemade cookies. The sweet aromas drifting from the apartments have caught the attention of anyone walking by!

The Apartment Young Men continue to shape lives and develop futures. We have some amazing student athletes this school term who are involved in multiple sports. It is amazing to witness some of the young men utilize the life skills they have been introduced in our program to prioritize their academics, sports, Apartment responsibilities, as well as their individual social life. It is great to witness their growth. The young men continue to enjoy going off campus. Our Blind/VI students accompanied by staff have been utilizing their orientation and mobility skills to visit the surrounding location of Subway, Dunkin Donuts and sometimes Vinny’s Place. The recreation activities continue to be a huge hit for our students as well.

The Apartment Young Men are continuing to grow in their independence along side their peers in the Apartment. If they are not learning new skills in the kitchen, they are often found socializing and making their best of their time. The students of Young Men Apartments continue to do an amazing job in our program.

The Apartment staff team is planning our annual Positive Peer Social for the Apartment Young Men. The students and staff really enjoy the positive peer interaction socials.

As close in on the final month of 2025, both students and staff members are overall grateful for the positive impact we each place on each other’s lives, as we prepare our students for a lifetime of success.

Please Send in as Soon as Possible

*Asthma / Allergy / Anaphylaxis / Diabetes / Seizure / Panhypopit Sick Plans

*Medications and updated med orders

*Diet Orders

Undesignated Glucagon Administration

FSDB has a protocol in compliance with the state of Florida’s recommendations that addresses treatment of students with medical signs of severe low blood sugar (such as shaking, trembling, dizziness, sweating, unconsciousness, seizure, coma, etc.). If the medical personnel determines that this is an emergency where the drug Glucagon can be beneficial, it can be administered without an MD order. The student does not have to have a documented diagnosis of diabetes or a prescription for the medication. Medication is kept in stock at HCC.

Medications

An adequate supply of all prescription medications must be available while your student is on campus. Please monitor for needed refills prior to your student returning to school. In some cases, students may need to return home to ensure their safety until their medications become available. Prescription medications must be sent to our pharmacist in the original labeled bottles. Signed physician orders may be faxed directly to our pharmacist at 904-827-2428.

Clearance Forms

A Clearance form is required to return to campus after any Emergency Room visit, surgery, or hospitalization has occurred (including on weekends or school breaks). It may be dropped off at the HCC, faxed to 904-827-2421, or emailed to HCCRecords@fsdbk12.org, but must be received prior to your student's use of transportation or return to school. A student on campus without Clearance must remain in the Health Care Center until it is received. Parents may have to pick up their student from school if Clearance cannot be obtained.

Read the Full Newsletter here.

Leading up to December and the Goalball Nationals in Austin, Texas, the Lady Cobras traveled across the country to compete in the Junior Cascade Classic in Vancouver, Washington, hosted by the Washington School for the Blind.

Congratulations on their Second Place finish!

Pictured are the Florida student-athletes and coaches enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Multnomah Falls in Oregon.

What an incredible two days of tryouts! We had over 50 student-athletes come out and give their best effort. I truly wish we could keep everyone, but due to space limitations, we had to make some difficult roster decisions and trim down to a final team of about 30 wrestlers.

To those who did not make the team:

I want to sincerely thank you for coming out and giving your all. This year, the decisions often came down to numbers in specific weight classes or overall fit for the team at this time. Please don’t be discouraged — I encourage you to continue working hard and come out again next year. I’m proud of every one of you for stepping on the mat and competing.

To those who made the team:

Congratulations! Your hard work and commitment paid off. I’m looking forward to seeing you grow this season as we work toward our goals — we have some unfinished business to take care of!

Congratulations to these Blind Department students who made the final cut to become members of the 2025-26 FSDB  Wrestling Team!

Wrestlers

Isaiah Jeudy (7th)

Jeremy Bradshaw (10th)

Jeremiah Bradshaw (10th)

Khayree Lofton (12th)

DJ Jeudy (10th)

Addison Allen (12th)

Moses Jeudy (9th)

Aref Shabaneh (11th)

Team Managers

Briella Lawson

Nights of Lights FSDB participates in Nights of Lights Holiday lighting decorations

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

Blind High School
PH: 904-827-2715

Health Care Center
PH: 904-827-2410
VP: 904-201-3910

Transportation
PH: 800-992-8747

Parent Services
PH: 904-827-2212
VP: 904-201-4527

Campus Police
PH: 904-827-2315

Academic Calendar

Assessment Calendar

Parent Services Webpage

Parent-Student Handbook

School Photos

Skyward Family Access

Title I Handbook

FortifyFL

Dining Services

The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, political opinion, affiliation, marital status, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other basis as mandated by federal and state law in its educational programs, services or activities, or in its hiring or employment practices. FSDB also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by law.

Contacts for questions, complaints, or requests for additional information are as follows:

Student Discrimination/Harassment
FSDB Boarding Program Administrator
PH: 904-827-2603

Requests in writing can be sent to:

Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
207 San Marco Avenue
St. Augustine, FL 32084