Prism

May 16-17 - Geometry EOC

May 18-19 - Algebra EOC

May 20 - Graduation Practice

May 23/24 - Senior Class Trips

May 24 - Biology EOC

May 25 - US History EOC

May 25 - Graduation Practice and Senior Awards

May 25 - Senior Dinner (Graduating Seniors; 6:00 pm)

May 26 - Graduation (12)

May 30 - NO SCHOOL

June 3 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Justin Cosgrove, Assistant Principal

Time is about up on our school year. We are in full testing mode. Our freshmen and sophomores have been taking the FSA Reading tests over the past two weeks. Next week, we have Algebra and Geometry End of Course (EOC) exams. We wrap up the testing season with the Biology EOC on 5/24 and the US History EOC on 5/25.

Seniors wrap up their journey with graduation on Thursday, 5/26. It's been quite a year, and we are proud of our students for their effort and resilience this school year.

Thank you for your continued support.

How to access student school photos:

1. Go to fsdb.zenfolio.com
2. Click “Find Your Photos”
3. Enter your child’s Gallery ID number in the box. (Note: Child’s ID number is his/her 5-digit lunch pin number.

If your child does not know the number, please contact administrative assistant Ms. Linda Comeaux.

DJ Prater, Assistive Technology Specialist

Below are the deadline dates for school-owned technology to be turned in:

Seniors and Post Grads

Laptops and all AT devices * Due by May 20 * Deliver to Gibbs, room 210

Grades 9-11

Laptops and all AT devices * Due by May 26 * Deliver to Gibbs, room 210

Joseph Alexander, Math Teacher/Close-Up Sponsor

Fueled on little to no sleep, six students - Andrew Hector Granda, Alex Gironas, Madison Wardell, Jose Reyes, Tristan Brennan, and Giunna Slade - and myself set off super early to Jacksonville airport en route to our nation’s capital. After a kind reminder from TSA about what was allowed on a plane and what wasn’t (Jose was reminded that 20 lb. dumbbells are on the no-fly list) we set off for Washington, DC.

We checked into our hotel that morning after navigating the airlines successfully, with the students advocating for themselves every step of the way. Despite their exhaustion, we navigated our neighborhood and surrounding areas. We even took a metro ride to Chinatown to have dinner with Coach Young who was in town to meet the President.

Students began the Close Up program Sunday night where ,after their initial introduction workshops, they actively participated in a domestic issues debate. Day 1 on the program included a Jefferson Memorial study visit, FDR Memorial study visit, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial study visit, a trip to the Smithsonian Museum of American History, and concluded with a political values workshop.

Day 2 included trips to the WW2, Lincoln, Korean, Vietnam, Iwo Jima, and Air Force memorials. The day concluded with the students participating in a Mock Congress, where each student had a role in trying to pass legislation.

On Day 3 students used that knowledge and experience gained as they had meetings with their state Senators and Congressmen advocating for what issues were important to them. I must say I was incredibly proud of how they represented our school as well as the visually impaired community. We also spent time on Day 3 in the National Gallery of Art where again students successfully advocated for themselves. Day 3 concluded with a guided “Night on the Town,” where students visited the Georgetown neighborhood, Kennedy Center, and the Washington Monument.

On Day 4 students visited Arlington National Cemetery, the White House, and the Eisenhower Memorial on study visits. The day concluded with a farewell banquet where Jose spoke on behalf of his workshop group.

It was a jam-packed, educationally-filled experience but this is only a small glimpse of this trip. The laughs, memories, and new friendships made will last these students a lifetime. I am so proud of these students and how they handled themselves in our nation’s capital.

Thanks to all who made this trip possible!

Ashley Dennis, BHS Science Teacher

Earth and Space Science classes have been studying the earth’s surfaces. After using graham crackers and icing to mimic three types of boundaries found between tectonic plates (and eating the leftovers), an old friend from middle school provided an estuary presentation in the lab. Ms. Stein, or famously known as Ms. DD, brought her hands-on estuary model and accessories to show students water-runoff, an aquifer reserve, mangrove impact on water retention and effects of flooding! Her goodies and fun energy made for an immersive experience.

While Biology students prepare for their EOC set on May 24th, we decided a “class pet” would serve well to keep morale high and the study of life in the forefront. Ten young caterpillars built their chrysalises, and six emerged as Painted Lady Butterflies – four did not make it (cue sad music). When the time came to release them, I carefully transferred the butterflies to the students’ palms, so they could feel the steps and flutters before flying away.

Anatomy and Physiology recently covered the digestive system and muscular system. In a lab capturing peristalsis and the GI tract, students worked in groups using panty hose (without the toe) to transport a crushed cracker and water mixture from top to bottom using circular synced squeezes leading to a model bowel movement. After the lab was complete, most students declined the leftover crackers for snack.

Brigit Jensen, BHS Math Teacher

Students' Semester Projects are due May 20th. Some students are making videos, some are having a mock shopping spree, some are building a dream space, and others are trying to conquer the classroom, all while learning and applying their math skills. Oh, how we love math in Bryant 106!

Gaetano Maltese, BHS English Teacher

The English Department is glad to welcome back Melissa Fonda from medical leave. She is a strong fighter and worked hard to have materials ready for her students in her absence. We appreciate you Melissa!

Drama Club had another successful Night of Stars performance. The archived recording is available on the FSDB Vimeo website. We are humbled by the positive feedback and excited to build on this success next year. We have received amazing news from the Advancement Department in that our Endowment Funding Request for next school year has been approved! The students are looking forward to the opportunities this will open for them, including performing a full length musical and participating in competitions.

Brigit Jensen, Senior Class Head Sponsor

The BHS Class of 2022 will spend their final week of high school celebrating and spending time together.

We are going to spend our first day decorating our caps over breakfast, then hanging out at the mall, maybe get some spa treatments, have lunch at the food court, then hit up a coffee shop and relax at a park until it is time for our Private party (lock-in) at Bravoz Entertainment center, where we will enjoy rock climbing, trampolines, and more.

The second day we are sleeping in, having donuts and coffee, then heading to a private showing of the new Harry Potter movie. After that we are heading to Nocatee to swim in their 5-star pools and go down the water slides and lazy river. After that we are heading back to FSDB to get ready for a fancy, well-dressed dinner at Yamato.

Wednesday will be full of practices, group pictures, parades, and gifts. Family Dinner is that night after the awards ceremony.

Then Thursday is it, the last day. One last breakfast with the class and it's off to Graduate.

Leslie Costello, Music Director

Seniors must return their school-owned musical instruments by Friday, May 20 to Mrs. Costello in the Music Building, room 108.

9th-11th grade students, with the exception of band students, must return their school-owned musical instruments by Thursday, May 19 to the Music Building, room 108.

Concert Band students must return their school-owned musical instruments on Thursday, June 2 to the Music Building, room 108.

Gaetano Maltese, Drama Club Sponsor

Drama Club is proud to announce our conversion into a full-fledged International Thespian Society (ITS) troupe. Funding has been secured for next school year for this endeavor. ITS is a theatrical arts honor society, so inducted students would have an honor society credit for college applications.

We also hope to participate in official ITS competitions next school year. You do not have to be inducted to participate! More info to come in the fall, and we encourage every interested student to come by and show off their talents.

Instructional Assistant Carmen Toledo oversaw the entries from several Blind High School students in the American Printing House InSights Art Competition. Entries included canvas paintings, 3-D structures, wood crafts, and crocheted animals. We are proud of the artistic creations from Alexis Ray, Sofia Lopez, Dwayne Lewis, Giunna Slade, Breanna Raisor, Serenity Brown, and Keegan Abner, as pictured below with their entries.

Jim Carpenter, Outta Sight Director

Outta Sight has one session left to finalize their recording session. They have recorded eight selections for their album. Many thanks to Jim Stafford at Eclipse Recording Company.

Donna Johnson, Athletic Director

The annual Sports Awards presentation took place on May 12, 2022 in Kirk Auditorium. Congratulations to these BHS students who took home awards:

Randi Hinson - Most Improved - Cheerleading

Tristan Brennan - Player of the Year - Goalball

Jazmine Camacho-Reyes - Most Improved - Goalball

Jose Giron-Reyes - Most Improved - Goalball

Dejonae Levers - Offensive Player of the Year - Goalball

Alexandra Sofia Lopez - Sportsmanship Award - Goalball

Elijah Mehrkens - Team Spirit Award - Goalball

John Montes - Leadership Award - Goalball

Brady Simmer - Most Improved - Wrestling

Donna Johnson, Athletic Director

On May 4th, Keith Young visited the White House to meet President Biden as the USA Goalball Team Leader for the 2022 Team USA Week. This event was from May 1st to May 4th where the US Olympic and Paralympics (Summer and Winter Games) got to enjoy a red carpet gala, visit Capitol Hill, and finally go the White House.

At FSDB, Coach Young is a physical education teacher and the Boys Goalball Team head coach. He is also the USA Men’s National Team Head Coach where the team just missed getting a medal by placing fourth at last year’s Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Starting with this issue, check the next 3 issues to learn more about our graduating BHS Class of 2022!

Reina Michele Allen is an honor grad from Sunrise, FL, by way of Chicago, IL. Reina came to FSDB in her Freshman year. She has been an advocate, volunteered with the youth on campus, and participated in a corporate-sponsored women's entrepreneurial development program. Reina has been involved with Track & Field for 17 years, attended multiple National Championships and earned over 200 medals, including 7th best in the USA for Shotput and 5th best in the 100-meter hurdles. At FSDB, she was also active in soccer, cheerleading, Dance Troupe, Debate Club, Yearbook Club, and Student Council. Reina has taken courses at Saint Johns River State College, earning 15 college credits. Reina will attend the University of Miami, where she plans to major in Marine biology and pursue a career as a world-traveling veterinarian.

Andrew Michael Ard is from Jacksonville. He was an A/V Technician for the Technology department in the after-school work program. One of his primary responsibilities was being on the stage crew that handled lighting and sound for school productions. He was a member of the Chess Club, active in D&B Designs, woodshop, and digital audio production. Andrew enjoyed hands-on, creative activities. Andrew plans on returning to FSDB this fall to pursue HVAC and Automotive Service Certificates at First Coast Technical College. He would like to work at a car dealership in the future.

Yanira Baez Gonzalez is from Jacksonville Florida. Yanira's mother read about FSDB and decided to send Yanira and her twin sister Yanissa to FSDB starting in the fifth grade. Yanira has been an honor roll student and has actively participated in the ESOL program attending and participating in many cultural events. Yanira is also a notable artist on campus specializing in manga. Yanira plans to attend college to study graphic design.

Yanissa Baez Gonzalez of Jacksonville Florida describes herself as a diligent worker who listens intently in her classes. She sees herself as a kind, friendly person who is nice and helpful to others. Yanissa’s proudest moment at FSDB was when she first joined in the 5th Grade. She felt pride as she was among other students who used canes, braillers and interpreters. Yanissa’s advice to others is to “Not Look back, to keep on trying and to never give up.” Yanissa has had work experiences at Hampton Inn and at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center. Yanissa has earned her Occupational Safety and Health Administration Certificate in Horticulture. She loves and is skilled in working with plants. Yanissa’s goal is to create and manage her own business where she works in horticulture, designing jewelry or is involved in music.

Jesse James Brown of O’Brien, Florida describes himself as a student who enjoys hands-on tasks, is skilled in technology and enjoys working with animals. He is kind and speaks up for what he believes in. Jesse’s proudest moments at the Florida School for The Deaf and The Blind were when he graduated from Middle School and now as he graduates from High School. Jesse has been active in Clay Club and Art Club. Jesse has had work experience at Florida Fish and Wildlife, at FSDB as a Teaching Assistant and in Safety and Facilities. He has also worked off campus at Hampton Inn and at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center. Jesse has earned his Occupational Safety and Health Administration Certificate in Construction. He is planning on returning to The Florida School for the Deaf and The Blind for the Continuing Education Program where he will continue to develop employment skills. In the future he would like to work in Automotive Parts and Repair.

Autumn Burker is from Lake City Florida. Autumn is an honor roll student and a talented dancer who loves baking and cake decorating. At FSDB, Autumn was a valued member of the Illusion Color Guard and took part in the Outdoor Club, drama club, and Book club. Autumn’s favorite part of FSDB is the care and willingness to help that the teachers show each day. After high school, Autumn plans on attending North Florida Community College and then transfer to Florida State University to pursue a career in Elementary Education.

Amber Rajonae' Cain is from Jacksonville. Amber is the class of 2022 Student Council representative, an honor roll student, and volunteers wherever she can to help her school. At FSDB, she was active on the goalball and soccer teams; she also participated in the Drama Club and Creative Writing Club. Amber has taken several Nursing Courses at First Coast Technical College. One of her favorite memories was practicing her OBGYN skills on all the boys in her class. This year, Amber was awarded the Kiwanis Club Award for "Student of the Month." Amber has been accepted at the University of North Florida, where she plans to major in Obstetrics.

Misty Porter, Parent Services Liaison

Are you interested in the sounds of nature? Join us this summer for the Young Sound Seekers Audio Lab!

This environmental arts program will teach you how to collect sounds using portable audio recorders and use a digital audio workstation to produce a podcast. We will visit local parks to collect sounds, then work in teams at the Digital Arts studios of Stetson University to storyboard, edit, and build an audio adventure that you help create.

• Camp Dates – June 19-25, 2022

• Location – Stetson University, DeLand, Florida

• 1 Week-long camp accepts high school students between the ages of 13-18.

• The curriculum is designed with adaptive technology for the youth of all abilities and welcomes students from the blind community.

• $450 registration fee includes 6 nights and 7 days at Stetson University all-inclusive of tuition, room, and meals.

• Instructors for the camp are Stetson University Digital Arts professor, Dr. Nathan Wolek and Andy Slater of the Society of Visually Impaired Sound Artists.

Click here to REGISTER

Spending quality time with family and loved ones can improve social skills, boost children’s confidence and increase feelings of happiness.

16. Listen to the Stars - During this hectic time of year with many changes, pick a night to sit outside under the stars and sit peacefully. Tell each other what you hear (this develops listening skills), ask if they think it is a loud or quiet sound, choose adjectives that describe the type of sound, or create a story based around what they think is happening wherever that sound is coming from.

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BHS Office

PH: 904-827-2715

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Health Care Center

PH: 904-827-2410

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Transportation

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Koger Hall (Girls Dorm)

PH: 904-827-2733

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MacWilliams Hall (Boys Dorm)

PH: 904-827-2725

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Apartments – Boys (Seniors)

PH: 904-827-8247

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Apartments – Girls (Seniors)

PH: 904-827-2510

Parent Services

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Campus Police

PH: 904-827-2315

Email: cosgrovej@fsdbk12.org
Website: www.fsdbk12.org/blind-high-school
Location: 207 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL, USA
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/fsdbblindhighschool

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

Joy Carriger, Media Specialist and Edith Stein, BMS Social Studies Teacher

On the evening of April 12th, high school senior Natalie Cruz was honored at a ceremony of the local chapter for the Daughters of the American Revolution for her scholarship essay submission. Natalie was selected as the top candidate from 4 local high schools to receive this award.

Natalie's career goals include pursuing a career in the FBI. As a special bonus to her award package, which included a braille certificate, an American Flag and a cash award, Natalie was gifted with her own FBI coin. The DAR went the extra step to celebrate Natalie. It was a wonderful ceremony hosted by this patriotic civic organization.