Prism

11/15-17 - Pre-ACT Testing (10th grade)

11/18 - Deadline for Graduation Packages and Senior Info Submission (12th grade)

11/19-26 - THANKSGIVING BREAK

12/6-7 - MAP Testing

12/12 - K-3 and Show Choir perform at St. Aug Health & Rehab

12/13 - Show Choir performs at BEMS Concert

12/14 - FAST Testing

12/15 - Holiday Concert (2:00)

12/16 - Show Choir trip (NEFEC performance)

12/22 - End of 2nd Quarter

12/26-1/6 - WINTER BREAK

Justin Cosgrove, Assistant Principal

Greetings BHS families. We just wrapped up an amazing week of homecoming and spirit activities. We had all sorts of fun. The school spirit was everywhere this week. It all led up to a raucous pep rally, where we introduced the first mascot in Blind Department history, Cecil Striker. Cecil is a cobra and he'll be at many events here at the school.

The real highlight of the week was the students. Everything that was planned came from our Student Leadership Council. The council is welcome to any student interested in shaping the direction and culture of the school. They made sure there was something for everyone and as far as I can tell, everyone had a great time!

Next week, we get back after it with school and the push toward Thanksgiving. Thank your for your continued support.

Character Trait of the Month-Citizenship

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

-Margaret Mead

On Friday, October 28, the Blind High School (BHS) held a potato potluck staff lunch feast, coordinated by teacher Ms. Kim McCombs.

DD Stein, National Honor Society Sponsor

A Pet Food Drive is sponsored by the Blind Department National Honor and Junior Honor Society Members and continues until December 16. Donations will benefit Ayla’s Acres, a no-kill rescue and adoption facility located in St. Augustine.

Drop off boxes are located outside the school administration offices in Bryant Hall and Cary White Complex. You may also contact DD Stein for pick up. steine@fsdbk12.org

Bill Ward, Outdoor Club Sponsor

Marja Wheeler, Director of Student Life

The high school students were busy this month, with lots of activities and celebrations. The MacWilliams students worked on a “spooky treat” community service project in which they made and distributed secret treats to unsuspecting recipients to brighten their day.

Both MacWilliams and Koger celebrated “Unity Day” by all wearing orange.

The Apartment students continue building their skills with new lessons in finance. In October they learned about credit cards, budgeting and how to open bank accounts. They’ve also been working on understanding grocery store sales, and using BOGO’s to make their food budget go a little further. Next month they will be working on some laundry skills, and staff will be stepping back to have them do more of their household chores without assistance.

Liliana Garcia-Betancourt, D&B Designs Business Manager

D&B Designs is a custom printing program and school-based enterprise. Students learn graphic design, digital imaging, layout, measurement, manufacturing, customer service, operating a small business, marketing, and management. Students create and manufacture merchandise for campus and community. Most of our in-store merchandise and designs focus on both hearing impaired and visually impaired department needs as well as deaf or blind cultures. Our main goal is the students learning and for that reason we do not have an online store.

D&B Designs store is open every school day from 10:45am to 3:15 pm and open most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays until 6:00pm.

Please visit us while you are on campus or place your order by calling us at 904-827-2237 or emailing us at dbdesigns@fsdbk12.org and the students and staff will be happy to assist you.

~Contest winners will receive prizes sponsored by the Seminole Tribe of Florida~

Tallahassee, Fla., November 4, 2022 – Today, the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida announced the official launch of the Native American Heritage Month student contests in partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. This year’s contests are focused on the theme of “Celebrating the Achievements of Native American Floridians.” Native American Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated in the United States from November 1 to November 30.

“Native Americans in Florida have made incredible contributions to our state and nation,” said Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. "We are proud of our rich Native American history and look forward to celebrating their many achievements."

“The Seminole Tribe plays an important part in Florida’s history and culture, and we sincerely appreciate being included in this meaningful educational outreach program that reaches students across our state,” said Marcellus Osceola Jr., Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

All Florida students are invited to participate in academic and creative contests based on this year's theme. Students in grades K-3 are invited to participate in an art contest, while students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers, and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Native American Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award. Prizes for contest winners are provided by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. All contest entries must be received by 5 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, November 17, 2022.

About the Student Art Contest

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Native American Heritage Month Art Contest is open to all Kindergarten through third-grade students in Florida. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year's theme. Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $100 art supplies gift card and a 1-year pass to Florida state parks.

About the Student Essay Contest

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Native American Heritage Month Essay Contest is open to all fourth through twelfth-grade students in Florida. Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Six winners will be selected: two elementary school students (grades 4–5), two middle school students (grades 6–8), and two high school students (grades 9–12). Each winner will receive a 2–Year Florida College Plan scholarship and a $100 gift card for school supplies.

In the contest, students are encouraged to write about a Native American who has had an impactful and inspiring effect on their community whose story should be shared. The subject of the essay should be a Floridian.

About the Excellence in Education Award

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Native American Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle, or high school in Florida. Four winners will be selected, and nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian, or student. Excellence in Education award winners will receive $2,500 and a set of classroom books.

Contest Entries and Nominating Forms and Guidelines

Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at www.FloridaNativeAmericanHeritage.com.

Volunteer Florida

Native American Heritage Month Committee
1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250
Tallahassee, Florida 32308

All entries must be received by 5 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, November 17, 2022.

For more information about the contests, please visit www.FloridaNativeAmericanHeritage.com.

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.

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BHS Office

PH: 904-827-2715

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Health Care Center

PH: 904-827-2410

VP: 904-201-3910

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Transportation

PH: 800-992-8747

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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

PH: 904-827-2212

VP: 904-201-4527

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