Early Learning Center
L. Daniel Hutto Early Learning Center at FSDB
April 4th, 2025
"The child is endowed with unknown powers, which can guide us to a radiant future. "
- Maria Montessori
Explore. Learn. Create.
Hello ELC families,
Spring is a particularly vibrant and engaging time for the Early Learning Center. During this season, our young learners delve into a variety of enriching topics that foster both curiosity and understanding of the natural world. Our curriculum focuses on key concepts related to the season, including the fascinating processes of life cycles, the growth and development of seeds and plants, and the metamorphosis of caterpillars into butterflies. These activities not only support cognitive development but also encourage hands-on learning, observation, and critical thinking, all of which are essential for nurturing a deeper appreciation of nature. We are excited to witness our students' enthusiasm as they explore the many wonders of spring!
Please ensure that students arrive between 7:30 and 7:45 AM, unless you are on an approved alternate schedule. Students in our BVI classroom will begin their PE session in the Copeland gym immediately after drop-off. Any students arriving late will be directed to the dorm pod.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
As always, thank you for sharing your children with us!
-Catherine
Catherine Bailey
Director of Early Learning
(904)827-2835
VP: (904)824-4540
An Important Message from President Tracie Snow
Hello FSDB Families,
It is time for our Spring FSDB Family Climate Survey! Please complete the survey before Thursday, May 1st. We want to know how we can do things better and what we should celebrate. The educational experience your child has at FSDB will help them continue to grow and thrive with your help and partnership. We are excited to hear from you!
Thank you,
Tracie Snow
FSDB President
Hola familias de FSDB:
¡Llegó la hora de nuestra Encuesta de Clima Familiar de Primavera de FSDB! Por favor, complete la encuesta antes del jueves 1 de mayo. Queremos saber cómo podemos mejorar y qué debemos celebrar. La experiencia educativa que su hijo/a tenga en FSDB le ayudará a seguir creciendo y prosperando con su ayuda y colaboración. ¡Nos entusiasma saber de usted!
Gracias,
Tracie Snow Presidenta de FSDB
Red Classroom
Happy Instructional Assistant Appreciation Day!
We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks to our DHH Instructional Assistants. Your dedication, patience, and kindness have had a profound impact on our students' lives. We are incredibly fortunate to have you in our classrooms, consistently bringing positivity and support. A special thank you goes to Ms. Glenda, Ms. Beverly, and our newest member, Ms. Franny, for the invaluable role you play in shaping our students' success and experiences.
What we've been working on...
One part of the Montessori curriculum focuses on geography. This study allows students to begin to understand they are part of a bigger world, consisting of more than just their immediate environment. Students learn about the various continents, oceans, land and water forms, as well as the various cultures on Earth.
Students are able to study geography through a variety of materials in the Montessori classroom. Students typically begin by exploring the sandpaper and colored globe. The sandpaper globe helps students understand the Earth is divided into land and water, while the colored globe begins to explain the Earth in more detail, highlighting each of the seven continents. Once students gain an understanding of the Earth as a whole, they are able to dive into a study of each continent.
They explore the continent through concrete objects such as the puzzle maps, the state flag, figurines of the animals that live there, clothing fabric, pictures, and artwork.
The study of geography allows students to continue to develop and deepen their theory of mind. They begin to understand that each person and culture is unique with some common threads throughout. The study of geography begins the journey for students to become curious learners, constantly questioning and exploring the world around them.
Blue Classroom
Upcoming Events
April 15th: Beeping Easter Egg Hunt
May 21st: ELC Graduation
May 29th: Splash Park
Happy Instructional Assistant Appreciation Day!
We would like to take a moment to recognize and express our sincere gratitude to our BVI Instructional Assistants. Your unwavering dedication, patience, and kindness have made a significant impact on the lives of our students. We are truly fortunate to have you in our classrooms, bringing positivity and support every day. A special thank you to Ms. Tonnette, Ms. Holly, and Ms. Jennie for the invaluable role you play in shaping our students' experiences and success.
Thank you to everyone who came to Breakfast with Buddies!
It was such a pleasure to welcome all of you to our event! We are incredibly grateful for your participation and the opportunity to come together as a community. Our day began with an insightful and engaging presentation by Michelle Sminkey, one of our braille specialists.
Following the presentation, we had a delightful hands-on activity where each parent was given the chance to experience braille firsthand by using a brailler to write a special note for their child. This activity provided a meaningful opportunity for parents to connect with their child's learning experience in a unique and impactful way. Once the activities concluded, we gathered outside for a wonderful reunion time, where parents and students were able to come together and enjoy a relaxing breakfast. It was a heartwarming moment of connection, reflection, and celebration of the progress our students have made.
After the activity, we were greeted with an insightful and engaging presentation by James Crozier, one of our Orientation & Mobility Specialists. He shared valuable insights into the role of mobility training and its importance in the development of our students' independence. Additionally, we were fortunate to have one of our students from Blind High School join us to provide a personal perspective on the journey of learning and growing in the world of braille literacy and mobility.
What we've been working on in Ms Kallie's room...
This week, our classroom has been buzzing with excitement as we explore the fascinating world of bees! We kicked off with a fun sensory bin activity, where children used their senses to find hidden bees in yellow whipped cream. We also focused on the letter "B," practicing writing and learning about braille, with the kids enjoying writing their names in braille as a way to develop fine motor skills and understand accessibility. A highlight of the week was reading The Bee Book, which captivated the students with its illustrations and taught them about the vital role bees play in our environment, from pollination to their life cycle. It’s been wonderful to see the children’s curiosity and enthusiasm grow through hands-on learning, creativity, and literacy, all while deepening their understanding of bees and their importance in nature.
What we've been working on in Ms Brittany's room...
What an exciting week we've had exploring spring in class! We've learned about the parts of a flower, compared winter and summer activities, and celebrated the season with vibrant activities. A highlight has been reading Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring, which sparked excitement as we prepare to wake up the bears from hibernation. In math, we've been working on odd and even numbers, and the students have made great progress in identifying and sorting them. Our spring-themed sensory bin has also been a hit, with the kids practicing fine motor skills by scooping and sorting rice and flower charms. It's been amazing to see their teamwork and attention to detail. It's been a rewarding week, and I'm excited to see what the students will discover next!
News from the Outreach Department
News from the Parent Services Department
Check out this ASL Story time!
Check out these braille art designs by Paths to Literacy!
CONTACT US
Early Learning Center
PH or Text: 904-827-2835
Gore Hall Office (if you cannot reach anyone in the ELC)
904-827-2520
Cary White Office (if you cannot reach anyone in the ELC)
904-827-2739
Health Care Center
PH: 904-827-2410
VP: 904-201-3910
Transportation
PH: 800-992-8747
Parent Services
PH: 904-827-2212
VP: 904-201-4540
Campus Police
PH: 904-827-2315
207 San Marco Avenue,
St. Augustine, FL, USA
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
