Prism

April 29 - School Climate Survey Due

April 29-May 6 - Close-Up

May 2-6 - Teacher Appreciation Week

May 3 - Sports Physical

May 4-5 - FSA ELA Reading (9th Grade)

May 9 - NO SCHOOL

May 10 - Sports Physical

May 11-12 - FSA ELA Reading (10th Grade)

May 12 - Athletic Awards (7:00)

May 16-17 - Geometry EOC

May 18-19 - Algebra EOC

May 24 - Biology EOC

May 25 - US History EOC

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

Another month is in the books. We have about a month left of school, and that means a lot to do. We have FSA and EOC tests throughout the month. Please make every effort to have your child at school for these exams. If you have a child testing, you will receive a letter with information on the exam.

The end of May will be an exciting time for our seniors. Senior sponsors are finalizing plans for their senior trips and activities. Graduation practice will be on May 25th, the Senior Dinner will be the evening of May 25th, and the big day, Graduation happens at 12:00 on May 26th. Senior parents, please remind your students to keep up with their work and responsibilities.

We've had some great times in the past few weeks. Our prom was a huge success. Our junior sponsors did a tremendous job making the arrangements for such a terrific night. Our arts program has been thriving. Our Night of Stars, put on by the Drama Club and the Spring Concert put on by our Music Department received great reviews from students, staff, administrators, and parents. We are proud of these programs and what they do for our families.

As you can see, we have been quite busy. Let's have a great last month of school. Thank you for your continued support of our program.

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.

Presentations were made at the St. Augustine City Commission's April 25 meeting on Monday, April 25, 2022 recognizing St. Johns County high schools graduating seniors for their leadership and service to school, community, and to other students.

Award recipients receive a commemorative plaque, a city lapel pin, and $200 to assist with further educational endeavors.

Below is the write-up on Jose within the press release on the City Commission's website.

Jose Giron-Reyes, Florida School for the Deaf & Blind - Blind High School: Member of the Debate team, Drama club, Social Dance club, Creative Writing club and the Young Life Club. He participates in goal ball and is one of 6 goal ball team players to win nationals, bringing home a gold medal for FSDB.

Jose translates Spanish to English for different community groups and has learned American Sign Language to communicate with the elementary students when he volunteers in the Deaf Department classrooms. Jose would like to pursue political science after graduation.

Bailey Thomas, Junior Class President

On April 20th, the FSDB blind juniors and seniors gathered at the Magnolia Room at The Fountain of Youth for an event they had been anticipating and, in the case of the juniors, planning for months: prom!

Before the night began, staff members remained after school to help students get ready. Once everyone was ready we gathered at the steps of the event space filled with anticipation at the night to come. Our group matched the setting in splendor; the peacocks and natural beauty of the setting gave a magical quality to the night.

The evening began with everyone dining upon dinner catered from Gypsy Cab. Once everyone had their fill of dinner, the Junior Class President Bailey followed by Vice-President Madison rose to give a toast in honor of the night and the senior class. The shouts of joy could have been heard for miles around as seniors, including Prom King Jose, stood to give their own toast to their classmates and all that was ahead. It was with these toasts that the night moved into the dance portion.

The music flooded the room with energy and life as students came together on the dance floor. The playlist composed by Amiah was perfectly designed; there were songs that made everyone happy. The dance continued late into the night with friends laughing and shouting to hear one another.

No words could ever truly do justice to the evening, but everyone celebrated a release from normal cares that night. Prom truly brought everyone closer together and began the closing chapter for the seniors in the perfect way. April 20th is a night that will be remembered by the juniors and seniors for many years to come.

Jim Carpenter, Outta Sight Director

The Outta Sight singers had the honor of singing at the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game last week. They sang an a cappella version of the National Anthem.

Jennifer Thompkins, Administrative Assistant

The 59th Annual Athletic Awards will be held on May 12, 2022 at 7 pm in Kirk Auditorium. FSDB students, parents, families, and staff members are invited to attend as we honor our student-athletes and coaches for the 2021-22 school year.

The program will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the FSDB Athletics website (www.fsdbk12.org/athletics), FSDB YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/fsdbk12) and the FSDB Athletics Facebook page.

Donna Johnson, Athletic Director

Blind High School student Markeil "MJ" Jordan placed 2nd in the Long Jump event at District Track Competition and will be moving on to compete next week at Regionals. Blind Middle School student Addison Allen placed 1st in the 4 x 400m Relay and 3rd in the 4 x 800m Relay and will also be competing in Regional competition next week.

Congratulations to our Blind Department representatives on the track team for these accomplishments! Best of luck as you join Deaf Department track members who are attending Regionals as well!

Sports Physicals will be held in Copeland Gym on May 3 and May 10 starting at 3:30pm for any student who may be interested in playing a sport next year.

May 3:

All Day Students

Football Team

5th Grade Students

Middle School Students

May 10:

High School Students

Makeups for anyone who missed May 3

Bryan Wolfe, Boarding Program Supervisor

The gentlemen staff and young men of MacWilliams Hall began a mentoring program for the boys of Cary White Dorm. The program has two parts; one provides these younger students with Male staff members to look up to as role models and the other is peer leadership of their friends whom they previously knew in the dorm before they moved to MacWilliams Hall. The students engage in positive social interaction and enjoy a varied assortment of activities during their time together. Oftentimes students play piano, guitar or practice drums. Some play games like Uno or Connect Four, and many just enjoy conversation and chatting about whatever the topic of the day is.

Our last mentorship activity for the year will be May 19th. We will invite the 8th graders to our outdoor pavilion for a Cookout with our Peer leaders from the dorm. We'll give them a tour of MacWilliams Hall and review the rules and expectations that they will be moving forward into next year when they return as Freshmen.

Elizabeth Wilcox, Director
The FSDB Outreach Department is excited to host weekly panel discussions/activities and Q&A with a panel of Alumni experts from the Blind Department. Please join us for these virtual meetings to engage parents, caregivers, and community members with information related to blindness, low vision, and the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC).

Beginning May 11, 2022, every Wednesday from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. EST.

All Ages – Current FSDB students/families and NON enrolled students/families that are blind or visually impaired.

• May 11, 2022: Introductions – Panelists will introduce who they are, how they have been associated with FSDB and their life journey. Theme: Sensory efficiency - using everything that you have!

• May 18, 2022: Exploring the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) - Compensatory skills and assistive technology including braille or print access, communication, and concept development.

• May 25, 2022: Social Interactions & Recreation and Leisure - How to meet people and live your best life!

• June 1, 2022: Orientation & Mobility and Independent Living - sighted guide to buying a house!

• June 8, 2022: Self-Determination and Career Education - It is never too early to start learning about this!

These virtual meetings are FREE for eligible Florida residents.

To register: https://conta.cc/3hTCFOR

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

15. The Affirmation Web - Hold the starting end of a ball of string (consider tying a small jingle bell inside), toss/roll the rest of the string to another family member and then say something encouraging about that person. Repeat until the yarn is gone,

• Academic calendar
• Food menu
• FortifyFL
• FSDB website
• Lastest FSDB news
• School photos
• Skyward Family Access

BHS Office

PH: 904-827-2715

​

Health Care Center

PH: 904-827-2410

VP: 904-201-3910

​

Transportation

PH: 800-992-8747

​

Koger Hall (Girls Dorm)

PH: 904-827-2733

​

MacWilliams Hall (Boys Dorm)

PH: 904-827-2725

​

Apartments – Boys (Seniors)

PH: 904-827-8247

​

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

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.