Kaleidoscope
BEMS Parent Newsletter - March 24. 2023
Dates to Remember
3/28 - RIF (BES)
3/29 - RIF (BMS)
4/4 - Trip to Ft. Matanzas (8th grade)
4/6 - Egg Hunt (K-5)
4/10 - NO SCHOOL
4/11-4/14 - Spirit Week
4/14 - FBI Internet Safety Presentation (BMS)
4/18 - Literacy Event
4/20 - Spring Concert and Art Show (BMS/BHS)
4/21 - PEW Workshop (Safety)
4/21 - Earth Day Celebration (BMS)
5/2 - FAST ELA Reading (3rd-8th)
5/4 - FAST Mathematics (3rd-8th)
5/5 - SubSAC/Title 1 Meeting (10:00)
5/5 - Battle of the Books (BES 12:30)
5/9 - MAP Math Testing (3rd-5th)
5/9-10 - Science Testing (5th, 8th)
5/10 - MAP Reading Testing (3rd-5th)
5/11 - MAP Reading (BMS)
5/11 - Elementary Music Theatre 101 Dalmatians (1:30)
5/11 - Elementary Dance Recital (7:00)
5/12 - Battle of the Books (BMS 9:00)
5/15 - NO SCHOOL
5/16 - Literacy Celebration (BES)
5/16 - MAP Math (8th)
5/17 - Civics EOC
5/17 - Literacy Celebration (BMS)
5/18 - 8th Grade Trip to DeLeon Springs
5/18 - MAP Math (6th-7th)
5/19 - Kindergarten Graduation
5/22-5/26 - Spirit Week
5/23 - BEMS Water Day
5/24 - (Water Day Rain Date)
5/24 - 8th Grade Graduation PRACTICE
5/25 - 8th Grade Graduation (1:30)
5/26 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Fertsch's Files
Ellen Fertsch, Assistant Principal BEMS
Greetings Families,
I hope you all had a relaxing and fun spring break. As always, we are quite busy here at FSDB. We are entering the 4th and final quarter/marking period, and as you know, this last stretch will fly by quickly. Be on the lookout in your mailbox for report cards and other student academic information. Reminder that you can access student grades and information on our Skyward system as well. As always, we are here to help! We encourage you to reach out with any needs, concerns, and feedback. We appreciate you!
March brings us many celebrations and observances. Our character trait for March is trustworthiness. We celebrated Read Across America and Dr. Suess’ birthday. March is Women’s History Month, and students are learning about women who have made positive impacts on, and contributions to society. Pi Day was celebrated in our middle school and students enjoyed many fun and academic activities relating to Pi Day (see article included in this newsletter). March is also Music in our Schools Month (MIOSM). Music is such an integral part of all our lives, and we are so fortunate to have an outstanding music department here at FSDB. March also brings the holy month of Ramadan, which is celebrated by those of the Muslim faith; it is a time of reflection. Saint Patrick’s Day fell in March, and honors Saint Patrick, a patron saint of Ireland. Finally, on 3/20, March brought us spring!
As we embark on the last leg of the school year, let us continue to work together to support our students so that they remain committed and engaged in their studies and activities.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend and a happy and healthy spring!
8th Graders Participate in Future City National Competition
Ms. Bartlett’s 8th grade class constructed a mock city in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Future City National Competition. They created a city that was self-sustaining and could help fight against climate change. ULA’s future city was named The Forest City and set in a forest like setting. It combined reading, math, and science in its design. Forest City fights climate change by having residences that are covered in foliage and are built partially underground. It comes with its own recreation center. The green house is set to grow a lot of the city’s food. The buildings use solar energy and skylights to power the buildings.
BMS Celebrates Pi Day
On Wednesday, March 8, and Thursday, March 9, Mr. Keller's classes in the Blind Middle School observed Pi Day, which is March 14 but we celebrated early since that was Spring Break. On the first day, students spent their class period out and about the FSDB campus, on a quest to locate 10 circular objects per group and take measurements using scissors and a skein of string. They took these measurements back to the classroom for circumference and area of circle computing. Then, on the following day, students stayed in-house (in the classroom) and worked as a group to solve a circular Sudoku puzzle, which in turn, activated the pie slicer, me, to retrieve their prize, a chosen slice of pie (chocolate crème, cookies and cream, or turtle crème).
Our Earth Micro-Museum Presentation
Mary Hanson, Speech Pathologist
The ULS 8th grade class presented their micro museum to the librarian on Friday, March 3.
Their museum is titled, "Our Earth". These students studied about the Earth's 4 layers (Inner and Outer Core, Mantle and Crust). They learned that the 7 continents were together billions of years ago forming a puzzle and this was called "Pangaea". These students studied facts about 3 peninsulas - Italy, Spain and Florida.
Come to the Cary White Library to view their Micro Museum.
24 Game Challenge Competition
Justyn Keller, BMS Math Teacher
For the past several years, students have competed annually in a math competition known as the 24 Game Challenge. In this competition, students are given a set of 4 numbers, and their job is to use any combination of the four basic math operations to produce 24 within the allotted two minutes. The first person to do so correctly receives the points. Each set of 4 numbers is worth 1, 2, or 3 points. The student with the most points at the end of the class period is the winner for that class/grouping.
This event took place on Monday, March 6, with Leland R., Brody Z., Danika S., and Tristan M. winning in their respective class/grouping. Then, on Friday, March 10, these students competed against one another and Ms. Jensen’s high school students, to determine the overall 2022-2023 24 Game Challenge winner.
These finals were intense! Twelve sets of numbers were given: 5, 1-point cards, 4, 2-point cards, and 3, 3-point cards. For almost every round, solutions were found within a few seconds.
The results are as follows:
Middle School
1st Place: Danika Stanchi
2nd Place: Leland Rinesmith
3rd Place: Brody Ziegler
Overall
Taylore Sherman (high school)
Way to go, everyone! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for out next math competition during Quarter 4.
Announcing the Cast of 101 Dalmatians Kids
Congratulations to the following students in Blind Elementary Music Theatre on their auditions! The students all did a wonderful job going through the audition process and becoming exposed to a type of career "interview". This process also hits on many ECC priorities.
Below are their roles for the upcoming production, to be performed on May 11 at 1:30 in the Music Building Auditorium (please save this date!)
CRUELLA - Maely
ROGER - Daniel
ANITA - Jesa
HORACE - Heidi
JASPER - Isaiah
PERDITA - Aspen
PONGO - JJ
LUCKY - Elijah
PATCH - Bryan
PENNY - McKenzie
PEPPER - Aubrey
NANNY - Jermeka
BOXER NARRATOR - Jayden
SCOTTIE NARRATOR - Whyatt
POODLE NARRATORS - Penelope, Egypt
CORGI NARRATOR - Arabella
DOGCATCHER - Kiyan
FRECKLES - Brianna
SPOTTY - Jehieli
SERGEANT TIBBS - Kessler
POLICE OFFICER - Victor
KANINE DALMATIANS: Gracie, Avery, Teddy
101 DALMATIANS: Hunter, Cyrus, Luke, Rosie
STAGE CREW: Billy, Enoc
Spotlight on Teddy
Theodore, known to everyone at FSDB as “Teddy”, brings pure joy and happiness to everyone he meets. Teddy comes to school smiling and he leaves school smiling. He always has a positive attitude, and he works hard everyday in class.
Teddy has attended FSDB for a couple of years as he comes to Kindergarten from the Early Learning Center. When asked what he enjoys learning about in school he said, “I like Math the best and working in Math centers with my friends.”
He said his favorite time of day is recess with his friends on the Kramer playground and going to Music class where he likes to sing songs. When he is not in school Teddy enjoys playing with his Thomas the Tank Engine toys and going to Disney with his Mom.
Thank you, Teddy, for spreading sunshine and happiness to us all at FSDB, we are so happy you are here with us!
Spotlight on Gracie
Gracie Miller is currently in the third grade and has attended FSDB since she was 3 years old and in the ELC. Her favorite subject is math.
Gracie lives in her family of four. She loves to play basketball and teach her dog Ella new tricks.
One of her favorite memories was attending the Safety Fair. She enjoys all of the kids at the school and that they are friends with her and loving. The teachers are very good at their jobs.
For anyone considering attending FSDB, Gracie wants you to know that, "FSDB is a kind and loving place. You'll have a nice time and will really like it here!"
Spotlight on Ethan
Ethan came to FSDB in 3rd grade and is currently in 8th grade. His favorite classes are Tech, PE, and Math. His hobbies include anime and hanging out with his friends.
Ethan has a younger sister and 2 dogs. His favorite memory at FSDB is meeting his friend Nathaniel here in 4th grade.
Ethan would tell people who have visual impairments to come to FSDB for the resources, staff, and friends.
Spotlight on Teagan
Teagan is also in the 8th grade. She started here in Kindergarten. Like the others, her favorite subject is math. She has 4 siblings.
Teagan likes sports and is on the goalball and cross country team. She also enjoys being a stage crew assistant for performance arts.
Her favorite memory comes from when she was in elementary school. She said, "I always think of Ms. B. getting on a table to show us a dance move - the worm, that she could do. It was so funny and I still remember that."
Teagan is grateful for the support she receives at school. "FSDB gives me help when I need it no matter what it is. If someone wanted to come here I would tell them to do it. The school gives support to people who need it."
Spotlight on Cristina Sapp
Ms. Cristina Sapp, from Dawson, Georgia, works full-time as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist in Early Learning Center and Blind Elementary/Middle School. But like many other teachers at FSDB, she also holds roles part-time at FSDB: Parent Advisor in Parent Infant Program, Content Expert for Parent University, O&M Instructor for Dorm Staff Continuing Education Program, and FSDB Ski Club Staff Member.
Also like many other teachers at FSDB, Cristina earned several college degrees. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation and Disabilities and a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language: Spanish from Auburn University. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Orientation and Mobility from University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Master of Science in Visual Disabilities from Florida State University.
In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones, hosting gatherings at her home, traveling, going to the beach, gardening, golfing, skiing, and cooking.
Growing up in Georgia, Cristina’s family spent summer vacations at the beaches in the Florida Panhandle. From a very young age she knew she wanted to spend her adult life living on the coast in the beautiful state of Florida. When in graduate school in Arkansas for Orientation and Mobility, she realized that FSDB checked all the boxes for her both personally and professionally. She took a leap of faith to apply for a position and when she came on campus for her interview, she was completely enamored with the lush landscape aesthetic, the Spanish style architecture, and the utmost welcoming hospitality. She states, "I remember thinking to myself as I drove off campus, "I want to work here. I'm going to work here. A month or so later, I was driving on campus with an employee badge and the most profound sense of joy in my heart. My career at FSDB is one of the greatest blessings in my life."
One of her favorite things about her job is providing after-school Orientation and Mobility lessons to her middle school students. During their typical, weekly Orientation and Mobility lesson, the student will use technology to research nearby restaurants to access menus so they can create their budget. She will then start teaching the route from FSDB to the restaurant of their choice. On the day of their after-school lesson, they string everything together by navigating to the restaurant, practice using their social interaction skills with the employee, engage in meaningful conversation while enjoying the meal and apply their money concept skills by conducting the transaction for their meal. She is grateful for the opportunity afforded her to create meaningful lessons where it's evident that Orientation and Mobility is an integral part of daily living and long-term success.
Safety Fair Recap and Review
Marcus "Dwayne" Lewis, Junior
On Feb 22nd, 2023, the FSDB Safety Fair took place. The Safety Fair is an annual event where everyone from the paramedics to the SWAT team come out to the Kramer bus loop in the Blind Department to educate us students about their role in protecting and assisting the county and country.
All the different departments were set up in a circle around the bus loop, and students went around with their classes to each one, picking up useful facts and pointers along the way. The only downside to it was that there were so many stations, a lot of people weren’t able to make it all the way around. Therefore, all the information presented below is based on what I saw.
I started at the Honeywell station. In short, Honeywell is the system that controls our fire alarms, lockdowns, tornado sirens, and any other emergency situation. The directors of the station had a few of the button apparatuses set up for us students to press for the experience of pulling a fire alarm or pushing the lockdown button.
Next was the FBI station. There were a few FBI agents out there, telling us about what they do and answering questions. They had one of their bullet-proof suits out for us to try on and have the experience of wearing 30 pounds of armor. There was also a fingerprint machine, where you could actually scan your fingerprint and receive a paper copy to keep. We were also shown different ways the FBI handles criminals without seriously injuring them, such as using foam-tipped bullets rather than a taser or actual firearm.
The next station belonged to the state trooper patrol. They brought what I believe to be one of their undercover vehicles because I was told that it had hidden lights in the roof. It was a supercharged Dodge Hemi, a common vehicle used in the police force. We were allowed to sit in the car one at a time, and make some noise!
Finally, I’m not sure why, but there was a horse that was part of the showcase. The handlers had it farther away from everyone so it wouldn’t get nervous or anything. We were allowed to go up to it and pet it. It’s still the friendliest horse I’ve seen to this day.
All in all, I thought the Safety Fair was a mixture of an educational experience and fun.
Dwayne is a junior in the Leadership class. He particularly enjoys hands-on learning experiences such as the Safety Fair exhibit. He is currently researching various music careers to decide what to major in for college.
Spring Carnival
Brianna Raisor, Senior
The spring carnival this year was held March 23 from 6:00 to 9:00. This year all of the booths were in the courtyard between Bryant Hall and Gibbs. The booths included games such as ring toss and Pie a Teacher. There were also bounce houses for small children to enjoy.
This year instead of using tickets to access the games there were passports that the children used to collect stickers from all the booths. The spring carnival was fun for all. Watch for photos from the carnival in future issues!
Brianna Raisor is a senior in the Leadership class. As a senior, she played an important role in the planning and manning of the many carnival activities.
Outdoor Club
The Outdoor Club finished their walk around campus with a trip to Vincent's Ice Cream.
Read Across America Day
March 2nd is Read Across America Day. Blind Elementary Students celebrated by donning their own Cat in the Hat hats and selecting Dr. Seuss stuffed animal characters to read to and exploring new books and titles by the author.
Tactile Science for the Visually Impaired: It's Fun AND Educational
Savannah Lindberg, Junior
For many people, both blind and sighted alike, science is a way to explore the world, understand it, and experience it for oneself. But of course, the best part is always the hands-on experiments themselves: the experiments that teach about chemical reactions that cause an exploding geyser, or the classic baking soda and vinegar volcano. All of these can be valuable tools for understanding science and the complicated world around us—-not just for the sighted child, but for the blind child as well. Additionally, parents can help cultivate an attitude of curiosity by encouraging exploration and discovery.
Experiments for the blind are not just fun and engaging (though that is a bonus), but they can also be valuable as a tool for allowing the student to see the world from a different perspective and view phenomena that they may not otherwise understand. After all, learning something through experience can often be more meaningful than simply reading about a concept in a textbook. As Ms. Ashley Dennis, FSDB's Blind High School science teacher puts it, "Material needs to be learned and visuals need to be seen and understood, and for blind and visually impaired students, they must have a hands-on experience to truly visualize the concept."
As a parent, you may be wondering, "Completing hands-on science activities with my student sounds like a fun, engaging way to encourage exploration, but how do I get started?"
Fortunately, it doesn't take much to begin your journey to scientific discovery. Your first step may be as simple as gauging what your student is interested in. Once you have determined what area your family is interested in learning more about, you can begin to collect materials. As Ms. A. suggested, even the simplest things from around your house can contribute to vast discoveries and great revelations. Alternatively, if you find a specific experiment that requires an item that you don't have, oftentimes at-home science projects contain materials that are inexpensive and easy to obtain.
All in all, tactile science can be a new, exciting way to teach blind students about scientific processes and the scientific method, and there are simple ways that you can implement it into everyday life.
Savannah is a member of the Leadership class. She plans to become a Teacher of the Visually Impaired and has already begun working toward that goal by becoming a paid after-school tutor, helping to teach her classmates braille music code, and asking questions of her teachers to gain insight such as this to start forming her educational philosophy.
Visiting College Students Share Their Views of FSDB
Earlier this month, students from Florida State University who are in the Visual Disabilities Education major program visited FSDB to complete one of their required "Intensives Week" as part of their training. During this time, the education majors spend the week observing classroom teachers. Below are submissions from two of those teachers-to-be about their time at FSDB.
Elaine Mara
As an aspiring Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Orientation & Mobility Specialist who happens to be legally blind, spending the week at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind has been an informative and affirming experience, connecting my coursework to the real world, and affirming my passion for the role(s) I am preparing to undertake. Spending time among professionals who share the same high expectations for kids who are blind or visually impaired that I have always had for the students with whom I have worked as a disability services professional on several college campuses, has proven to me that I am preparing to enter a field that fits with my teaching philosophy and belief system, and will give me the opportunity to make the difference I desire to make in people’s lives.
From listening to kindergarteners describe their own visual impairment to watching students confidently cross streets, use technology to access music notation to learn to play the recorder just like their sighted counterparts, and participate in the evaluation and development of IEP goals, I take away from this experience a plan to involve my future students in all stages of the IEP process, regardless of age, so they can develop the skills necessary to advocate for themselves and define independence for themselves.
So far at FSDB, I've had an amazing time interacting with students and faculty in the Blind Department to learn more about teaching strategies in a center-based school program and get faculty input on teaching Orientation & Mobility to their diverse population of students. Students attending FSDB have such a beautiful support group through not only their faculty, but through their peers, who never hesitate to offer assistance to one another. From working with Kindergarteners on Self-Determination to listening to a group of high schoolers sing in Spanish, visiting FSDB has been such a positive experience, and I'm thrilled to begin my career as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired and O&M!
SING! Jax Summer Camp
The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus is excited to announce the 3rd annual choral festival and summer day camp, SING! Jax Summer Camp. Enjoy a fun-filled week of music, choral singing, and dance workshops!
On the final day, all singers will perform in a concert showcasing what they have learned and experienced at the SING! Jax Summer Camp.
The summer day camp is available to rising fourth through eighth-grade singers from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Camp designed for treble voices (soprano and altos) ONLY.
For more information and to complete a registration packet, visit https://www.jaxchildrenschorus.org/classes/sing-jax-summer-camp/
Described and Captioned Media Program
You can make a free account by going to https://dcmp.org/and clicking the Sign Up button.
Benefits of Audio Description in Education Contest
Submit your essay for a chance to win a prize such as an iPad, iTunes gift card, or trip to present your essay at a conference.
Deadline is March 31, 2023.
Link for SubSAC/Title 1 Meeting:
ACCESSING STUDENT PHOTOS
How to access student school photos, including events and athletics:
- Go to fsdb.zenfolio.com
- Click “Find Your Photos”
- 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. Cheryl Burgess.
Contact Us
BEMS Office
PH: 904-827-2739
Health Care Center
PH: 904-827-2410
VP: 904-201-3910
Transportation
PH: 800-992-8747
Kramer Hall (Elementary Dorm)
PH: 904-827-2736
Cary White Complex (Middle School Dorm)
PH: 904-827-2851
Parent Services
PH: 904-827-2212
VP: 904-201-4527
Campus Police
PH: 904-827-2315
Email: fertsche@fsdbk12.org
Website: www.fsdbk12.org/blind-elementary-middle-school
Location: 207 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL, USA
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/fsdbblindelementarymiddleschool
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