Prism
BHS Parent Newsletter - November 19, 2021
Dates to Remember
Nov. 22-26 - NO SCHOOL - THANKSGIVING BREAK
Nov. 30 - Dec. 1 - Pre-ACT Testing (10th grade)
Dec. 9 - Civics Literacy Test
Dec. 13-14 - Algebra EOC Retakes
Dec. 15-16 - ACT Retakes
Dec. 16 - 2021 Holiday Celebration
Dec. 18-Jan. 2 - NO SCHOOL - SEMESTER BREAK
Mr. Cosgrove's Corner
Justin Cosgrove, Assistant Principal - BHS
Dear Families,
As we get into our holiday season, I want to thank you for allowing us the opportunity to work with your children. Everyone here gives 100% to make sure our students are provided every opportunity to succeed.
We have had a lot happening. I want to shout out to our Theater team for putting on the critically acclaimed Night of Stars. I feel like that might become a tradition.
For now, we have a much-deserved week off, then three busy weeks until the winter break. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and we rev it back up on November 29th.
Thank you for your continued support.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Recently, BHS English Teacher Ms. Fonda was diagnosed with lung cancer. The Senior Class decided to show their support by wearing rubber bracelets in the color representing lung cancer - clear/white. Anyone wishing to also wear one of these bracelets should reach out to Ms. Galligan-Prater, Senior Class Co-Sponsor.
We wish Ms. Fonda a speedy recovery from her upcoming surgery and beyond.
Congratulations to Shawanda Lightfoot!
Shawanda recently took a course in Child Care studies on Abuse and Neglect. Shawanda successfully demonstrated that she understood the learning objectives which were as follows:
- Identify and define terms associated with child abuse and neglect
- Identify common physical and behavioral indicators of child abuse and neglect
- Explain causes and risk factors of child abuse and neglect
- Identify effects of child abuse and neglect
- Learn the process for reporting child abuse and neglect in Florida
Thursday she took a trip to the downtown campus of Florida State College in Jacksonville. She took the Certification Exam in this area and fabulously passed the exam!!!
Way to go, Shawanda!!! We are all so proud of you!
What’s a Drop-Off Lesson?
James Crozier, Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Well, this is an instructional technique that is common in O&M instruction. The way it typically works is the O&M Specialist and student work to orient to a particular area, travel route, or independent living task. To see if they have mastered said task at a 100% independent level, it is sometimes beneficial to “drop them off” in it and leave them to figure it out.
During these lessons, the O&M Specialist is still close by, however, they will not intervene unless necessary or until the conclusion of the experience. Once the task is completed, typically there is a review of how things went, areas that were great, or areas that need to be worked on further. Sometimes, your child’s instructor may do a drop-off in an unfamiliar area to assess their problem-solving skills or ability to generalize their skills in less familiar areas.
We thought we’d give you a little background information about these lessons and encourage you not to be afraid to put your child in a situation like that when negotiating your day to day lives. You can be close by, but, let them have a go at it. See how they do. The more real world experiences our students can have under our guidance, the more independent and successful they will be in their future.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Congratulations to Our Goalball Teams!
Congratulations to our truly incredible goalball teams! Both teams won THE GOLD at the US National Championship games in Austin, TX.
Additionally, three girls and three boys from FSDB made the all-tournament team.
Even more, Jason Lubin and Dejonae Levers both won MVP of the entire tournament!!!
What's Happening In the Music Department
Mrs. Laurie Wohl and Mrs. Leslie Costello, Music Teachers
The staff of the Music Building have been busy transitioning their program for the next 2 months due to renovations planned for the Music Building. The many classes will be continuing their coursework in nearby Kramer Hall while the work is completed, where they will focus on some of the non music-making Florida Standards, including:
MU.912.F.3.2: Summarize copyright laws that govern printed, recorded, and on-line music to promote legal and responsible use of intellectual property and technology.
MU.912.H.1.3 Compare two or more works of a composer across performance media.
MU.912.H.2.1 Evaluate the social impact of music on specific historical periods.
MU.912.H.2.4 Examine the effects of developing technology on composition, performance, and acquisition of music.
MU.912.O.1.1 Evaluate the organizational principles and conventions in musical works and discuss their effect on structure.
For the last couple of weeks the Middle School and High School piano classes have been learning about ensemble work. They are learning how to work as a group by learning just one part to a song, then putting it all together to create beautiful harmonies. They are finding that working as a team to play in an ensemble is much different than playing a solo piece and requires a very different set of skills development.
Music Theory students are learning about the braille music code and taking the opportunity to put into practice what they are learning by teaching one element to the chorus every other week. This not only encourages the theory students to learn their new skill, but it also gives them the opportunity to show leadership and practice their ECC skills.
The High School Chorus and Band have been learning Holiday songs – because the Holiday season begins in October in the music education world! In order to prepare for a performance, we have to start early enough to learn about the songs, learn each individual part, practice the parts together, add dynamics and musicality, and refine to proper performance standards on anywhere from 2 to 5 different songs. They have worked hard to put all of this together. Unfortunately, our program was cancelled this year due to the status of the Music Building, but the students are hoping to sneak in a performance or recording of some sort to show their work.
The Drumline entertained the High School before the Goalball Pep Rally and did an amazing job! This line can rival any other high school drumline in the county! They are hoping to get a chance to perform in a parade someday!
After-school Music lessons are in full-force, with a full Monday through Thursday schedule of lessons including flute, drums, piano, voice and guitar with at least 3 teachers every afternoon.
A solid music education contributes to a student's overall development, increases their academic achievement, and helps support positive mental health. We are proud to offer many opportunities for your student to have access to music education as part of their curriculum at FSDB.
PBS Winners
Congratulations to the following students for being recognized over the past two weeks for their efforts in demonstrating PBS (Positive Behavior Support) expectations. The teacher/staff member who recognized the student is also listed beside the nominated student:
Juan Garcia, Amiah Richardson, Reina Allen & Jared Swann for helping out with camera equipment during Homecoming week. (Ms. McManus)
Nik Ham, Addison Burgess and Logan Strickland for helping to braille French flashcards. (Ms. McManus)
Tiffany Sa. during class she noticed another student shivering. Without saying a word, she got up and took her jacket to him and put it on him. (Ms. Prater)
Shawanda Lightfoot for high-fiving another student and then afterwards checking on where they were going and helping them to navigate a quicker route. (Ms. Joy)
Savannah Lindberg for seeing a need in someone else and finding a way to help take something off their plate without being asked. (Ms. Costello)
Ethan Rieger for helping students with their tech on a recent project. He offered his services of his own accord and helped several students learn how to incorporate music into their projects. (Ms. Jensen)
Henry Pigott for always communicating well with his teachers via email when he needs information for class, or he is absent. (Ms. Jensen)
Ms. Wolfe:
Tiffany Sa’ for helping another student in class who was struggling with ZoomText. (Ms. Wolfe)
Caden Montgomery: Huge props for making the commitment to come in partway through the week once he started feeling better! (Mr. Maltese)
Maxx Ray: for helping behind the scenes during Night of Stars! (Mr. Maltese)
Brooks Fraker for helping another student with her work. (Mr. McManus)
Bailey Thomas for being proactive in her education and an amazing example of self-advocacy. (Ms. Wohl)
Kaylee Peterson for always taking her leadership responsibilities seriously and striving for positive outcomes. (Ms. Wohl)
November is Family Engagement Month!
Here are a few more suggestions to engage with your student and school:
-Help your children break down projects into smaller, more manageable steps.
-Share your interests, hobbies, and talents with your children.
-Help set goals and develop a personalized education plan for your child.
-Participate in activities that help you understand school technology
-Read classroom and/or school newsletters.
For more ideas, visit
https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/16293/urlt/100WayInvolved.pdf
Family Bonding Time: Activity #7
7.Thanksgiving Trivia - Research fun facts about Thanksgiving, and quiz participants.
Contact Us
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