Prism
BHS Parent Newsletter - September 10, 2021
Dates to Remember
Sept 13 - Home JV Volleyball Game
Sept 14 - Home Volleyball Game
Sept 15 - Interim Reports
Sept 15 - Cross Country Meet @ Interlachen
Sept 15 - Varsity Volleyball Game @ Impact Christian
Sept 15-16 - MAP Testing
Sept 16 - Home Football Game 7:00pm
Sept 16 - Volleyball Game @ Palatka
Sept 17-18 - Florida Festival of Families
Sept 21 - Cross Country Meet @ Crescent City
Sept 21 - Home Volleyball Game
Sept 21-23 - FSA ELA Retakes
Sept 22 - Home Volleyball Game
Sept 23 - Home Football Game 7:00pm
Sept 23 - Swim Meet @ Baldwin
Opt In for Skylert Notification Alerts
FSDB encourages parents/legal guardians of enrolled students to regularly log onto the Skyward Family/Student Access portal to keep their contact information up-to-date.
Skylert (School Messenger) is the system that FSDB uses to send out automated phone calls, text messages and email notifications families for general purposes and in case of emergencies.
Opting in for automated Skylert text notifications makes it possible for FSDB to quickly inform families about situations that may impact their child/family (e.g., weather, safety and bus alerts) as well as other school-related information. To opt-in, text "Y" to 67587.
Mr. Cosgrove's Corner
Justin Cosgrove, Assistant Principal - BHS
Believe it or not, we are already nearing the midterm of the 1st quarter. Midterms will be printed out and sent next Friday. You can always access your child's grades via the family access section of Skyward.
We have implemented a great Friday program this year. The last 45 minutes of each Friday have been named Fang Friday. Fang Friday allows our students time to take part in various trainings and presentations. Some examples of our Fang Friday presentations are: character education lessons, stress management training, and club meetings.
Finally, we are about to start our first MAP testing session this week. Students will be tested in reading, math, and language arts. We give this test three times per year, and we are hoping to see at least 70% of our students show growth from the first test next week to the last test in May.
Thank you for your continued support of our program.
Low Vision Program
FSDB is proud to offer our students’ access to an amazing low vision program. This service is provided in the Eye Clinic at the Health Care Center on FSDB’s campus once a week, typically on Thursdays. Examples of program benefits include:
· *Comprehensive low vision exams
· * Prescription glasses/Protective eyewear
· * Sunglasses/Glare reduction solutions
· * Low vision aids (e.g., monocular telescope, hand-held magnifier, specialized glasses)
· * Recommendations for electronic aids (most items are typically provided on campus through our technology department where available)
· * Consultation regarding tools and strategies to maximize visual performance and comfort
· * Overall eye health as needed
Eligibility – Any FSDB student who is identified as having a visual impairment or is dual-sensory impaired.
Process - Requests for low vision services can be made through the IEP process or by contacting James Crozier. Prior to any low vision exam, students are required to have an eye medical exam and accompanying report within the last year to ensure stable ocular health before any aids or devices can be prescribed.
Additional Information – In addition to low vision services, FSDB also provides eye medical examinations for all students as needed. This service is also provided once a week, typically on Wednesdays, and coordinated through the Health Care Center. Typically, eye medical exams are requested through the IEP process. For more information regarding eye medical exams, please contact Karen Lichter, Eye Clinic Nurse, at 904-827-2419 or at lichterk@fsdbk12.org.
Low Vision Program
Dr. Diane Cates, O.D.
Low Vision Specialist
James Crozier, TVI/O&M Specialist
Low Vison Program Coordinator
(904) 827-2653 or croziere@fsdbk12.org
Safety Speaker
Kim McCombs, Unique Skills Teacher
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:
Ray Calatallu: helping a student with Jaws. (Carden)
Camryn Johnson, Jesse Brown, Kaylee Peterson and Jayden Weaver: offering assistance to other students over the last two weeks. They are great PBIS ambassadors! (McCombs)
Johnathon Wilcox, Tiffany Sa, Rylee Lovett, Lacey Peterson, and Madison Woodward: Working as a team to assist new students with schedules and routines. Making new students feel welcome. Demonstrating flexibility, cooperation, and kindness. (Hall)
Christian Leath: being an outstanding citizen in Mrs. Galligan's class (Lombardo)
Michael Diaz: always helping others without ever being asked. (Tutak)
This is a first, a nomination from a student:
Vanessa Weaver: for being an amazing friend and Emily Monroe: for giving me a pick-me-up when I needed it most. (student K. Caple)
Gaetano Maltese, ELA/Theatre
Gaetano is in his 2nd year as the Blind High School English and Theatre Teacher, where he also serves as the Drama Club Sponsor, Debate Club Sponsor, and Sophomore Class Head Sponsor. Originally from Howard Beach, NY, he earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of North Florida (UNF) and his Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) certificate from St. John's River State College. Prior to serving in his current role, he worked as an Associate Teacher in the BEMS Department and has additional experience working as an Intern with Head Start.
Gaetano has always had an awareness of FSDB as this is where his Dad, current Assistant Director of Facilities, started work when the family moved here over a decade ago. His Mom works in the local St. John's County School District in a supportive role in the cafeterias. His younger brother works for the county. And he has an aunt and uncle who both work at FSDB as well! Because of the family connection, he has always felt like FSDB was part of his life. He has memories of coming in the summer to watch 4th of July fireworks, riding the trolley during Christmas time, and coming to car shows here. But his journey with FSDB really began in 2014 when he completed his Eagle Scout project leading a group of boys in constructing and painting 8 picnic tables for the school. He feels he was destined to wind up at FSDB!
Gaetano loves the FSDB community where we push our students to be as independent as they should be. Knowing that we are preparing the students to live up to their full potential and ability after graduation is very satisfying. He believes that teaching is about a collaborative relationship between educator and student. He says, "While I have ultimate say in the classroom, I try to feed off of input from my students and use that input to guide their learning. Being in an English classroom really helps with that. It gives the freedom to read, research, and write about any topic the students might be interested in." He loves working here and is always happy to come into work every day and help the students as best he can, and adds that he is always available to reach out to as well!
Family Bonding Time: Activity #2
2. Create a Family Music Playlist – listen and dance, talk about your favorite songs
Florida Festival of Families
Florida Festival of Families is a free event for parents, family members and caregivers of children with visual impairments. Parents will attend sessions led by mentors who are visually impaired, other parents, and professionals in the field. While parents are networking and learning, children in grades K-12 can participate in activities to facilitate social skills, independent living and concept development.
Click the link for more information: https://www.fimcvi.org/florida-festival-of-families
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