Kaleidoscope
BEMS Parent Newsletter - April 5, 2024
Dates to Remember
April 10: Alligator Farm (K-2)
April 16: Fort Matanzas Trip (7th grade)
April 18: Spring Music & Art Show (evening)
April 19: Earth Day Celebration (BMS)
April 25: Show Choir to Disney
May 1: FAST Reading (3-8)
May 2: FAST Math (3-8)
May 3: SubSac/Title 1 Meeting (virtual, 10-11)
May 3: Battle of the Books (BES)
May 3: Chess Tournament (BMS)
May 7: MAP Reading (BMS)
May 8: Science Testing (5th, 8th)
May 9: MAP Math (BMS)
May 10: Battle of the Books (BMS)
May 13: NO SCHOOL
May 14: MAP Reading (3rd-5th)
May 15: MAP Math (3rd-5th)
May 15: Civics EOC Testing
May 15: Athletics Physical Screening (5th-8th; 3:30-7)
May 21: BEMS Water Day
May 23: 8th Gr. trip to DeLeon Springs
May 27: NO SCHOOL
May 28: 8th Grade Graduation PRACTICE
May 29: 8th Grade Graduation (1:30)
May 30: Kindergarten Graduation
May 30: 5th Grade Graduation
May 31: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
FSDB Parent/Family Climate Survey - Deadline Extended
It is time for our Spring FSDB Parent/Family Climate Survey! Please take time to fill out the survey before Friday, April 12th (deadline extended). We want to know how we can do things better and what we should celebrate. The educational experience we provide to our students will continue to grow and thrive with your help and partnership. We are excited to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Tracie C. Snow
FSDB President
Survey Links
Parent Climate Survey in English
Encuesta de clima para padres en español
View School Climate Survey for Parents in ASL
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¡Es hora de nuestra Encuesta de clima familiar/padres de FSDB de primavera! Tómese el tiempo para completar la encuesta antes del viernes 12 de abril (plazo extendido). Queremos saber cómo podemos hacer mejor las cosas y qué debemos celebrar. La experiencia educativa que brindamos a nuestros estudiantes continuará creciendo y prosperando con su ayuda y colaboración. Estamos emocionados de saber de!
Atentamente,
Tracie C. Snow
Presidenta de la FSDB
Enlaces de encuestas
Parent Climate Survey in English
Encuesta de clima para padres en español
Fertsch's Files
Ellen Fertsch, Assistant Principal BEMS
Greetings Families,
Our school year is moving along rather quickly! Students in grades 4-8 recently participated in the state writing assessment, and on the horizon in May, BEMS students will participate in MAP, FAST, and STAR testing.
Please check the list of upcoming events and important dates. We would love to see 100% of our students in attendance on testing dates (and always of course) so that students may take the assessments along with their peers as scheduled. Our dedicated staff continues to work diligently with students on academics, the arts, life skills, related services, and social skills.
Our character trait for the month of April is responsible decision making and making good choices. We are so proud of our students in their efforts to be cooperative, respectful, responsible, and supportive of one another. It is a testament to the good work you do at home, and the good work we do together to give our students the many tools they need to be successful in school and in life. Thank you for supporting your students and our school program.
Wishing you a restful and joyful weekend!
State Testing Information
A comprehensive video explaining Florida’s statewide computer-adaptive testing (CAT) is now available on the portal: https://flfast.org/resources/general/florida-statewide-assessments-computer-adaptive-testing-video. This video walks through the different components of how a CAT is designed, how CATs function while a student is taking a test, and how adaptive tests are scored.
Please note: this video describes the functionality of current FAST and B.E.S.T. EOC assessments and next year’s Science and Social Studies assessments when they are fully adaptive. For more information about this year’s Science and Social Studies assessments, please see the CAT FAQ.
Cobra Chats Are Back!
Hillary Norman, BMS Technology Teacher
There was a delay, but Cobra Chats has resumed! See below for the link to the latest episode of Cobra Chats.
Ready! Set! MOSH!
Za'kiyyah Nation, Associate Teacher
Students in grades 3-5 of our blind elementary department spent their spring field trip exploring the Museum of Science and History in Jacksonville, FL. “Who says learning can’t be fun?” Students participated in educational programs such as “The Human Body Machine,” where they discovered the human body from the nervous system to the digestive system, to our muscles, bones, and hearts in which they had hands-on lessons and interactions with experts that helped bring this exhibit to life. Programs like the “Solar System” held in the planetarium took students “out of this world” with such descriptive depictions of the sun, moon, Saturn, planets, and stars that you couldn’t help the urge to grip your seat. At lunchtime, students, and staff enjoyed a lovely picnic on the green at Friendship Fountain Park. After such a nice lunch, students headed back into the museum for more fun enjoying additional tactile activities throughout the museum as well as sensory activities such as the “Hurricane Simulator,” an instant hit. After a long day of play learning, it was back to the bus for a much-needed nap.
Reading is Fundamental!
Ellen Fertsch, Assistant Principal
Our Library Media Specialist, Ms. Joy, Library Instructional Assistant Ms. Tammy, along with helpers and volunteers, facilitated the RIF program in our schools.
RIF encourages reading at home and at school and the program allows for students to select books to keep for themselves. Students chose from a wide variety of genres and mediums all of which encourage and foster the joy of reading.
Reading Is Fun!
Hillary Norman, Technology Teacher
Every year the Blind Department Library Media Specialist, Ms. Joy, gathers information regarding student interest as it correlates to individual reading levels, writes a grant, and organizes the RIF event-- Reading Is Fun. K-12 Students are encouraged to select books that interest them. These books are for students to keep, build their own home libraries, and to share the love of reading and learning. Book formats to accommodate students who are visually impaired can be difficult to find and are often quite expensive. A single Braille book can cost several hundred dollars depending on how many volumes it contains.
In recognition of the dedication and care that Ms. Joy, the grant funders, and the volunteers who help the event run smoothly, students in Ms. Hillary’s technology class wrote thank you letters. Each student worked on their typing skills, formatting, and expressive language to create a well written letter. Students created their own unique closing and practiced writing their signature before hand-delivering their letters.
Music in Our Schools Month
March marks the month where music in schools is celebrated. Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM) is sponsored by the National Association of Music Education. School music programs accomplish so much more than just playing or listening to music. Strong music education programs are essential to all children's overall education.
While parents, administrators, and the wider community often only see the wonderful results of a music performance, what is often missed are the months of practice and rehearsals and more importantly the learning process that takes place to make it all happen. The true purpose of arts education is not to create more professional musicians or dancers or artists. The purpose is to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers with curious minds who can lead productive lives. Countless research studies have proven the many benefits of music education specifically in creating neural pathways, strengthening creative thinking, improving math and reading skills, and bolstering time management skills, health, stability, and decision-making skills. Social skills, self-discipline, and a sense of belonging also go hand-in-hand with music programs. Music education students are high achievers. Music is the one subject that requires the use of the left and right hemispheres of the brain to work equally at the same time.
The Music Department at FSDB celebrated Music in Our Schools Month this year with a plethora of music activities showcasing the students.
An Overview of MIOSM at FSDB:
Below is a list of all of the fun, awesome, educational events that took place during the past month:
2/28-29: The Layover/Act 2 Theatre Presentations
2/28: Tri-M Music Honor Society Inductions
2/29: International Thespian Society Inductions
3/1-4/2: Music Madness Music Bracket Competition
3/6: Spring Open House Event (Blinding Lights and McKenzie B)
3/7: Blinding Lights Performance at the Mooney Awards
3/13-3/17: International Thespian Society Florida State Festival (Music Theatre - Tampa)
3/18: New Yamaha Silent Piano Delivery to the Music Building
3/21: Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner Masterclass Presentation
3/21: Blinding Lights sings National Anthem at the Orlando Magic NBA game (with 25,000 FB views and over 300 shares!)
3/23: McKenzie B sings National Anthem at the Jacksonville Icemen Hockey Game
3/28: The Music Man Elementary Theater Production (stay tuned for a write-up and photos in our next issue!)
Expanded Core Curriculum and Orientation & Mobility
Jen Enache, O&M Specialist
Lily and Serenity visited The Frisky Cat Cafe in St. Augustine as their Orientation and Mobility lesson. Each of the girls had to plan the trip and put together a budget for this experience. Serenity and Lily learned about researching businesses and what information they needed to plan an O&M Experience Lesson. The girls located the address, hours of operation, requirements for making an appointment, and costs for the visit. The girls loved cuddling with the cats!
Athletics Physical Screening
Hello parents!
This year, our Athletics program provides free Physical Screening for all student-athletes from 5th grade to high school students on April 29th and May 15th. You should already receive the EL-2 form in e-mail and mail. If you have any questions or concerns about the EL-2 form, you can reach out to the Athletic Director, Billy Lange, at langew@fsdbk12.org or Staff Assistant, Michelle Tallent, at tallentm@fsdbk12.org.
Thank you,
The Athletics Department
Free Heart Screening
Joy Fraychineaud, Executive Director of Physical Education and Health
You know our Athletics program provides free Physical Screening every year. I am excited to announce that we will provide free Heart Screening for our students. We will have Who We Play For to come and work with us. It will happen at the same time with Sports Physical.
Why should your child have the heart screening? It helps to detect problems before they become major medical issues. If your child did not have the opportunity to have the heart screening, Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Stats
*No symptoms prior - 80%
*Youth with Heart Condition - 1 in 300
*Cause of Death on School Campuses - #1
The standard physical detects about 4% of underlying heart conditions. An electrocardiogram (ECG) increases detection to over 95%. We want to be sure that every student to have the opportunity to have the heart screening. The heart screening using ECG is painless and it takes only 5 minutes to complete.
You need to sign up by registering your child online. Remember, it is free!
If you have any questions, you can contact me at fraychineaj@fsdbk12.org. You can learn more about Who We Play For at WhoWePlayFor.org
Consent Forms and More Information About Heart Screening
MORE INFORMATION:
The first heart screening will be on April 29th from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Copeland Gym. It will be for all football players and high school student-athletes. You will need to register your child here at https://wwpf.as.me/FSDB42924. You must complete the required consent form.
The second heart screening will be on May 15th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Copeland Gym. From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the heart screening will be for our elementary students who are over 10 years old. It is also for middle school and high school students who do not want to participate in sports. From 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the heart screening will be for our fifth graders, middle school student-athletes, and others who missed the appointment on April 29th. You will need to register your child here at https://wwpf.as.me/FSDB51524.
You must complete the required consent form!
You can learn more about Who We Play For at www.WhoWePlayFor.org
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me at fraychineaj@fsdbk12.org. You can also call me at 904-201-4513.
Kramer Hall - It’s Officially Spring!
Alicia DeJesus, Dormitory Program Supervisor
The past two weeks have been extremely busy for the Kramer crew.
We celebrated Jayden Aldana’s birthday with a pizza party, cake, music, and dancing.
We had two Easter activities. One was planned by the middle school students of Gregg Hall complete with pizza, treats, drinks and eggs. The second activity was an egg hunt by the Recreation Department. Everyone enjoyed the festivities and went home with lots of goodies.
Amari Mathurin took time to enjoy some fresh air. He headed outdoors with the boarding staff to fish. He learned how to cast a rod independently for the first time; cool!
Our students continue to meet with Police Services to learn ways they can be amazing kids. Recently, we have covered the topics of being courageous and having empathy. The students enjoy interacting with Officer “G” and Officer O’Brien, and always look forward to their open discussions, videos, and stories.
We have more exciting activities planned as we prepare to head back outside with the warmer weather. Stay tuned!
Cary White Dorm
Debra Coghill, sub for Cynthia Terry, Dormitory Program Supervisor
Two birthday parties and an impromptu talent show (yes, push-ups are a talent too): Cary White students loving dorm life! Great opportunities for learning interpersonal skills, boosting each other's self-confidence, eating fun foods and a little showing off.
New Student Welcome
Robert Oppenheimer believed that 'There is no better way to learn than to teach.' A new student in the dorm is an excellent opportunity for students to share (and review) what they've learned through dorm life. Facundo is settling in well with help from Shawn and the rest of the Cary White gentlemen!
Spotlight on Sterling
Sixth-grader Sterling is in his 2nd year at FSDB. He lives in Jacksonville and has 2 older brothers.
Sterling's best subject is math but he adds that he really likes all of his teachers. His favorite event at FSDB so far is Water Day.
Sterling likes FSDB because "I'm comfortable around everyone and I like to dorm here." If someone asked him why they should come here, he said it would be because the learning is better with smaller classes and people with similar vision issues.
Spotlight on Juniell
Juniell came to FSDB in 5th grade and is now in 7th grade. He is from Fountain, FL and has 1 sister and 3 brothers.
His favorite subject is math and he also enjoys Art Club and Young Life. His favorite thing to do at FSDB is socialize. To prospective students he would tell them that FSDB is a good and safe school.
Spotlight on Students from the Class of 2024
Leslie Costello, Senior Sponsor
This year's graduating class is the largest in Blind High School history. Thirty-three students will be walking across the stage on May 23. Traditionally we highlight these students in both newsletters so that parents, teachers, and other stakeholders can see what they have accomplished and the direction they are headed after receiving the education, love, and support from everyone at FSDB. Enjoy reading their thoughts and accomplishments as we highlight several students in each of the remaining newsletters for this school year.
Yainoli Garcia
Yainoli "Gia" Garcia is from Orlando, Florida. She came to FSDB at the end of her sophomore year but quickly joined the fabric of the campus. Yainoli was involved with Goalball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Wrestling, Track, Theatre, Leadership Council, ITS, Show Choir, Young Life, Dance Troupe, and Social Dance Club. She was Class President, Prom Queen, and won several awards - the Director's music award, Cross Country Most Improved, and Cheerleading Leadership award. During school breaks, she worked at Joyful Music Therapy as Stage Crew and as a Mentor, Lighthouse Works Call Center in customer service, United Against Poverty as a stocker, and has been an assistant at her family’s business MLB Sport Barbershop Beauty Salon & Nails since she can remember.
Yainoli has an older sister whose children are Gia's favorite people in the world, her nephew and niece. She has a younger sister and younger brother as well. Her parents whom she says do everything they can to make her happy, and her "other half", her Grandma.
One of her favorite memories from FSDB is any time that she'd have to stay for sports, because it's always been fun and she had her favorite people with her to make the best memories with, especially at the social dances. She is also grateful for all the memories created with her class, "one of the craziest groups you can meet who are all talented." She wishes to give special thanks to Coach Tutak, who was like her "school Mom", and Coach Lia for her commitment and strictness, as well as her other coaches for never giving up on her.
To FSDB, she is grateful for every opportunity she was given and for all the staff for seeing something in her that she genuinely couldn't see, viewing her as a successful multi-tasker and leader. Almost every staff member is always there for you and genuinely hear you out.
Her advice to those coming up behind her are to not let what others want or say influence you to break your morals or boundaries; if they are truly your friends, they will prove to you how much they value it. Always remember that whatever you do, do it for yourself.
Yainoli plans to attend either FSCJ or Valencia College to earn her AA degree and then go on to University of Central Florida to major in Theatre and Fashion with a minor in Communications.
Emily Monroe
Emily Monroe is from Orange Park, Florida. She joined FSDB halfway through her 8th grade year. While at FSDB, Emily was involved in Chorus, Young Life, and Outdoor Club. Through VERC, she worked as a docent at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and at a daycare as a general assistant.
Emily has an older sister, Caylee. She enjoys spending time with her 2 mini Dachshunds.
Her favorite memory at FSDB is singing with her classmates in Chorus and performing on stage in concerts. She is grateful for FSDB's teachers having professional business conversations about life skills after graduation to help prepare her for adult life.
Her advice to younger students about to enter high school is to try to get all your assignments done the day it is assigned and to prioritize longer assignments chronologically. It is easier to stay ahead than to try to catch up.
Emily plans to defer accepting her diploma and will return to FSDB to improve her independent living skills and work toward certification in Early Childhood through FCTC.
Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez is from Saint Johns, Florida. Jonathan started at FSDB in Kindergarten and stayed through sixth grade, then left but returned for his senior year. Since returning to FSDB, Jonathan has been an active member of Blind Cadence Drum Line, Concert Band, Ski Club, Wrestling, and Young Life, and has participated in Goalball. Outside of school, Jonathan plays baseball with Field of Dreams and has participated in Cyber Patriots, a cybersecurity competition club and High School High Tech, providing community work and volunteer experiences.
Jonathan has a brother, Alex and a step-sister, Jaiden. Like Jonathan, they too are involved in various activities. For instance, 11th grader Alex plays bassoon in concert band and alto saxophone in marching band and works at Code Wiz, showing similar interests as Jonathan. 8th grader Jaiden plays oboe in the concert band and alto saxophone in the marching band. Jonathan also has 3 pets: a dog named Bella and 2 cats named Bonnie and Clyde.
His favorite memory from FSDB is attending the Braille Challenge. He enjoyed competing in the competitions, playing the drums at the drum circle, and looking at all of the new technology on display.
He is grateful for the Orientation and Mobility program at FSDB for preparing him for the future. He appreciates the mobility instructors taking the time to show him around campus, showing people how to navigate to all of your classes independently, and showing routes off-campus to nearby restaurants and stores.
His advice for younger students is to learn to manage your time carefully, advocate if you need help, and pass all of your classes so you can do all of the fun extra-curricular activities.
Jonathan has always been interested in technology and is looking forward to earning technology certifications and getting a good job in IT. He plans to attend Daytona Rehab Center Independent Skills and Technology programs to obtain certifications toward a future in Technology and Cybersecurity. He plans to then transfer to a college or university to continue his technology education and then work in the technology sector.
Kaylee Peterson
Kaylee Peterson is from Jacksonville, Florida. She has been at FSDB continuously since 3rd grade. She describes herself as positive, helpful and grateful for good friends. Kaylee has enjoyed participating in Clay Club, Young Life, Braille Challenge, Chorus, Illusion Color Guard and Goalball. She has participated in several Career Experience classes.
Kaylee has an older sister who is 21. She also has a step-brother who lives in North Dakota. She enjoys spending time with her 2 dogs and 2 cats.
Her favorite memory at FSDB was spending time with Ms. Denise and other staff members within the school. She also loved the Ice Cream Socials, Valentine's Day activities, and the middle school Christmas events.
She is grateful for how the staff at FSDB treat her and everyone fairly and equally with respect, and how so many people were able to spread a lot of positivity throughout her years here. While there have been some challenges, she feels good and quite confident about her next steps into adulthood thanks to all that FSDB has done to prepare her. It has been the best place!
Her advice to those younger than her is to stay positive and show your true colors. She also wishes everyone the best of luck in your future.
Kaylee plans to return to FSDB in the fall for the Continuing Education Program where she will expand her skills.
Timothy Sousa
Timothy is from Titusville, Florida. He started at FSDB early in his freshman year. While at FSDB, he participated in Young Life, the Culinary program, and Marketing. He was dual-enrolled at FCTC, where he completed 3 automotive certifications. Outside of FSDB, he participated in Young Sound Seekers in conjunction with Stetson University, the Atlantic Center for the Arts, and the Center for the Visually Impaired, where he learned about natural sounds, environmental conservation, and appreciation for the outdoor space.
His favorite memory of FSDB was when he first met Mr. Alexander in his math class his first year here. He is very grateful for having the opportunity to attend FSDB because her always believed that he had a lot more potential, and FSDB brought that out in him.
His advice to younger students comes in the form of a quote: To succeed you must first make the mistake and learn from it.
Tim will be joining a program under the Conklin Davis Center for a year to learn new job and life skills before continuing his education, possibly in the auto technician field. He looks forward to finding a job that he can enjoy doing.
Spotlight on Coach Keith Young
Coach Keith Young is a Physical Education Teacher in both the blind and deaf departments, where he has taught for 15 years. While his hometown is Saint Augustine, he was a military brat who moved around the world and ended up in Honolulu, Hawaii for his high school years. Prior to working at FSDB, he served in the US Air Force for 12 years as an Aerospace Ground Equipment Technician and also owned a martial arts school. In addition to his role as the Physical Education Teacher, he is the Boys' Goalball Coach since 2015. That team has won the last 5 US National High School Goalball Championships and has several members on the US Men's National Goalball Team and the US Boys Youth National Goalball Team.
Keith has a bachelor's degree in physical education, a master's degree in educational leadership and in physical education and health, and a specialist in education degree in physical education and health. His certifications are physical education K-12, health education K-12, exceptional special education K-12, educational leadership K-12, and Visual Impairment.
He is married to Samantha, a registered dietitian. They have a daughter, Abbey, who is in graduate school on her way to becoming a clinical psychologist. They also have a 6-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Kahuna.
In his free time, he loves reading books about US and military history, biographies, sports science, coaching, and athletes. Recently, he has started gardening.
Coach Young was first interested in working at FSDB because he loves challenges! He states that he owes so much to retired physical education department Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Donna Johnson for hiring and believing in him. He really enjoys teaching the students and watching them grow into young adults! As a physical education teacher, he has students from grades Kindergarten to 12th grade!
Coach Young is grateful that through coaching Goalball at FSDB, he was asked to be the USA Men's National Goalball Team Head Coach since 2019. He coached that team at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games and will be coaching at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. He was also a former USA Deaf Taekwondo Team head coach and coached at the 2013 Sofia Deaflympics. "I’ve been very fortunate to coach and visit around the world!," he said.
FLDOE Family Portal
The following assessments are now available in the FLDOE Family Portal:
2023-24 FAST PM1 K-2
2023-24 PM1 FAST 3 – 10
Fall 2023 FAST ELA Reading Retake and Fall 2023 B.E.S.T. EOC
To access FLDOE Family Portal through Skyward Family Access please follow these steps:
Skyward Family Access > District Links > FLDOE Family Portal
Parent Right To Know (PRTK)
Section 1119(i) of ESSA (formerly NCLB) states that districts receiving funds under Title I shall ensure that all teachers hired and teaching is a Title I school are “highly qualified”. This changed slightly with the reauthorization of NCLB into ESSA; teachers are no longer given a highly qualified status, but the school must let parents know if a teacher does not have the required state certification.
Parents of students in a school funded through Title I part A must be notified if a teacher who is not state-certified is teaching their child within 4 weeks of the beginning of school (and beginning of second semester if there is a class change). Teachers may not have the state certification because they are teaching an out-of-field class, or lacking an endorsement, or not yet certified in their subject area or grade span.
Paraprofessionals in a Title I school hired after January 8, 2002 must have a) obtained an Associate Arts Degree (or higher) or b) completed at least 60 college credits or c) passed a paraprofessional assessment with a score of 464 or higher. At FSDB, the Parapro is administered twice a year for those interested in taking it.
As a Title I parent, you have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of any teacher or paraprofessional teaching your child. You may request to know:
- Whether your child’s teacher is state-certified;
- Whether your child’s teacher is teaching under emergency or other temporary/provisional status;
- The Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) of your child’s teacher;
- The certification areas of your child’s teacher;
- Whether your child is receiving services from paraprofessionals;
- If so, the qualifications of the paraprofessionals.
To receive this information, please contact the Assistant Principal of your child’s Title I school. Thank you!
Assistant Principal, Ellen Fertsch fertsche@fsdbk12.org
SubSac/Title 1 Committee—join us!
Our School Advisory Committee (SAC) is comprised of stakeholders including parents, administrators, and staff. We discuss school goals, data, and spending and programs related to Title 1 funds. We encourage your participation! Please reach out to Assistant Principal Ellen Fertsch at fertsche@fsdbk12.org if you are interested in being a parent representative on our SubSac/Title 1 team.
Folks traveling from farther away may qualify for travel funds through our parent services department (Parent Liaison Misty Porter porterm@fsdbk12.org )
Meetings are held quarterly on the following dates:
9/22/23 10:00-11:00
12/14/23 12:30-1:30
2/29/24 10:00-11:00 (virtual)
5/3/24 10:00-11:00
Please click the link below to view/download the 2023-2024 academic calendar
2024-2025 Academic Calendar
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.
Here are the current/updated 23/24 Title 1 Handbooks in English, Spanish, Swahili
Parent-Student Handbook Updated
English (PDF): https://www.fsdbk12.org/_files/ugd/527372_fc67617696ae4309b81d119c8117310c.pdf
English (Accessible): https://docs.google.com/document/d/189oKfJEPtQ_yQooJLzkfQ6LGulRbG0yFKjIgq04GN0M/view#heading=h.75fuoq3xm0gu
Spanish (PDF): https://www.fsdbk12.org/_files/ugd/527372_375ea8a0da134cf493f526542d0bbc4b.pdf
Spanish (Accessible): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I4PT3BEqWWFIhKPXK1iXH7dLYPQUT_R9D4evXppXlNM/view#heading=h.75fuoq3xm0gu
Note: When there are updates due to statutes, rules, or expectations, we review our Parent-Student Handbook, make changes, and re-publish it to our website.
McKinney Vento Homeless Student Program
FSDB has private and grant funds, in addition to donor services, that benefit homeless students.
Homeless students are those students and their families who lack fixed, regular, adequate nighttime housing.
Examples include:
• Couch surfing—staying with family or friends temporarily
• Living in a homeless shelter
• Living in a vehicle
• Living in run-down buildings that are not adequate
• Living in any public or private dwelling not designed for humans
FSDB’s Homeless Team Representatives
Blind Elementary/Middle School "MV Team" representative is Ms. Laura Pamer. She meets with BEMS homeless students regularly and directly. You may reach her at pamerl@fsdbk12.org or 904-827-2238
If you are currently homeless and/or need additional information regarding the McKinney Vento Program, you may also reach out to our Homeless Liaison, Ms. Christi Boortz at boortzc@fsdbk12.org or (904) 827-2284
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