Prism
BHS Parent Newsletter - May 3, 2024
Dates to Remember
May 7: US History EOC
May 9: FAST ELA (9th-10th)
May 9: Sports Awards (6:30; Kirk Aud.)
May 9: Senior Trip to Nocatee Waterpark (3:00)
May 10: MAP Math (morning)
May 13: NO SCHOOL
May 14: MAP Reading (afternoon)
May 15: Biology EOC
May 15: Senior Trip - Universal Studios
May 22: Graduation Practice (8:30am)
May 22: Senior Awards (1:15)
May 23: High School Graduation (12:00pm)
May 27: NO SCHOOL
May 31: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Teacher Appreciation Week
Justin Cosgrove, courtesy of Ellen Fertsch, Assistant Principal
Parents—I bet you can name most or all of your teachers from childhood, even if it’s been a long time. That’s because teachers matter, and the time they spend with students is an integral part of students’ lives. What fond memories do you have of your teachers?
Teacher Appreciation Week is this coming week, May 6-10. We are super excited to celebrate our dedicated and passionate Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Instructional Assistants, Specialists, and the many staff who serve our students each day. Embarking on a career in education is a calling for those who choose this path, and they choose a path of service to students, families, and the school community. I am humbled and grateful to work alongside these committed, selfless, and caring professionals.
Please take a moment to offer a kind word to your child’s teachers and staff next week in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week—it matters!
We are appreciative to partner with you on this magnificent journey of educating and caring for our students.
Poetry Slam
Brooke Carr and Hannah Glynn, High School Teachers
On April 26, the Blind High School held the 2nd Annual Poetry Slam. Students and teachers wrote and presented many wonderful poems in a perfect atmosphere. This new event is quickly becoming a favorite to look forward to.
Below read one of the many entries into the Slam, a poem written by Ms. Carr's class titled Blindness Basics.
Blindness Basics
CALLI: “Blind” rhymes with “bind”, but I don’t claim these limitations.
MS. CARR: Here, let me help you with that.
SOFIE: I tell you I’m blind and you say:
MS. GLYNN: So, wait. You can’t see?
SOFIE: You think I can’t see?
MS. CARR: If you’re blind, how do you shower
yourself?
SOFIE: You think I can’t see? You think I don’t know?
MS. GLYNN: If you’re blind, why are your eyes open?
CALLI: It’s not that I can’t see-
MS. CARR: How many fingers am I holding up?
CALLI: It’s that I won’t.
MS. GLYNN: Do you want to touch my face to see what
I look like?
SOFIE: I won’t see the doubt in your eyes
MS. CARR: But where are your sunglasses?
SOFIE: Or your lack of faith in me.
MS. GLYNN: Oh, no- not the stairs. I’ll take you to the
elevator.
CALLI: I won’t- I refuse to see the condescension in your voice-
MS. CARR: Oh… Look. At. You.
CALLI: The surprise and cutesy congratulations when I do something-
MS. CARR: (MS. GLYNN clapping) Oh! Look at you!
SOFIE: When I do something- When I do anything.
MS. GLYNN: You are just so brave.
CALLI: I may be blind, but I have vision.
SOFIE: I see you and I wonder:
Are there a few things you cannot see?
CALLI: My discomfort when you grab to “help” without consent.
SOFIE: My awkward pause when you say: MS. CARR: Just grab it off that table.
CALLI: Or when you say:
MS. CARR: It’s right over there.
SOFIE: You moved my stuff without telling me…
MS. GLYNN: It was just a joke.
CALLI: Can you see I’m not laughing?
MS. GLYNN: What are you gonna do? Hit me with that
pole?
CALLI: Do you see I am laughing when you bump into me HARD, but then YOU see-
MS. CARR: Hey! Watch where you’re-
Oh! I am so, so sorry. Here. You dropped your… stick?
SOFIE: I know I cannot blame you
For things you do not know.
I ask you not to blame me
For the slights not fixed by glasses.
CALLI: I just want you to remember:
MJ: Not all disabilities are visible.
GIA: I’ll ask for help when I need it.
MJ: Not every thought or question needs to be voiced
aloud.
SOFIE: Don’t you see?
CALLI: I can see.
BOTH: I just see differently than you.
Breathwork Specialist Helps Musicians Focus on State Testing
Laurie Wohl, Artist-in-Residency Director
On Tuesday, April 30th, the Artist in Residency Project brought Composer, Pianist and Breathwork Specialist Chad Lawson to Wilson Music Building. Mr. Lawson is from Savannah, GA. Mr. Lawson met with about 45 of our Middle and High School musicians. He played some of his compositions and did some guided breathwork based on music and the piano.
He spoke to the students about proper centered, diaphragmatic breathing to de-escalate and focus on the “I am here”. He talked about how the students will begin testing and how they should not focus on the past, but should focus on and be in the present, and that this musical breathwork is for everyone. It can help everyone to be in a current, positive space. He helped the students understand that they are all important and make a difference, just by being present and that they can focus their energy inward to center themselves to be in the best place for anything they are about to attempt.
His teaching about box breathing techniques was one method Mr. Lawson showed the students to slow their breathing and focus on thinking about just one thing. Stopping to focus on your breathing will help you to start your day with the best foot forward or to move on to your next task in your best state of mind. This works for not only musicians about to perform on stage, but for everyone to be able to do their best, like on state testing.
Mr. Lawson then spent the next 45 minutes working with Levi, one of our sophomore musicians. They discussed how Levi introduced FSDB to Mr. Lawson’s music. Levi played a composition that he has been working on, and Mr. Lawson helped him see how to move forward with his composition by asking him to play it in different keys. By playing in different keys, Levi was able to hear new chord progressions and write a new portion of his melody where he had previously been stuck. Levi then played one of Mr. Lawson’s compositions, Nocturne in A Minor – a first for Mr. Lawson to ever have someone play one of his pieces for him! It was the most magical day – one that Levi says was his best day ever. Mr. Lawson and the students all are looking forward to a repeat performance next year!
Show Choir Sings at Disney
Laurie Wohl, Show Choir Director
On Thursday, April 25, our Blinding Light Show Choir performed in Orlando again! They were invited to sing at Disney Springs through Disney's Imagination Campus. We had a great day, visiting IHOP in Lake Buena Vista, singing on the Waterside Stage in Disney Springs, then getting a few hours in Magic Kingdom to enjoy some rides!
The kids earned an amazing trophy, a ball cap, and a trading pin exclusive to those who perform. It was an awesome day!
Upcoming, one of our 3rd graders will be singing the National Anthem at the Jacksonville Sharks game on May 18 and is also scheduled to sing at the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on August 17!
Theatre Class Students Practice Script Writing and Producing
Laurie Wohl, Theatre Teacher
Theatre classes have been working on writing their own scripts based on fables and morals. Some of the updated stories include a script called “Lemonade Stand” based on the old “sharpen your axe” story, where 2 children compete to be able to have a lemonade stand on a busy street corner. To win the competition, they race to see who can pick 100 lemons first. One of the children races on without self-care and ends up shaking an empty tree out of delirium. The other child practices self-care and takes short breaks and ends up winning the race because he “sharpened his axe” while he was resting.
The play will be produced completely by its playwright, who is currently working on casting and props. Students are learning the behind-the-scenes steps including casting, lighting, sound, and promotion. The class will be performing a couple of the plays for the elementary students, fully student-produced.
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 May 15th. You should already have received the EL-2 form via 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
Consent Forms and More Information About Heart Screening
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.
Ray Charles Boys Apartment
David Mack, Dormitory Program Supervisor
Team members of the Apartment Program who have a thorough concept of participating in life skill continue introducing and teaching our student population specific life skills in the Apartment program. Often this is done in general conversation and/or indirectly. However, as we close in on the final few weeks, the results of these conversations are being displayed in the students’ everyday activities, as well as their conversations. Our students are actively engaged in their individual social life outside of the Apartment or via social media. Our team continues to encourage our students of the overall safety of both.
Last month Blind High School attended their 2024 Junior/Senior Prom. BHS students attended their Senior Recital Thursday. In addition to the excitement of graduation fast approaching, the students are readily excited to “Pay it Forward” as they host the incoming Seniors of 24/25 school term in our Positive Peer Social. The current seniors and continuing students will collaborate with our team members to introduce the Apartment Program to the students. The students are utilizing their off-campus privileges by walking off-campus more to the location businesses that support FSDB.
Overall, it is continuing to be an amazing year for both students and staff members.
Apartment Girls Collins & Wartman
Cynequa Elmore, Dormitory Program Supervisor
On Wednesday the 24th we had a surprise celebration for Tiffany. It was her last night in the boarding program. Tiffany was distracted by a staff with a walk on campus to her favorite spots and when she returned to her apartment which was filled with peers and staff, everyone sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed ice cream and cake.
MacWilliams Hall
Bryan Wolfe, Dormitory Program Supervisor
On April 30th we took a “field trip” to the newly opened What-A-Burger for dinner and dessert.
Our final “blowout” of the year is planned with Koger Hall on May 8th. We will be having our annual end of the year PBiS cookout with Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Mac-n-Cheese, Southern Baked Beans and Banana Pudding. We will also be having our PBiS student of the semester presentation/drawing at that time.
We will be inviting the 8th grade young men of Cary White to MacWilliams to meet their staff for next year and familiarize them with the High School Boys dorm.
Koger Hall Girls
Patrice Raymond, Dormitory Program Supervisor
Koger Hall freshmen and sophomores enjoyed some unwind and chill time, dancing until their little hearts were content to some of their favorite music! They were really needing some mid-week de-stressing time after all the dreaded EOC algebra and science testing! Stress has been dominating their boggled brains and to let loose singing and dancing together was a total recharge! "I feel alive!", one student exclaimed! I call that a success! And like every fun gathering, refreshments and finger foods were enjoyed by all! When it was all said and done, the students smilingly said it was very de-stressing, and requested we do it every week!
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.
Deagan Day
Deagan is originally from Arlington, Virginia and currently resides in Yulee, Florida. He has a younger sister, an older sister, and an older brother. He is an honor graduate who is dual-enrolled at FCTC, where he earned Automobile Services Assistor, Automobile Suspension & Steering Technician, and Automotive Brake System Technician certificates in the Automotive Program at FCTC.
While at FSDB, Deagan has been involved in Student Leadership Council, Goalball, Wrestling, Young Life, Debate Club, Social Dance Club, and Close-Up. He enjoyed serving as a Mentor through the Dorm program. Deagan has worked as a Recycling Associate in the Recycling program, at Cobra Corner as a cook earning his SafeStaff certification, in D&B Boutique as a general assistant, and as AV Stage Crew for school events. In the 2022-23 school year he was named Student Worker of the Month. Deagan will be attending Full Sail University to earn his Bachelor of Science in Audio Arts with a concentration in Show Production.
Deagan is thankful for the unique offerings that FSDB has, such as being able to work after school. He also really enjoyed the dual enrollment programs and all the different classes that are offered on the Deaf side (of campus). His favorite memory is his initial, gradual learning about how capable fully blind people can be after having never really been around them before.
Deagan's advice to the underclassmen is "DONT GET BEHIND IN CLASSWORK and don't get involved in the drama." He is looking forward to getting out in the "real world" and learning more about life.
Marquez Derrick
Marquez is an honor graduate originally from Huntsville, Alabama and currently residing in Jacksonville, Florida. He is the oldest, with a 14-year old sister and an 8-year old brother. As a student at FSDB, Marquez was an OPS Music Instructor, and has participated in Blind Cadence Drumline where he was Captain of the team and Section Leader of the Tenors, Blinding Lights Show Choir and Chorus, where he was the section leader for Baritones, Concert Band where he was clarinet co-section leader, N’Vision, Outta Sight, Theatre, Book Club, Culinary where he earned his SafeStaff, Student Leadership Council, Young Life, Ski Club, Illusion Color guard, FSDB Ambassador Pageant and the Talent Show.
Marquez was the winner of the National School Choral Award and the Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award, was the FSDB Ambassador Pageant Winner, earned International Thespian Society Superior Rating and represented FSDB at State Competition, served as Sergeant-At-Arms of the Freshman and Sophomore Class, and was Homecoming Count his sophomore year, Homecoming Prince junior year, and Homecoming King senior year. He was inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society and the International Thespian (Honor) Society. Marquez plans to attend Florida State College at Jacksonville, then transfer to the University of North Florida to pursue a degree in social work.
Marquez is grateful to his entire family who have pushed him to be all he can be. His favorite memory is all of the concerts and performances and events within the music department. "That's like my second home." He is grateful for the apartment program. "Without, them, I wouldn't have knowledge on how to cook, clean, get around, etc." He is thankful for FSDB because it has taught him so much - advocacy, critical thinking, respect, independence. "I will definitely miss this school, and can't wait to see where this school will be in the near future as I explore the world on my own and try new things." To the younger students, he advises them to remember that it's okay to try new things. Don't be afraid to ask for help. And above everything else, take advantage of every opportunity.
Alexis Fernandes
Alexis is an honor graduate from St Petersburg, Florida. Alexis will graduate with 3 dual enrollment credits through St Johns River State College and an AP course credit in US History. While at FSDB, Alexis was the Senior class Secretary, and participated in Blinding Lights Show Choir, Chorus, Concert Band, Young Life, Close-Up, International Thespian Society, Yearbook, Book Club, Student Leadership Council, Outta Sight, the FSDB Ambassador Pageant, and worked as a Voice Instructor for elementary after school music lessons. Alexis earned the National Choral Award, was third runner-up and Scholar Award winner for the Ambassador Pageant, Critic’s Choice runner-up at District ITS competition as a musical trio member, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Homecoming Countess her sophomore year. After FSDB, Alexis plans to attend the University of North Florida, double majoring in Literature and Psychology and minoring in music with intentions of pursuing a career in music therapy.
Alexis' favorite memory is receiving the opportunity to perform at Disney with the Blinding Lights Show Choir, as it was always a dream of hers. She is grateful for the many experiences she has had at FSDB: from the constant support from her teachers, to the many skills she has obtained to be successful in life. However, she is most grateful for the sense of community that FSDB provides. "I am surrounded by peers who understand (to a degree) the challenges I face due to my disability." She is incredibly grateful for her time at FSDB and the friendships she's made here. She feels she has learned so much about herself and the world around her, and is excited to see where life takes her next.
Alexis lives with her mother, stepfather, and younger brother and wants them to know that she appreciates all they’ve done for her throughout her life, shaping her into the person she is with their continuous love and support. To the underclassmen, she offers this advice: The present is the true gift, so receive it. Don’t dwell on the past, as it cannot be changed. Focus on what you can control, which is the now."
Hussam Itani
Hussam is from Jacksonville, Florida. While at FSDB, he was involved in Goalball, where he was the Captain, Ski Club, Theatre, International Thespian Society, and Leadership Council. He was voted Prom Prince his junior year. Hussam was named Most Outstanding Player in goalball twice, won the All-American award in goalball twice, and was a member of the team who won National Championship three times. Hussam is also a Captain and participant of the Youth USA Goalball Team. After graduation, Hussam plans to work on obtaining his CompTIA certification to potentially get a job in Schubert Security.
Hussam's favorite memory from FSDB was being part of the FSDB Ski Club, where he said heading up to Montana and hitting the slopes alongside a group of blind individuals was truly phenomenal. The camaraderie and thrill of skiing together created memories that he will always cherish. He is incredibly grateful for the dedicated staff at FSDB who always prioritized his well-being and education. "Their realistic approach, guiding me through trial and error, taught me invaluable lessons. FSDB shaped my mindset profoundly, especially through the guidance of certain staff members I looked up to. They were realists about any situation, offering insightful responses and teaching me to see every scenario from multiple perspectives. Additionally, FSDB uniquely prepared me for life beyond school by constantly presenting challenges and encouraging perseverance through difficult times."
Hussam has four older siblings who’ve always been there for him, along with his "awesome parents." "They’ve always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and they always allow me to fail so I can learn from my mistakes. I owe a lot to their support and guidance." Hussam's advice to the underclassmen is simple: Just do your work!
Kenneth-Christian Jacques
Kenneth-Christian is from Fort Lauderdale. While at FSDB, he was involved in Concert Band, Blinding Lights Show Choir, Goalball, Illusion Color guard, Cross Country, Wrestling, and Young Life. He won Prom King, Most Improved in FSDB goalball, Most Valuable at a goalball tournament, All-American at Youth Goalball Nationals, and is a member of the USA Youth Goalball team. He also participated in the culinary program where he earned SafeStaff certification, was a Cafeteria Worker, served as a fill-in worker for Clothes Closet, and worked as a Recycling Assistant and Recreation Department Assistant. He also worked during the summer as a PHP Agent Assistant. Kenneth will be attending Palm Beach Atlantic University majoring in pre-Business Accounting with plans to transfer after 2 years to Florida Atlantic University. He dreams of one day becoming an entrepreneur for his own design business in urban/athletic wear.
Kenneth has two favorite memories of FSDB. One was winning Prom King this year, because the camaraderie of him and all his friends enjoying Prom topped off by being announced Prom King was the best feeling he'd had in a while. Another great feeling was when they won the gold medal at Texas for the goalball youth nationals with a game that went into overtime and the players all ran to center court when we scored. He also got all-American as well, and his former teammate from Texas also won, and they were all hugging on the court as Texas and Florida really came together that day with respect for each other. He is thankful for the many friends he made at FSDB who helped him strive and push through all his challenges.
Kenneth's important advice to the underclassmen is this: make sure you get your foreign language credits! It is a requirement to get into college, so don’t just overlook it. Whatever sport or activity you do will help you increase your chances of getting into college, so stay focused and even if you’re not going to college, make sure you’re doing your work and you have a plan for life after FSDB.
Follow Us on Social Media!
Facebook: FSDBBlindHighSchool
https://www.facebook.com/FSDBBlindHighSchool?mibextid=LQQJ4dor
Instagram: @fsdb_bhs
FLDOE Family Portal
The following assessments are now available in the FLDOE Family Portal:
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
2023-24 Academic Calendar
2024-2025 Academic Calendar
ACCESSING STUDENT PHOTOS
How to access student school photos:
- 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. Linda Comeaux.
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.
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
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