Kaleidoscope
BEMS Parent Newsletter - April 19, 2024
Dates to Remember
April 25: Show Choir to Disney
April 26: Registration Closes for STEAM Camp
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 29: 8th Grade Graduation (1:30)
May 30: Kindergarten Graduation
May 30: 5th Grade Graduation
May 31: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Fertsch's Files
Ellen Fertsch, Assistant Principal BEMS
Greetings Families,
Enjoy the latest edition of the newsletter. Be sure to check important dates and upcoming events. As always, we appreciate partnering with you to support our kids at home and here at school. Have a wonderful and restful 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.
Braille Challenge Winners
Congratulations to these BEMS student winners in the Regional Braille Challenge.
Rookie (grades 1-5)
- Brianna Flores
- Amari Mathurin
- Jehieli Ortiz Rosa
Rookie (grades 6-12)
- Shawn Long
- Takiah Coleman
- Aiden Tucker
Apprentice (grades 1-2)
- Penelope Branham
- Luke Harris
Freshman (grades 3-4)
- Maely Porter
- Daniel Diaz
- Kessler Freed
Sophomore (grades 5-6)
- Avery Kurtz
- Shanteria Davis
- Arabella Hooten
Junior Varsity (grades 7-9)
- Khloe Miller
- Hartley Ray
- Kayla Bodiford
Birdhouse Science Experiment
Michelle Sminkey, Third Grade Teacher
Third graders painted bird houses in science class to commemorate Earth Day. We will be testing peanut butter, bird seeds, and one other variable of each student's choice.
Third Grade ECC Integrated Game
Michelle Sminkey, Third Grade Teacher
Third graders were challenged to use their reading, sensory, and O & M skills around campus to locate Earth Day related items around school. They had a lot of fun discussing, working together, and dabbing their findings onto their game cards.
BMS Celebrates Earth Day
Hillary Norman, Technology Teacher
Earth Day was celebrated outdoors. BMS experienced the celebration sponsored by PBiS. Beneath the poster are 3 trays containing single serve portion cups for tasting: green olives, coconut chunks, dates, mango, and pomegranate seeds. The students enjoyed and valued this experience.
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
Alicia DeJesus, Dormitory Program Supervisor
The Kramer students continue to enjoy the many activities offered here in the boarding program. We recently enjoyed visiting police services for “Donuts with the Chief.” All the students had the opportunity to get in the patrol SUV and press the buttons for all the emergency sounds, they visited the communications center, and enjoyed donuts and drinks in the police services conference room. Everyone had a blast, this opportunity meant a lot to our students who enjoy communicating with the police officers around campus.
The students also took a trip to Durbin Crossing to Wendy’s and the Cinemark movie theatre. They enjoyed watching Kung Fu Panda 4. The biggest treat for our students seemed to be the large recliner seating. A heartfelt thank you goes to the advancement department here on campus, for funding “Community Outings.” Community Outings is a program that allows us to take our students on trips off campus to experience different adventures in our area. It’s a wonderful opportunity to go off campus and experience something new.
Cary White
Cynthia Terry, Dorm Program Supervisor
Our Campus Police do an excellent job of making us all feel safe and secure. They actively strive to establish positive relationships with the students. Presentations and discussions about such safety concerns as Internet & Electronics Safety; Tornado, Fire & Lockdown Drill Reasons & Procedures; and Illegality & Danger of Tobacco & Vape Use by Minors are important learning opportunities as well and as a way for students to get to know our Officers. Most recently, all of Cary White Dorm was invited for “Donuts with the Chief.” We toured the Police Station where we ate donuts and had an opportunity for hands-on examination of equipment and a police car. The photos say it all! Fun and fascination for everyone. The Officers seemed to enjoy the event as much as the students!
Spotlight on Isis
Isis is in the 8th grade. She has 2 brothers, 2 dogs, and a cat.
It is her first year here and she absolutely loves it. She especially likes that the staff are so nice. Her favorite activity is going swimming here. She resides in the dorm and likes that because during downtime she can write stories. Isis adds, "FSDB is a cool place. I like all the music programs here too."
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.
Savannah Lindberg
Savannah has attended FSDB since Kindergarten! She is an honor graduate and Bright Futures recipient whose hometown is Saint Augustine. Savannah earned the prestigious Florida Scholar Diploma designation and has earned 21 credits through dual enrollment at St. Johns River State College.
At FSDB, Savannah was active in Blinding Lights Show Choir, Student Leadership Council, Close Up, Concert Band, where she was section leader, Chorus, Book Club, Young Life, Yearbook Club, Ski Club, and was a founding member of Tri-M Music Honor Society. She worked as a Student Tutor in the Blind Middle School. She is Class Vice-President, won Band Award, was named Student Worker of the Month, and participated in Braille Challenge where she placed high enough to attend the Finals in California 5 times! Savannah has been accepted to Florida State University and will major in Visual Disabilities to become a Teacher of the Visually Impaired.
Savannah has attended FSDB for 13 years, having started in Kindergarten! She has a younger sister and a dog. Savannah struggled to come with just one favorite memory at FSDB with 13 years of memories to choose from. She narrowed it down to her enjoyment of performing at our school concerts, or impromptu sessions with her friends 'just because.' She also has great memories from participating in the Ski Trip, and exploring Washington, DC with Close-up.
She is thankful for how FSDB has taught her braille, O&M, and independent living skills, but is most thankful that "FSDB has given me the confidence to succeed in the world after FSDB." Her advice to the underclassmen is: "Listen to the advice of people around you. You may not agree, but having a second opinion can be valuable when making decisions."
Savannah is looking forward to starting college, exploring whatever happens next, and living life one moment at a time. "I'm ready for an adventure!"
Zackary Jones
Zackary Jones is from Jacksonville, Florida. Zack describes himself as friendly, helpful, and respectful. He has enjoyed participating in Recreational Activities in the Boarding Program such as Social Hour, the Weightroom and Basketball in Knowles Hall. He participated in Clay Club. Zack is a client of the Division of Blind Services and participates in VERC.
In the future Zack will attend the Conklin Davis Center in Daytona Beach. He would love to work in the sports field. His dream job would be to work as commentator for the NBA Games. His motto is “Show Grit and Be Courageous; Be Strong.”
Zack has a wonderful family but he wants to give a special shout-out to his cousins because they play basketball with him. Prom is his favorite memory at FSDB because he got to dance, jump around and go crazy. He is especially grateful to FSDB for going on field trips which "helped me improve my mobility skills and gave me more confidence."
Zack is most looking forward to having more free time for basketball. He would like to share this quote for everyone to remember him by: “The most important thing you’ll ever wear is your attitude.” —Jeff Moore
Jonathan Cuellar
Jonathan is from Bushnell, Florida. While he has been at FSDB, he has participated in the D&B Designs program, Horticulture, and Yearbook. Outside of FSDB, Jonathan works building computers and fixing computer hardware to earn money. He is also a successful content creator with currently 692 subscribers on YouTube with a focus on technology.
Jonathan plans to continue working as a computer technician and content creator and may enhance his skills through the Career, Technology, and Training Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Daytona.
Jonathan is grateful to his mom who helps him a lot with everything he needs, as well as his dad and both sides of grandparents. He also has 1 brother and 2 sisters who help him especially with things he can't see. He gives a shout-out to his entire family, stating that he is very lucky to have a huge family that love him.
His favorite memory from FSDB is just hanging out with friends. He is grateful to FSDB for all the help that he got and all the independence he learned. He is thankful for his friends, Class of 2024 Sponsors, and pretty much everything at FSDB.
Jonathan's advice for the underclassmen is to keep grinding and never give up!!
D'Lainey "Maxx" Ray
D’Lainey “Maxx” Ray is from Jacksonville, FL. D’Lainey earned 3 credits through dual enrollment at St. Johns River State College. At FSDB, he was active in Blinding Lights Show Choir, Dance Troupe, Student Leadership Council, Chorus, Concert Band, Yearbook Club, Drama Club, Debate Club, Social Dance Club, Talent Show, FSDB Ambassador Pageant, and Music Lessons. He served as President of the International Thespian Honor Society, earned Critic’s Choice runner-up at District competition as a trio member, was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and received the Choral Director’s Award.
Outside of school, he was a Staff Volunteer at K9 for Warriors. He has been accepted to Savannah College of Art & Design, to major in Theater with an emphasis in Acting with a minor in Music Theater.
Maxx has 1 younger brother and 2 chihuahuas. A memory very special to him is getting to go Christmas caroling every year with some of his fellow classmates for the class fundraiser each year, because getting to do something he loves to do while spreading joy to other people was always really special to him.
He is definitely most grateful to FSDB "for showing me that I’m not the only different person in the world and that there are other people who understand me and know what I’m going through who just love me for me. I think that’s changed so many aspects of my life. I can go on into the real world knowing that no matter what happens, I have the most amazing people by my side who are just like me and are overcoming the same obstacles I am."
His advice for younger students is to definitely take your academics seriously. "You don’t need to be the “best” in your class. But if you put your best effort into your schoolwork, you’ll feel so much better about yourself. It’s also good to take chances. You wanna try out for show choir, or something? Go for it! No one cares if you are bad! It’s big enough that you had the confidence to try. And keep trying even if you fail. Just like in real life, there are gonna be things you mess up on the first try. But life gives you second chances, and it’s up to you to take those opportunities."
Maxx is excitedly looking forward to writing the final words of this chapter, then beginning a new one, called “College”.
Lilie Munoz
Lilie is from Lehigh Acres, Florida. Lilie describes herself as clever, funny, and determined. She has enjoyed participating in Clay Club, Piano Lessons, the Braille Challenge and her Career Experience Classes. She loves music, dancing, sculpture, and art.
Lilie plans to return to FSDB in the fall for the Continuing Education Program. Her dream job would be to work as a chocolatier. A quote that she shares with others is, “I love FSDB. It is my home away from home.”
Lilie has one older sister. Her favorite memory at FSDB is participating in the Braille Challenge. She is most thankful for the teachers that always helped her. Her advice to the younger students is to learn independence skills.
Lilie is most looking forward to returning to FSDB after graduation to be a post-grad student at FSDB.
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