Prism
BHS Parent Newsletter - April 19, 2024
Dates to Remember
April 25: Show Choir to Disney
April 26: Poetry Slam
April 29: Physical Sports Screening (3:30-7:00)
May 1: Algebra 1 EOC
May 2: Geometry EOC
May 2: Senior Recital (6:30)
May 3: Chess Tournament
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
Justin Cosgrove, Assistant Principal
We're getting closer to the finish line. Our 9th and 10th graders put in a great effort on their writing tests last week. Our music and art department continues to thrive. The music department put on their spring concert with great success. On the same evening, our second annual art show opened. Ms. Hall, our art teacher, has brought the best out of the students and their artistic endeavors. Looking ahead, next week marks the midpoint of the 4th quarter. Those last several weeks will fly by and we will be on the verge of graduation. Thank you for the continued support of our program.
Braille Challenge Winners
Congratulations to these high school winners in the Regional Braille Challenge!
Junior Varsity (grades 7-9)
- Khloe Miller
- Hartley Ray
- Kayla Bodiford
Varsity (grades 10-12)
- Savannah Lindberg
- Niklas Ham
- Taylore Sherman
Good Citizen Award
Congratulations to Taylore Sherman on winning the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen Award!
Taylore competed in an essay contest open to all students of St. Johns County and was announced the winner of the competition! The essay topic was "How to Be a Good Citizen of the United States of America."
Taylore was invited to the local Daughters of the American Revolution to read her speech to the members and guests.
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 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 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.
Apartment Girls Collins & Wartman
Cynequa Elmore, Dormitory Program Supervisor
Prom night is a super busy time for the girls' boarding buildings. It takes an army to get the young ladies glammed up in a short amount of time. This year we had many helpers: academic staff, parents, and volunteers from off campus. With the help of everyone the girls looked fabulous as they departed for an evening of fun. We'd like to thank parents, staff members and the Advancement office for their assistance.
MacWilliams Hall
Bryan Wolfe, Dormitory Program Supervisor
MacWilliams Hall staff/students hosted Kramer hall students on April 16th for Spaghetti & Meatballs dinner. Mr. Wolfe the supervisor of MacWilliams put on the apron and prepared dinner, “Team MacWilliams” staff helped portion and plate the meal and the young men of MacWilliams hall served it to their younger peers. After the younger students had all been served and were eating, several of the MacWilliams young men helped serve plated meals and drinks to their peers. After everyone had their fill of Spaghetti & Meatballs and Garlic Bread it was time for the best part of the meal. ICE CREAM!! We had an absolute blast hosting the “Kramer Kids” and we heard that they talked about dinner all the way back to their dorm. So, We’re going to “make this a thing” and we can’t wait to do it again.
For Community Service the young men of MacWilliams hall recently made hygiene bags to donate to St. Francis House for those who are homeless. Each bag contained toiletry items such as shampoo and soap and two pairs of new socks. Also, the young men made “Snack Sacks” with PB&J sandwiches, a bag of chips and a bottle of water to be given out with the Hygiene bags.
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.
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