Kaleidoscope
BEMS Parent Newsletter - May 3, 2024
Dates to Remember
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
June 10-14: STEAM Camp
Fertsch's Files
Ellen Fertsch, Assistant Principal BEMS
Greetings Families,
Welcome the month of May and our final month of school! Please be sure to check the list of important dates and upcoming events. Our spring testing cycle is in full swing as students take various assessments this month including FAST, MAP, and STAR testing. Students and staff have worked hard on making gains in both growth and achievement and now students get to show what they know! Thank you always for your support from home—it means so much to all of us here at FSDB. Wishing you a restful, fun, and joyful week ahead.
Teacher Appreciation Week
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?
It has been quite some time since I was a student in elementary school, but I clearly remember my first grade teacher Mrs. Dolan. Mrs. Dolan captivated me in her classroom and because of her joy of teaching, and therefore my joy of learning, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I knew it in first grade and every year after, and I became a teacher, and eventually an administrator. Mrs. Dolan, and many of the educators that I had the privilege to learn from, mattered immensely to me and to my family.
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.
Congratulations to Vivienne - First 7th Grader to pass Talking Typer!
Hillary Norman, Technology Teacher
Vivienne passed her last Talking Typer drill with flying colors. There are 34 drills in total. Most Talking Typer drills require an accuracy score of 95% or higher AND at least a speed of 25 WPM (Words Per Minute) to pass. Students must use ergonomic positioning (home row positioning) without looking at their hands or the keyboard. Progressing through these drills is a personal challenge for students to beat their previous scores.
Often students take up to several years to complete this process. Vivienne took less than 2 school years to complete this program, a noteworthy accomplishment. Vivienne is now the `first out of all current 7th graders to have completed this training. Vivienne could not have completed this feat without hard work and dedication.
Congratulations to Vivienne and her steadfast work!
K-2 Celebrates Ag Day in a Special Way
Madison Baggett, 2nd Grade Teacher
Last Friday, students in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade participated in our very first Ag Day. This event directly corresponds with K-2 Life Science standards as well as Earth Day.
Students learned from a local beekeeper, Ms. Martha, about the life cycle of a bee and were also given the chance to explore bee boxes and frames, taste fresh local honey, and try on a beekeeper suit!
Students then learned about locally grown fresh fruits from University of Florida Agriculture Researchers, Ms. Wendy and Mr. Tim. They put their senses to the test and were able to feel, smell, and taste the fruits in order to identify them and answer inferencing questions about natural sugar levels. They also learned about the life cycle of a blueberry, the difference between ripe and unripe fruit, and were even able to pick berries right off a bush!
Students then met another University of Florida Agriculture Researcher, Mr. Morgan, who taught students all about the life cycle of a potato, where they are grown, different varieties, how to clean them, and ways to eat them! Students were sent home with delicious fresh potatoes!
Lastly, students met a local farmer, Ms. Dixie. Ms. Dixie's family grows cabbage right here in St. Johns County! Students learned about the life cycle of cabbage, how it is grown, and ways to prepare and cook it! Students were also able to taste the cabbage and discuss the nutritional facts. Students each took a cabbage home to share with their families, yum!
Thank you so much to our wonderful and informative presenters, our staff for helping make this event possible, and to our students for being cooperative, responsible, and respectful during the event!
Active Review for ELA Testing and Math Testing
Michelle Sminkey, 3rd Grade Teacher
Students reviewed text structures and poetry elements before their end of year ELA test. Students were actively involved!
Students used rulers to measure lengths and widths of shapes, in an effort to find the area and perimeter of said shape.
Third Annual Earth Day Celebration
Karen Daniels, Middle School Science Teacher
BMS and PBiS celebrated the 3rd annual "Earth Day" on Friday April 19, 2024. The event was held in the pavilion behind Gibbs. Two teachers, Ms. Daniels and Ms. DD from BMS, presented lessons on edible plants and plants with medicinal properties, and their history of propagation to the United States. The students were given food samples to feel the textures, sample the taste, and smell the herbs.
Ms. Daniels included the PBiS April Character Trait of "Responsible Decision Making" by discussing how farmers use the practice of crop rotation from year to year in order to practice sustainable farming. Ms. Laura did a lesson on using your 5 senses to assess the outdoor environmental sounds and your use of them for safety and navigation.
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!
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 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 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 have been busy little learners. In the past two weeks our little girls’ unit went to McDonald’s and Five Below. It was fun watching them stay in their budget and talk about how they’ll save their money for future purchases. This was a great learning experience, and they enjoyed it.
The Sensory Fun project continues to be a hit in Kramer, thanks to the advancement department. This project provides various sensory activities for our students such as mock sensory tables, water play, cooking, and painting to name a few. These activities foster teamwork, positive social interaction, and confidence, allowing our students to try new things and connect while having fun. These past two weeks the students enjoyed foam treasure hunting and bouncy ball kits. The end of the year is near, but there’s still more to do. Check back here to see our next adventure!
Spotlight on Facundo
Facundo recently joined Blind Middle School. He moved four years ago to Miami from Argentina along with his sister, Flor. Facundo doesn't have a favorite subject - he likes them all! He does have a favorite activity, which is Cobra Ball. He enjoys living in the dorm during the week where he has time to spend with his new friends. Facundo adds, "This school is so much better than my last school. I'm happy to be here."
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.
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
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.
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