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Parent Services

FAMILY OPEN HOUSE

Family Open House will be held on August 13, 2023 from 1–4 p.m. Families can meet teachers, visit the dorms and assist their child in moving in, bring medications to the Health Care Center and speak with representatives from the Transportation, Athletics, and other departments.

FSDB Regional Braille challenge

The FSDB Regional Braille Challenge will take place on Friday, March 1, 2024, on the FSDB Campus. Click the link below to learn more about the event and how to register your child and as a volunteer.

About

We are pleased you have chosen the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) for your child’s education. We recognize that family involvement has a powerful influence on a child’s achievement in school and encourage you to take an active and supportive role in your child’s education and help make learning a positive experience both at home and at school.

The FSDB Parent Services Department offers learning, engagement, and capacity-building opportunities for parents/legal guardians of enrolled students. Classes, workshops, meetings, and events throughout the year are designed to promote parental involvement in their child’s growth and learning.

 

The Parent Infant Program and the Early Learning Center (ELC) are under the purview of the FSDB Parent Services Department. 

Campus tours are also provided for families of prospective students during school weekdays by appointment.

contact

General Information

PH: 904-827-2200

VP: 904-245-1022

Parent Services

PH: 904-827-2212

VP: 904-201-4527

Health Care Center

PH: 904-827-2410

VP: 904-201-3910

Campus Police

PH: 904-827-2315

Transportation

PH: 800-992-8747

Outreach Services

PH: 904-827-2212

About
Parent University logo.

The Parent Services Department offers a series of educational opportunities for parents and caregivers through Parent University. This program offers classes and workshops to parents and families throughout the year to learn, increase knowledge of techniques, and promote student achievement. Classes target needs specific to parents of students who are blind/visually impaired or deaf/hard of hearing. Parents/legal guardians are encouraged to participate as informed partners with schools to support programs in an effort to encourage lifelong learning and improve student academic achievement.

Parent University
Parent Engagement Workshop logo.

Parent Engagement Workshops (PEW) are learning opportunities open to ALL FSDB parents, guardians and caregivers. During PEW, we discuss current and relevant information about our school, parenting strategies, helpful resources and so much more. Please join us for these educational events.

Dates

PEW Dates for the 2023-24 Academic Year

September 1, 2023

November 9, 2023

January 11, 2024

March 1, 2024

April 26, 2024

Contact

For more information on resources for FSDB Families and the Parent Services Department, contact:

Misty Porter

Parent Services Liaison

PH: 904-827-2988

VP: 904-201-4527

Parent Engagement Workshops and Parent Chats Save the Dates Flyer 2023-24

Upcoming Parent Events

  • ECC Interactive Learning Series (Spring 2024): Pizza Party & Cooking for Yourself and Your Family
    ECC Interactive Learning Series (Spring 2024): Pizza Party & Cooking for Yourself and Your Family
    Sat, Mar 23
    Mar 23, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Please join us for this learning event to explore cooking and independent living techniques and strategies while participating in a collaborative social environment.
  • Dorm & Recreation Open House
    Dorm & Recreation Open House
    Thu, Mar 28
    Mar 28, 2024, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
    See what happens when the school day has finished. All families are invited to learn about after-school recreation opportunities and to visit the dorms.
  • Parent Chat
    Parent Chat
    Fri, Mar 29
    Mar 29, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    FSDB recognizes that family involvement has a positive impact on student success and encourages parents/legal guardians to take an active and supportive role to enhance the student learning environment.
  • Parent University: Discovery Days
    Parent University: Discovery Days
    Fri, Apr 05
    Apr 05, 2024, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Join Us! FSDB Deaf Department Students, Families and Friends as we come together to learn ASL signs and concepts while having fun!
  • ECC Interactive Learning Regional Event: Sensational Pathways for 21st Century Learners
    ECC Interactive Learning Regional Event: Sensational Pathways for 21st Century Learners
    Sat, Apr 13
    Apr 13, 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Join us for a day of learning, sensory activities, music, guide dog demos and many takeaways for the whole family.
  • Parent University: Let's Talk About Springtime Fun
    Parent University: Let's Talk About Springtime Fun
    Wed, Apr 17
    Apr 17, 2024, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Learn to communicate about all things Spring! Learn ASL signs for Spring: weather, clothing, activities, food, holidays and much more! Communication doesn't just mean ASL. We will discuss strategies when others around you don't know sign language. All skill levels are welcome and needed.
  • Parent Engagement Workshop
    Parent Engagement Workshop
    Fri, Apr 26
    Apr 26, 2024, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
    Parent Engagement Workshops (PEW) are learning opportunities open to ALL FSDB parents, guardians and caregivers. During PEW, we discuss current and relevant information about our school, parenting strategies, helpful resources, and much more.
Resources
School Bus

FSDB Parents are Informed and Included

Parents are valued stakeholders. Stay informed on campus happenings and join the team to be included in decision-making opportunities.

Join the Team

School Advisory Council (SAC)

The FSDB School Improvement Process is a critical part of annual planning. Each year, school-level plans are developed to provide a strong foundation for a productive academic year for students and teachers. These plans are reviewed by a comprehensive school leadership team which include parents and community stakeholders. Final school improvement plans are filed with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), as also mandated by federal educational requirements.

 

Be a Part of the District Team!

The School Advisory Council (SAC) meets four (4) times a year to discuss FSDB-wide issues and topics including reviewing district-wide assessment data, parent survey feedback and School Improvement Plans.  The purpose of the council is to hear from stakeholders about issues that impact our community as a whole and make recommendations for change/improvement.

Members of the council include parents, several high school students, the Principal for the Blind and the Principal for the Deaf, and several staff members including a boarding department representative.

Dates

SAC Dates for the 2023-24 Academic Year

Oct. 23 – 12 -3 p.m.

Jan. 11 –  8 - 9:15 a.m.

Mar. 1 – 8 - 9:15 a.m.

May 11 – Time TBD

Contact

Sidney Keith

Assessment and Accountability Coordinator

PH: 904-827-2261

Sub School Advisory Council (sub-SAC)

FSDB Assistant Principals host quarterly Sub-SAC meetings. These smaller meetings allow the group to focus more intently on school specific topics. During these meetings stakeholders discuss that individual School Improvement Plan. If you are interested in participating, please contact your Assistant Principal. Note: Our elementary and middle schools have combined their Sub-SAC and Title 1 meetings (see more information about Title I below).

BEMS Dates

Sep. 22, 2023 – 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 14, 2023 – 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Feb. 29, 2024 (Virtual) – 10-11 a.m.
May 3, 2024 – 10-11 a.m.

BHs Dates

Oct. 20, 2023 – 10:30 a.m.

DES Dates

Dec. 7, 2023 – 8:30 a.m.
Feb. 8, 2024 – 8:30 a.m.
April 25, 2024 – TBA

DMS Dates

Jan. 24, 2024 – 12:30 p.m.
March 28, 2024 – 3:00 p.m.

DHS Dates

Oct. 12, 2023 – 10-11 a.m.

Title I Parent Advisory Team

Title I is a federal grant that: provides supplemental funds to approved schools to meet educational goals, supports professional development of staff, and supports parent engagement programs. The purpose of Title I is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and assessments.

The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) receives Title I Part A funds for Deaf Elementary, Deaf Middle, and Blind Elementary/Middle Schools. These schools are classified as school-wide Title I Schools meaning that all students and families of these schools receive the benefit of Title I funded programs.  

 

Parent involvement is a powerful influence on a child’s achievement in school. When schools work together with parents to support learning, children are more likely to succeed not only in school, but throughout life. Parents, families, and legal guardians are encouraged to participate as informed partners with school personnel in implementing the Title I school programs in an effort to improve student academic achievement and school performance. 

 

Title I Mission: Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind strives to provide families and staff with capacity building opportunities to increase our combined abilities to support our students’ academic and personal growth. All parents of students in Title I schools are welcome to attend Title I meetings, which are held during the same time as the Sub-Sac meetings.

Hands typing on a laptop keyboard.

Tech Tutorials

The FSDB Parent and Student Tech Tutorials site provides support for troubleshooting your FSDB assigned device and tutorials on common applications.

Executive Director

Pauline Wagner

Bio coming soon.

Cindy Day

Master of Education, Special Education, University of North Florida
Bachelor of Science, Deaf Education, University of Tennessee

I believe parents are the most influential teachers. Our role is to empower parents to educate and advocate for their children.

Programs

Programs

Early Intervention

FSDB offers early intervention and outreach services, separate from the programs run on the school campus, because of a strong commitment to the needs of families and children with hearing and vision concerns across the state.

Parent Advisor working with mom and blind girl
Scarlett playing with a wooden toy set in the stay and play program.

Stay and Play Group

The parent-involved Stay and Play Group on the FSDB campus provides developmental learning experiences for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing or Blind/Visually Impaired, ages birth to 36 months and their caregivers.

 

The early years are when children use their bodies, senses, and emerging problem-solving skills to make sense of their world. Babies and toddlers actively seek information by exploring their environment and making new discoveries

Early Learning Center

The Early Learning Center (ELC) is a Montessori preschool for children ages 3-5 who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired. The ELC is a place where your child can learn and grow in a cheerful, nurturing and stimulating environment that emphasizes learning through discovery.

ELC students sitting around a table working on crafts

from the President

From the President

Contact Parent Services

Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind

207 San Marco Avenue
St. Augustine, FL 32084

PH: 800-344-3732

PH: 904-827-2212

VP: 904-201-4527

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