PRESERVING THE MASCOT LEGACIES Recently, VSDB moved to a shared unified mascot that represents all of its students: the Deaf, the Blind, and the Deafblind. Over the next year, VSDB will transition to the new Unified VSDB Mascot, the Defender. As stakeholders, VSDB wants your ideas to create ways to preserve the importance of the legacy and the history of both the Chief and the Cardinal. All ideas to honor the Chief and the Cardinal will be considered. Please email or send a video with your suggestions on how VSDB can preserve the history of the mascots. Please send all ideas to the Unified VSDB consultants at: linda@teoconsulting.org. Important: On the subject line of your email, please put "VSDB". Ideas and suggestions will only be accepted from Monday, June 26th to Monday, July 10th. Thank you in advance for your suggestions!
over 1 year ago, VSDB
flyer with white background and black text. flyer text is transcribed in the full post. In the middle of the flyer is an image of two pedestals. the pedestal on the left has the Chief mascot above it and a blue background. the pedestal on the right has the cardinal mascot on it and a red background
Summer program photos part 3: We had so much fun with our summer program "The Un-Fairy Tale" this year!! Equal parts fun, learning, and laughter with our fantastic students and staff.
over 1 year ago, VSDB
students bent over a paper pennant designing their team logo
students acting out a group “cheer” in the gym. one male student stands in the middle of a semi-circle of other students as he points a wand at them
students use cups to measure out holes in which to plant seeds
male student kneeling in the garden making holes in the soil for planting
male student holds a seed before planting
students and staff planting seeds in a row of soil
students bent over a row of seedlings as they finish transplanting them
students playing in a mist sprayed by the water hose
students playing in a mist sprayed by the water hose
students playing in a mist sprayed by the water hose
Summer program photos part 2: We had so much fun with our summer program "The Un-Fairy Tale" this year!! Equal parts fun, learning, and laughter with our fantastic students and staff.
over 1 year ago, VSDB
female student smiling at the camera as she raises her hand in the classroom
female student sitting dirt with a large sifter
male student dumping dirt from a shovel into the large sifter
female student leaning over a fish pond with lily pads
students sitting in a circle on the gym floor
group of students sitting on the gym floor engaged in conversation
students wearing science goggles as they work on an experiment
male student using a cotton swab to use a germ sample from the bottom of a male staff’s shoe
female teacher instructing students in a science experiment
two students working on a building activity when a male student tries to startle them acting like a dragon with a dragon towel draped over his head and shoulders
Summer program photos part 1: We had so much fun with our summer program "The Un-Fairy Tale" this year!! Equal parts fun, learning, and laughter with our fantastic students and staff.
over 1 year ago, VSDB
male student planting a seedling in the ground
male student spraying a strong mist over freshly planted seedlings
male student spraying a strong mist over his head with a garden hose
female student spraying newly planted seedlings with a garden hose
male and female student each old an egg over a trash can, ready for an egg battle
male and female student each old an egg over a trash can, the female’s has broken from the egg battle
two male students each old an egg over a trash can, ready for an egg battle
two preschool students held by staff each hold an egg over a large classroom, ready for an egg battle
male and female student each hold an egg over a trash can, the male student’s egg has cracked from an egg battle
male and female student each old an egg over a trash can, ready for an egg battle
Thank you for your patience as VSDB worked to ensure full accessibility of this announcement for the new Unified VSDB mascot! The process that was used in the Unified Mascot voting was student-focused and led by outside consultants in order to ensure neutrality. The students worked collaboratively across both the Blind and the Deaf departments, to create a variety of designs and a list of characteristics they wanted to see in the new Unified VSDB mascot. The students chose the top two images and those images along with the list of characteristics were then given to a professional artist to create the final two mascot choices for the VSDB official ballot. Each of the 5 groups (Deaf Students, Blind Students, VSDB staff and Boards, Blind Alumni, and Deaf Alumni) were provided the opportunity to submit 1 collective vote. The collective vote was determined by the individual votes received by each group. On the reveal flyer, the number of votes indicates the breakdown of each group's vote. VSDB is proud of the collaborative effort and creativity that the students demonstrated during this process! [Flyer text: VSDB is proud to announce its new Unified Mascot... The VSDB Defender! The VSDB Defender is a fox-like image facing right. It has fur streaked with red and blue. Its snout has red, blue, and white fur. Its red eyes are intense with a determined stare. They are alert and see everything around it. There is a mix of red and blue feathers gathered closely around the neck. The feathers honor the history of the Cardinal and the Chief. The Defender’s ears are upright, alert, and strong, listening intently even for the faintest sound. This Defender is bold, strong, fierce, alert, powerful, and protective. It is ready to attack quickly to defend VSDB. a box outlined in red shows a chart with the following information: Unified VSDB Vote Results. Student Vote - Blind Department - Defender #1 (Fox): 6, Defender #2 (Bird): 14. Student Vote - Deaf Department - Defender #1 (Fox): 17, Defender #2 (Bird): 11. VSDB Staff, Board of Visitors and Foundation Board Vote - Defender #1 (Fox): 63, Defender #2 (Bird): 29. Blind Alumni Vote - Defender #1 (Fox): 26, Defender #2 (Bird): 25. Deaf Alumni Vote - The vote submitted by the President of the VSDAA was a boycott vote of "0."]
over 1 year ago, VSDB
flyer with red and blue stripes along the border, text at the top reads "VSDB is proud to announce its new Unified Mascot..." below, there is an image of the new VSDB Defender mascot. Additional text is below. All text is transcribed in the body of the post.
spanish version of the flyer announcing the new mascot. flyer with red and blue stripes along the border, text at the top reads "VSDB VSDB se enorgullece en anunciar su nueva Mascota Unificada..." below, there is an image of the new VSDB Defender mascot. Additional text is below. All text is transcribed in the body of the post.
Stay Tuned!! Coming Soon: Reveal of the new VSDB unified mascot
over 1 year ago, VSDB
background of red on the left and blue on the right, fading into eachother in the middle. text is typed on a white sign hung onto a red pin that says "stay tuned: coming soon. reveal of the new VSDB unified mascot"
Work study Wednesday! Today we're featuring Kaleb and Sultana as they work to help our Admissions Department by stuffing folders full of VSDB information and brochures!! We're so thankful for our work study students who take on extra work any time they can
over 1 year ago, VSDB
two students standing at a table covered in flyers and folders with VSDB information
We are so excited to share that Mr. Chris Ward has a private performance tomorrow evening at Heifetz. This is something you won't want to miss! His show is on Wednesday, May 10 from 6:30-7:30 pm at Heifetz Music Shop at 107 East Beverley St. Staunton, VA 24401. [flyer text: VSDB Graduating Senior Chris Ward's solo pianist performance at The Heifetz Music Shop! Wednesday, May 10th, 6:30-7:30 pm 107 East Beverley Street Staunton, VA 24401]
over 1 year ago, Julie Saum
flyer with varying shades of blue in a "burst" pattern with text as transcribed above and an image at the bottom of Chris playing the piano
Ms. Alysha, School Counselor, knows counseling doesn't have to be boring! She recently took her girls' group outside for their chat while they swung and spun!
over 1 year ago, VSDB
two students and a staff sitting on a merry go round
two students spinning on a merry go round
two students swinging on a swingset
two students swinging on a swingset
student and staff spinning on a merry go round
ms. Alysha and a student swinging
ms Alysha and a student swinging
ms Alysha and a student swinging
The VSDB library is full of fun - and not only fun with books but so many other activities as well!! Here is Jowan after challenging himself to catch all these foam balls on the Velcro headpiece! Also, check out the many fashions of our library statue, Ben, over the past few months! As this school year comes to a close, please remember to return all library books and materials as soon as possible. Thank you!
over 1 year ago, VSDB
male student stands in the library with a Velcro cap on his head and foam balls attached to the Velcro
bronze statue bust decorated with floral leis and a floral headband
bronze statue bust decorated as a leprechaun with a green hat and a green beard and a shamrock next to him
"Teamwork makes the dream work!" This is so true and our students truly welcome opportunities to work together. Here, Nikita and Eric work together on a math activity in Ms. Cook's class. They are using a talking calculator, an ipad with enlarged text, and a Brailler to complete their work. We are proud to have any accommodations students may need to be successful in classes!
over 1 year ago, VSDB
two male students using a talking calculator
two male students working on math assignments together
two male students discuss the math assignment
Our Deaf Elementary students and teachers enjoyed a field trip to the Science Museum of Western Virginia in Roanoke. Looks like they had a great time making learning FUN!
over 1 year ago, VSDB
group of elementary students lined up against a wall. many of them have their arms draped around the person standing next to them
students with their hands on a sphere demonstrating static electricity
students standing in front of and looking into an exhibit called “tarantula tower"
students using virtual reality glasses
female student pointing at an object on the wall. the room lighting is a neon pink and she’s holding 3D glasses in her hand
students looking through microscopes
students looking through microscopes and seeing the image reflected on a computer screen
students with their hands in a water tank with small sea creatures
students reaching their hands into and looking at a nature exhibit
students about to enter a robotic arm exhibit
Shannon wrote and provided the pictures for a book called "My Deer" and is now officially a VSDB Author! The VSDB library has several student-written books that students can check out and it's fun to see how proud they are of this accomplishment.
over 1 year ago, VSDB
male student holds a bound book he authored and provided images for
Work Study Wednesday! Today's spotlight is on Lydia and her work at Tru by Hilton in Staunton. She has been learning about working in housekeeping - cleaning common areas and doing laundry.
over 1 year ago, Julie Saum
female student wiping down and exercise bench in a hotel gym
female student vacuuming a hallway in a hotel
female student folding towels in a hotel laundry room
female student folding towels in a hotel laundry room
female student folding towels in a hotel laundry room
female student smiling as she folds towels in a hotel laundry room
female student folding sheets in a hotel laundry room
Join our team as the 2nd Shift Residential/Dorm Staff Supervisor! Apply today at https://www.vsdb.k12.va.us/page/careers (flyer text) The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind Now accepting applications for 2nd Shift Residential/Dorm Staff Supervisor! Minimum Qualifications: - Associate's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) Certificate may substitute for the educational requirement. - Ability to work within a team and communicate and collaborate effectively with direct services, support, professional, and administrative staff. - Demonstrated experience and leadership in program development and evaluation. - Proficiency level of "Advanced" in American Sign Language as measured by the Sign Communication Proficiency Interview or agreement to acquire the specified level within three years. Why come to VSDB? - $3,500 Sign-on Bonus now available! - Summers off - Supportive and positive team setting - Great comprehensive benefits package, that includes: ample paid time off including more than 12 paid holidays; low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance Enjoy working in a collaborative, supportive, and positive team setting! LEARN MORE AND APPLY TODAY AT: HTTPS://WWW.VSDB.K12.VA.US/PAGE/CAREERS
over 1 year ago, Julie Saum
flyer with red and blue background colors and an image of a portion of the VSDB campus with text detailing the open position for 2nd shift residential/dorm staff supervisor
Photographer Katelyn Howdyshell (Capture the Moment Photography) has asked us to share this information with vision-impaired children and their families. Katelyn is a mom to a baby girl who is blind and she is working to be able to help families like hers feel special and unique.
over 1 year ago, Julie Saum
flyer with a burgundy background and two images of cherry blossom tree branches. text on the flyer reads "capture the moment photography welcomes you to join us for spring pictures! these sessions will be available for vision-impaired children and their families. May 6, 2023. Email knshirley528@gmail.com to register"
Work Study Wednesday! Today we are highlighting Chris and his work at Heifetz. Chris creates song lists and plays live piano music on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays at Heifetz in downtown Staunton. He draws in locals and tourists with his music into the shop. If you are in or around downtown Staunton on the afternoons Chris is playing, stop in for a treat - you'll be glad you did! Another highlight of our work-study program and our wonderful City of Staunton is that our students are taught to navigate a route to their Downtown Staunton job sites and work toward becoming fully independent. Our campus is lucky to be so close to the downtown shops and allows so many of our students this opportunity to further their independence and self-confidence.
over 1 year ago, Julie Saum
male student standing in nfront of the VSDB school building smiling and holding his white cane
male student playing piano in a small music studio
male student holding his white cane and smiling in front of his work site
male student walking cross the vsdb courtward coming back from his work site
male student sitting at a piano with his fingers on the keys and a braille song list in front of him
We are so excited to announce our lineup for the next Connect! If you haven't been to Connect before, this is a great session for your first experience! Join us for open conversations about IEPs, Supported Families ➡️ Successful Students, and Social Emotional Learning with Blind/VI students. (Flyer text ⬇️) CONNECT is a virtual round table for families and professionals of children in Virginia with sensory impairments including all degrees of hearing loss, vision loss, or both. CONNECT gatherings will have subject matter experts to lead discussions, offer support, answer your questions, and help you connect! IEP Success - Karen Kaminski-Joyner, VSDB Special Education Coordinator Supported Families, Successful Students - Lynn Odom, VDDHH Community Services Manager Social Emotional Learning with Blind / VI Students - Laura Fricker, VSDB Teacher of Visual Impairments | April 25, 2023 | 7 pm -8 pm I Register Here https://bit.ly/vsdbconnect ASL/English interpreters provided Spoken language interpreters available by request Questions? Please contact Julie Saum, VSDB Family Engagement Specialist julie.saum@vsdb.k12.va.us or 540-324-8316
over 1 year ago, VSDB
flyer for connect with images of three females. description of text on flyer is included in the post
When our residential program took a group to the Staunton Fire Department, they checked out the 9-11 memorial and learned about what happened. Thank you to the residential staff who led this trip and explained everything for our students!
over 1 year ago, VSDB
9-11 memorial outside the fire department. a bent beam on a stone with a platform in the shape of a pentagon with the number 93 etched into it
a plaque about the 9-11 memorial and the events of that day
students standing around the 9-11 monument with male staff standing in front explaining
group photo of staff and students in front of the memorial
a metal replica of a firefighter helmet with the number 1 on it
Our students recently went to Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center to participate in their "Winter Games" events. Many of our students brought home medals for winning first 🥇, second 🥈, or third 🥉 place and one of our students brought back the sportsmanship🏅award! 🏆
over 1 year ago, VSDB
two vsdb students and one WWRC student stand on platforms for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
group of vsdb students wearing their medals
one WWRC student standing on first place platform and one VSDB student standing on 3rd place platform
one WWRC student standing on 1st place platform and VSDB student standing on 2nd place platform
vsdb student on 1st place platform and WWRC students on 2nd and 3rd place platforms
VSDB student on 1st place platform and WWRC students on 2nd and 3rd place platforms
vsdb female student wearing the sportsmanship award
group of VSDB students showing off their medals
VSDB students playing an egg race
VSDB students playing egg race