The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind

VSDB Public Safety Office Update-Chief, Charlie Coker and Lieutenant, Travis Painter (not pictured)
As some may remember in 2023 VSDB became aware of a legislative error which de-
authorized the VSDB Police Department. With support of our legislators and Governor,
legislation was passed and re-authorized the VSDB Police Department on July 1, 2025.
We are excited to announce both Chief Coker and Lieutenant Painter were sworn back
in as Police Officers. We are thankful for all of our officers and staff in our Public Safety
Office who maintain a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and visitors!

4 days ago, VSDB

Chief, Charlie Coker standing in his police uniform in front of Main Hall

If you haven't joined us for one (or more!) of our Summer Family Activity Series events around the state, you have three more chances: Friday, July 11 - Hampton:- 2pm-5pm - Bluebird Gap Farm - 60 Pine Chapel Road, Hampton, VA 23669. Registration preferred, but not required: https://bit.ly/VSDB_Summer_Series_Hampton Sunday, July 13 - Henrico: 2pm-5pm - Taylor Farm Park - 200 Whiteside Road, Sandston, VA 23150 Registration preferred, but not required: https://bit.ly/VSDB_Summer_Series_Henrico Thursday, July 17 - Harrisonburg: 11am-2pm - Ralph Sampson Park Spraygrounds - 620 Simms Ave. Harrisonburg, VA 22802 Registration preferred, but not required: https://bit.ly/VSDB_Summer_Series_Henrico

8 days ago, VSDB

Flyer for “Together We Explore: A VSDB Family Series” — a free summer family event in various parts of the state. Open to all Deaf/HH, Blind/VI, and DeafBlind students (ages 2–21) and their families. Activities include a story walk, scavenger hunt, and hands-on sensory fun. Hosted by VSDB Family Engagement

VSDB welcomed alumni from the class of 1985 back to campus this weekend. Some of the attendees are pictured here on the steps of the Superintendent's House. Front row: Mizzy Roper, Theresa Roach, Charity Reedy Warigon, Kim Tyree, Dottie Chavis, and Mary Millner Back row: Scott Bush, Troy Stevenson, Tracy Parham, Mills Coke, Ernest Ray, and Mario Chavis.

13 days ago, VSDB

two rows of men and women standing in front of a historic brick home with granite chunk and stone steps

Our next stop in our Summer Family Activity Series is Hampton - on Friday, July 11. We will be at Bluebird Gap Farm at 60 Pine Chapel Road, Hampton, VA 23669 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, and DeafBlind children (ages 2–21) and their families are invited to enjoy games, story walk, a scavenger hunt, and hands-on activities. 🗓 Friday, July 11, 2025 | 🕒 2–5 PM | 📍Bluebird Gap Farm at 60 Pine Chapel Road, Hampton, VA 23669 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Hosted by VSDB Family Engagement. Registration is preferred, but not required. Register here: https://bit.ly/VSDB_Summer_Series_Hampton 📋 Save the dates for our upcoming events in other parts of the state: July 13 – Henrico - Taylor Farm Park (register here: https://bit.ly/VSDB_Summer_Series_Henrico) July 17 – Harrisonburg - Ralph Sampson Park Spraygrounds (register here: https://bit.ly/VSDB_Summer_Series_Harrisonburg) ✨ More information coming soon! [ID: A colorful flyer for “Together We Explore: VSDB Family Activity Series.” The top features bold text reading “Together We Explore!” and “VSDB Family Activity Series - Fairfax Edition.” A yellow kite is in the top right corner, floating in the sky. Below that, key event details are organized with clear icons and text: Play, learn, and connect with VSDB for hands-on, inclusive fun — open to all families of Deaf/HH, Blind/VI, and DeafBlind students statewide. When: Friday, July 11, 2:00–5:00 PM Where: Bluebird Gap Farm - 60 Pine Chapel Road, Hampton, VA 23669 What: Scavenger hunt, story walk, hands-on activities, sensory fun, and farm animals. Contact Us: Julie Saum, 540-324-8316, julie.saum@vsdb.k12.va.us Registration (preferred but not required): https://bit.ly/VSDB_Summer_Series_Hamptton The bottom of the flyer has cartoon depictions of four children standing in a grassy area.]

14 days ago, Julie Saum

Flyer for “Together We Explore: A VSDB Family Series” — a free summer family event in Hampton on Friday, July 11 from 2–5 PM at Bluebird Gap Farm. Open to all Deaf/HH, Blind/VI, and DeafBlind students (ages 2–21) and their families. Activities include a story walk, scavenger hunt, and hands-on sensory fun. Hosted by VSDB Family Engagement

Our amazing staff joined VDOE’s Content Teaching Academy for Sensory Disabilities at JMU and took on the challenge of making sandwiches during a DeafBlind simulation! This provided the perfect opportunity to gain insight into the sensory experiences many of our students navigate daily. By stepping into our students’ shoes, we can better understand how to support them and ensure we work to prepare students for life! #TogetherWeEmpower #GrowDoBecome

17 days ago, VSDB

Two people have their faces covered with a napkin held in place with a blindfold. They are at a table covered in a Disney Princess table cloth, and are attempting to make sandwiches with some jelly. In front of each of them is a paper plate with two slices of bread.

A woman in a floral shirt sits at a table. Her face is covered by a napkin that is held in place over her eyes with a blindfold. She is making a sandwich and holing a piece of bread covered in jelly with one hand while the other holds a butter knife.

A woman sits at a table covered in a pokemon tablecloth. Her face is covered by a napkin that is held in place over her eyes with a blindfold. She is attempting to make a sandwich, and has one finger in a jar of jelly. There are two slices of bread on a plate in front of her.

Join VSDB for a FREE family fun afternoon in Fairfax County! Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, and DeafBlind children (ages 2–21) and their families are invited to enjoy games, story time, a scavenger hunt, and hands-on activities. 🗓 Tuesday, June 24, 2025 | 🕒 2–5 PM | 📍Family Recreation Area at Franconia Park 6601 Telegraph Road Franconia, Virginia. Hosted by VSDB Family Engagement. Registration is preferred, but not required. Register here: https://bit.ly/VSDB_Summer_Series_Fairfax *Please note that this event will be held at Franconia Park, which does have a water play area. Please bring appropriate clothing if you plan to play in that area.* 📋 Save the dates for our upcoming events in other parts of the state: - July 11 – Hampton - Bluebird Gap Farm, July 13 – Henrico - Taylor Farm Park, July 17 – TBD - Rockingham or Rockbridge area.✨ More information coming soon! [ID: A colorful flyer for “Together We Explore: VSDB Family Activity Series.” The top features bold text reading “Together We Explore!” and “VSDB Family Activity Series - Fairfax Edition.” A yellow kite is in the top right corner, floating in the sky. Below that, key event details are organized with clear icons and text: Play, learn, and connect with VSDB for hands-on, inclusive fun — open to all families of Deaf/HH, Blind/VI, and DeafBlind students statewide. When: Tuesday, June 24, 2:00–5:00 PM Where: Family Recreation Area at Franconia Park 6601 Telegraph Road Franconia, Virginia What: Scavenger hunt, story walk, hands-on activities, sensory fun, and spray park. Contact Us: Julie Saum, 540-324-8316, julie.saum@vsdb.k12.va.us Registration (preferred but not required): https://bit.ly/VSDB_Summer_Series_Fairfax The bottom of the flyer has cartoon depictions of four children standing in a grassy area.]

22 days ago, VSDB

Flyer for “Together We Explore: A VSDB Family Series” — a free summer family event in Fairfax on Tuesday, June 24 from 2–5 PM at Montgomery Hall Park. Open to all Deaf/HH, Blind/VI, and DeafBlind students (ages 2–21) and their families. Activities include a story walk, scavenger hunt, and hands-on sensory fun. Hosted by VSDB Family Engagement

Join VSDB for a FREE family fun afternoon in Staunton! Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, and DeafBlind children (ages 2–21) and their families are invited to enjoy games, story time, a scavenger hunt, and hands-on activities. 🗓 Monday, June 16, 2025 | 🕒 3–6 PM | 📍 Rotary Pavilion, Montgomery Hall Park, Staunton Hosted by VSDB Family Engagement. Registration is preferred, but not required. Register here: https://bit.ly/VSDB_Summer_Series_Staunton 📋 Save the dates for our upcoming events in other parts of the state: - Tuesday, June 24 - Northern Virginia area - Sunday, July 6 or Friday, July 11 (TBD)- Hampton Roads area - Sunday, June 13 - Central Virginia area - Thursday, June 17 - Rockingham area ✨more information coming soon! [ID: A colorful flyer for “Together We Explore: VSDB Family Activity Series.” The top features bold text reading “Together We Explore!” and “VSDB Family Activity Series.” A yellow kite is in the top right corner, floating in the sky. Below that, key event details are organized with clear icons and text: Play, learn, and connect with VSDB for hands-on, inclusive fun — open to all families of Deaf/HH, Blind/VI, and DeafBlind students statewide. When: Monday, June 16, 3:00–6:00 PM Where: Rotary Pavilion at Montgomery Hall Park, 1000 Montgomery Ave, Staunton, VA 24401 What: Scavenger hunt, story walk, hands-on activities, and sensory fun Contact Us: Julie Saum, 540-332-9015, julie.saum@vsdb.k12.va.us Registration (preferred but not required): https://bit.ly/VSDB_Summer_Series_Staunton The bottom of the flyer has cartoon depictions of four children standing in a grassy area.]

about 1 month ago, VSDB

Flyer for “Together We Explore: A VSDB Family Series” — a free summer family event in Staunton on Monday, June 16 from 3–6 PM at Montgomery Hall Park. Open to all Deaf/HH, Blind/VI, and DeafBlind students (ages 2–21) and their families. Activities include a story walk, scavenger hunt, and hands-on sensory fun. Hosted by VSDB Family Engagement

We’re excited to share that our school cafeteria is getting a fresh new look! The renovation is all about creating a more welcoming, comfortable, and updated space for our students and staff to enjoy. Check out this sneak peek of what’s going on—and stay tuned for more updates as the transformation continues!

about 1 month ago, VSDB

The cafeteria has the fllors, doors, and openings covered. the lights have been removed and there is a man in a bright yellow vest working on renovations.

the cafeteria is shown with the floors and windows covered with construction prep.

🎉 We're so proud of our 2024–2025 class! 🎓 Your hard work, growth, and achievements this year have been truly inspiring. Next week, we’re excited to celebrate YOU: ✨ Deaf Moving Up Ceremony – Monday at 9:30-11:15pm ✨ Blind Moving Up Ceremony – Monday at 12:00pm -2:00pm 🎓 Graduation – Friday at 10:00am 🎉 Let’s finish the year strong and celebrate all you've accomplished!

2 months ago, VSDB

IT'S RED AND BLUE OUT DAY! Come out and support the Girls Flag Football and Boys Volleyball teams as they take on the final games of the year for VSDB's Athletics! It is also the senior night for some of our players! The Girls Flag Football game begins at 5pm at the Defender Field while the Boys Volleyball Game begins at 6:30 in the Llewellyn Gym. If you are unable to attend the Livestream will be on the team's game changer page: Girls Flag Football - https://web.gc.com/teams/do0nJlp2u2Fx Boys Volleyball - https://web.gc.com/teams/tsxem9CMp4Rf

2 months ago, David Owens

🎓 VSDB Deaf Department Graduate Scholarship 🎓 The Bass Foundation proudly supports graduating seniors and Deaf alumni from the Deaf Department at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) through scholarships funded by the R. Aumon and Mary Scott Bass endowment fund. Whether heading to college, university, or a vocational program, this scholarship helps ease financial stress and unlocks new opportunities for growth and learning. 🌟 Contact Race Drake, Jr. ( drake5963@gmail.com) for more information. #VSDB #DeafEducation #ScholarshipOpportunity #BassFoundation

2 months ago, VSDB

A red and black flyer with graduates waving their caps in the air. Text in white reads Bass Foundation VSDB Deaf Department Graduate Scholarship. The Bass Foundation is proud to support graduating seniors and Deaf alumni of the Deaf Department at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) by providing scholarships through an endowment fund generously established by the estate of R. Aumon and Mary Scott Bass. Whether continuing at a college, university, or vocational program, this scholarship aims to ease financial burdens and open doors to new opportunities for learning and personal growth.. Access additional opportunities, Financial Support, Advance Career Goals. To Learn More, Contact: Race Drake, Jr. at drake5963@gmail.com

🎶🌸 Spring Concert Tonight! 🌸🎶 Join us this evening for a celebration of music, talent, and the joy of spring! Our students have been working hard, and their voices and instruments are ready to shine. Our program will be from 7:00pm - 9:00pm! Can’t make it in person? You can still enjoy the full performance by tuning in to our YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/live/VhDk0HleZ94

2 months ago, VSDB

It is a flyer with flowers and butterflies on the outskirt of the page, and music notes at the bottom. In the center are the words: Spring Concert, 7:00pm- 9:00pm May 1st 2025, Healy Auditorium. See us in person or on Youtube! Our Youtube channel is @TheVSDB .

Our students got their hands in the dirt and had a blast as we celebrated Earth Day down at the school farm! 🌱 From planting saplings to learning about sustainability, it was a day of connection, curiosity, and care for our planet. But the biggest surprise? A special guest appearance by The Lorax himself! 🌳🧡 He spoke for the trees and reminded us all why protecting our Earth matters. Thank you to our amazing staff, and students for making Earth day 2025 unforgettable. Let’s keep the spirit of Earth Day alive every day! !

2 months ago, VSDB

Students and teachers are standing outdoors and applauding a speaker.

"Students participating in a tree-planting activity, digging soil to create a hole on school grounds.

A colorful rain water collector that is and painted with an outdoor scene with flowers, grass and sunshine.

A teacher is holding out a root so that a blind student can feel it and understand the plants system while other teachers and students gather around.

A few students and teachers stand in a circle around a man dressed in a bright orange "The Lorax" costume.

Four people are gathered in a circle and squatting on the ground to plant a sapling.

A group of children standing in a outdoors on a grassy field, collaboratively holding a long white tube during an Earth Day activity, while an adult observes from a nearby picnic bench.

A student is sitting next to a sunshine cornhole board and is smiling. She is outside in a field and a group of people are in the background.

Two female students standing outdoors, one is reading a brail text.

A group of students and teachers stand in a circle outside, one is holding a plant, one is holding a clipboard, and one has his arm in the air.

Football? Did anyone say Football? YUP! Football is BACK at VSDB!!!! The Girls Flag Football team has their inaugural 4x4 Flag Football Game today at Legacy Christian Academy! Come and watch them blitz their way to the new sport! The game begins at 5pm and if you are unable to attend the Livestream will be on the team's game changer page: https://web.gc.com/teams/do0nJlp2u2Fx

3 months ago, David Owens

It's GAMEDAY!!!! The Boys Volleyball team will travel to take on the Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy for their 2nd game at 5:30PM! Come and Watch them serve, set, and SPIKE!!! If you are unable to attend the game will be livestreamed by going to the teams Game changer page here: https://web.gc.com/teams/tsxem9CMp4Rf

3 months ago, David Owens

Attention VSDB Family and Fans - VSDB proudly presents the brand new Spring Sports Season! We have established 3 new Varsity athletic programs: Boys Volleyball, 4x4 Girls Flag Football, and Blind Swimming! The new spring sports season kicks off today with the Inaugural Boys Volleyball Game! VSDB Boys Volleyball takes on the Redeemer Classical School at 4:30 PM in the Llewellyn Gym…If you are unable to make it, there will be a livestream via the team’s Gamechanger page: https://web.gc.com/teams/tsxem9CMp4Rf

3 months ago, VSDB

We are incredibly proud of the VSDB goalball teams! They showcased outstanding hard work, perseverance, and teamwork at the EAAB Goalball Tournament in New York. Both teams earned 2nd place! In addition, Amayah and Morris were named All Stars, while Michael received an honorable mention. Congratulations to all the players for their fantastic effort and dedication!

4 months ago, Julie Saum

The VSDB boys goalball team and their coaches are lined up posing for a picture with their 2nd place trophy. Each player has a silver medal around their neck.

The VSDB girls goalball players and their coaches are posing for a picture with their 2nd place trophy. Each player has a silver medal around their neck.

One VSDB player and six other players from various schools are lined up for a picture during the awards ceremony.

One VSDB player and five other players from various schools are line up posing for a picture during the awards ceremony.

A VSDB goalball player is on the court preparing to throw the ball.

‼️Update: The boys will play another game at 6:30!‼️ The VSDB goalball teams have been playing hard all day at the tournament. The boys team will play next at 4:30pm in the bronze game. They still have a chance to make it to the gold medal game. The girls team won a very exciting game against NYISE (6-5) and will now play at 5:00pm in the gold medal game!! Let's go defenders!

4 months ago, Julie Saum

Two VSDB girl players are on the court. The right wing player is throwing the ball.

Three VSDB boy players are defending on the court. The center player blocks the ball.

Edit Update: The girls team won their 11:00am game. They will play at 2:30pm against NYISE. EAAB Goalball Tournament Update: The VSDB boys goalball team won against Maryland School for the Blind (13-3) and the VSDB girls goalball team defeated Governor Morehead's (10-6). The girls are set to play again at 11:00am (start times may be a little delayed). The boys team will play at 1:00pm. Cheer on the team and watch the game with the link below! Join VSDB Girls Goalball on GameChanger https://web.gc.com/teams/iByFUQDdSazS/live Join VSDB Boys Goalball on GameChanger https://web.gc.com/teams/rmmFtxtGj6tJ/live

4 months ago, Julie Saum

Two VSDB girls defend and the center player blocks the ball.

Three VSDB boys are playing on the court. The left wing player is throwing the ball.

Good morning! Our Goalball teams are in New York for the EAAB Tournament and we e are cheering them on from afar. Last night, the Boys won 11-5 vs WV and the Girls lost 5-1 vs. WV. This morning, they are ready to hit the court again! Boys vs. Maryland @8am Girls vs. Governor Morehead @ 9:30am Follow along on GameChanger for updates and to watch live. Boys games: https://web.gc.com/teams/rmmFtxtGj6tJ/live Girls games: https://web.gc.com/teams/iByFUQDdSazS/live

4 months ago, VSDB