The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind

🌳 Honoring Our Trees, Protecting Our Campus 🌳 We recently made the difficult decision to remove one of our oldest campus trees after it showed signs of rapid decline. Over the past year, our staff noticed it was leaning toward campus buildings, and an arborist confirmed that the tree was dying and posed a safety risk. This oak was first documented on our campus in 1815, making it more than 210 years old—a living witness to generations of students, faculty, and change. Saying goodbye to such a long-standing part of our history is never easy, but safety must come first. The good news: our Tree Committee is deeply committed to caring for and preserving our beautiful campus canopy. For every tree we lose, we plant two new trees—a promise to restore and grow the green spaces that make our campus so special. We’re also investing in the long-term health of our remaining trees, including the magnificent white oak in front of Main Hall, which now benefits from root treatments and a lightning protection system to help it thrive for generations to come. 🌱 Here’s to honoring our past, preserving what we can, and planting for the future.

about 4 hours ago, VSDB

machinery working on the upper branches of this oak tree. fall colors shine as the sun beams through from behind the tree

machinery working on the upper branches of this oak tree. fall colors shine as the sun beams through

plaque identifying this tree as a white oak in 1815

*National Award Alert*

Principal Lindsay Burris had the honor of recognizing VSDB’s Orientation and Mobility Specialist Lisa Auwarter as the National Outstanding Service Provider of the Year. This award was presented by the Council of Schools for the Blind. Ms. Auwarter was selected for this national award in recognition of her excellence and dedication to students who are blind or visually impaired. She has 42 years of service to the field. Lisa is a tireless advocate and a skilled professional who is fully committed to the students and families that she works with. VSDB is so fortunate to have Lisa Auwarter on staff. Congratulations for this well deserved recognition!

#TogetherWeEmpower #VSDB #NationalAward #COSB

15 days ago, VSDB

Lindsay Burris standing with Lisa Auwarter holding a plaque recognizing Lisa as the Service Provider of the Year

Copper colored plaque mounted on wood that reads in both print and braille: COSB Council of Schools & Services for the Blind is proud to present the Outstanding Related Service Provider Award To Lisa Auwarter on October 14, 2025 for outstanding performance and leadership in your fie

🚍 Another road trip! Lady Defenders head to Legacy Christian. Time to lock in and play strong!
#VSDBAthletics #GoDefenders

The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here: https://web.gc.com/teams/9gC4087SQw9d?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link

16 days ago, David Owens

From stories and art, to teamwork and exploration, VSDB students discover new ways to learn and express themselves every day!

17 days ago, VSDB

A flyer featuring students from the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind engaging in reading, drawing, and hands-on activities in a colorful classroom and library setting. The flyer includes the title “Where Imagination Comes to Life!” with illustrated books and cartoon brains representing creativity and learning.

🏠 Huge HOMECOMING showdown! The Defenders battle PSD in an early match. Don’t miss this!
#Homecoming #VSDBVolleyball #DefendThisHouse

The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here: https://web.gc.com/teams/9gC4087SQw9d?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link

22 days ago, David Owens

⚽ Special early HOMECOMING game! VSDB faces PSD right here at home. Pack the field and cheer on the Defenders!
#GoDefenders #VSDBPride

The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here: https://web.gc.com/teams/K3ghvbsE8tnp?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link

22 days ago, David Owens

🔥 HOMECOMING SHOWDOWN 🔥
It’s the Homecoming Game for VSDB Blind Soccer as we host Maryland School for the Blind!
Come out, pack the sidelines, and make it an unforgettable night for our Defenders! 🏠
📍 VSDB | ⏰ Game Time: October 15th
Let’s defend our house on the biggest stage of the season!
#Homecoming2025 #DefendThisHouse #GoDefenders

The game can be live streamed or live-scoring by viewing the teams page on the gamechanger app here; https://web.gc.com/teams/nJNuzTUaQUeh?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link

22 days ago, David Owens

White Cane Awareness Day reminds us of the importance of independence, safety, and equality for blind individuals.
Join the celebration TODAY, October 15 and spread awareness about the power of the white cane!

#WhiteCaneAwarenessDay #TogetherWeEmpower #VSDB

22 days ago, VSDB

Group of students and adults walking under an archway made of white canes outside a brick building during a White Cane Awareness Day celebration. A graphic box on the left reads: ‘Fun Fact — White Cane Awareness Day is celebrated every year on October 15 in all 50 states. The white cane is an essential tool that allows blind people to travel freely, safely, and independently.

White Cane laws protect the right of blind individuals to travel freely and independently with a cane or guide dog in all 50 states!
Let’s continue celebrating independence, equality, and confidence during Blindness Awareness Month!

#BlindnessAwarenessMonth #Together We Empower #VSDB

23 days ago, VSDB

Three young girls wearing medals stand on a podium in front of a classroom blackboard, smiling during a White Cane Awareness Day event. A woman stands nearby wearing a red cap and gray shirt. The graphic text above them reads: ‘Fun Fact — White Cane laws in every state protect the right of blind people to travel independently with a cane or guide dog

Rescheduled to 10/14!
This matchup was rescheduled to this afternoon and will be at VSDB! Defenders host ENCSD—let’s bring the energy and make it count!
#HomeFieldAdvantage #DefendThisHouse

The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here: https://web.gc.com/teams/K3ghvbsE8tnp?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link

24 days ago, David Owens

Get ready for Homecoming Week! Show your school spirit by dressing up for each day’s theme!

🤪Monday - Mix-Match Day

💁‍♀️💁‍♂️Tuesday - Twin/Triplet Day

⏪Wednesday - Way Back Wednesday

🎉Thursday - Defender Pride (school colors)

💤Friday - Pajama Day

#HomecomingWeek #SchoolSpirit #VSDB #GrowDoBecome #PreparingStudentsForLife #TogetherWeEmpower

27 days ago, VSDB

Graphic poster announcing “Homecoming Week Spirit Days.” Each day has a theme labeled and graphics to match the theme. The design features bold red bars for each date on a cream background with a blue border

Mark your calendars — Picture Day is October 28th at VSDB! Make sure your child is dressed and ready to shine for their photo!

27 days ago, VSDB

Graphic announcement with a red border that says ‘Picture Day October 28th!’ in bold blue text above an illustration of a black camera. The message at the bottom reads: ‘Make sure your child comes dressed in their chosen outfit and is ready to show off their best smile!

🍎 Crunch Time! 🍎
Our students joined in on the ninth annual Crunch Heard ’Round the Commonwealth as part of Virginia Farm to School Week! All across Virginia, students took a big CRUNCH out of fresh, Virginia-grown apples to celebrate local farms and healthy eating. We even enjoyed a taste of delicious, apple cider! 🍏✨

#FarmToSchool #VACrunch #TogetherWeEmpower #VSDB

28 days ago, VSDB

ablue flyer has a big apple with a bite taken out of it in the middle and shares the information about Crunch day!

a student is inside and touching an apple from a apple orchard background

a student is inside and "picking" an apple from a apple orchard background

There are several baskets with different types of apples on the table

A student is drinking apple cider and holding a yellow and red apple

a student looks at the camera while biting into a green apple

a student sits by a table while biting into a red apple

A male student is biting into a green apple and looking at the camera

A female student is biting into a yellow nad red apple

A student is in front of a apple field background and smiling while reaching for an "apple basket"

💥 Rivalry matchup! VSDB travels to take on DSD. Let’s bring the fight!
#DefendersStrong #VSDBAthletics

The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here: https://web.gc.com/teams/9gC4087SQw9d?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link

28 days ago, David Owens

💥 Rivalry Energy! Defenders travel to face DSD. Time to fight for every goal and every win!
#VSDBStrong #DefendersSoccer

The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here: https://web.gc.com/teams/K3ghvbsE8tnp?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link

28 days ago, David Owens

October is White Cane Awareness Month/Blind Awareness Month! Let’s celebrate the independence, safety, and empowerment the white cane represents. 🤍👨‍🦯 #WhiteCaneDay #VSDB #GrowDoBecome #TogetherWeEmpower #PreparingStudentsForLife

28 days ago, VSDB

Graphic flyer titled ‘Did You Know?’with blue background with text that reads: ‘The white cane extends a person’s sense of touch and awareness, helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired detect obstacles, curbs, steps, and pathways.

At VSDB, every moment is about connection—whether in the classroom or out on the playground. When a student lost part of her cochlear implant, our staff immediately joined forces to help. Their teamwork and care remind us what makes this community so special.

#VSDBStrong #Teamwork #SupportStudents #TogetherWeEmpower #GrowDoBecome

30 days ago, VSDB

Several VSDB Staff members are looking around outside

A VSDB staff member is looking under a bench

A VSDB staff member is looking in some grass

Two VSDB staff members are crossing (and looking around) the courtyard

A VSDB Security Officer is looking under some bushes

🏐 Back on home court! Lady Defenders face Highlands. Pack the gym and bring the energy!
#DefendThisHouse #GoDefenders

about 1 month ago, David Owens

Fall is in full swing at VSDB! 🍁 Our students are enjoying the crisp air, hands-on gardening, and exploring all the changes this season brings

about 1 month ago, VSDB

Collage of students gardening and exploring corn plants outdoors at VSDB during fall. The flyer is decorated with pumpkins, leaves, and vines, with the text ‘Fall is Here! At VSDB’ in orange and brown lettering.

Score updates:
Our volleyball team played ASD and lost 0-2 and played WPSD ending in a tie 1-1.
Our soccer team played WPSD and won 2-0.

Stay tuned for more updates throughout the weekend!

about 1 month ago, VSDB