Learning independence happens in everyday moments—and families can help make those moments count!
VSDB’s ECC Family Learning Experience: “Let Them Try” brings hands-on learning right to your home! Families will receive activity kits to explore with their children, along with virtual monthly workshops that explain the activities and offer ideas for supporting your child’s growth and independence.
📅 First workshop: November 10
📦 Register soon so your family can receive its kit in time for the first experience!
Ready to learn, explore, and grow together? Find details and register here:
🔗 https://www.vsdb.k12.va.us/page/let-them-try-ecc
#VSDB #FamilyEngagement #ExpandedCoreCurriculum #TogetherWeEmpower
Our newly formed VSDB PTO surprised teachers and service providers with goodie bags during the September 11 teacher workday—and judging by these smiles, the surprise was a hit! 😍
We extend a huge THANK YOU to our PTO for helping us get through the day with a little extra sweetness. We appreciate you and all you’re already doing to support our VSDB community!
Last week we were honored to welcome Dr. Jeffrey O. Smith, Secretary of Education , Dr. Abby Edwards, Deputy Secretary of Education, and Andrea Mariscal-Guzman, Executive Assistant, to the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind!
During their visit, they had the opportunity to see the incredible growth happening across our campus and experience the unique programs and learning opportunities that make VSDB so special.
From our Taxidermy Room, where Blind Department students explore and learn about animals through hands-on, tangible experiences, to our tactile maps that make learning more accessible, our students engage with the world in meaningful ways. Our visitors also had the opportunity to meet Blind Department students and hear firsthand about the impact of VSDB from those who matter most – our students!
In our Deaf Department, they visited classrooms, interacted with Deaf students, and experienced the engaging, immersive learning taking place across our programs. These meaningful conversations and classroom visits offered a glimpse into how our educators create accessible, enriching experiences that support student growth and success every day.
They also explored our Independent Living Apartments and Store, where students develop practical, everyday skills and build independence.
We’re proud to showcase the dedicated staff, innovative programs, and meaningful learning experiences that help our students grow, thrive, and prepare for life beyond the classroom. Thank you for taking the time to visit and see the wonderful things happening at VSDB!
#VSDB #PreparingStudentsForLife
The adventure is on—and your family is invited!
Cane Quest is coming to VSDB on October 12, and this year, we’re rolling out the red carpet! ⭐
Students who are blind or visually impaired are invited to put their travel skills, confidence, problem-solving, and independence to the test as they navigate their Cane Quest routes and tackle challenges along the way.
But this year’s adventure doesn’t stop there…
🎭 The Wayne Theatre is joining us for a special performance for our Cane Quest participants at the end of the day!
But Cane Quest isn’t just for students. We want families to join us, too! ❤️
While students are taking on their Cane Quest challenges, parents and family members can participate in special workshops designed for families. It’s a chance to learn, connect, celebrate, and experience the day together.
🔦 Lights.
📸 Camera.
🦯 Cane Quest!
📅 October 12
📍 Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind
Students from VSDB, WVSDB, and schools throughout the community are invited to participate.
👉 Registration is OPEN! https://www.vsdb.k12.va.us/page/virginia-cane-quest
Come spend the day celebrating independence, confidence, adventure, and the incredible things our students can do!
Grab your family. Strike a pose. And get ready for Cane Quest! 🎬🦯⭐
#VSDB #CaneQuest #LightsCameraCaneQuest #OrientationAndMobility #WhiteCaneDay #FamilyEngagement #TogetherWeEmpower #Independence
We would also like to thank The Book Dragon of Downtown Staunton for coming and spending the day with us and selling Kerry's books. We *almost* sold out, but Kerry signed the few that were left, and they will continue to be sold at the Book Dragon - run to get one before they're gone!
This recognition celebrates schools across Virginia that are working to increase students’ environmental awareness, literacy, and stewardship—and this past year, our students and staff have been busy connecting learning with the world around them!
Throughout the year, VSDB:
🌱 Added Environmental Science classes
💧 Participated in a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE)
🛠️ Completed service projects benefiting our campus
🌳 Continued our Tree Campus designation
🌾 Continued participation in programs such as CROPS
…and much more!
We are proud of the many ways our students are learning about, exploring, and caring for the environment and Virginia's natural resources. 🌎💚
Congratulations to everyone who helped make this Year 2 Virginia Naturally Schools Recognition possible! We’re excited to continue growing, learning, and finding new ways to connect our students with the world around them as we look ahead to Year 3! 🌱✨
VSDB is thrilled to host author Kerry O'Malley Cerra on September 15 at 12:30 pm - and, even better, YOU'RE invited! RSVP at https://bit.ly/VSDB-KerryCerra
Join us to learn more about her journey as a writer, her books, and the fascinating stories that inspire her work. Our students have been particularly interested in learning more about the story that inspired her book, The Gallaudet Eleven: The Story of NASA’s Deaf Bioastronauts, and we are looking forward to exploring more about that in the coming weeks - including a presentation from some of our students from the Blind Department who have attended NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.
Kerry has also partnered with The Book Dragon here in Staunton to sell some of her books at this event, while she stays to sign them for you! Learn more about Kerry and her work by visiting her website https://www.kerryomalleycerra.com/
[Image Description: Flyer with information about the event and photos of Kerry as well as covers of her books: Hear Me, The Gallaudet 11, Make a Little Wave, Just a Drop of Water, and A Name Sign for Seraphina. Text reads: "VSDB invites you to meet author Kerry O'Malley Cerra. Join us for a special afternoon with award-winning deaf author Kerry O'Malley Cerra as she shares her journey as a writer, her books, and the fascinating stories that inspire her work. Kerry will talk about her writing process and her work bringing important stories to young readers—including the remarkable story of the Gallaudet 11, the Deaf men whose participation in NASA research helped advance our understanding of the human body's response to spaceflight. Come hear from Kerry, learn more about her books, and discover how real people and their stories can inspire us to see history, science, and possibility in new ways. September 15, 12:30 pm, VSDB Healy Auditorium. So we can best plan for our community guests, please RSVP at https://bit.ly/VSDB-KerryCerra.]
VSDB is thrilled to host author Kerry O'Malley Cerra on September 15 at 12:30 pm - and, even better, YOU'RE invited! RSVP at https://bit.ly/VSDB-KerryCerra
Join us to learn more about her journey as a writer, her books, and the fascinating stories that inspire her work. Our students have been particularly interested in learning more about the story that inspired her book, The Gallaudet Eleven: The Story of NASA’s Deaf Bioastronauts, and we are looking forward to exploring more about that in the coming weeks - including a presentation from some of our students from the Blind Department who have attended NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.
Kerry has also partnered with The Book Dragon here in Staunton to sell some of her books at this event, while she stays to sign them for you! Learn more about Kerry and her work by visiting her website https://www.kerryomalleycerra.com/
[Image Description: Flyer with information about the event and photos of Kerry as well as covers of her books: Hear Me, The Gallaudet 11, Make a Little Wave, Just a Drop of Water, and A Name Sign for Seraphina. Text reads: "VSDB invites you to meet author Kerry O'Malley Cerra. Join us for a special afternoon with award-winning deaf author Kerry O'Malley Cerra as she shares her journey as a writer, her books, and the fascinating stories that inspire her work. Kerry will talk about her writing process and her work bringing important stories to young readers—including the remarkable story of the Gallaudet 11, the Deaf men whose participation in NASA research helped advance our understanding of the human body's response to spaceflight. Come hear from Kerry, learn more about her books, and discover how real people and their stories can inspire us to see history, science, and possibility in new ways. September 15, 12:30 pm, VSDB Healy Auditorium. So we can best plan for our community guests, please RSVP at https://bit.ly/VSDB-KerryCerra.]
As of July 17, 2026, the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind is accepting applications for the following vacancies:
• Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - Science
• ASL/English Interpreter
• Housekeeping Worker
• Residential Advisor - 2nd Shift
• Residential Advisor - 3rd Shift
• Food Service Worker (Wage)
To apply, please visit - https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/search?page=1&query=vsdb.
#VSDB #Careers #TogetherWeEmpower
Our Educational Farm has been growing all summer, and it's amazing to see everything flourishing! From fresh garlic and towering corn to a variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, this year's harvest is shaping up to be a great one.
A huge thank you to our dedicated staff Julie Roller and Kaela Patterson for caring for the farm throughout the summer, and an extra special shout-out to Todd Ashworth for his hard work and commitment. Your efforts make this space possible!
We're excited to use some of the harvest in our cafeteria and sell some at our harvest market while giving students meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities when they return.
🌿💚 #VSDB #TogetherWeEmpower #EducationalFarm #GrowingTogether
As of June 30, 2026, the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind is accepting applications for the following vacancies.
• Teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
• Teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing – Science
• ASL/English Interpreter
• Housekeeping Worker
To apply, please visit - https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/search?page=1&query=vsdb.
#VSDB #Careers #TogetherWeEmpower
Jessica McMahon was born into a Deaf family, making American Sign Language (ASL) her native language. She is a proud alumna of the Arkansas School for the Deaf, Gallaudet University, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Jessica has dedicated her career to serving Deaf students and their families. She has worked at three Deaf schools across Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee, with the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind becoming her fourth residential school community. She has also served in a mainstream program with the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Throughout her career, Jessica has held a variety of roles, including dorm staff, teacher, Athletic Director, Principal, Chief Academic Officer, and ASL specialist. Each role has strengthened her passion for education, leadership, and creating meaningful opportunities for Deaf students.
Jessica is excited to join VSDB and looks forward to learning about the school's rich history, building relationships, and working alongside the entire VSDB community. She is eager for the year ahead and hopes to make it a great one together!
#VSDB #DeafPrincipal #TogetherWeEmpower
This annual designation, awarded by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), recognizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability through responsible environmental practices, energy efficiency, and thoughtful policies.
As a campus , we continue to make intentional choices that support both environmental stewardship and responsible resource management. VSDB remains dedicated to creating a campus that is environmentally conscious, efficient, and prepared for the future.
We are grateful for the efforts of our staff members who help make sustainability a part of our everyday work. Together, we are building a greener future while continuing to prepare students for life.
#VSDB #Enviornment #TogetherWeEmpower
• Audiology
• Teacher of the Deaf Elementary
• Teacher of Multi Disabilities
• ASL/English Interpreter
• English Language Learner (ELL)
• Teacher Assistant
• Food Service Worker
To apply, please visit - https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/search?page=1&query=vsdb.
#VSDB #Careers #TogetherWeEmpower
Meet our unofficial campus visitor: the Cecropia Moth, North America’s largest native moth and a creature that, fun fact, doesn’t have ears and sees the world very differently. No wonder she was drawn to our school!
And don’t worry, this beautiful visitor is in good hands. She has been carefully relocated her to a safe spot so she can continue her stay with us in comfort and style.
VSDB: loved by students, staff… and apparently moths with excellent taste.
#VSDB #Moth #TogetherWeEmpower
