Listen Up, Virginia!
On July 11, VSDB was proud to host Lions Club members from across Virginia who are training for the ListenUp! Preschool Hearing Health Outreach Program, an exciting partnership that provides free hearing screenings for children enrolled in daycares, preschools, and similar programs. While most babies receive a hearing screening at birth, hearing loss can develop later—and some children who do not pass their newborn screening may be lost to follow-up. ListenUp! is helping close that gap by bringing hearing screenings directly to groups of young children (ages 2-5 years) in communities across the Commonwealth, supporting earlier identification and access to services when needed.
During yesterday's training, audiologist Meredith Heiner taught participants how to conduct Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing, and Lions members in District 24-L had the opportunity to practice their new skills with one another. The ListenUp! program began in Lions District 24-C (Southwest Virginia) and is now expanding to Lions Clubs across the state, with the goal of making screenings available statewide by early 2027!
We are grateful for the dedication of our Lions Club partners and excited to be part of an initiative that has the potential to make a meaningful difference for children and families across Virginia. For more information about this program, visit the ListenUp! section of our website at https://www.vsdb.k12.va.us/page/listenup or call the Lions Club program coordinators at 804-592-0499.
🌱 Our Educational Farm is Blooming! 🌽🧄
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
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
🎆 Happy Fourth of July from the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind! 🎆
This Independence Day is an especially meaningful one as we celebrate America's 250th birthday!
As we celebrate this historic occasion, we're grateful for the incredible students, families, staff, alumni, and friends who make our community so special. We wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and joyful Fourth of July filled with celebration, connection, and plenty of red, white, and blue! ❤️🤍💙
#Happy4thOfJuly #America250 #VSDB #PreparingStudentsForLife
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
We are thrilled to announce that Jessica McMahon has been selected as the Principal of the Deaf Department, effective June 25, 2026.
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
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
We are proud to share that VSDB has been recognized through the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP)! 🌱
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
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
May your summer be as carefree and relaxed as these preschoolers, who somehow transformed lunchtime into spa time. 🥒✨
What started with one student and a couple cucumber slices quickly became the hottest wellness trend in the cafeteria. We'd say our youngest students have summer vacation mode activated. 😄☀️
(We're also pretty sure these little ones have self-care figured out better than the rest of us!)
As of June 12, 2026, the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind is accepting applications for the following vacancies.
• 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
• 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
A Cecropia Moth showing up on the door of Byrd Hall is already a mood — but this one has been hanging around for days, so we’re starting to think she’s either missing our students… or applying to be the newest VSDB teacher.
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
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
Families of children who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind are invited to a hands-on literacy experience as we create a story box inspired by the beloved book "Tuesday" by David Wiesner and discover fun and meaningful ways to support literacy at home! Each family will leave with a completed story box and practical ideas to support literacy and language at home.
Date: Friday, July 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Address: 104 VSDB Dr. Staunton, VA 24401
In this workshop you will:
- learn about literacy development and why it matters for your child
- create a story box to take home and enjoy
- explore ways to make reading interactive and engaging
- practice using story box materials with guidance and support
Light snacks will be provided. This workshop is designed for parents and caregivers. While children are welcome to accompany their families if needed, formal childcare and child programming will not be available.
Seats are limited - register now! https://bit.ly/TuesdayStoryBox
We hope you'll join us for a morning of learning, creativity, and literacy fun!
For questions related to this, please contact Julie Saum at 540-480-6156 or julie.saum@vsdb.k12.va.us
Date: Friday, July 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Address: 104 VSDB Dr. Staunton, VA 24401
In this workshop you will:
- learn about literacy development and why it matters for your child
- create a story box to take home and enjoy
- explore ways to make reading interactive and engaging
- practice using story box materials with guidance and support
Light snacks will be provided. This workshop is designed for parents and caregivers. While children are welcome to accompany their families if needed, formal childcare and child programming will not be available.
Seats are limited - register now! https://bit.ly/TuesdayStoryBox
We hope you'll join us for a morning of learning, creativity, and literacy fun!
For questions related to this, please contact Julie Saum at 540-480-6156 or julie.saum@vsdb.k12.va.us
Superintendent Charity Warigon recently visited Faith Cummings at her nursing home in Fishersville, VA, to thank her for an extraordinary act of generosity. Although she had no prior connection to VSDB, Ms. Cummings—who is blind—chose to donate her personal collection of braille books, brailled music, and craft materials to benefit our students.
With the help of her friend Glenda Castro, dozens of boxes of brailled music scores, knitting and crocheting patterns, yarn, and other supplies made their way to campus.
During the visit, Ms. Cummings shared stories from her fascinating life and her experiences as a blind woman navigating the world with resilience and creativity. Her kindness and spirit will leave a lasting impact on the VSDB community.
#VSDB #TogetherWeEmpower #Grateful
With the help of her friend Glenda Castro, dozens of boxes of brailled music scores, knitting and crocheting patterns, yarn, and other supplies made their way to campus.
During the visit, Ms. Cummings shared stories from her fascinating life and her experiences as a blind woman navigating the world with resilience and creativity. Her kindness and spirit will leave a lasting impact on the VSDB community.
#VSDB #TogetherWeEmpower #Grateful
☀️ The school year has ended and our students are off enjoying their summer break, but we miss them already!
Don't mind us as we reminisce about the Fun Day our residential program hosted for students. Although the rain tried to wash away the excitement, we had plenty to spare! From a DIY splash bucket (thanks to our facilities department!), to pickleball, Can Jam, ring toss, and so much more, the evening was filled with fun, laughter, and smiles.
We even had a surprise appearance from our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man! 🕷️
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing cafeteria team for providing a delicious cookout for students and staff! 🍔🌭
We'd also like to thank the students from the James Madison University Sport & Recreation Management Program for joining us and helping facilitate activities throughout the evening. We appreciate your energy, enthusiasm, and partnership in making this event such a success!
Don't mind us as we reminisce about the Fun Day our residential program hosted for students. Although the rain tried to wash away the excitement, we had plenty to spare! From a DIY splash bucket (thanks to our facilities department!), to pickleball, Can Jam, ring toss, and so much more, the evening was filled with fun, laughter, and smiles.
We even had a surprise appearance from our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man! 🕷️
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing cafeteria team for providing a delicious cookout for students and staff! 🍔🌭
We'd also like to thank the students from the James Madison University Sport & Recreation Management Program for joining us and helping facilitate activities throughout the evening. We appreciate your energy, enthusiasm, and partnership in making this event such a success!
We had so much fun with our family ASL classes this year. While the adults were busy learning in the classroom, the children were busy learning through lessons, free play, and structured activities. Enjoy a few photos of the kids' class during our sessions!
As of June 1, 2026, the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind is accepting applications for the following vacancies.
• Audiologist
• Teacher of the Deaf Elementary
• Teacher of Multi Disabilities
• ASL/English Interpreter
• Teacher Assistant
To apply, please visit - https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/search?page=1&query=vsdb.
#VSDB #Careers #TogetherWeEmpower
We are incredibly thankful for our community partnerships and the value those partnerships bring to the families of our students. Recently, Lion Chuck Schwab attended our Beeping Egg Hunt and connected each participant with a Lion in their home community through the "Balls for All" program. Our student, Sammy, was one of those recipients. His family attended a meeting with the Broadway Lions, who sponsored Sammy.
At this meeting, Sammy was introduced to Bev London, a construction manager for Carr with several projects currently in Harrisonburg and Dayton. She really enjoyed the interaction she had with Sammy and his family and invited them for an up close and personal exploration of what their company does on a daily basis.
Vice District Gov. Chuck Schwab shared that he is very happy to see the Lions' relationship with VSDB continuing to grow and is looking forward to seeing how Lions can be a part of the VSDB community.
At this meeting, Sammy was introduced to Bev London, a construction manager for Carr with several projects currently in Harrisonburg and Dayton. She really enjoyed the interaction she had with Sammy and his family and invited them for an up close and personal exploration of what their company does on a daily basis.
Vice District Gov. Chuck Schwab shared that he is very happy to see the Lions' relationship with VSDB continuing to grow and is looking forward to seeing how Lions can be a part of the VSDB community.
We are incredibly proud of our graduates and all the hard work that brought them to this moment. Years of dedication, perseverance, growth, and plenty of memories along the way have led to this exciting milestone!
As they turn the page to their next chapter, we know they are empowered to take on whatever comes next, and we cannot wait to see all they accomplish. Congratulations, Class of 2026 — your future is bright! 🎓✨
If you missed the ceremony, you can still watch it on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX3sT_hhpFE
#2026Grads #VSDB #TogetherWeEmpower
As they turn the page to their next chapter, we know they are empowered to take on whatever comes next, and we cannot wait to see all they accomplish. Congratulations, Class of 2026 — your future is bright! 🎓✨
If you missed the ceremony, you can still watch it on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX3sT_hhpFE
#2026Grads #VSDB #TogetherWeEmpower
We were honored to welcome Dr. Kate Maxlow to campus recently!
During her visit, Dr. Maxlow toured classrooms, connected with students and staff, and even joined students in the cafeteria during lunch to experience daily life at VSDB firsthand. We also had the opportunity to share a working lunch discussion focused on the Virginia Secretary of Education’s priorities and strategic plan, as well as how VSDB’s mission and strategic goals align with statewide educational initiatives. She ended her visit with enjoying our Blind Department's annual Spring Concert!
Dr. Maxlow currently serves as Senior Advisor to the Virginia Secretary of Education, where she advises on strategy, systems alignment, and implementation across education agencies while supporting statewide education priorities in collaboration with the Secretary and the Governor’s office.
We are grateful for her time, thoughtful conversations, and genuine interest in learning more about our campus community. We look forward to continuing the partnership, as Dr. Maxlow shared her hope to visit quarterly and continue getting to know our students, staff, and mission more deeply.
Thank you, Dr. Maxlow, for spending the day with us, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
During her visit, Dr. Maxlow toured classrooms, connected with students and staff, and even joined students in the cafeteria during lunch to experience daily life at VSDB firsthand. We also had the opportunity to share a working lunch discussion focused on the Virginia Secretary of Education’s priorities and strategic plan, as well as how VSDB’s mission and strategic goals align with statewide educational initiatives. She ended her visit with enjoying our Blind Department's annual Spring Concert!
Dr. Maxlow currently serves as Senior Advisor to the Virginia Secretary of Education, where she advises on strategy, systems alignment, and implementation across education agencies while supporting statewide education priorities in collaboration with the Secretary and the Governor’s office.
We are grateful for her time, thoughtful conversations, and genuine interest in learning more about our campus community. We look forward to continuing the partnership, as Dr. Maxlow shared her hope to visit quarterly and continue getting to know our students, staff, and mission more deeply.
Thank you, Dr. Maxlow, for spending the day with us, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
As of May 15, 2026, the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind is accepting applications for the following vacancies.
• Principal – Deaf Department
• Teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing – Science
• Teacher of the Deaf Elementary
• Teacher of Multi Disabilities
• ASL/English Interpreter
• Residential Advisor – 3rd Shift
• Audiologist
To apply, please visit - https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/search?page=1&query=vsdb.
#VSDB #Careers #TogetherWeEmpower
• Principal – Deaf Department
• Teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing – Science
• Teacher of the Deaf Elementary
• Teacher of Multi Disabilities
• ASL/English Interpreter
• Residential Advisor – 3rd Shift
• Audiologist
To apply, please visit - https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/search?page=1&query=vsdb.
#VSDB #Careers #TogetherWeEmpower
As of May 11, 2026, the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind is accepting applications for the following vacancies:
• Principal – Deaf Department
• Teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing – Science
• Teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing – English
• Teacher of the Deaf Elementary
• Teacher of Multi Disabilities
• ASL/English Interpreter
• Residential Advisor – 3rd Shift
• Audiologist
To apply, please visit - https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/search?page=1&query=vsdb.
#VSDB #Careers #TogetherWeEmpower
🎶✨ Take Me Home, Country Roads ✨🎶
Our Spring Concert, Country Roads, was a beautiful celebration of music, talent, and school spirit! From heartfelt performances to toe-tapping favorites, our students truly shined on stage.
A huge thank you to our amazing students, staff, and families for sharing your time, energy, and support to make this concert such a success. We are so proud of the hard work and passion our students brought to every note! 🎤🎻👏
We also want to thank our special guests Dr. Kate Maxlow, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Education, and Mr. Charles Schwab, Lions Club First Vice District Governor in District 24-L and his wife Mary Beth Schwab who is a Treasurer for Lions of Virginia Foundation, for taking the time to come watch our students perform!
#CountryRoads #SpringConcert #VSDBProud #StudentTalent #MusicBringsUsTogether
Our Spring Concert, Country Roads, was a beautiful celebration of music, talent, and school spirit! From heartfelt performances to toe-tapping favorites, our students truly shined on stage.
A huge thank you to our amazing students, staff, and families for sharing your time, energy, and support to make this concert such a success. We are so proud of the hard work and passion our students brought to every note! 🎤🎻👏
We also want to thank our special guests Dr. Kate Maxlow, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Education, and Mr. Charles Schwab, Lions Club First Vice District Governor in District 24-L and his wife Mary Beth Schwab who is a Treasurer for Lions of Virginia Foundation, for taking the time to come watch our students perform!
#CountryRoads #SpringConcert #VSDBProud #StudentTalent #MusicBringsUsTogether
