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!)
3 days ago, VSDB
young girl at a lunch table with cucumbers on her eyes
young boy with cucumbers on his eyes
young girl with cucumbers on her eyes
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
11 days ago, VSDB
The VSDB logo is above the words "We are Hiring" underneath it is a blue banner that says "Updated 6/12/2026"
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

12 days ago, VSDB
A cecropia moth is clinging onto a silver door. The moths is reddish bodies and black to brown wings surrounded by bands of white, red, and tan.
This is an extreme close up of the Cecropia moths. You can see its fuzzy red legs, fuzzy antenas, and the tsrat of brown and white fuzzy wings. .
A cecropia moth with reddish bodies and black to brown wings surrounded by bands of white, red, and tan clings to a brick building.
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
13 days ago, VSDB
flyer for family literacy workshop. all text is in main post. image of the book, Tuesday, by David Wiesner. QR code to scan to access registration link.
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

14 days ago, VSDB
Superintendent Charity Warigon stands beside Faith Cummings, who is seated, both smiling toward the camera. They are in front of a white brick wall with a wall‑mounted planter filled with green foliage and yellow flowers. Charity wears a black outfit and glasses; Ms. Cummings wears a green floral dress. The setting appears to be an indoor or covered patio space.
☀️ 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!
21 days ago, VSDB
two photos. top image is a group of students working together to remove prizes out of an ice block. bottom image is students playing "Can Jam"
three images. top left: cookout set up and students going through the line to make their plate. top right: one student making an exaggerated face as he dumps water on his own head. bottom image: spiderman playing one of the table games, trying to bounce a ping pong ball into one long cylinder.
three photos. top image: blind dept students playing "Can Jam". bottom left: Angel standing with spiderman. bottom right: students playing ring toss.
two photos. top image: one student playing a table game swiping balls with a pool noodle into baskets. bottom image:spiderman and female student laughing
three images: top left: one student digs in ice, trying to uncover prizes frozen within. top right: student stands with spiderman. bottom: all students watch as spiderman and one student shoot basketball.
two images. top image: student playing pickleball. bottom image: students making beaded jewelry.
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!
22 days ago, VSDB
young children, teenagers, and two staff around a table working on crafts
group of two staff, 4 children, and one teen helper on the playground, lined up and smiling for the camera
one staff, two teen helpers, and four children lined up against the wall and smiling for the camera. they are wearing leis and crowns.
young boy and girl with curly hair and stickers stuck to their faces smiling for the camera
group lined up on the playground and smiling for the camera
group working on a craft around a table, one child doing his craft on the floor

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

22 days ago, VSDB
The VSDB logo is above the words "We are Hiring" underneath it is a blue banner that says "Updated 6/1/2026"
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.
27 days ago, VSDB
Sammy holding his ball and smiling for the camera
Sammy with Chuck Schwab and two other Lions. Sammy is holding his white cane and his ball.
Sammy holding his ball and white cane and smiling for the camera
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
about 1 month ago, VSDB
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!
about 1 month ago, VSDB
male high school students eating lunch in the cafeteria and signing to Dr. Maxlow. Dr. Maxlow is smiling as they talk to her.
several male high school students emphatically signing "YES" and Dr. Maxlow laughing
two female students talking to Dr. Maxlow in a classroom
Dr. Maxlow and Ms. Conner talking to two male students in a classroom as they work
Dr. Maxlow at a table with 5th grade students while they eat lunch and talk with her
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
about 1 month ago, VSDB
VSDB's crest is above the words "we are hiring. Updated 5/15/2026".

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

about 1 month ago, VSDB
The VSDB logo is above the words "We are Hiring" underneath it is a blue banner that says "Updated 5/11/2026"
🎶✨ 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

about 2 months ago, VSDB
Students performing on a stage with country decor in the background. There is a singer, a guitar player, a piano player, and an accordian player.
Students are performing on stage, while others are dancing at the base of the stage with someone in a full chicken costume.
A young student is on stage playing a green fiddle. Country decor is in the background.
students are performing on stage. In the foreground we can see a "chicken coop" in the backrgound there is country decor.
Students are performing on stage with country decor in the background.
A student is playing at the piano.
Mr. Charles Schwab, Mary Beth Schwab, Lindsay Burris, and Charity Reedy Warigon stand for a photo outside.
Lindsay Burris, Dr. Kate Maxlow, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Education, Julie Conner, and Charity Reedy Warigon stand outside at VSDB.
We have an exciting announcement! VSDB has officially received Full Accreditation from the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD). Last accredited by CEASD in 2012, VSDB is proud to reattain our accreditation status, reaffirming our commitment to accountability and credibility, quality education, student success, and continuous improvement. Thank you to all of our stakeholders, survey participants, feedback groups, and steering committee for your hard work and dedication. Your voices and commitment make a difference every day for our amazing students! Our commitment to growth, accountability, and creating spaces where students build identity, belonging, and leadership remains strong. We couldn’t be more proud to see our students continue to Grow, Do, and Become! [ID: group photo of the VSDB Accreditation Steering Committee on the porch of Main Hall: Lindsay Burris is in the center holding the certificate from CEASD.]
about 2 months ago, VSDB
six women standing on the porch of main hall. one is holding the CEASD certificate
closeup of CEASD certificate

🎬Behind the Scenes: Work Based Learning Video Production 🎬

Our students and staff have been hard at work preparing for this Friday, May 8th at our annual Work Study Breakfast – - a special event where we celebrate the accomplishments and growth of our students throughout the year!
At the breakfast, we’ll welcome our on-campus and off-campus work site supervisors for a morning of appreciation, breakfast, a guest speaker, and recognition of our amazing students as they receive certificates for their participation in the Work Study Program this year.
One of the highlights of the morning will be the premiere of our professionally produced end-of-year Work Study video, showcasing students in action throughout the school year, along with interviews featuring VSDB staff, community business partners, and students. The video will be released publicly at a later date!
A huge THANK YOU goes to Mike O’Neal of @huskyunicornmedia, who generously donated countless hours filming, directing, and editing this special project. We are incredibly grateful for his talent, creativity, and dedication in helping us capture our Work Based Learning program and the experiences of our students.
Feel free to check out Mike on Instagram: @huskyunicornmedia or on his Facebook page: Husky Unicorn Media
We’d also like to recognize Colin Ernest, who served as assistant producer during filming. 🎥👏
We can’t wait to celebrate the hard work, growth, and accomplishments of our students and community partners!
#WorkBasedLearning #WorkStudy #CareerReadiness #StudentSuccess #VSDB #TogetherWeEmpower
_________________________________________________________________________
#1 Picture: Filming the general manager at Food Lion
#2 Picture: Behind the scenes in
#3 Picture: Filming at NuBeginning Farm: The Store
#4 Picture: Mike and Colin setting up for on campus interviews

about 2 months ago, VSDB
A sliver of a person is shown standing in a grocery store while the camerman is recording them.
Three monitors are set up. Two dispaly editing software, one has a clip of the film on it.
Students and staff are gathered in a grocery store and are signing to each other. There is a camera man recording everything, and a man holding a light stick tpwards to group.
Peeople are setting up filming equipment - one person is plugging in a charger while the other sets up a lighting rig.
Earlier this month, VSDB hosted DARS Day in partnership with the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)! Regional Counselors of the Deaf (RCDs) visited campus to share information about services that support our Deaf students as they transition to adulthood. Students ages 14 and up had the opportunity to meet with their RCDs from their home regions, ask questions, and begin building important connections for their future. Events like this play a vital role in helping students prepare for life after high school and connect with the supports they need to succeed. To learn more about the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), go to: https://dars.virginia.gov/ #VSDB #TransitionServices #DARS #PreETS #WorkBasedLearning #CareerReadiness #DeafEducation #StudentSuccess #FutureReady #VocationalRehabilitation #TogetherWeEmpower
about 2 months ago, VSDB
Students sit around a table looking at a speaker
students are sitting around a table while having a conversation
students make funny faces and pose with peace signs
students mingle in a room while a power point slide is projected.
As of April 27th, 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
• Housekeeping Worker
To apply, please visit - https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/search?page=1&query=vsdb.

#VSDB #Careers #TogetherWeEmpower
about 2 months ago, VSDB
VSDB's logo is above the words "We are hiring. Updated 4/27/2026".

A group of VSDB staff and fellow classmates went to Eastern Mennonite University to support recent VSDB graduate, Carina Groll, at her Jazz Ensemble Concert. Carina was known for her outstanding piano skills throughout her time at VSDB. She and the group dazzled everyone with a variety of jazz pieces spanning the world. We were so proud to support her and wish her continued success in everything she continues to do after VSDB!

about 2 months ago, VSDB
a group of VSDB students with VSDB Alum and EMU student, Carina. Left to right - Gladys, Morris. Carina, Charlotte, Amiyah, Mikayla, and Macy. Carina has a big smile and is wearing a sunshine headband.
🎶 Take me home… to our Spring Concert!

Get ready for a toe-tappin’, exciting evening as our talented students bring you "Country Road"! From uplifting melodies to show-stopping performances, this is a night you won’t want to miss. 🎤✨

Join us as we celebrate the season with music, joy, and a whole lot of school spirit.

📅 May 7th, 2026
📍Healy Auditorium
⏰ 1pm

Grab your boots (optional) and come cheer on our amazing performers!

#SpringConcert #CountryRoad #VSDBP #TogetherWeEmpower
2 months ago, VSDB
A guitar is in the background of the words " Country Road. May 7th, 2026. Healy Auditorium. 1PM"