The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind

Hello VSDB Community!

Lace up those cleats and feel that Defender spirit in the air — because VSDB Varsity Deaf Soccer is kicking off the 2025 Fall Season with POWER, PASSION, and PRIDE! ⚽

Get ready for a season of fierce competition, unstoppable teamwork, and unforgettable moments on the field.

We are proud to introduce our unstoppable coaching team leading our defenders into battle this season:

Head Coach Marla Mandujano – Bringing fierce focus, sharp tactics, and a love for the game like no other.

Assistant Coach David Owens – Delivering leadership, grit, and Defender pride every step of the way.

Together, they are building more than a team — they’re building a legacy!

This isn’t just a game.
It’s a movement.
It’s unity.
It’s tradition.
It’s where we stand shoulder to shoulder and boldly declare:

“DEFEND THIS HOUSE!”

Let’s come together and cheer on our athletes as they leave it ALL on the field this fall.
🔥 Every pass.
🔥 Every goal.
🔥 Every win — it starts with US.

#VSDBSoccer #DefenderStrong #DefendThisHouse #WeAreOneTeam

The full Soccer Game schedule is attached below! COME ON OUT!

Let’s go, Defenders — IT’S GAME TIME!

Hello VSDB Community!

Get ready to feel the heartbeat of the field — because the 2025 Varsity Blind Soccer Team is coming in STRONG and READY to make some serious noise this fall!

With fierce determination, tactical brilliance, and unshakable unity, our athletes are set to show what it really means to be a Defender.

Leading this incredible squad are two dedicated coaches who are ready to ignite a season of power and pride:

🔥 Head Coach Rachel Lovell – A bold leader bringing unmatched energy, precision, and vision to the team.

⚡ Assistant Coach Ryan Farrell – Fueling the fire with heart, hustle, and an unwavering belief in our players.

This team is more than ready.
They’re focused.
They’re fearless.
They’re FAMILY.

And this season, we’re ALL standing behind them, united as one, to say:

“DEFEND THIS HOUSE!”

💥 This isn’t just blind soccer.
💥 This is strength.
💥 This is teamwork.
💥 This is VSDB.

Let’s show up. Let’s get loud. Let’s support every play, every kick, and every moment of this epic season.

#VSDBBlindSoccer #DefendThisHouse #DefenderPride #VisionBeyondSight

The Blind Soccer Game schedule is attached below!!!

Hello VSDB Community!

The wait is OVER!
It’s time to rise up, rally loud, and show that DEFENDER PRIDE runs deep at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the 2025 Varsity Girls Volleyball season, and we’re ready to make some serious noise on the court!

Leading the charge this season is our coaching duo:

Head Coach Patti Cooke – Bringing strategy, fire, and years of experience to the team!
Assistant Coach Carrie Martin – Backing up the squad with energy, hustle, and relentless spirit!

These incredible women are ready to build champions — on and off the court.

But this isn’t just about volleyball.
This is about heart.
This is about pride.
This is about family.
This is about standing together and shouting:

“DEFEND THIS HOUSE!”

🎉 Let’s pack the gym, wear the RED, BLUE, WHITE, and BLACK to make sure every bump, set, and spike is HEARD AND FELT across campus!

Let’s go, Defenders — it’s time to SERVE UP A SEASON TO REMEMBER!

The Volleyball Game schedule is attached below!

#DefenderPride #DefendThisHouse #VSDBVolleyball #UniteAndSpike

💥 The season begins! Our Lady Defenders hit the road to take on Highland High School! Let’s show them what Defend This House really means!
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

#GoDefenders #DefendThisHouse

Girls Volleyball is officially back in action—training has started, and our team is already bringing the energy! The season kicked off with hard work, laughter, and even a double rainbow shining down on practice! Photo credit: Carrie Martin
#VSDB #Sports #VSDBPreparingStudentsForLife #TogetherWeEmpower

💡 Building Partnerships, Unlocking Potential! 💡 Today, our very own Karen Kaminski-Joyner (IEP Coordinator) and Julie Saum (Family Engagement Specialist) are representing VSDB at the PEATC 2025 Family Engagement Summit: The Power of Partnerships – Unlocking Student Potential Through Connection and Systems of Support. This dynamic event, hosted by the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center and the Virginia Department of Education, brings together educators, families, and community leaders from across the state to share innovative ideas, strengthen school-family partnerships, and explore strategies that help every student thrive. Karen and Julie are learning, networking, and bringing back fresh ideas to continue building strong school-family partnerships here at VSDB — because when families and schools work together, students shine brighter! ✨ We can’t wait to see how their takeaways will help us continue building bridges between school, home, and the wider community! #FamilyEngagement #PEATC #StudentSuccess #VSDBPreparingStudentsForLife #TogetherWeEmpower

🌟 Day 2 of the Opening Doors: Unlocking Potential Conference! 🌟

We wrapped up an incredible two-day journey of learning, connection, and collaboration. Last night’s Roundtable Session featured powerful insights from a diverse panel (including a parent of one of our students and our new Interim Superintendent), and today’s closing plenary is bringing it all home with thought-provoking conversations about language access, student potential, and creative partnerships.

Thank you to all who presented, participated, and engaged—we’re feeling inspired and ready to carry these ideas forward into the new school year! 💙💡

#OpeningDoorsUnlockingPotential 2025 #VSDBStrong #DeafEd #FamilyEngagement #CollaborateToElevate #VSDBPreparingStudentsForLife #TogetherWeEmpower

🎥✨ Welcome from Our Interim Superintendent!

We’re excited to share this special message from Charity Reedy Warigon, VSDB’s new Interim Superintendent! In this short video, she shares what makes VSDB such a remarkable place—from our incredible students to the passionate and dedicated team working across our campus. 💙❤️

Whether you’re a longtime member of the VSDB family or just getting to know us, take a moment to hear her hopes and vision for the year ahead. We’re looking forward to a meaningful, connected, and empowering school year—together!

📺 Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/8yKp8yJOp4E

#VSDBStrong #BackToSchool #VSDBCommunity #PreparingStudentsforLife #TogetherWeEmpower

Yesterday, our campus came back to life as staff reunited for Opening Day—the official kickoff to two weeks of training, reconnecting, and preparing to welcome our students back!

From hallway hugs to deep dives into professional learning, the energy and excitement for the year ahead were unmistakable. Whether it was teachers catching up, team members across departments sharing smiles, or staff soaking in new strategies—we're ready to make this year amazing!

Here’s to a strong start and an even stronger school year ahead! 💙

#OpeningDay #VSDBStrong #BackToSchool #TeamVSDB #PreparingStudentsforLife #VSDBPreparingStudentsforLife #TogetherWeEmpower #DeafEducation #BlindEducation #DeafBlindEducation

Good morning! VSDB is out and about again. Today we are set up at the Chesterfield Towne Center for ACBVA's Step Forward community resource fair. We will be here until 2:00. You will also see VSDB at the Grottoes Deaf Picnic today as well. Come see us at either location!!

📍 LOCATION UPDATE
The Family Activity Series in Harrisonburg tomorrow has been moved to the Dream Come True Playground, located at 1050 Neff Ave.

We’ll be there from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — come hang out for as long or as short as you'd like!

Big thanks to the friend who let us know that the sprayground park will be closed for maintenance. We’re excited for some outdoor fun at our new spot and hope to see you there!

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!

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

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.

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.]

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

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.]

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.]