We are pleased to announce that Julie Conner has been appointed as Principal of the Blind Department at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind. This is part of the structural change we are bringing to leadership at VSDB, transitioning from one principal and an assistant principal serving the entire school to two dedicated principals with expertise in their respective departments. Julie has the leadership qualities and knowledge of the educational needs of students who are blind or visually impaired that will serve the Blind Department well. Julie brings 15 years of dedicated service to VSDB, including the past two years in leadership as Assistant Principal. She has also served for many years as a Special Education Facilitator, supporting both students and staff and playing a key role in the development of the Independent Living Apartment program. Throughout her time at VSDB, Julie has demonstrated a strong commitment to the school’s students, staff, and families. She has consistently fostered collaboration and helped advance programs and initiatives that support student success across the school community. Julie has an extensive background in special education. She began her career teaching students with disabilities in a public elementary school and has held several teaching roles during her time at VSDB, including working with students with Multiple Disabilities and those of transition age. She earned her endorsement as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired and continued instructing various classes in the Blind Department and served as the department’s lead teacher. These experiences have shaped her leadership approach, emphasizing collaboration, meaningful instruction, and continuous improvement to meet the needs of all students. As VSDB continues to grow, Julie is excited to step into this new role and values continued collaboration among departments to provide the highest-quality education for students who are blind or visually impaired, Deaf, and DeafBlind. In her new position, she will continue to support schoolwide initiatives that promote growth while providing strong leadership, support, and structure within the Blind Department. Please join us in congratulating Julie on her appointment and in supporting this next chapter of leadership at VSDB. Additionally, VSDB is still searching for a Principal for the Deaf Department. Please share the posting with those who may be interested https://www.vsdb.k12.va.us/page/careers.
2 days ago, VSDB
Headshot of Julie Conner wearing a black sweater over a black and white striped shirt

As of April 14, 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
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Art Teacher

To apply, please visit - https://www.vsdb.k12.va.us/page/careers

#VSDB #Careers #TogetherWeEmpower

4 days ago, VSDB
VSDB's logo appears above the words "We are hiring"
Supporting Your Blind or Visually Impaired Child at Home with the Expanded Core Curriculum - a virtual workshop provided by VSDB 's Sarah Whittington, TVI.

Join us for an informative parent presentation focused on how to support the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) at home for students with visual impairments.

Wednesday, April 22, from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm via Zoom. Register at: https://bit.ly/ecc_intro. If you are unable to join us live, but would like to receive the recording, please register so the recording can be sent to you.

This session will provide a brief overview of the nine ECC areas and offer practical, easy-to-implement ideas to help your child build essential skills in everyday routines.
Learn simple strategies to strengthen independence, self-advocacy, organization, social skills, daily living skills, and more — all within your home environment.

This presentation serves as an introduction and preview to a more in-depth ECC workshop series that will be offered next school year. Whether you are new to the ECC or looking for fresh ideas, this session will provide helpful tools and a roadmap for supporting your child’s growth.

We hope you’ll join us!

For more information, please contact Julie Saum at julie.saum@vsdb.k12.va.us or 540-480-6156.
9 days ago, VSDB
flyer for event. all text included in the post. Image of a person's legs and feet while walking with a cane.

🌟 Work Study Wednesday: Ride with Pride! 🌟

We’re thrilled to partner with Ride with Pride, Augusta County’s premier destination for equine-assisted therapies. They provide a nurturing space for individuals aged 4 and up with intellectual, physical, or emotional challenges. Their programs are designed to unlock potential, offering paths to empowerment and healing. 🐴

While our students aren’t riding, they’re gaining hands-on work experience by supporting the facility with day-to-day tasks—cleaning feed bowls, maintaining stalls, and grooming horses. They’re loving the chance to contribute, build responsibility, practice teamwork, and, of course, spend time with the horses! 

This is our first year partnering with Ride with Pride, and we’re excited to add them as one of our Work-Based Learning sites. Special thanks to Lynn McKeoun for making this connection possible.

Are you a local business interested in helping our students grow through real-world experiences? Contact us to explore partnership opportunities!

#RideWithPride #WorkBasedLearning #StudentSpotlight #EquestrianLife #StauntonVA #HandsOnLearning #SkillsForLife #Teamwork #CommunityPartners #EquineTherapy #VSDB #TogetherWeEmpower

10 days ago, VSDB
Students are washing platisc conatriners outside on the grass.
A student is smiling next to a large horse that is looking our of their stall.
A student is using a tool to clean out a horses hoof.
A student is mucking out a stall.
A teacher smiles at a black horse standing beside her.
A student is moving a wheelbarrow outside.
A brown horse is in a stall while a student pets their nose.
Today, VSDB is feeling lucky to have such incredible staff who bring joy, laughter, and heart to our school!

We saw one staff member dressed to impress for St. Patrick’s Day, and we just had to share his leprechaun costume—talk about bringing the spirit and style! 🍀

What makes YOU feel lucky? ✨

#StPatricksDay #VSDB #TogetherWeEmpower
about 1 month ago, VSDB
A Staff member with a long orange beard smiles in front of a board that has paper 4 leaf clovers on it and says "What makes you feel lucky". The man is in a green tophat, green coat, wearing a green tie, and has folden shoe buckles on his black loafers - it is a beautiful leprechaun costume.
We are looking forward to welcoming you at our Virtual Open House community input session tomorrow, Friday, March 13, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Here is some preliminary information about the goals of this project: https://aptg.co/SHk_xP. Please remember to register at https://bit.ly/vsdb_main_hall to get the link to attend.
about 1 month ago, VSDB
information flyer about the goals of this renovation. PDF link in post is accessible with screen readers and zoom text.
Community Open House flyer. cream and burgundy color scheme. text and an image if a current hallway in main hall. text is included in the post caption.
Here are the upcoming games for the rest of the 2026 Boys Goal ball season!
about 1 month ago, Mikayla Freimuth
Graphic of the 2026 Boys Goalball schedule featuring games from March 11th to March 20-22 Patriotic red, white, and blue design with bold text and team logos.
Sunrise over VSDB — where every day begins with learning, community, and opportunity.

#TogetherWeEmpower #VSDB #Sunrise
about 1 month ago, VSDB
A bright orange sunrise begins in the distance. The sky is cloudy and tinged pink near the orange. The VSDB buildings are in the forefront with the lights from the building shining bight.
At Nu-Beginning Farm Store, teamwork is always on the menu!
Pictured left to right: Ronnie, Lucy, and Mari working together to wrap butter so it’s ready for the baker to use. It may seem like a small task, but it’s an important part of keeping the kitchen running smoothly – and the students take pride in their work!
Through VSDB’s Work-Based Learning experiences, students are building more than job skills. Along with food prep, cleaning, inventory, and organization, Ronnie, Lucy and Mari are developing critical soft skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and professionalism – skills that prepare them for employment. And, Patti, their job coach is there to support them every step of the way.
John and his team are exceptional supervisors, showing patience, compassion, and a commitment to teaching. We are so grateful for their partnership over the years and the meaningful opportunities they provide for our students!
If you’re a local business interested in becoming a Work-Based Learning partner, we’d love to connect!

#WorkBasedLearning #CommunityPartnership #StauntonVA #StudentSuccess #Teamwork #JobSkills #TogetherWeEmpower
about 1 month ago, VSDB
Three students are working with butter at a counter in a bakery.
A couple is smiling at the camera . They are in their store. The gentleman is in an apron.

Friendship was on the menu at our recent residential Friendship & Supper Party! Students enjoyed a fun evening of sharing a meal, playing games, and spending time together. Moments like these help make our residential community feel like home.

about 1 month ago, VSDB
girl dressed in pink and holding her hands in the shape of a heart
male and female student sitting at a table and smiling
two girls holding hands and dancing
two female students sitting together at a table. one is smiling and one is laughing
students and staff holding phone flashlights at a disco ball to see the light reflect around the room
students walking around chairs for a game of musical chairs
students racing to find a seat in a game of musical chairs
table decoration - crafted flowers in a jar with lights
students racing to find a seat during a game of musical chairs
Supporting Your Blind or Visually Impaired Child at Home with the Expanded Core Curriculum - a virtual workshop provided by VSDB 's Sarah Whittington, TVI.

Join us for an informative parent presentation focused on how to support the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) at home for students with visual impairments.

Wednesday, April 22, from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm via Zoom. Register at: https://bit.ly/ecc_intro.

This session will provide a brief overview of the nine ECC areas and offer practical, easy-to-implement ideas to help your child build essential skills in everyday routines.
Learn simple strategies to strengthen independence, self-advocacy, organization, social skills, daily living skills, and more — all within your home environment.

This presentation serves as an introduction and preview to a more in-depth ECC workshop series that will be offered next school year. Whether you are new to the ECC or looking for fresh ideas, this session will provide helpful tools and a roadmap for supporting your child’s growth.

We hope you’ll join us!

For more information, please contact Julie Saum at julie.saum@vsdb.k12.va.us or 540-480-6156.
about 1 month ago, VSDB
flyer for event. all text included in the post. Image of a person's legs and feet while walking with a cane.
The 2026 Boys Goalball schedule is here! 💙 Mark your calendars and come support the team all season long!
about 1 month ago, Mikayla Freimuth
Goalball Schedule with dates and times

VSDB Main Hall Renovation Community Open House!

Please join VSDB Leadership and the Building Design team to learn more about the interior renovation of historic Main Hall.

You are invited to join us on Zoom on Friday, March 13th, from 12-1 pm.

This will be an opportunity for alumni, families, and community members to learn more about the project and share your insights! Please RSVP to this event at this link: https://bit.ly/vsdb_main_hall. You will receive the link to attend upon registering. PLEASE REGISTER AND SUBMIT ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS BY MARCH 10.

The renovation of Main Hall positions this 1830’s historic landmark as the physical gateway and welcome center to the school. The renovated building will house admissions, security, and administrative offices as well as state-of-the-art training and conference spaces to boost the exchange and partnership between the school and the broader community. Main Hall is recognized as the heart of VSDB’s cultural heritage while also envisioned as a visible beacon of the institution’s future. This renovation will honor the institution’s history while creating new spaces that support the future of the school.

about 1 month ago, VSDB
flyer for community open house. burgundy text on cream background: "The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind's Community Open House. Come learn more about Historic Main Hall's Interior Renovation!" A photo pf the current interior of a hallway in Main Hall is on the right.
Spring is in the air... and the eggs are beeping! Join us at VSDB on March 28 for our annual Beeping Egg Hunt, a spring celebration for students with blindness or visual impairments.
Families can look forward to:
- A beeping egg hunt
- Rock wall climbing
- "Touch a Truck"
- Crafts
- Games
- Snacks
- (Hopefully!) a petting zoo
- And a whole lot of fun!
Eyeshades will also be available for family members and friends who would like to join the experience and try finding beeping eggs themselves!

When: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: VSDB Abernathy Gym & Field, 302 Lewellyn Ln, Staunton, VA 24401

To help us prepare enough supplies for every family, please complete this brief registration form by March 20: https://bit.ly/beeping_egg2026
(However, no family will be turned away for not registering!)

We can’t wait to celebrate spring with you!

For more information, please contact Julie Saum, VSDB Family Engagement Specialist, at julie.saum@vsdb.k12.va.us or 540-480-6156.


[image description: pink flyer made with a spring and egg theme. several eggs dangle from the top fo the page and two bunnies are holding giant eggs. floral graphics in bottom corners. text on page advertises VSDB Outreach and Family Engagement Beeping Egg Hunt. Sunday, March 28, 2026, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Held at the VSDB Abernathy Gym and field, 302 Lewellyn Ln, Staunton, VA 24401. Please register at https://bit.ly/beeping_egg2026 by March 20.]
about 1 month ago, VSDB
spring themed flyer for beeping egg hunt. all text is included in the post, above.

Our students had a blast snowboarding and skiing this season thanks to Wintergreen Resorts Adaptive Sports! They learned new skills, challenged themselves, and supported each other on the slopes. It was an incredibly fun day and a memorable experience for everyone involved.


#VSDB #Snowboard #Ski #TogetherWeEmpower

about 2 months ago, VSDB
A blind snowboarder is preparing to get on the lift.
A blind skier is attached by ropes at the legs to a guide as they ski down a slope. A ski guide is also in front of them.
A blind skier is looking toward the ground
a blind skier is skiing down the mountainside on a shallow slope.
A blind skier is walking in the snow.
A blind skier is attached by ropes at the legs to a guide as they ski down a slope . A second guide is in front.
🎭💜💛 Work-Based Learning Spotlight! 💛💜🎭

Our student, Brianna, is gaining real-world work experience through VSDB’s Work-Based Learning (WBL) program at AVIVA Baldwin Park, an assisted living facility in Staunton. During their recent Mardi Gras celebration, she dressed in festive attire, helped facilitate activities for residents, enjoyed King Cake and cookies with them, and listened to Mardi Gras music—bringing energy and joy to the day!

Through our WBL program, Brianna has had the opportunity to explore several different work sites, and AVIVA has proven to be the best fit yet; a setting where her strengths and personality truly shine.

We are grateful for community partners like AVIVA who support transition programming and provide meaningful work experiences for students at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind. If you have a business near our campus and are interested in offering a work experience for our students, we would love to connect with you. Please contact us to learn more.

🌟
#WorkBasedLearning #VSDB #TransitionMatters #TogetherWeEmpower

about 2 months ago, VSDB
Brianna is standing in a stitch hoodie, a Mardi Gras themed hat, and has beads around her neck. She is pushing a cart filled with Mardi Gras favors.
Brianna is sitting a table and smiling at the camera. There is a red bucket filled with small balls for a game.

🏛️ Help Shape the Future of Main Hall

Main Hall has been at the heart of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind for nearly 200 years—and now we’re preparing to reimagine it for the future.

As part of an upcoming renovation, we’re inviting families, alumni, community partners, and friends of VSDB to share their ideas and perspectives. Your feedback will help ensure this historic building continues to honor our past while supporting the next generation of students and families.

🔗 Please choose the survey that fits you best:

👨‍👩‍👧 Families of current VSDB students - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L8QRBLY

🤝 Community members, partners, alumni, & friends of VSDB - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L8W7N5H

We’re grateful for your voice—and for helping us shape what comes next.

about 2 months ago, VSDB
main hall exterior

We are proud and grateful to share that our school has received a recommendation for accreditation from the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and programs for the Deaf (CEASD)! 🎉 This achievement reflects the dedication, collaboration, and commitment of our entire community.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible staff, students, Board of Visitors, families, alumni, and community members for your continued support, hard work, and belief in our mission. This milestone would not have been possible without each of you.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the accreditation team -Rosemary Gallegos, Terry Wilding, and Greg Mendenhall -for volunteering their time and expertise to serve CEASD and for their thorough review of our school.

This additional accreditation is an accomplishment we can all celebrate together and builds upon our strong foundation of being accredited by Cognia for over 25 years. Thank you for helping make our school community strong, successful, and student-centered. We are so proud of what we’ve achieved - and excited for what’s ahead! 💙✨

#VSDB #CEASD #TogetherWeEmpower

about 2 months ago, VSDB
Presenters stand on a stage, and in front a screen that reads "Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind CEASD Accreditation Exit conference February 11, 2026"
The room is filled with people in seats watching presenters on stage.
Presenters stand on a stage in front a screen that reads "Accreditation Recommendation Full Accreditation"

We were so proud to welcome home our incredible basketball teams! 🏀✨ We had some amazing staff waiting bright and early to welcome them home and celebrate! 🎉👏

The boys battled their way to the Championship finale and earned 2nd place, while our girls took home the Consolation Championship (5th place)! 💪💙


#VSDB #Athletics #TogetherWeEmpower #Basketball

2 months ago, VSDB
Two trophies are on a table in the lobby
A woman waves hello to an incoming bus
A student waves as he steps off a bus
Three students begin to walk down a pathway with their belongings
A poster reads "Great Job! Go Defenders" in red, black, and blue
VSDB Athletics now has its own subpage! Follow us here for more updates about athletics, game recaps, game updates, player highlights, MVPs,and more!!
2 months ago, VSDB
VSDB Athletics Facebook page advertisement