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
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.]
🎬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
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
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
• 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
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!
🎶 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
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
Several students from our Deaf Department recently presented at Virginia's Poetry Out Loud competition, held at the Wayne Theater. Check out the video (linked to start at the welcoming message from VSDB's Interim Superintendent, Charity Warigon at 42:45) https://www.youtube.com/live/E8n5pb53xRE?si=slTK8rTKMICJeDT8&t=2565. Several students present their ASL Personification Poems after Superintendent Warigon, and several others present again at 1:23:36 https://www.youtube.com/live/E8n5pb53xRE?si=j-RaBuAJbnFQSKL8&t=5016. Thank you to all of our students who presented in this! Great job!
As of April 21st, 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
• Housekeeping Worker
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 & Hard of Hearing – English
• Teacher of the Deaf Elementary
• Teacher of Multi Disabilities
• ASL/English Interpreter
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Housekeeping Worker
To apply, please visit - https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/search?page=1&query=vsdb.
#VSDB #Careers #TogetherWeEmpower
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.