
Good Morning, VSDB Friends and Fans!
We are pleased to report that after a heated weekend of gameplay at the Marie Katzenbach School for the Deaf, our teams have returned with great triumph. Our Boys' Basketball team secured second place with a final championship game score of 34-51. Our Girls' team earned fourth place with a final game score of 22-34.
We are also thrilled to share that two players, Korbin Smith and Jahari Grant, received All-Star recognition! Congratulations to everyone—we are so proud of your hard work so early in the season. #VSDBProud

Amazing news regarding our food drive—we’ve officially surpassed our goal of 5,000 meals! 🎉 This incredible milestone is a testament to the generosity and teamwork of our school community. Thank you all for your contributions and for encouraging our students to make a difference!
Current Team Standings:
Green (6th - 8th): 2,858 meals
Blue (12th): 1,513 meals
Yellow (Pre-K - 5th): 756 meals
Red (9th - 11th): 420 meals
Team Green continues to dominate, but with the drive ending on December 13th, there’s still time to make one last push for victory! Let’s finish strong!
Special Thanks:
A big thank you to the Shenandoah National Park Service for joining us last week. Your work preserving the natural beauty of our region is inspiring to our students and staff alike!
Upcoming Guest:
Next week, we’re excited to welcome our friends from the Frontier Culture Museum on Wednesday, December 13th, at 11:15. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn more about history and culture through their engaging programs.
Fun Fact:
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank distributes over 30 million pounds of food annually, providing essential meals to those in need across 25 counties and 9 cities. Your efforts are a part of this incredible impact!
Fund Drive Reminder:
Don’t forget, you can still donate online to help us finish the drive strong: https://give.brafb.org/team/614284. Be sure to include your team color in the comments to boost your team’s total!
Thank you again for all your hard work and generosity. This will be our last update before the final count, and we can’t wait to celebrate the total impact we’ve made together!
✨Check out these photos from when Staunton Parks and Recreation joined us on Nov. 20!✨









This past week our very own VSDB Girls Basketball team defeated West Virginia School for the Deaf, 43-14, on Tuesday at Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, with Kayla Simmons scoring 20 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. VSDB controlled the points, pulling down 35 rebounds, with Kiryn Brackett leading the team with 18 rebounds. The team moved the ball well, recording 11 assists on 20 made baskets. VSDB also applied pressure throughout the game, collecting 16 steals, with Na'Imah Hartage leading the team with nine steals. Brackett (15 points), Joanna Quezada-Martinez (2 points), Natalie Temple (2 points), and Hartage (2 points) also contributed for VSDB Girls Basketball. All players made tremendous contributions, demonstrating a true team effort in this victory. VSDB is proud of the hard work, growth, and determination this team is showing. Keep it going, girls!





Day 1 of the tournament is in the books! 🏀 The competition was fierce and the action was nonstop. Now, it’s time to gear up for tomorrow’s battle — the Consolation and Championship games are ready to take it to the next level! 💥 Who’s ready to bring the heat? 🔥 Let’s go!
Girls Basketball Consolation Game - 8:30am vs. MKSD
Boys Championship Game - 1:30pm vs. PSD
Watch Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@mariekatzenbachschoolforth9612/streams
GameChanger for Girls' Basketball: http://web.gc.com/teams/YuQbSJyJHdvb/live
GameChanger for Boys' Basketball: http://web.gc.com/teams/Eyyt0cM9L6Xc/live


VSDB received the Certification of Achievement award in recognition of its outstanding participation in the Commonwealth of Virginia's SWaM Spend program, meeting or exceeding the Commonwealth's goal of 42% of spending going to SWaM vendors (small, woman-owned, and minorities). This honor reflects VSDB's commitment to supporting small, women-owned, minority-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and micro businesses.
On Monday, November 18th, at the Department of General Services (DGS) Forum, Robin Miller, Heather Miltenberger, and Lisa Gordon accepted the VSDB SWaM award.
Congratulations to the VSDB Procurement Team and all employees for working toward meeting or exceeding the 42% standard in compliance with the SWAM procurement process!


Good Morning!
This afternoon, our Boys' and Girls' Basketball teams head to New Jersey for the Marie Katzenbach School for the Deaf's 25th Annual Tip-Off Weekend! Four schools from the Northeast region will come together for a weekend filled with athleticism and exciting gameplay.
The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, December 6th:
Girls' Basketball: 5:30 PM vs. DSD
Boys' Basketball: 7:00 PM vs. MKSD
Sunday, December 7th:
8:30 AM: Girls' Consolation Game
10:00 AM: Boys' Consolation Game
11:45 AM: Girls' Championship Game
1:30 PM: Boys' Championship Game
Follow our teams throughout the weekend in these ways:
Livestreamed games on MKSD Facebook: https://facebook.com/mksdnjsofficialpage
GameChanger for Girls' Basketball: http://web.gc.com/teams/YuQbSJyJHdvb/live
GameChanger for Boys' Basketball: http://web.gc.com/teams/Eyyt0cM9L6Xc/live
Go, teams! We can't wait to see how this weekend unfolds, and we're all rooting for you! #GOVSDB


❄️ Brrr! Winter is here, and while we haven't seen snow yet, it’s the perfect time to warm up with some delightful music! 🎶
Join us for our Annual Winter Concert hosted by the VSDB Blind Department! 🌟
📅 Date: December 12, 2024
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Healy Auditorium, VSDB, 22 Cardinal Drive, Staunton, VA
❄️ Let the music bring you joy and warmth this winter season. Let’s celebrate together! 🎵
#WinterConcert #VSDBEvents #MusicToWarmTheSoul


VSDB Friends and Fans,
This morning, our incredible Girls' Goalball team and one of our outstanding Boys' Goalball players took off on an exciting journey to the 2024 U.S. National High School Goalball Championships in St. Augustine, FL!
The Girls' team is ready to tackle a weekend full of intense competition, while our Boys' player will join a pool team, connecting with other passionate athletes to showcase the heart and skill of goalball.
Let’s rally behind them as they aim for victory, bring home a trophy, and leave everything on the court. Go, VSDB!
Watch all games live streamed here: https://www.fsdbk12.org/goalball-championships


VSDB is honored to participate in the Historic Staunton Foundation's 49th Annual Holiday House Tour! Please see the information below from the Historic Staunton Foundation:
Holiday House Tour general tickets ($45 per person) on sale now – purchase through www.eventbrite.com!
Saturday, December 7, 4-7pm and Sunday, December 8, 1-5pm
This year’s tour highlights the Gospel Hill Historic District featuring six historic homes along East Beverley Street. We cannot wait to see you! Get a rare glimpse inside stunning landmark homes decorated for the holidays. Discover the history of Staunton and experience the results of thoughtful architectural rehabilitation.
Can’t fit it all into one day? Don’t worry, your tickets are good for both days.
Please support HSF’s work in the community by becoming a donor!
Current Historic Staunton Foundation Donors (donations made after January 1, 2024) may buy tickets that include both the house tour and the Saturday evening Donor’s Holiday Party, December 7, from 6-10 PM.
Enjoy a beautiful evening including food and beverages. Purchase combined tour and party tickets ($120 per person) by contacting the Historic Staunton Foundation at 540-885-7676 or adminhsf@historicstaunton.org.
All tickets are non-refundable – This is HSF’s big fundraiser, and we appreciate your support!


VSDB Family and Fans!
The Boys' Basketball team has their second game of the week this Thursday at 4 PM. They'll face off against the North Carolina School for the Deaf in the Lewellyn Gym. Come out and cheer them on before they head off for a long weekend of gameplay in New Jersey. Let's go, VSDB! 🏀 #GOVSDB #VSDBProud


Tomorrow morning our Girls' High School Goalball team will head down to St. Augustine, Florida to compete at the High School Goalball Championships! Please see below the schedule for Friday and Saturday for the girls' matches along with the website with livestream links and score updates.
Girls Friday Match Schedule:
-11:00am vs Arizona
-3:00pm vs. Washington
-6:20pm vs. Utah
Girls Saturday Match Schedule:
-11:40am vs. Governor Morehead
*Depending on our record during pool play will depend if we advance to further matches on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. *
Website link where you can watch the matches and check in on scores and standings:
https://www.fsdbk12.org/goalball-championships
Please support our team and catch the live streams if you can!
Go, Defenders! 🔥❤️💙


Good Morning, VSDB Family and Friends!
Last night, two of our festive Decked-Out Defenders buses, along with an incredible group of staff, proudly represented us in the Staunton City Holiday Parade. A heartfelt thank you to the amazing team who made it all possible! Your hard work and holiday spirit brought joy to our community and shined a bright light on our school.
Happy Holidays, everyone! 🎄🎉




We had a great time participating in the Staunton Christmas parade last night!







Welcome back, VSDB Family and Fans! We hope everyone had a wonderful break and enjoyed plenty of rest and quality time with family. However, there's no time to waste! The Deaf Boys' and Girls' Basketball teams have games tomorrow night at 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM against the West Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind. Come out and cheer on our teams! Let’s go! #GOVSDB #VSDBProud



Ring in 2025 with the VSDB Foundation and celebrate the 185th Anniversary of The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind! When: December 31, 2024 at 8 pm Where: Augusta Expo - 277 Expo Rd. Fishersville, VA 22939 • Featuring music by Soul Expressions • Heavy Hors D’Oeuvres, Party Favors, Champagne Toast Tickets: $100 per person Buy them here bit.ly/NYEVSDBF or scan the QR code For more event information, contact Susie Miller at 540-448-3302. *$70 of each ticket is tax deductible.* SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: Elmore, Hupp & Company, P.L.C. Alleman Law Group, PLC EyeOne Merrill Middlebrook Wealth Vera Hailey & David I. McCaskey


On Veteran's Day, VSDB held a ceremony to recognize our veterans and share our appreciation for their service. Although VSDB has six veterans, only one was present during the recognition ceremony. We would like to once again thank our veterans:
- Robert Hoffman Jr.
- Kerry Kothbauer
- Kenneth Lockhart
- Marvin Mahler
- Jennifer Mercer
- Zach Taylor


VSDB Friends and Fans,
First away game of the season, and we couldn’t be more excited for our athletes to hit the court! Our team has been working hard, and now it’s time to show what they’re made of. Let’s make some noise, play with heart, and support each other every step of the way. We believe in you, team! Let’s go! 🏀💥 #GOVSDB #VSDBProud
Game Changers Links:
Girls' team: http://web.gc.com/teams/YuQbSJyJHdvb/live
Boys' Team: http://web.gc.com/teams/Eyyt0cM9L6Xc/live



Join us in congratulating our students who auditioned for district choir this year!
District choir delegate:
-Charlotte Sterling
First alternate:
-Eric Miller
Middle school district choir delegate:
- Angel Cruz




We’re in the fourth week of our Food Drive, and the energy and generosity from our school community have been incredible. Thank you for all your efforts so far—it’s making a real difference!
Current Team Standings:
Green (6th - 8th): 1,966 meals
Blue (12th): 582 meals
Yellow (Pre-K - 5th): 393 meals
Red (9th - 10th): 330 meals
Team Green is leading the pack, but it’s still anyone’s game! Let’s keep those donations coming and finish strong.
Special Announcement:
This Wednesday at 11:15, we’re excited to welcome Staunton Parks and Recreation as our special guest at lunch! Parks and Rec offers a variety of activities and programs for families in and around Staunton, and it’s a great chance for students to learn more about what’s available in our community. Check out the photos below from last week's visit from the Department of Wildlife Resources and the items they brought for our students to learn about!
Fun Fact:
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank started in 1981 as a rural experiment in food banking. Today, it’s the largest hunger relief organization in central and western Virginia, serving 25 counties and 9 cities.
Keep Supporting the Fund Drive!
Don’t forget, you can donate directly to our Food Drive online: https://give.brafb.org/team/614284. Be sure to comment with your team color so your contribution adds to the team totals!
Thank you for your continued dedication and teamwork. Let’s finish this week strong and make a difference for our community as we head into Fall Break!









Good Morning VSDB Family and Fans!
The winter sports season is well underway, with Goalball already having played a few games. Next up are the Deaf boys' and girls' basketball teams! Both teams have their first away games next week, and we are very excited to see how they perform. Be sure to mark your calendar for the rest of the season — it's going to be a busy and exciting one!
#GOVSDB #VSDBProud

