As the autumn leaves start to change colors and the school season is in full swing, there's so much to celebrate at St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf! 

One Year of the Deaf and DeafBlind Museum and Research Center!

This fall marks the first anniversary of the SFDS Deaf and DeafBlind Museum and Research Center!

Since opening its doors in September 2025, the museum has become a space for preserving history, celebrating Deaf and DeafBlind culture, and creating opportunities for learning and connection.

In just its first year, the museum has welcomed visitors from near and far, including international visitors from Hong Kong, Greece, and Uzbekistan, as well as visitors from Boston and academic communities such as Gallaudet University, Teachers College at Columbia University, Iona University, Long Island University Brooklyn, LaGuardia Community College, and CUNY Journalism.

The museum's impact is also extending beyond the walls of SFDS!

Under the leadership of Dr. Julia Silvestri, Museum Curator, the museum has developed a traveling exhibit, including an exhibition at Yale University, bringing Deaf and DeafBlind history and perspectives to new audiences.

We are grateful to everyone who has visited, supported, contributed to, and helped bring the museum's mission to life. We look forward to continuing to build a space where history is preserved and stories are shared.

Explore the Deaf and DeafBlind Museum and Research Center Click Here

Crisp Air, Big Smiles & Outdoor Activities

Fall is in full swing, and our students are enjoying the changing season!

SFDS hosted Unity Day at the school with a focus on belonging, kindness, communication, friendship, and celebrating differences. Students adorned in orange took pictures with friends and added their names to our Unity Tree!

We also recognized White Cane Awareness Day on October 15th, a day honoring the independence and achievements of individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired, and to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility and safety in our communities.

Outdoor play at SFDS provides opportunities for students to explore, move, connect with their peers, and experience the world around them. Check out how SFDS students enjoy the crisp autumn air, play together, and discover the changing colors of the season. These everyday moments are an important part of learning and growing at our school.

And with Halloween just around the corner, we're looking forward to more seasonal fun and excitement throughout our school community!

Professional Development Continues at SFDS

As we continue to support our staff at SFDS we are hosting a series of professional development classes with ASL Up Network Inc. We are the first school to partner with the organization. At the end of the series, participants will receive a certificate of completion. 

A Month of Awareness, Heritage & Inclusion

October brings many opportunities to recognize the identities, cultures, experiences, and contributions of people within our school community and beyond.

This month, we recognize:



• Hispanic Heritage Month: SFDS held a schoolwide bake-off to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. 
• AAC Awareness Month: Celebrating augmentative and alternative communication and the many ways people express themselves, connect, and participate in the world.
• Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Recognizing the abilities, achievements, and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome while promoting inclusion and belonging.
• Filipino American History Month and Italian American Heritage Month: Honoring the rich histories, traditions, and contributions of Filipino American and Italian American communities.
• National Physical Therapy Month: Recognizing physical therapists and the important role they play in supporting mobility, independence, and participation.
• World Cerebral Palsy Day (October 6): Raising awareness, celebrating individuals with cerebral palsy, and advocating for greater accessibility and inclusion.

At SFDS, these observances reflect values we carry throughout the school year. Every student deserves to be seen, heard, understood, and supported in ways that honor their unique identities, abilities, and communication needs.

Stay tuned for more updates as we celebrate the season together.

Thank you to our students, families, faculty, staff, and supporters for being part of the SFDS community.