What a fun afternoon the students enjoyed together! First, they created personalized snow globes featuring photos of themselves inside. Students practiced decision-making as they chose decorations, arranged their designs, and selected the type of “snow” for their globes. Next, students had the opportunity to build gingerbread houses. While examples were provided for guidance, the final designs were up to them encouraging creativity and independence. After lunch, everyone enjoyed a sweet holiday treat to wrap up the afternoon. A festive experience filled with creativity, choice-making, and holiday fun!

The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a fun and meaningful outing this week as they visited to shop for their Secret Snowman gifts!

Students began by filling out a questionnaire about their favorite things. Each student was then assigned a classmate to shop for, with a budget of $10. They carefully selected items that matched what their classmates had written, putting thought and care into every choice.

At checkout, students practiced real-world skills by scanning, bagging, and paying for their items while making sure they stayed within budget. Back at school, they wrapped and prepared their gifts to get ready for our upcoming holiday party and gift exchange!

What a great way to build independence, practice budgeting, and spread holiday cheer!

Holiday Fun in the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Classroom! Today, students practiced their math and cooking skills with a cheerful holiday twist. They read a receipt to figure out the cost of each ingredient and the total price of the recipe—putting real-world math into action. Then, each student rolled out their dough, cut out a festive tree shape, and added their favorite toppings. This hands-on activity helped students build important life skills such as shopping, reading receipts, following recipes, and cooking while enjoying a bit of holiday fun together!

HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students are gearing up to spread holiday cheer with their classmates!

Students headed to Walmart to shop for their Secret Elf gifts, each working with a $30 budget (including tax!) to find something special for a friend. They had a great time exploring the aisles together while practicing important budgeting and decision-making skills.

After selecting their gifts, students made their way to checkout and used their debit cards to complete their purchases, another great step toward building real-world independence!

This week, students will celebrate with a festive holiday party and finally reveal who their Secret Elf was!

The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students participated in a hands-on learning experience at Color Me Mine, where they selected and painted their own holiday ceramic figures. Each student chose from a tree, snowman, or cat and thoughtfully planned the colors and designs they wanted to bring to life.

As they painted, students had the opportunity to practice communication, collaboration, and social engagement with their peers. Once the ceramic pieces are fired in the kiln, students will receive their finished work in about a week to bring home and share with family and friends.

It was a wonderful day that supported skill-building in social interaction, decision-making, resourcefulness, empowerment, and independence.