Secret Elf Adventures
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!
Empowering Students Through Creativity
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.
HDS Foundation Board Members Making an Impact
Join us in supporting a great cause and promoting acceptance, inclusion, and opportunities for individuals with Autism!
Our dedicated HDS Foundation Board Members proudly champion the Florida Autism License Plate Program, helping raise awareness and strengthen vital programs that empower youth and young adults in our community. Their long-standing commitment reflects our shared mission to build a more inclusive and supportive future for individuals with Autism and related abilities.
If you’d like to make an impact too, you can purchase a Florida Autism License Plate! Every plate sold directly helps fund essential programs and services for individuals and families affected by autism, including meaningful initiatives like our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program.
Learning on the Field
Students had a chance to enjoy a fun and educational day outdoors before Thanksgiving break started, enjoying the beautiful weather while practicing important skills!
The focus of the day was conversational skills and teamwork. At the baseball field, students went to a base representing their career interest after high school—doctor, athlete, or entrepreneur. Once at their base, they shared with each other what they wanted to do and why, practicing conversation skills, active listening, and self-expression in a fun, interactive way.
Later, students shifted to team building by playing kickball. They were divided into two teams, chose team names, and worked together to score points, practicing cooperation, communication, and teamwork. It was a hands-on way to combine learning, social skills, and outdoor activity, making it a memorable day full of learning, teamwork, and fun!
Creating with Purpose: Students Make Their Own Candles
Last week, our students enjoyed a fun, hands-on experience when Scentsability, a nonprofit that creates artisan scented candles and provides meaningful workplace opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), visited the school to guide them in making their own candles.
Students got creative using their favorite colors of sand, carefully placed the wicks, and decorated their candles with gems and seashells. Once the wax was poured and cooled, they were excited to see and enjoy their finished creations.
The activity was a great way for students to practice independence, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, while also boosting creativity. They were thrilled to take their candles home to share with their families!
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Autism Acceptance Day!
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