This weekend, our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had an unforgettable night at Homecoming! Students dressed up, danced, and enjoyed an evening full of fun, laughter, and memories. Events like these give our students a chance to practice social skills, build confidence, and celebrate with their peers in a real-world setting. From capturing group photos to enjoying the music and decorations, every moment was filled with joy and connection. We love seeing our students develop, connect, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students kicked off their Community Based Instruction Trips with a fun and educational day at the mall!  After working hard at their job sites all week, students enjoyed a leisure day that put their budgeting and independent living skills into action. At Five Below, each student had a $10 budget, used calculators to track their spending, and successfully scanned, paid for, and bagged their own items at self-checkout!  This hands-on experience strengthened key B.R.I.D.G.E.S. skills of Budgeting, Independence, and Social Skills, while giving students a well-deserved day of fun and confidence-building!

HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students took a trip to Publix to put their budgeting and communication skills into action! Each student worked with an $18 budget to purchase a drink, meal, and dessert. Some headed to the deli for subs, while others explored the hot food section and they were excited to discover the popcorn chicken was BOGO! After students purchased their lunch, they headed back to school to enjoy their meal and socialize with their friends. These real-world experiences build essential life skills, and we are proud to provide these opportunities through our HDS Foundation B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant, giving students the chance to practice and grow in independence.