Budgeting, Safety, and Social Skills in the Community
Last week, students had a great time during their Community Based Instruction fieldtrip to Palm Springs Mile! While visiting Burlington and Dollar Tree, students practiced real‑world budgeting and independent functioning skills. They located clothing and shoe sizes and selected items that fit their needs and predetermined budgets. Students also made thoughtful choices about healthy and affordable snack options using what they’ve learned in previous nutrition lessons. Throughout the trip, students practiced pedestrian safety by crossing streets safely and following traffic signals with confidence. They wrapped up the day with lunch at Chick-fil-A, where they worked on community dining skills like reading menus, ordering independently, and using appropriate social behaviors.
We are so proud of their continued progress in Budgeting, Independent Functioning, and Social Skills!
Students Spread Kindness Through Service!
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students recently took part in a heartwarming community service project, creating Kindness Kits in the spirit of Valentine’s Day and in preparation for BCPS’ Day of Service and Love, honoring the lives lost at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. After a focused lesson on empathy and compassion, students researched hygiene supplies, practical necessities, comfort items, and non‑perishable snacks on Walmart.com. Working with a $30 budget, they carefully selected items they felt would truly support someone in need.
The class then headed to Walmart to purchase their selected items, putting both their planning skills and independence into action. Back in the classroom, they assembled their Kindness Kits and added a heartfelt touch: a handwritten note of encouragement in each bag. Students were able to take their kits home to give to someone in need or donate to a local shelter—spreading kindness directly into their communities. What a meaningful way for our students to practice empathy, build real‑world skills, and make a positive difference. These moments remind us that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact.
Building Independence Through a Fun-Filled Valentine’s Celebration
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class had a wonderful Valentine’s Day celebration filled with love, learning, and creativity! Students enjoyed themed activities like reading about the history of sweethearts, completing a math activity, and decorating their own Valentine bags from Target. Students enjoyed a delicious lunch while their teacher and paraprofessionals transformed into a Chipotle ‑style crew, serving up custom bowls and burritos as students placed their orders and chose their ingredients. It was a fun, hands‑on way to build independence, communication, and decision‑making skills—plus the burrito bowls were a huge hit!
Students also took a trip to Michaels to shop for supplies for homemade soap gifts. During the party, they mixed scents and colors, created heart and rose molds, packaged their soaps beautifully, and wrote thoughtful notes for their families.
A Sweet Lesson in Life Skills and Independence
To get ready for Valentine’s Day, the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students took a fun and hands‑on budgeting trip to Target. Each student received a $12 budget and chose 13 goodies, one for every classmate. Some picked playful Valentine‑themed fidgets, while others went with classic chocolates. Beyond shopping, they practiced important life skills like budgeting, decision-making, navigating the store, using self‑checkout, and making sure they stayed within budget. A perfect mix of learning, independence, and Valentine’s Day fun!
Football, Fun, and Food: Super Bowl Party Highlights
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class had an extremely successful annual Super Bowl Party. Students started off the day completing a variety of Super Bowl themed activities including reading an article about the Super Bowl, predicting who they thought would win, and completing a graphing activity based on votes. Then students transitioned outside to play a variety of lawn games with their classmates. They enjoyed games like football and bean bag toss. Then it was time to cook the “tailgate” food. Students assisted their teachers with making and assembling hot dogs and hamburgers. Students got to choose sides such as chips, fries, and of course dessert, all of which they purchased themselves at the beginning of the week. As students enjoyed their food, they watched all of the Super Bowl halftime shows from the past 10 years!
Students Score Big in Super Bowl Party Prep
In preparation for the annual HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Super Bowl Party, students took a trip to Publix to shop for all the food, drinks, and desserts for the big day. Students were divided into small groups and given visual shopping lists, then navigated the store by...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Lead with Fitness + Nutrition
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students powered through a challenging workout at Cross Fit led by trainer Vanessa and gym owner Dominic, who shared great insights on staying active, eating well, and building healthy daily routines. The session included a full warm‑up, strength...
Mini Golf Adventures Strengthen Social and Life Skills
This week, our students enjoyed a fun and engaging leisure day at Monster Golf. After learning the rules, they played alongside their classmates, practiced teamwork, and built social skills in a relaxed, supportive setting. The excitement didn’t stop there, the...
Dining with Purpose: Students Build Life Skills at Outback
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed a Community-Based Instruction (CBI) visit to Outback! Students practiced real-world skills by previewing the menu and planning their meals within a set budget.At the restaurant, students ordered independently, used polite manners,...
Budgeting in Action: Students Take on Online Ordering
Our students practiced real-world skills with a Publix online ordering adventure! In class, they completed a scavenger hunt to navigate the website and used the “order ahead” feature to pick their lunch, all while staying under a $15 budget. Students entered their...
Dressing for Success: B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Prepare for the Workplace
As part of a new year initiative, HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students took an important step toward workplace readiness by shopping for professional attire to wear during worksite visits. Students visited Ross Dress for Less, where they practiced real-world skills by...
Courage, Community, and Confidence on the Ice
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students hit the ice at Pines Ice Arena for a day of skating, socializing, and building confidence!Each student received ice skates and a skating aid, giving them the chance to try a new leisure skill in a safe, supportive environment. Many students...
Preparing for Everyday Success Through Community-Based Learning
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students kicked off the year with a Community-Based Instruction (CBI) trip to Pembroke Crossings in Pembroke Pines! They visited stores like Burlington, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Five Below and Barnes and Noble, where they were excited to see...
Getting Ready to Make an Impact: HDS Mentors Prepare for the Semester
The HDS Foundation is proud to support students at the University of North Florida through our College Mentors Program, offered in partnership with the university’s THRIVE Program. This collaboration allows us to help create meaningful, individualized support for...
Finding the Perfect Holiday Surprise
Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a fun and meaningful Community-Based Instruction trip to Dolphin Mall! Students practiced budgeting and independent shopping as they picked out gifts valued between $10–$15 for a family member, with many choosing something special...