Celebrating the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward County Class of 2025
We are so proud of our Broward County B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors. Watching each of you grow, overcome challenges, and reach this important milestone has been an incredible journey. Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have inspired us every step of the way. Graduation marks not just the end of a chapter, but the beginning of so many new opportunities. Whether you’re continuing your education, entering the workforce, or exploring new paths, know that we believe in you and we’re cheering you on. We can’t wait to see all that you’ll achieve.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Congratulations to the Miami-Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Graduating Class of 2025
We are so proud of our Miami-Dade County B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors as they celebrate this incredible milestone! This year, you’ve shown determination, growth, and a true commitment to your future. Your accomplishments reflect your hard work and the strength you’ve built along the way. As you graduate and take the next step, trust in all you’ve learned and the potential within you.
Congratulations, Class of 2025! We can’t wait to see all that you will achieve!
Learning Beyond the Classroom in the Nation’s Oldest City!
As part of our HDS College Mentors program, students from University of North Florida THRIVE took a trip to St. Augustine in celebration of Autism Awareness Month! Students explored the historic Old Town Trolley on a sensory-friendly tour designed to support diverse needs, with clear descriptions at each stop to help prepare for the experience. This hands-on adventure also included practicing key life skills, from using cash to purchase lunch, to calculating tips and managing a budget. A favorite moment was exploring the Old Jail, where students learned about the rich history of St. Augustine and even stepped inside the historic jail cells! It was a fun and educational day filled with discovery, growth, and plenty of smiles.
A Year to Remember and a Future to Celebrate!
A True Role Model: Carter Bonas Inspires Our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
HDS Foundation Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month
More than 50 years have passed since the first National Autism Awareness month was observed in the United States in April 1970. This month's events are meant to increase understanding of Autism and promote the inclusion of those who fall within the Autism Spectrum. ...
A Special Guest Visits the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students and facilitators warmly welcomed Kate Gilson Miranda, a Junior Board Member of the HDS Foundation, who served as a guest speaker during the Career Experience Series. Kate was delighted to tell them about her personal journey, from high...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Get a Lesson in Self-Advocacy
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students welcomed Ally Walford from the Family Network on Disability, who came out to speak to them about self-advocacy this week. Ally took the opportunity to emphasize the value of self-advocacy and the five areas that students should...
Runners and Walkers… Get Set, Ready, and Go!
The ESE teachers at Homestead Senior High School organized a 5K Buddy Run/Walk for their students, which was held just before Spring Break. Throughout the last few months, students signed up to become a "Buddy" with a student in the Exceptional Student Education...
The Heart of Special Olympics
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the opportunity to participate in the Special Olympics at their high school. Students demonstrated their abilities in the relay race, long jump, and softball throw. Before the day's events, students took time to go outside with...
HDSF B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Learn about Tequesta Native Americans
Each year, as part of the Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trips, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students spend a morning at Peace Mound Park in Weston, learning about the history of the Tequesta Native Americans. The 8.16-acre neighborhood park with waterfront views...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Turn the Classroom into a Wood Shop for the Day
What a terrific day for the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they put on their wood-maker hats and choose what they wanted to build: a race car, pinball, or soccer game from Home Depot pre-cut wooden kits. Each student had the opportunity to create the project of their...
Candle Making at its finest!
One of our additional HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward Programs also had the chance to participate in the Community Based Instruction in-house field trip with the ScentsAbility team. These students were given a chance to try their hand at candle making. Each student...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Get a Taste of Patriotism
Patriotism and barbeque are what the HDSF B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed during their lunch outing at Mission BBQ. Before the students headed to the restaurant, they reviewed the menu and decided what to order for lunch. The challenge was to order a main entree,...
Cypress Bay High School ESE Transition Fair & College Night
The HDS Foundation (HDSF) enjoyed participating at Cypress Bay High School ESE Transition Fair & College Night. In preparation for the event, Program Manager Liz Falk assisted the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teacher, Alma Gonzalez, and Job Coach, Paula Wright, in helping...