Never Stop Learning because Life never Stops Teaching

Never Stop Learning because Life never Stops Teaching

The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students headed out on a Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip to one of their favorite places, Mission BBQ. They enjoyed a delicious lunch with their teachers and peers.  

Students practiced their independence by ordering and paying for their meals independently. Each student placed their order for an entrée, a side dish, and a beverage. They paid for their meal using their ATM Debit card. A few of them indulged by treating themselves to a delicious peach cobbler. 

During lunch, the students had the opportunity to socialize with each other. While the students were eating, the Star-Spangled Banner was broadcast on all the television sets.  As a tradition at Mission BBQ, the Star-Spangled Banner comes on each day at noon, and everyone stops eating and stands up to show respect for the American flag.  

Vincent stood up and saluted the flag with his hand above his brow. Shortly afterwards, a U.S. Vietnam Veteran came to the table where Vincent was sitting and explained how to properly salute the flag.  As the gentleman left the table, Anastasia thanked him for serving our country.  

A lunch outing can be an incredibly valuable experience for our students. They get to apply the skills they’ve learned in the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program and also can learn important life lessons. What a great learning opportunity! 

 

 

Teachers & Mentors Appreciation Week

Teachers & Mentors Appreciation Week

As part of the 2023 Teacher & Mentor Appreciation Week, the HDS Foundation team is honoring the dedication of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and College Mentors Program teachers and mentors, who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to ensure the success of our students. These remarkable individuals who devote themselves every day to the educational, social, and emotional achievements of our students are the pillars of our successful programs. 

 Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teachers provide lessons and activities that help our students as they prepare to transition from high school to post-secondary education. Part of these activities includes weekly Community Based Instruction field trips that maximize hands-on experiences, allowing students to gain valuable life skills and prepare them for life after graduation. The students truly enjoy participating in the program as a result of the incredible experiences thoughtfully planned for them by their teachers. 

 Dr. Tara Rowe developed the Transition to Healthiness, Resourcefulness, Independence, Vocation, and Education (THRIVE) program that is supported through the HDS College Mentors Program at the University of North Florida (UNF). Her goal was to design a program that supports students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at UNF to ensure they have a successful college experience.  

Our Mentors play a vital role by supporting the teachers and students in our programs. We celebrate and honor them for the outstanding efforts, love, and commitment they provide to our students and teachers.  

 As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. 

 Happy Teacher Appreciation & Mentor Week!  

 B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Teachers – Donna Mansolillo, Kathy Gorman-Gard, Alma Gonzalez, Joshua Diaz ,Bianca Radice 

 Mentors – Jill Magaldi, Paula Wright, Herbert Carr, Tim Simpson 

 College Mentors -THRIVE- Dr. Tara Rowe

 Mentor – Briana Frazier 

United Way Center for Excellence Early Childhood Education Co-Teacher Kate Gilson Miranda

Teachers & Mentors Appreciation Week

Celebrating Student Achievements

Imagine…Believe…Achieve!

Congratulations to all of the students for their accomplishments this year.

We are so proud of you!

April is Autism Acceptance Month. Be Aware. Be Kind. Be Understanding.  We would like to celebrate the following students for their achievements…

iCode – Empowering Future Innovators

iCode – Empowering Future Innovators

Today, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students embarked on their weekly Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip to iCode, an interactive STEM Education Learning Center that provides coding and STEM instruction led by instructors for children from kindergarten to 12th grade. Upon arrival, the director Perla Sananes cordially welcomed the students. Then, she led them on a tour of the Weston facility which was divided into three sections: Coding, Virtual Reality, and 3-D printing. The students eagerly anticipated their exploration of each room and discovered all the opportunities they had to offer. 

Each student had an opportunity to explore the Coding and Virtual Reality rooms. While some students enjoyed the coding experience, the Virtual Reality room was overall the most fun for the students. Even Donna Mansolillo, the Support Facilitator, got to experience the fun of Virtual Reality!  

The students had a fun time at the iCode Learning Center and enjoyed the learning experience. Afterwards, they ate their lunch while socializing and sharing their day’s adventures and highlights. The students were excited to return to iCode on a different day, where they would be able to utilize the 3D printers. 

Stay tuned to discover which CBI event the students will participate in next! 

 

 

HDS Companies Software Developer

HDS Companies Software Developer

During this week’s HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S Career Series, Alejandro Clavelo, a Software Developer at HDS Companies, shared his career path from college to employment with the class. Initially aspiring to become an astronaut during his youth in Cuba, he dreamed of one day coming to the United States.  

Once Alejandro came to the U.S., he realized that his dream of becoming an astronaut was less realistic than finding a job. So, he began working with computers and was captivated by their functionality and potential. He then began exploring software development and found his new passion. He explained to the students how important it was to keep an open mind about what type of career you would want to pursue.  

During his presentation, Alejandro provided the students with a brief overview of the inception of the computer age and its current state. He also shared his personal experience working as a Software Developer with HDS Companies. He elaborated on the essential skills required for this profession, such as coding, analytical thinking, effective communication, as well as a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic. Additionally, he emphasized the significance of maintaining a work-life balance by engaging in physical activity and social activities outside of work, as working with computers can be a sedentary job.  

Alejandro’s presentation captivated the students, who asked insightful questions. Daniel inquired about how Alejandro balances his professional and personal life, to which he responded that he enjoys playing tennis and learning to play the guitar after work. Another student, Isabella, was curious about Alejandro’s favorite aspect of the computer, to which he responded that software was his preferred area. 

We sincerely appreciate Alejandro’s commitment to mentoring and instructing the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students about the field of software development.  

Runners and Walkers… Get Set, Ready, and Go!

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 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...

Cypress Bay BRIDGES Home Depot Flower Garden CBI

Cypress Bay BRIDGES Home Depot Flower Garden CBI

“Flowers are like friends; they bring diversity to your world.”  The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward students worked on planting a flower garden at their high school over the past three weeks to enhance the garden space. The students participated in several activities to...