HDS BRIDGES Students Making a Difference!
Our HDS BRIDGES class in Broward County recently took part in two CBI shopping trips, turning a lesson in budgeting and community service into a heartfelt project for children in need.
Five Below: Students were given a $4.00 budget to purchase crayons for the school crayon drive, supporting young patients at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
Dollar Tree: Students followed a list to purchase items for chemo kits, carefully assembling them back at school before handing them over to the HOSA Club for delivery to Joe DiMaggio Hospital.
Through these trips, the students not only practiced essential life skills but also gave back in a meaningful way.
Happy Valentine’s Day from our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
Our Miami Dade County students celebrated with a fun-filled ice cream social, making heartfelt cards and decorations. The day was all about creativity, teamwork, and sweet memories. Meanwhile, our Broward students practiced pre-employment skills, selling keychains and pens around the school! Afterward, they celebrated with a pizza party and exchanged letters and snacks they bought at Target. It was a day full of joy, growth, and community spirit!
Our Experience with the THRIVE Program at University of North Florida!
Last Thursday morning, we had the amazing opportunity to visit the North Florida School of Special Education (NFSSE) and see firsthand how they empower students with intellectual and developmental differences. From Berry Good Farms and Art With Soul to their innovative microenterprises, we saw incredible vocational programs that provide hands-on training and employment opportunities!
We also had the privilege of speaking with Alyssa L. Schneider, who shared her inspiring journey as a college student at UNF despite being told she wouldn’t make it. Her poetry about her autism experience is truly powerful!
At UNF, we met with Amber from the THRIVE Program, learned about the Student Accessibility Center (SAC) and its role in supporting students with disabilities, and explored USoar, UNF’s newest program helping students with intellectual disabilities gain academic, social, and career skills. All in all, it was a fun and insightful day! Huge thanks to THRIVE, NFSSE, the Student Accessibility Center, and USoar for an unforgettable experience!
Super Bowl LIX Fun!
This weekend’s Super Bowl LIX matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles had our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students very excited! Leading up to the big game, students made their predictions and tallied votes—with the Chiefs as the predicted winners! To get in the game-day spirit, students took part in football-themed training camps, putting their skills and teamwork to the test. They wrapped up the fun with a Super Bowl party lunch, making it a celebration to remember!
From predictions to playtime, our students had a blast gearing up for the big game!
Students Build Financial Skills in Real-World Banking
On Friday, January 24th, our Social Personal Skills Class took a hands-on approach to financial literacy with a CBI outing to Bank of America! Students practiced depositing checks at the ATM using their debit cards—after first honing their banking skills in class.
After banking, the students headed to Panera for lunch! Some deposits weren’t immediately credited, so students’ problem-solved by tracking their purchases and reimbursing their teachers via Zelle in the next class. This experience reinforced essential online banking skills and real-world money management.
Through this outing, the students covered key BRIDGES areas:
B – Budgeting
R – Resources
S – Social Skills
Great job to all our students for practicing independence and problem-solving!
Job Fair
This week, five of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the opportunity to attend the Plantation High School Job Fair. Mrs. Karla Lama, the facilitator of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class, worked with the students on discussing the necessary components of a resume and proper...
Building a Healthy Lifestyle
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Community Based Instruction (CBI) for this week focused on building a healthy lifestyle by learning about the many programs the Y.M.C.A. in Weston offered. Students were given a tour of the facility and had the opportunity to ask questions....
Board and Brush Creative Studio
Decisions, decisions, decisions! The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students put on their creative hats during the Community Based Instruction (CBI) field trip this week at Board & Brush Creative Studio in Weston. Before heading out on the CBI, students had to make decisions...
Budgeting at Chik-fil-a
Last week, the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students Community Based Instruction (CBI) field trip was a favorite of all, a trip to Chick- Fil- A. After having to wait patiently, as their bus arrived a ½ hour late to the school, students finally made it to one of their favorite...
The Cybrarium
Have you heard about the Cybrarium located in downtown Homestead, Florida? Well, today our B.R.I.D.G.E.S students had a real treat spending the morning at the Cybrarium, a one-of-a-kind library that offers an exciting blend of cutting-edge technology and a traditional...
Wings in Weston
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S students enjoyed their weekly Community Based Instruction (CBI) activity at Wings In Weston. Students were able to work on decision making skills, calculating tip and most importantly problem-solving skills. A situation occurred when a student wanted...
Time for Lunch!
"Lunch hour is the Best Hour of the Day" was the motto for the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students this week! Both classes headed to local restaurants for their Community Based Instruction (CBI) field trip. Mrs. Karla Lama and Mrs. Courtney Henry’s class had the chance to...
Budgeting at IHOP
What a special treat our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed as they headed to IHOP for their early morning Community Based Instruction (CBI) trip! As the students reviewed the menu prior to heading out to IHOP, they couldn’t wait to order all the delicious breakfast...
Publix Scavenger Hunt
A Scavenger Hunt at Publix? This is exactly what the B.R.I.D.G.E.S class did for their weekly Community Based Instruction (CBI) field trip, and they had a blast! Before heading to Publix, students were very busy in the classroom going on a virtual field trip to see...
Lucille’s American Café
Lucille's American Café, a Weston restaurant known as a great place for friends to come and enjoy their delicious classic favorites! The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students got to do just that this past week on their weekly Community Based Instruction (CBI) field trip. After...