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
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
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
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.
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Enjoy the Best Burgers in Town!
During the outing, each student ordered a meal complete with fries, a drink, and dessert. This gave them the opportunity to practice paying with their debit card. Some of the students’ favorite items included double burgers and milkshakes. Ryan, who skipped breakfast, indulged in a double burger, chili fries, a soft drink, and a milkshake, while Aaron ordered too much and ended up taking some of his food to go.
Despite the challenges that can come with socializing and participating in everyday activities, our students thoroughly enjoyed their lunch at Burger Fi. It is one of their favorite CBIs during the school year, and it is easy to see why. Not only do they get to practice important life skills like ordering food, but they also get to socialize with their peers and enjoy a delicious meal.
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and other programs like it are essential for providing students on the autism spectrum with opportunities to practice socializing and participating in everyday activities. These experiences help to build confidence and independence, which can carry over into other areas of their lives. It is important to continue to support and advocate for programs like these so that all individuals on the autism spectrum can live their lives to the fullest.
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