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 concentrate on Knowledge of Self and their Rights, Communication, Tools for Empowerment, and IEP Participation.
Students were actively asking questions about how to advocate for themselves as Ally went over each component. Destiny shared with the class that her grandmother was her advocate and shared how she wants to help others that are less fortunate than she is. Ally recognized Destiny’s passion for becoming an advocate and invited her to be part of workshops for other students. Destiny was thrilled and is looking forward to the experience.
The students enjoyed Ally’s presentation and look forward to welcoming her back next month when Ally presents to the students: The Nuts & Bolts of Self-Determination.
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 Program. ESE students were then partnered with a “Buddy” to either walk or run together. Among the more than 200 5K Buddy Run/Walk participants were 100 ESE students and 100 “Buddies.”
The team at HDS Foundation is honored to support this event which brings inclusion, acceptance, and friendship to all the students who participated. We sponsored the Medals for all 5K Buddy Run/Walk participants this year.
We look forward to the next Homestead Senior High School 5K Buddy Run!
Team HDS Foundation
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 their classmates and practice to be ready to compete. They were all so excited to participate and had a fantastic time. When they weren’t participating, they were cheering on their classmates.
The Special Olympics movement has grown to be an international helping to build communities where people with intellectual disabilities are treated with respect and given the opportunities they deserve. It allows the students to train for the different events and strive to achieve their best. The best part of the Special Olympics is that it helps to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and share gifts, skills, and friendships.
We are very proud of the students who participated in the Special Olympics and look forward to next year’s event!
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 was built in 1987 on an ancient Native American village and Tequesta Trace burial mound. Along the walkway are several sidewalk plaques with historical information for everyone to read and learn more about the Tequesta Tribe.
Once the students arrived at the park, they were divided into teams to begin their Q&A challenge, answering questions with facts that could only be found on the plaques around the park. As the students ventured out with their partners and began to read the history of the Tequesta Native Americans, they were surprised to learn that Tequesta children did not receive a name until they were six to seven years old and were considered adults at 13 years of age.
Anastasia, Lucas, and Vincent won the challenge by answering the most questions correctly. Afterward, the students enjoyed their lunch and enjoyed time socializing with their classmates.
We are proud of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they practice using Resources, Independence, Growth, Empowerment, and Social Skills while they learn.
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 choice using a hammer, a screwdriver, and paint. Students had a variety of paint colors to choose from which helped them express their creativity.
By assisting her classmates with their projects, Destiny demonstrated her master abilities. She displayed patience and tenacity when she placed some of the trickier parts together. Her classmates greatly appreciated her assistance. Saulo was also very patient and continued to keep trying when he sometimes had difficulty getting the pieces to fit correctly. By the end of the day, the students had completed their wood projects and were very proud of themselves.
Way to go, HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students!
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