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 items they had on the menu!

To help make the CBI run smoothly, facilitator Mrs. Papili spent class time reviewing some very important skills that the students would be using during their visit to IHOP. They reviewed how to stay within a budget, figure out a tip, what percentage the server should get, table manners, and even had a chance to role play ordering food.

Students had free choices of what they could order if they stayed within the budget of $25 for breakfast! They each ordered their meals independently. Some of the students ordered eggs, bacon, pancakes, and others decided on waffles. As the students enjoyed their breakfast meals, they socialized about a variety of topics.  No electronics were allowed on this CBI, as Mrs. Papili wanted the students to spend time socializing with one another.

After everyone was done eating, each student paid for their meal using their Visa Gift Card funded by HDS Foundation and was sure to include tip for the waiter! So proud of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they continue to practice there  Budgeting, Resources, Independence, Growth, Development and Social Skills.

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 where everything was in a grocery store. Next, they began to work on where they would find certain items in the store such as: the different aisles, produce and freezer sections. They also learned how to check out their grocery items and how to properly bag their items. Students then participated in a “mock” grocery store as the classroom became Publix for a day.

On the following class day, they were on their way to Publix for the Scavenger Hunt. They were ready! Each student received a list with the names & pictures of various items found around the store, a clipboard, and a pencil. The list included paper good items, produce, vegetables, freezer items and dairy products. Students were divided into teams with an adult to help them find the items in the store. Each student had to identify what isle the item was in and the cost.

As the students made their way around Publix, they discussed the different brands of items and costs of each one. They couldn’t believe how much different items cost just because of the brand name. Once they completed their Scavenger Hunt, they all headed to get a cookie at the bakery! This was their special treat for doing such a great job!

What a great CBI to practice Resources, Independence, Growth, Empowerment and Social Skills!

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 visiting Bank of America and learning how to use the ATM to deposit a check to replenish their debit card, students now were able to head out on a CBI to enjoy a delicious lunch with their friends! Some of the students ordered homemade chicken soup, hamburgers and macaroni and cheese. But the all-time favorite of most of the students was the chicken tender and fries!

Lunch was certainly enjoyed by all! A few students decided to bring home what they had left to eat for another meal later that day! Conversation took place during and after lunch as they talked about the upcoming cold front making its way to South Florida, new movies, and video games they had played. Once the check arrived, each student had to pay the waiter with their debit card, including tip. They all agreed the service was excellent and the waiter deserved a twenty percent tip!

This CBI, students focused on Budgeting, Independence, Growth, and Social Skills!

A.T.M.s are located all over the community to make banking easier for everyone. This week, the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the opportunity to learn how to use an A.T.M. at the local Bank of America branch.

As part of the HDS Foundation B.R.I.D.G.E.S. grant, students in the program receive two checks during the school year to deposit in their student bank account. The funds are used each week for their Community Based Instruction (C.B.I.) trips to learn life skills, such as shopping, eating out, etc. Facilitators, Donna Mansolillo and Kathy Gorman-Gard use each activity as a “teachable moment.” This week was learning how to use an A.T.M. as the students deposited their second check from HDS Foundation.

The students are now ready to head out into the community and have new experiences. Bank accounts are now replenished, and students can now pay for their activities and practice their life skills. We are so proud of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they continue to learn about banking, accounts, debit cards and now  using an A.T.M.

Stay tuned to see where the students will head next week on the C.B.I.!

Mac n Cheese, an all-time American favorite meal!

The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a chance this past week to participate in a 2-part activity making Mac n Cheese. In preparation for this Community Based Instruction (CBI) students had several steps to complete before they could make their meal.

First, they had to watch a You Tube video on how to make mac n cheese in a mug. The students then had to create a shopping list of ingredients they would need to make their mac n cheese.

Students then headed to Publix, where they were then divided into 4 teams. Each team was responsible for buying one of the ingredients for the entire class. This required calculating the amount needed for 14 students. The groups had to calculate the total and tax (if any) and pay with a Publix gift card.

On the following school day, the room was set up with 4 microwaves, and each student created their own macaroni n cheese in a mug. The class did an excellent job following directions and creating their own mac n cheese in a mug. All students gave it a 10 out of 10 rating! Yum!

Students continue to practice their Budgeting, Independence, Development and Social Skills in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class!