The students had a great experience during the Community-Based Instruction trip as part of the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program. They visited several retail stores, including TJ Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, and Five Below, where they worked in pairs to complete assigned activities. Each pair selected thoughtful holiday gifts for a family member or friend while staying within a set budget. Students explored clearance and sale sections to find the best values and make informed purchasing decisions.
After shopping, students enjoyed lunch at Chick-fil-A. They took time to look over the menu and decide what meal best met their needs and budget. Students placed their own orders, handled their payments independently, and checked that they received the correct items, all while interacting respectfully and confidently with employees.
Overall, the trip provided hands-on learning opportunities in budgeting, decision-making, and communication, while supporting independence and practical life skills in a real-world environment.
