Leading up to Mother’s Day, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teachers designed the lesson plans to teach their students valuable life skills and prepare them to surprise their mothers with thoughtful presents. The lesson involved buying a card, a box of chocolates, and a plant to give to their mothers on Mother’s Day. In addition, the students had the opportunity to practice several essential skills, including budgeting, using gift cards for payments, visiting the post office to mail out their cards, shopping, and caring for plants.

First, the students headed to Publix for their Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip, where they bought Mother’s Day cards for less than $7.00 each. After purchasing the cards, they returned to class to write and sign personalized messages. The next day, the CBI took students to a nearby post office, where they mailed the cards via the U.S.P.S.

The following day, the students went to the mall to buy a box of chocolates. The students were given a budget of $18 each to select chocolates they thought their mothers would enjoy the most. For the final CBI session of the week, the group visited Home Depot. Each student had a $20 budget to buy a flowering plant as part of their Mother’s Day presents. During this activity, the students learned about the plants’ specific requirements, such as their need for sunlight or shade, and had to decide which plant would suit their home best.

Throughout the week, the students’ enthusiasm kept growing. They were so excited as they eagerly anticipated presenting the gifts they had personally selected and bought for the most important woman in their lives – their mother!

On this Mother’s Day, we extend our warmest wishes to all the mothers of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S., College Mentors, and Social Activities Program participants.

Happy Mother’s Day!

For this week’s Career Series, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students were delighted to have the opportunity to connect with Digital Artist Mike Spring via Zoom. Given the students’ keen interest in pursuing Digital Art as a career path, Liz Falk, HDS Foundation Program Manager, secured a visit from Mike to share insights on his journey toward becoming a successful Digital Artist. 

During his presentation to the students, Mike shared his passion for drawing as a child, but he never imagined it would lead to a career. However, when working at an engineering firm, he transitioned from sketching bridges, runways, and roads to utilizing computer software. During this transition, the world of digital art was revealed to him, and he became fascinated. 

He shared his diverse experiences in Digital Art with the students. This included working for Disney, television, movies, gaming, and much more. Mike is a professor at the LA Film School, where he educates aspiring artists about the world of Digital Art. His work captivated the students, and they asked excellent questions during the presentation. 

Q&A: When asked about his favorite job, Mike explained to Matt that his previous jobs had brought unique aspects to his work, making it difficult for him to choose. Similarly, when Kaitlyn asked about the typical salary for a Digital Artist, Mike responded that it varies depending on one’s experience level in the field. 

The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students were grateful for Mike’s willingness to share his journey and incredible work with them. We look forward to having Mike join us for another presentation next year during our Career Series. 

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