The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward students worked on planting a flower garden at their high school over the past three weeks to enhance the garden space. The students participated in several activities to help them achieve their goals. First, they went to the garden and cleared the area of weeds while discussing what kinds of plants and flowers they wanted to plant and how much water and sunlight they would require. 

The following class period, the students went on a Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip to Home Depot, where they used their Gift Cards to buy plants and soil. Once they entered the store’s garden section, the students were split into pairs. Their challenge was to find one large plant for $19.98 and two medium plants for $13.96 total, with a $40 budget.  Two groups were given $60 in gift cards to purchase a 50-quart bag of potting soil. Each group did an excellent job, working together to find the plants and heading to the cashier to purchase their items.  

Once everyone completed their tasks of finding all the items they needed to purchase, they headed back to school for lunch. The students were excited to get to the garden and begin planting flowers and plants. During the next class, the students enjoyed spending the morning out in the garden working together.  

Several students were responsible for putting the soil in place and spreading it around the flower garden. Another group of students planted what they had purchased at Home Depot. The final group made sure to water the plants. The last thing done was to place their special flag in the front of the garden, which read: “If you plant, they will come to socialize.” This message had a lot of meaning for these students since their program focuses on peer interaction, and socialization activities.  

All the students were proud of what they accomplished together! Now they can all enjoy the beautiful flower garden they all worked hard to create for themselves and the other students, teachers, and families at their school!

I had the pleasure of attending their class on a day some of the students shared their vision boards. I was so impressed with the goals they set for themselves in the areas of education, independence, social skills, and careers. Six students shared their hopes and dreams of becoming an actor, working in a space-related field, animation, health science, and electronics.    

This lesson is two-fold; first, students share their vision boards with their classmates. Once everyone has completed the process and selected the careers/jobs they want to pursue, the HDS Foundation Program Managers invite guest speakers who have embarked on similar careers to present to the class, either in person or virtually. Last year, we even had a Team from Microsoft come out and host a workshop for the students.   

For some of our students, this exercise has helped them share how they feel about reaching certain milestones. For example, Jancarlo shared that he has become more independent now that he has his driver’s license. In addition, Vincent expressed the steps he would like to take to be more social with friends and classmates, such as stopping by to say hello, sharing like-minded interests, and becoming a better listener.   

I am so proud of HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they continue to work individually and in group settings to empower themselves and each other with their hopes and dreams for a bright future!  

Liz Falk  
Program Manager  
HDS Foundation