As part of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program Community Based Instruction (CBI), students learn budgeting skills while they shop for goods and services. Part of the grant money our Foundation awards to the schools each year goes to purchasing gift cards. This week, our CBI was a shopping experience at Publix, the teacher pre-purchased (14) $15 Publix gift cards. Prior to heading out on their CBI field trip, students looked over the type of subs, deli-style food, desserts, and drinks they could order for lunch. Each student made a list of what they wanted, and their assigned teammate had to order it for them. This was a fantastic lesson in budgeting and problem-solving, as some items were not available and students had to decide what to do; some of the students had to calculate whether the combo deal was a savings or not, order from the deli and bakery and of course find all the items that were listed on their friend’s lunch order. Each student managed to stay within their budget of $15. We are very proud of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they continue to learn life skills!

Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students took on the Office Depot Challenge with their teams to purchase supplies within their specified budget.  Each team had to work together, communicate, and decide which items would be the best choice to keep their project within budget. Each group did a fantastic job and stayed within their budget. This Community Based Instruction field trip helped the students learn life skills while shopping for supplies with their team members.

Great job!

The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students visited the park to participate in various team-building activities over the past two weeks. Together with their teammates, they overcame various obstacles to achieve their goal with a partner. Students were blindfolded as they were being directed by their partner to follow various tasks. They also had to ask questions to one another to determine who the mystery student’s name was written on their back. These teambuilding exercises were designed to encourage cooperation and strengthen interpersonal relationships with the students in the class. So proud of the students and their positive attitudes working together with their classmates.