As Autism Awareness Month is approaching, the Homestead Senior Highschool B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program has been exploring their creative side. They visited Painting with a Twist in The Falls for one of their Community Based Instruction trips. Students, Teachers, HDS Foundation Staff and HSH Best Buddies crew arrived bright and early to work on their own renditions of a colorful night sky. As everyone created their own version of a colorful night sky, students were able to practice their social skills with their peers along with independence skills as they followed directions. Once the class finished painting, they all showed off their masterpiece to one another. It was interesting to see everyone’s renditions of the same piece!

Before heading back to school, students were able to enjoy burgers and shakes from Shake Shack. We look forward to having events like this one in the future because this allows students to explore different interest and hobbies together. Stay tuned for our next adventure!

Looking for a one of a kind and creative experience to enjoy with your friends? Painting Fiesta is the place to go. The Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class went on their weekly CBI trip to A Painting Fiesta Art Studio in Weston where they had the opportunity to feel like they were professional artists.

Robyn Fisher, the owner of A Painting Fiesta, guided the students each step of the way through directions and visual representation of the steps to paint an owl on a branch. She taught the students how to hold the brush correctly, what color they needed to dip the brush in, what primary colors were and how to get the certain colors by mixing them. The students did a fantastic job listening and following the directions!

Even though everyone was painting the same artwork, it was fascinating to see each student add their own personal creativity to their piece. One of the students, Matt, learned that even if you make a mistake, it could easily be fixed without having to start completely over.

This CBI was meant for students to practice their development, independence and social skills while also giving them time to relax and let loose. Students were all pleased with their artwork and what they were able to accomplish. They were all excited to go home and hang their paintings in their bedroom. The HDS Foundation, along with Ms. Kathy and Donna, are so PROUD of each and every student, and can’t wait to see what they all accomplish throughout the years!

The Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class set out on a quest to Peace Mound Park in Weston where students enjoyed a beautiful day outside working together on a scavenger hunt.

The class was divided into teams and were given a clipboard, a pencil, and fourteen questions about the Tequesta Indians. The goal was to find the answers to these questions around the park. For example, some of the questions included: “what was the name of the Tequesta Chief?” and “until what year did the Tequesta Indians live at this site?” and so forth. This hunt was great for the students to practice their development, independence and social skills all together. Once time was up, facilitator Donna Mansolillo went over the answers to each question.

By this time, the students had worked up an appetite and were ready to enjoy some lunch. It was an eventful and educational morning to say the least! Stay tuned for our next CBI adventure.

Chik-Fil-A nuggs and fries? Need I say more?! The Cypress Bay High School B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class headed out on their Community Based Instruction trip to Chik-Fil-A in Weston. Like many other CBI trips, students arrived, looked over the delicious menu, and decided what they wanted to eat for lunch. Once each student made their decision, they went to the register and ordered their meal. Students used their own debit cards to pay and sat down waiting for their meal to be brought to them. During this time, the class was able to enjoy socializing with one another.

It was interesting to see how each student got creative with their meals. William decided to put french fries inside his chicken sandwich. He said it tasted YUMMY! Another student dipped their nuggets in five different sauces before they ate it. The students enjoyed their meals and were happy to be able to get free refills! It was a great day for the class to practice their budgeting, independence, and social skills. The HDS Foundation loves being able to participate at each CBI and capturing these fun moments.