Culpeper Middle School’s adapted curriculum program started a new tradition this year by hosting a “Friendsgiving” luncheon on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. As a part of the Community-Based Instruction Program, students in Mrs. Stephens' and Mrs. Fisher's class planned the event from beginning to end.
The day before, students visited a local grocery store to shop for supplies and ingredients for the luncheon. The shopping experience provided an opportunity for the students to practice vital skills they have been working on all year including direction following, budgeting, and teamwork. Then, on Tuesday morning, students prepared the feast for their families to enjoy. The menu included various pasta dishes, complete with salad, breadsticks, and many desserts.
To allow students to take ownership of their abilities and demonstrate important life skills with confidence, the teachers involved the students in every aspect of the planning process. Not only did students chose the entrees and desserts, but they also chose the theme for the tabletop decorations. They voted and pumpkins were the winner!
When the luncheon started, students greeted their families upon arrival with a flower before escorting them to the reserved conference room. Each student had dedicated place cards for them and their guests. A compilation of photos played as a sideshow throughout lunch highlighting various CBI trips and learning events at the school this year.
In addition to their families, the students invited special guests including CCPS related service providers Speech Therapist Brittany Woods, Occupational Therapists Jamie Hoover and Denita Holsinger, as well as CMS administrators. Bonnie Estes and Adam Cahuantzi from the Office of Special Education also joined the festivities.
