Chapel Hill High School students in the Program for Exceptional Children recently expanded their learning beyond the classroom through a Community-Based Instruction (CBI) trip, embracing real-world experiences with confidence and independence.
Led by teachers Daniel Willis and Suvarna Manthripragada, along with their dedicated paraprofessionals, Melissa Kennedy and Kevin Dix, Kameron Bryant, Jamie Meyers, and Rodrigo Carnes, students developed essential life skills through interactive, hands-on experiences.
During their visit to Burlington Coat Factory, students practiced shopping—making choices, handling money and engaging with store employees. Then, they dined at Monterrey Mexican restaurant, where they practiced ordering meals and engaging with staff in a public setting.
“These outings are more than just trips; they are a bridge to inclusion, fostering independence while encouraging our community to embrace individuals with disabilities,” said Principal Dr. Melisha Plummer. “By creating opportunities for social interaction and life skills development, we empower our students to take their place in the world—one step at a time.”