students in front of local coffee shop with sunflower decorations behind them

Community Based Instruction (CBI) is an integral part of the Adapted Curriculum Program at Culpeper Middle School (CMS).  Each month CBI Trips are scheduled as part of our lesson planning. Students began the school year by visiting a local coffee shop, Southside Coffee, to kick off the re-opening of the student-led school-based business, The Cougar Cafe. Students learned the history of coffee along with the steps to making the perfect brew before enjoying a delicious treat from Tanya Hale, owner of Southside. 

In September, CMS invited Lt. Arrington and the K9 Division of CCSO to discuss their roles in the community and the importance of being safe. Students from both CMS and Floyd T. Binns were able to explore the K9 cruisers and receive child identification cards through the Sheriff's Office with the help of SRO Thorn and SRO Depue. Shortly after the visit, students from both Culpeper Middle and Floyd T. Binns Adapted Curriculum Program were able to visit the local Emergency Call Center where they reviewed when to call 911, and what happens after the call is made. After a short walk next door to the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office students met with local law enforcement officers, toured the facility, and were able to sit in a CCSO cruiser.

Finally, students toured the local post office and learned about the process that a letter or package goes through after it is put in the mailbox to be mailed. As our community continues to grow, it is vital that our students know what is available to them and how to access community resources. The only way to do this is to be in the community!