Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage/Latinx Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
Montclair Public Schools celebrated with a variety of lessons and activities focusing on present-day and historical figures, cultural practices, food, dance, music and more. Below is just a look at just some of the events that took place around the district.
On October 16 the Spanish World Language teachers at Montclair High School held a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month including three different types of projects—Country Facts, Culture, and Influential Persons. One teacher contributed the hearts that were half American flag and half a student's other nationality along with the sticky note display. Another teacher did the country posters, another teacher did the influential persons posters, and they all combined personal artifacts.
Featured in photos are the MHS Spanish World Language teachers: Silvia Jankowski, Marivel Marte, Miosotty Martinez, Mayerly Oviedo, Yahaira Peguero, Begona Plasencia-Guzmán; MHS Principal Jeffrey Freeman, MHS Assistant Principal Elizabeth Marflak and Bilingual/ESL/World Languages Supervisor Yasmín E. Hernández-Manno
Renaissance students viewed the film “Walkout,” which is based on the story of the Chicago student movement for equality in the Los Angeles Public School system. After the film, a discussion took place highlighting present-day issues of equality.
Charles H. Bullock students were treated to “A Journey Through Percussion” assembly, a trio of musicians who played different drumming instruments and had us follow beats and learn to dance salsa, all while teaching about the history, origins, and rhythms of Latin American percussion.
Buzz Aldrin students learned about the history of month, famous Hispanic/Latine Americans and their contributions to American history. They also discussed ways to celebrate and honor the month. Please see some conversation starters below. What is one interesting fact that you learned from the advisory? Why is it important to celebrate cultural months? Identify one famous Hispanic/Latin American and their contribution to US history.
Edgemont Montessori School held its fourth annual Hispanic Heritage celebration on Friday, September 20. The event was free and made possible by the Edgemont Montessori PTA. Activities included dancing with a Latin dance teacher, a Restorative Justice crafts table and an outdoor movie. Families also had the opportunity to purchase authentic Mexican cuisine.
Learners at Nishuane began its month-long celebration of Latiné and Hispanic Heritage Month with an exploration centered upon the theme “Celebrating the Many Shades of Us and What Brings Us Together!” In addition to classroom activities, an enrichment activity was sent home with students to complete after they read Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz with their family. This activity invited learners and families to color a paleta, a Mexican frozen treat, and write the flavor they would like to name the treat. Learners also partook in a Plátanos Tasting during lunch. They sampled three different Plátanos dishes including Mangú, Tostones, and Maduros before voting for their favorite. Tostones won with 148 votes, followed by Maduros with 81 votes and Mangú with 36 votes! The celebration ended with a very special Latiné & Hispanic Heritage Month assembly. This year’s Latiné and Hispanic Heritage Month assembly was a collaboration between Oyu Oro Dance Company and One Love Cultured Kids (One Love). This multi-genre performance art piece brought the story of Plátanos Are Love to life. The assembly began with oral storytelling accompanied by gentle drumming, setting the tone for the unfolding narrative. As the story progressed, it was enriched with dance, song, and vibrant drum rhythms. Audience participation was woven into the performance, inviting everyone to engage through a series of call-and-response interactions.
Several bulletin boards and the hallways of Watchung were decorated to celebrate all of the different Hispanic countries around the world and famous Latin X contributors from around the world. Hispanic Heritage Month was also highlighted with spirit days and morning announcements.
In celebration of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, Bradford staff and students enjoyed a special assembly led by one of our parents and students, introducing us to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This martial art, which emphasizes self-defense, discipline, and fitness, gave everyone a chance to see the techniques and values of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in action. “It was an inspiring demonstration of both mental and physical strength,” said Principal Frances Aboushi. “A big thank you to Mr. Acuna for organizing, our students Theo and Leia Kelsh and Finn Pace for participating, and Mr. Ruaya Sa for bringing this exciting event to our school!”
