Hispanic Heritage Month came to a close on October 15, following a month of assemblies, parades, and celebrations across Holyoke Schools.
At Lawrence, each classroom spent a week focusing on one Hispanic country. Their studies culminated in a hallway parade and assembly as each class celebrated their chosen country and showcased what they learned for families and each other. Donahue School held a family night in celebration, while Kelly School organized a car parade for family members to join in the festivities.
At many schools, dancing was at the center of the celebrations. Students at Sullivan and Metcalf, as well as local dance troupes such as Dancers Star Unity, performed the bomba, bachata, and other dances for their classmates. At Donahue School, first grade students learned about a variety of genres of Latin music and how to move to the beat for each style.
In addition to the celebration, Hispanic Heritage Month also provided ample opportunities for students to learn about Latin-American culture, leadership, and history. Students at Sullivan School participated in a bulletin board contest, putting together educational displays about different countries and prominent Hispanic leaders, including some of Holyoke’s own, such as Carlos Vega and Felipe Pantoja. Morgan School offered a read-aloud event, with older students serving as “special guest readers” for younger students. Dean and STEM crafted daily special announcements, one for each of the 21 Hispanic countries, sharing information—and a curated playlist—to highlight each country’s unique history.
HPS celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month each year from September 15 through October 15. With more than 80 percent of Holyoke students identifying as Latino or Latina, this celebration is an important acknowledgement of Holyoke’s history and diversity. Hispanic Heritage Month was first celebrated nationally in 1989, with the purpose of uplifting and celebrating American citizens whose roots come from Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, and Spain.