September 15 officially marked the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage month, an annual celebration of the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Holyoke is a multicultural city—and HPS is a multicultural school system, with more than 80 percent of our students belonging to the Latino community. “Recognizing and celebrating the contributions, experiences, and cultural impact of Hispanic Americans is an important way we foster a sense of belonging at school for each of our students,” said Superintendent Anthony Soto.
At Morgan School, students in higher grades will be reading to younger students, featuring titles such as Carrie Lara’s “The Heart of Mi Familia” and Mary Dixon Lake’s “Abu y Tata.” At Sullivan School, students can to participate in a bulletin board contest to create displays on notable Latin-American leaders. High school students will be learning about a historical figure on the morning announcements each day in addition to Hispanic Heritage themes being woven throughout lessons.
Watch for news, photos, and videos from HPS classrooms that will be shared on the district’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages, and later editions of the “Together for Holyoke” e-newsletter. HPS staff and families are encouraged to share photos and celebration information for possible inclusion in district publications by emailing Senior Communications Coordinator Kat Johnson.
Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month with these resources:
National Hispanic Heritage Month: The official website that pulls together exhibits and resources from across national museums, archives, and organizations.
PBS Kids: Interactive activities and articles for families of students in PreK-2
¡Presente!: A virtual exhibit on the Latino history of the United States from the National Museum of The American Latino.
Holyoke Public Library: There is a wide range of books, movies, and more celebrating Puerto Rican and Latin-American culture for students and families of all ages.