CMDS Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
What is Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of the history, culture, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors come from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
It was first recognized and observed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968.
When is Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month lasts from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
It begins in the middle of September as opposed to the beginning because Sept. 15 marks the Independence Days of five Latin Countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18 and Belize on Sept. 21.
Why Celebrate HHM?
At CMDS, we value the rich experiences, stories and cultures of those in our community. Celebrating HHM gives us the opportunity to acknowledge our families of Hispanic heritage. It enriches our understanding of other viewpoints, and it allows us to recognize the countless contributions Hispanic people have made to food, art, music, sports and other fields. We look forward to sharing the stories of those Hispanic or Latino individuals who have made their mark on American culture.
How will CMDS Celebrate HHM?
Starting Sept. 15, the students will learn about Hispanic individuals during morning announcements. Books will be available for them to learn more information. There will be a special Chapel where the students will have the opportunity to learn a song in Spanish as well as the last line of the CMDS Benediction.
In Art, students in grades 1st-6th have been working on an art mural of Frida Kahlo that consists of Hispanic flowers and flags. Throughout the month, they’ll also learn about other Hispanic artists – including Cruz Ortiz, Kahlo, Niege Borges and others – and do projects based off the artists they study.
In Spanish, students will have the opportunity to learn more about the individuals who were highlighted on the announcements through various activities and interactive videos.
Lastly, our students will be in for a treat as they sample a well known Spanish and Portuguese desert called churros. We are looking forward to immersing ourselves into the Hispanic culture.
Art Teacher Dare Harcourt and Diversity and Belonging Coordinator Brittany Carmichael-Hayes with some CMDS 5th graders who helped create the large tissue paper flowers adoring this Frida Kahlo mural.
