Monday, December 2, 2024
Schools across the Baldwin school district celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 with a range of activities aimed at recognizing the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
The observation first started in 1968 as “Hispanic Heritage Week” under then President Lyndon Johnson. President Ronald Reagan then expended it to cover a 30-day period in 1988.
Brookside Elementary students crafted flags representing Hispanic countries and learned about notable Hispanic Americans who have shaped U.S. culture, including artists, musicians, scientists, and activists.
In total, there are 20 Hispanic countries and Spanish is their official or primary language. The majority of the countries are in Latin America as well as in Europe.
Lenox Elementary second-grade teacher Jessica Katsoulakis invited families into her classroom for a hands-on Hispanic Heritage Project. Students painted Puerto Rican symbols on rocks and created a Frida Kahlo-inspired mural for the school’s second-floor hallway.
Plaza Elementary students started each day with bilingual morning announcements that highlighted various facts about Hispanic culture. Victoria Mahon and Mike Garcia developed an educational slide deck, which included a brief history of Hispanic Heritage Month, interactive games for the classroom, and a collection of read-alouds related to Hispanic heritage.
Second graders in Nancy Aquino’s class at Steele Elementary hosted a variety of activities. She welcomed two guest presenters who shared insights into Hispanic culture and studied flags from different Hispanic countries while learning about influential figures in history.
Third-grade students, led by teachers Danielle Greco, Michele Lanci, and Susan Michels, connected their social studies lessons on landforms and waterways to the artwork of Ines Alvidres, a Mexican abstract artist whose pieces are influenced by the landscapes of Texas and the Tarahumara Indians.
Fourth graders in Michele Kourie’s class participated in a virtual breakout room challenge using artifacts from Hispanic countries, while students in Liz Carrozzo’s class explored the life and art of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. They created self-portraits inspired by Kahlo’s artistic style.
At Baldwin Middle School, students were greeted with daily announcements that recognized the achievements of Hispanic Americans. Students and staff celebrated their heritage by wearing shirts representing their countries of origin and Hispanic roots.
Finally, Baldwin High School art students had their work selected for the Nassau County Courts Art Exhibit, which honored National Hispanic Heritage Month.
This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” highlighted the contributions of Hispanic and Latino leaders.
The official opening of the exhibit took place on Oct. 10 at the Nassau County Supreme Court, where families had the chance to view their children’s art. The exhibition was on display throughout October.
“I am incredibly proud of my students for having their art featured in the Nassau County Art Exhibit for National Hispanic Heritage Month,” Gabriella Franza, assistant director of instructional programs, wrote in a news release. “Their creativity and vision align perfectly with this year’s theme and reflect Baldwin Schools’ commitment to fostering innovative thinkers.”
