Hispanic Heritage Month rolls around every September and invites our students to learn more about the Hispanic culture. It is a time when teachers use extra creativity to come up with more lessons geared toward the celebration. This year, we take you into the celebrations at Sunset Park Elementary and Sullivan Middle School.

At Sunset Park, it is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity for students to gain knowledge, respect, and appreciation for the cultures that make up their community. Walking through the school’s halls, you will see sugar skulls, piñatas, masks, and pottery. Step into the classroom and see students learning traditional dances and listening to songs from different countries.

This unique approach to Hispanic Heritage Month allows students to explore and appreciate new art forms, while also encouraging them to reflect on their peers’ cultural backgrounds. "The students enjoy it. They love learning new things,” Sunset Park Principal Nakia Barnes said. 

Educators Ny'Asia Milton and Bianca Baxter were key players in this year’s celebrations. Both helped weave together a program where students could gain a greater appreciation for the diverse cultures surrounding them. “It gives them an outlook on why other cultures might be different from theirs, helping them to understand more about why people dress the way they do, eat the foods they eat, or celebrate the way they do,” Milton said. By involving them in projects that honor Hispanic art, dance, and music, SPES instilled a sense of inclusivity and understanding that will stay with them far beyond the classroom. 

On a different side of the district, Sullivan Middle School students were having similar experiences.

The school hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month Festival featuring a colorful array of cultural experiences, including live performances, music, art displays, and authentic Hispanic cuisine. "As a Hispanic teacher, it makes us feel at home and that we matter,” educator Roberto Donado said. The festival offered students a chance to connect with the beauty and diversity of Hispanic culture. "I get to learn about different countries and artwork that help me understand the culture and stories,” Yaretsi S., a seventh grader, said when asked how this event helps her learn about Hispanic heritage.

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme at Sullivan IB Middle School was particularly fitting. "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together" not only celebrates the historical achievements of the Hispanic community but also encourages students to see themselves as part of the ongoing story of change. It challenged students to reflect on how they can be pioneers in their own right—working toward a future where inclusion, understanding, and mutual respect are the norm.

We are encouraged about the learning our students have had over the month. While Tuesday marks the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, the lessons learned will continue to shape the students’ perspectives as they grow.