Shields Elementary celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Shields Elementary Spanish immersion students marked Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about contributions and influence Hispanic Americans have had on the history, culture and achievements of the United States.
Second-grade Spanish Immersion teacher Yanira Sanchez said the purpose of this celebration was to expose students to aspects of Latin American culture and allow Spanish-speaking students to showcase and embrace their culture.
Students researched 23 different Spanish-speaking countries around the world to learn their locations, holidays and customs during the month-long observation Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
Sanchez said the school counselor and all second-grade teachers participated by donning their most festive attire to culminate the unit. First-grade English teacher Christine Charles and first-grade Spanish teacher Elizabeth Nunez-Pena said the event encouraged embracing diversity and celebrating the cultural heritage of all the students.
Kindergarten immersion teachers Erin Handley and Andrea Elling said the celebration made a big impact on students, whose minds were opened to different ideas and cultures. The immersion team hopes to hold an even bigger celebration next year.
