During last year’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, Conjunto Philadelphia performed for students at Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center, sharing the vibrant musical traditions of pre-Revolutionary Cuba.
This September 15 through October 15, Downingtown Area School District (DASD) is proud to join the nationwide celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic communities in the United States and around the world.
Throughout the month, DASD students and staff will take part in a variety of educational and creative activities, including learning about Hispanic cultures, trying traditional cuisines, and enjoying performances of music and dance. While Spanish teachers incorporate culture into lessons year-round, Hispanic Heritage Month highlights these connections even more.
Paola Barone, Spanish teacher at Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center, shared: “As teachers of Spanish, we not only focus on the language component but also on the culture of the 21 countries where Spanish is the official language. Our culture is fun, caring, committed, and hardworking, and we try to bring all of that into our classrooms.”
As part of the celebration, students will enjoy music and dance performances by Conjunto Philadelphia, a group dedicated to preserving the musical traditions of pre-Revolutionary Cuba. Several elementary schools will also host lunch tasting events in partnership with Aramark, featuring dishes created by Hispanic and Latinx chefs within the Aramark family and highlighting the flavors and traditions of Hispanic culture.
In support of the district’s focus on fostering a positive school climate, Director of Student Relations and School Climate (SRSC) Justin Brown emphasized the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month in celebrating achievements and ensuring every student feels valued.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a meaningful opportunity for our students and staff to celebrate culture, identity, and community,” said Brown. “By highlighting the traditions, stories, and achievements of Hispanic and Latinx communities, we not only honor their contributions but also create spaces for our students to learn from one another and build a stronger sense of belonging across the district.”
For more information about DASD’s SRSC initiatives, visit www.dasd.org/srsc.
