What is Hispanic Heritage Month? From September 15 to October 15, we proudly celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, a special time to learn about and honor the people, cultures, and traditions from Spanish-speaking countries. The mid-September start is intentional: it aligns with the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15, followed by Mexico and Chile on September 16 and 18, respectively. What began in 1968 as a weeklong observance has grown into a month-long celebration of the voices, stories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latine individuals and communities. Why It Matters to Our Community Hispanic Heritage Month supports our mission to educate the whole child and create a school where everyone feels included, respected, and valued. Here in the Bay Area, Hispanic and Latine describe not one culture, but many. Each culture has its own history, food, music, and traditions. By celebrating this diversity, we honor our students’ identities, strengthen connections among families, and deepen our learning together. At Assumption School, some grades may also be doing special activities in their own classroom. Be sure to ask your child what they are learning or doing to celebrate! Families can also celebrate at home with books that serve as the “mirrors and windows” into Latine experiences, like those on Tandem’s Hispanic Heritage Month Reading list: https://www.tandembayarea.org/celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month-with-books/
Events in the East Bay (a couple listed below and feel free to explore more events in your area!)
Raices y Remedios: Latine Wellness Market Sunday, October 11, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Berkeley Herbal Center, 1250 Addison Street, Suite G, Berkeley (in front of Strawberry Creek Park) Live music, raffles, food, art, and plant medicine featuring Latine artists and wellness practitioners. Free and open to all ages. https://partiful.com/e/DwmVLuioSeowDIZ4GgcB
East Bay Regional Park District events and an online exhibit on Los Charros at Contra Loma: https://www.ebparks.org/we-celebrate/hispanic-heritage-month
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s take time to appreciate the meaningful contributions of Hispanic and Latin American communities. By learning from one another, showing kindness, and celebrating our many cultures, we make our school stronger, more caring, and more connected - a place where everyone belongs.
All the best,
Assumption School JEDI Workgroup