Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together
The WCPS Office of Equity & Excellence is excited to invite you to recognize and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. We are excited to continue our journey toward deeper cultural understanding as we shift from awareness to commitment and action. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities and their profound impact on our students, families, and society. This celebration is a powerful opportunity for educators to deepen their knowledge of Hispanic history, cultural contributions, and identity while fostering a more inclusive learning environment.
Now, more than ever, it's essential to move beyond cultural awareness and actively seek tools and resources that support our students year-round, not just during heritage months. By consistently integrating Hispanic perspectives into our teaching, we can strengthen our classrooms and ensure every student feels seen, valued, and supported.
This year, we will highlight existing connections within our curriculum for each heritage month. We also encourage you to share any additional resources or classroom images that showcase the meaningful ways you're celebrating and uplifting Hispanic and Latinx culture. Together, let’s continue building a learning environment that celebrates and honors the diverse backgrounds found in our local and national communities all year long.
Evolving demographics
Currently, Latinx people make up about 19% (63.7 million people) of the US population. This makes it the nation’s second largest racial or ethnic group. Within Maryland, Hispanic individuals make up more 11% of the state's total population. There are 13 states that have more than one million Hispanic residents as of the 2020 Census.
Latinx students represent more than 14% of WCPS students - most coming from Central America. 75% of students who are EL or former EL students speak Spanish. We hope you'll take some time during the next 30 days to explore the information provided so that you can increase your awareness and that of your students.
In this newsletter you an expect to find information on:
- A brief explanation of Hispanic Heritage month and its importance
- A section on the history of Latinx individuals in the United States
- A section on Latinx contributions to American culture
- A section on the challenges faced but like Hispanic/Latinx community
- A section on cultural norms within the Hispanic/Latinx community
- A section with suggestions for books, movies, TV programs and music that highlight the diverse cultural experiences of Latinx individuals and build your awareness.
- A section on current events
- A section with resources for teachers
- A section with WCPS curricular resources.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is Sep. 15th to Oct. 15th. This month recognizes the contributions & celebrates the cultural history of Latinos in the United States and is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens who they themselves or whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
It occurs during this 30 day period since many Latin American countries celebrate their national independence days on or near Sep. 15th. September 15 is the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Cuba celebrates its independence on October 10 and Spain on October 12.
Purpose: to celebrate the histories, cultures & contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Theme
History
The American Hispanic/Latinx history is a rich, diverse and long one, with immigrants, refugees and Spanish-speaking or indigenous people living in the United States since long before the nation was established. And, bringing with them traditions and culture from Mexico, Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and other Latin American and Iberian nations, America’s Latinx population continues to grow... Click the button below to read more fascinating information about the history of Latinos.
WCPS Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Contributions
Latinos have been an important part of the fabric of the US for more than 500 years. The influence of the Latino culture can be felt in many aspects of American society such as language, food, celebrations, entertainment, sports, government and so much more. Spanish words have been hiding in the English language for a long time. Because of the popularity of Mexican cuisine, many of us are familiar with words like taco and tortilla but, did you know many other words have Spanish origins such as: Colorado, Montana, agenda, canal, festival? Follow the link for more commonly used words with Spanish origins and experiment with using them in your classroom! https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/english-words-actually-spanish Watch the the videos below to learn more about this diverse population.
*Disclaimer: If a video doesn't work on the first click, please refresh this page and try again.*
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Challenges Faced by the Latinx Community
The Latinx community is the fastest growing demographic in the United States. This incredibly diverse population has made numerous contributions to American culture. Over the last few years, members of the Latinx community and their culture have experienced a sharp increase in recognition across the United States. A Mexican-American ran for president, 41 Latinx individuals were recently elected to the US Congress and Latin music has become more popular that country music. Mexican and Latin cuisine continues to grow in popularity. Did you know that more tacos are sold than hot dogs?
Despite individual and group achievements and contributions, there are also challenges. You should be aware of 5 challenges that top the list. They are:
- Employment (job quality and harassment)
- Identity (Personal representation)
- Education (under representation and performance gaps)
- Living in a bilingual world
- Criminal Justice (higher incarceration rates)
Knowing the challenges faced by the community is important, however, as educators, we must consider how these barriers impact our students. We must consider our students that live in one culture but go to school in another. As we focus on individual students, we must consider the educational challenges that may also be at play. As the school year begins, take some extra time to get to know your students and the challenges they and their families are facing.
Cultural Differences
It's essential to remember that Latinx students are a diverse group with a wide range of experiences, and cultural norms can differ significantly within the Latinx community. Therefore, it's crucial to approach each student as an individual and to work closely with them and their families to provide the support and resources they need to succeed in school. The US Department of Education published in May 2022 that as of 2019 the number of English language learners in public schools had increased from 9.2% in 2010 (4.5 million students) to 10.4% (5.1 million students). As school populations expand and change, it is important to be aware of cultural norms and differences within student groups and how they impact how a child "shows up" each day.
Cultural norms for Latinx students in school can vary depending on the specific community, region, and individual experiences. Latinx students, like any other group, are not a monolithic entity, and their cultural norms and expectations can differ widely. However, there are some common themes and considerations to keep in mind: (this is not an exhaustive list)
- Sense of community
- Multigenerational households
- Respect
- Dietary differences
Please explore the provided links below to begin or expand your awareness journey and understanding that impact a large number of our students daily.
Resources to Build Awareness
Deepen your cultural awareness by watching movies and television programs that are written by Latinx writers, include performances by Latinx actors or are focused on Latinx stories. Listen to Latin influenced music. Try some Latin dance moves! Try some authentic food from the Latinx culture.
A quick internet search offered this list of local eateries: (not exhaustive or an endorsement of any establishment)
- Fajita Grande Mexican Restaurant
- Sardi's
- El Ranchero
- Los Amigos
- Mexicali Cantina
- Los Primos Mexican Restaurant
- El Eden Latin Restaurant
- Cacique Fine Spanish & Mexican Cuisine
- Taqueria Jalisco Authentic Mexican Grill
- El Ranchero
- La Bodega Market
- Tacos Carlitos
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- California's Tex Mex
- Taco Bell
- Pollo Zone
- Salsa Mama on the go (food truck)
- Fiesta Tapatia (WV)
- Maria's Taqueria (WV)
- Habanero Mexican Grill (WV)
- Casa Agave Mexican Restaurant (PA)
- El Jalisco Authentic Mexican Food (PA)
No resource collection is complete without music!
Local Events
October 25, 2024 Noon - 5:00 p.m.
September 27, 2024 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Bladensburg Waterfront Park, September 21, 2024 11 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
September 28 & 29, 2024, Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 11 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
WCPS Curriculum Resources
Explore where Hispanic Heritage exists in our existing curriculum. If you have other curricular connections not included here, please share them with your Culture & Climate Coach or send them to Allison Smith, smithall@wcps.k12.md.us, so that we can update the resource.
Sora info: access the app through the google waffle. Log in with your WCPS credentials and explore! At the end of the home page are books for Hispanic Heritage Month. All books can be translated to Spanish, or other needed languages, by clicking on the three lines in the upper right corner and changing the language. Happy Exploring!
Additional Classroom Resources for Teachers
Virtual Tours/Online Exhibits
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month goes beyond recognition—it’s about fostering a culture of inclusion and creating a true sense of belonging for all students. By increasing your cultural awareness and integrating Hispanic heritage into your instruction, you play a vital role in building an inclusive, welcoming learning environment that accelerates learning for every student.
While we focus on "accelerating" learning across WCPS, it’s important to understand and value the diversity within our classrooms. Strengthening teacher-student relationships by building awareness of each culture is foundational to student success. By embracing and respecting the cultural richness of our community, we can begin to close the opportunity and performance gaps that prevent students from reaching their full potential.
As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, reflect on how we can better serve our Hispanic and Latinx students year-round. by considering the following:
- :How can I integrate more Hispanic perspectives into my teaching beyond this month?
- What systems are in place to ensure that Hispanic and Latinx students feel safe, valued, and supported in our schools?
- How can I use this month as a starting point for conversations that elevate student voice, center belonging and build a culture of inclusion?
By understanding and valuing the diverse perspectives if the communities we serve, we can help ensure every student feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed. Together, we can celebrate the rich heritage of Hispanic and Latinx communities while accelerating learning for our students and ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and valued in our schools year-round.
In an effort to find relevant, meaningful resources that can support our students and connect to the curriculum, we will continue to update this resource. As always, your photos of how your school is recognizing various cultures are welcome! Please share so that we might share with others. We hope that you find something of interest. Look for additional resources this year that celebrate cultures across our school system and the nation. Wishing you a successful school year!
Wishing you a wonderful, productive year,,
Allison Smith, Supervisor of Equity & Excellence