Diamond View Elementary School issued the following announcement on Sept. 15
On the agenda for the regular board meeting on September 16 is a proclamation acknowledging Hispanic Heritage Month, which occurs from September 15 to October 15.
Throughout the month, District schools and departments will celebrate the unique diversity and contributions of Hispanic and Latino culture. Due to COVID-19, all events will be conducted online in virtual mode.
Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated since 1988 when it was enacted into law by then-President Ronald Reagan. September 15 was chosen as the starting point because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. All declared independence in 1821.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of the culture and traditions of students, teachers, staff, and community members who trace their roots to Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries in North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
“As we continue to navigate through this unprecedented time, we do not want to forget nor lessen the importance of celebrating the amazing contributions Hispanic/Latinos have made to the United States,” said Patricia Trejo, Administrative Program Planner. “Not only is it imperative that we infuse Latino History and Culture into our curriculum, but it’s also important to celebrate the rich culture, heritage, diversity, and contributions of Hispanic/Latinos, not just during Hispanic Heritage Month, but throughout the school year.”
The District has continued to increase its Spanish Dual Language Program offerings, as Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic group in Palm Beach County, and the School District serves more than 65,000 Hispanic students, representing 21 Spanish-speaking countries.
Several events and activities will take place throughout the County to highlight the contributions of Hispanics to the nation and local community. The Palm Beach County Library System main branch will be holding several days of events in September, and the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Palm Beach County will hold the Hispanic Heritage Awards. Each year, the Chamber recognizes the outstanding work of four Hispanic high school seniors and one Hispanic teacher.
The Office of Diversity in Business Practices will hold an online virtual event on September 25. The featured speaker will be Alexandra Ayala, the first Hispanic woman elected to the Palm Beach County School Board. The virtual event is open to the public. To register, please click here.
During an event on October 8 organized by the District’s African, African-American, Latino, Holocaust, and Gender Studies department, a group of Hispanic/Latino students will be receiving scholarships donated by Flagler Bank, as a result of their participation in an essay contest during the 2020 Hispanic/Latino Studies Summer Institute.
Additionally, District business partners El Bodegon Supermarkets and Don Ramon’s Dixie Hwy. Restaurant will receive the Bronze Award from the School District for the support they have provided to the Hispanic/Latino Studies curriculum in the District. Please click here to register for the event.
Many schools will also be holding their own online virtual celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month. Please contact each school directly for information about their planned events.
Original source can be found here.
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