Students at East Campus on Friday, Sept. 21, wore Mexican attire, made flags, colored pictures and worked on arts and crafts in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
During this annual period – from September 15 through October 15 - Varnett students at all three campuses commemorate the history and culture of such countries as Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Puerto Rico. Nearly 80 percent of the 363 students at East Campus are Hispanic. As part of the celebration, teachers used the Promethean Boards as a way to provide information about the history and events related to National Hispanic Heritage Month. In addition, the hallways and classrooms are decorated with colorful posters.
“At East Campus, we support all diverse backgrounds and cultures,” said Ms. Gayle Voltz, the campus director. Activities are planned to recognize Honduras this week, El Salvador the week of Oct. 1 and Puerto Rico the week of Oct. 8.
According to the Hispanic Heritage Month website, the observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period, according to the website.
Click here for photos
Click here for photos