Schools Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month With Festivals, Leadership Programs and More

From a news release:

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Prince George’s County Public Schools has organized and will participate in a variety of events that showcase the rich history of Latinos, while also honoring their contributions to America.

Children Seeking Refuge from Violence in Central American Forum

In partnership with the Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs, PGCPS will host their “Children Seeking Refuge from Violence in Central America” forum on Wednesday, September 17 at 6 p.m., at High Point High School, 3601 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville. Ted Dallas, Secretary, Department of Human Resources, along with Dr. Shawn Joseph, Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at PGCPS, and Alison Hanks-Sloan, Coordinating Supervisor for PGCPS’s Office of International Programs, are the evening’s guest speakers. The meeting is free and open to the public.

33rd Hispanic Festival

PGCPS will also participate in the county’s 33rd Annual Hispanic Festival on Sunday, September 21 at Lane Manor Park, 7601 West Park Drive, Adelphi. Organized by Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation, the festival is from noon to 6 p.m. and will include live entertainment, music, dancing, ethnic foods, arts and crafts, and more.

PGCPS will have representatives from Human Resources, the Office of Family and Community Engagement, the International Student Counseling Office, the Office of Early Childhood, the Career Academy Program, the Office of Special Education and the Office of Diversity on Latino/a Affairs to engage with the community, share information and provide resources about the school system. Backpacks, dual language children’s books, and other items will be given away to attendees who visit their booths, on a first come, first serve basis.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s Ready to Lead Program

Students from two PGCPS high schools—DuVal High School and Northwestern High School— will attend the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s (CHCI) “Ready to Lead” program. On Tuesday, September 30, the selected PGCPS students will attend a one-day program designed to provide Latino high school students in Grades 9 and 10 with the tools and training necessary to prepare for college. Students will also participate in a mentoring session, where they will hear from local Latino professionals and college students about their journey to success and why completing high school and pursuing a college education is attainable.

“I Learn America” Movie Screening

On Thursday, October 2 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., the University of Maryland, College Park is hosting a movie screening of “I Learn America.” Panelists from the Department of Education, a representative from PGCPS’s International Program, the film’s producer, and a student featured in the film, will lead a discussion after the film. The screening will take place in the Shoemaker Building, Room 2102.

In addition to systemic celebrations throughout the month, several schools have organized events to honor Hispanic heritage. They include:

• 10/9, 6:30 p.m., Capital Heights ES, 601 Suffolk Ave., Hispanic Heritage Night will include student presentations, arts and crafts, music, and food.
• 10/9, 6-8 p.m., Mary Harris “Mother” Jones ES, 2405 Tecumseh St. Adelphi, Potluck dinner and entertainment, provided by the students.
• 10/9: 8:15 a.m and 10/10: 6-8 p.m., Carrollton ES, 8300 Quintana Street New Carrollton, Two Hispanic focused assemblies are scheduled, Lamont ES and Charles Carroll with join Carrollton ES for a Hispanic potluck dinner, with music and more.
• 10/10, 8:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m., Lamont ES, 7101 Good Luck Rd. New Carrollton, Hispanic themed assembly, where students will learn about Latin American countries, through singing, dancing, and more.
• 10/10, 6-8 p.m. University Park ES 4315 Underwood St. University Park, Throughout the month, classes will decorate their classroom doors. Morning announcements will highlight the Hispanic arts. Culminating event will include Hispanic festival, where food will be served, and vocal and instrumental performances will be presented.
• 10/10, 1:10 p.m. Ridgecrest ES 6120 Riggs Rd. Hyattsville, Students in Head Start through grade 6 will read and learn about 8 different Hispanic cultures. They will create hats, flags, etc and will use them in a parade.
• 10/15, 6-8 p.m. Hyattsville ES 5311 43rd Ave., Office of ESOL presentation, filled with a variety of Hispanic food.
• 10/15, 6:30 -8 p.m. Hillcrest Heights ES, 4305 22nd Place Temple Hills, An evening of Hispanic food, crafts, games, and performances by local dance groups.
• 10/16, 8:15 a.m., Calverton ES 3400 Beltsville Road Beltsville, Flag parade, PowerPoint presentation, dances of different Hispanic countries, and Spanish sing-alongs.