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Baldwin UFSD Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Baldwin UFSD Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, is a time to recognize the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Schools across the Baldwin Union Free School District continually embraces this celebration with enthusiasm, engaging students, staff, and the community in a series of events and educational activities throughout the month. The awareness month proved to be both educational and inspirational.

Elementary Schools
Elementary schools across the district joined in the celebration by incorporating Hispanic Heritage Month into their curriculum.

Brookside
At Brookside, students crafted flags representing Hispanic countries and about notable Hispanic American artists, musicians, scientists, and activists who have influenced American culture.

Lenox
Second grade teacher, Ms. Jessica Katsoulakis, at Lenox welcomed families into her classroom to complete a Hispanic Heritage Project, where they painted symbols from Puerto Rico onto rocks. The students also created a beautiful Frida Kahlo-inspired wall mural for the second floor hallway.

Steele
Countless activities took place at Steele throughout the month of October.

Nancy Aquino’s second graders welcomed two special guest presenters, who shared valuable insights about Hispanic Heritage Month. The class also studied flags from various Hispanic countries and fascinating facts about influential Hispanic figures.

Steele third graders are currently studying landforms and waterways as part of their social studies curriculum. Under the guidance of their teachers Mrs. Danielle Greco

Mrs. Michele Lanci, and Mrs. Susan Michels, each student selected a landform to illustrate, inspired by abstract artist Ines Alvidres, who is known for her vibrant colors influenced by the Tarahumara Indians and Texas landscapes. 

Mrs. Michele Kourie worked with 4th graders at Steele to create virtual breakout rooms using artifacts from Hispanic countries. The students are now using their skills and vision to create puzzles using artifacts they brought in from their homes and community.

Additionally, students in Ms. Liz Carrozzo’s 4th grade class delved into the life and art of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, examining her works influenced by the nature and artifacts of Mexico. They then created self-portraits and presented the work.

Middle School
At the middle school, students and staff launched the month-long celebration with an exciting celebration of culture and history! Each morning, the school buzzed with daily announcements that highlighted the impactful contributions of Hispanic Americans throughout the nation’s history, while during each passing period, Latin music played over the loudspeaker. The hallways were adorned with colorful banners and posters celebrating Hispanic foods, art, countries, and influential Hispanic-Americans. These decorations were acquired through grants won by Ingrid Bacca, Naomi Diaz-Thomas, Martha Kropelunski, Sonia Maroudas and Melisa Enriquez through Jovia Financial Credit Union and The Baldwin Foundation of Education.

Additionally, to amplify this celebration of Baldwin’s diversity and unity, students and staff proudly donned shirts showcasing their countries of origin and Hispanic heritage each week. Staff members also wore t-shirts that said “Querer es Poder," which in English means “If there is a will there's a way." Even those without Hispanic roots enthusiastically joined in the month’s activities, embodying the vibrant and diverse cultural mosaic that makes the Baldwin Middle School community truly unique.

High School
Baldwin High School art students recently had the honor of having their work selected for the Nassau County Courts Art Exhibit, celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. The theme for this year, Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, highlights the outstanding contributions of Hispanic and Latino change leaders who have significantly impacted the creation of a more inclusive and promising future.

The official opening of the exhibit took place on Thursday, October 10th, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM at the Nassau County Supreme Court, where families were invited to see their child(ren)’s work. The exhibition will remain on display throughout October, providing the community with an opportunity to appreciate the distinctive perspectives and creativity of these talented young artists.

“I am incredibly proud of my students for having their art featured in the Nassau County Art Exhibit for National Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Dr. Gabriella Franza, assistant director of instructional programs. “Their creativity and vision align perfectly with this year's theme, Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, and reflect Baldwin Schools' commitment to fostering innovative thinkers.”

Read more in the Baldwin Herald