Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off Sept. 15, initiating the celebration of Latin American culture and influence in the U.S. In Garland ISD, campuses launched fun and enlightening festivities. Parsons Prekindergarten School unveiled its Hispanic Heritage museum to celebrate, teaching four-year-olds about several Latin American countries.
“As a school and district, we are very diverse. Many languages are spoken at Parsons Pre-K alone. I want to show them the different cultures we have in our school and world, and this is one of the best ways to do it,” said Instructional Support Aide Tina Pham. “I sent an email asking teachers if they had anything they wanted to showcase from their countries. With their help, I gathered items to create the museum.”
The one-room gallery displayed flags, fashion accessories, sports gear, toys and even kitchen tools. These visual elements exhibit slivers of Latin America’s history, ecosystem and lifestyle, which are subjects Pham wants students to comprehend on a basic level.
“I created a PowerPoint to share simple facts about different countries, and then showcase things from those countries,” she said.
During Pham’s presentation, students were exposed to agriculture, economics, geography and traditions. Students saw everything from Guatemala’s currency—the quetzal—to Costa Rica’s diverse frog population.
“It has been good. The kids really like it,” Pham stated. “One of the students walked in and said, ‘I love this class. This is my favorite class.’ It made me feel good that the display caught her eye, and she really liked it.”
Parson’s students are in for even more than the museum, as Pham has planned a special Hispanic Heritage cooking presentation to take place within the month.
“I do not know what I am going to make, but I am thinking tacos or something with tortillas.”
Like Parsons, several GISD campuses will observe Hispanic Heritage Month with special activities and programs.
The district’s Mariachi Estrellas will make appearances at many campuses, while South Garland High School will host a reimagined production of Romeo and Juliet Oct. 15-17. Romeo y Julieta, set in modern-day Texas, will examine themes of immigration, race and Hispanic culture. Visit school websites to see what other campuses have planned for the month-long observation.
Information provided by Garland ISD.