The Baldwin School District celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of educational and cultural activities across all grade levels, highlighting the histories, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
Observed annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month honors Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The national observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded to a month long celebration in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan.
Throughout the month, Baldwin students, staff, and families participated in lessons, projects, and events that emphasized cultural pride and community connection.
At the elementary level, each school took a unique approach. Brookside Elementary School’s Character Club led presentations on the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month, teaching classmates about notable Hispanic role models, the Spanish language, and traditional foods. Weekly themes focused on Hispanic authors, artists, and musicians, and students worked with their families on projects that were displayed throughout the building.
At Lenox Elementary School, students explored Hispanic culture through classroom activities, including a reading and art project in Jennifer Finucane’s second grade class. Plaza Elementary students explored history through a Pop-Up Museum and tested their knowledge in a Hispanic Country Flag Scavenger Hunt while learning Spanish phrases during morning messages.
Meadow Elementary School’s PTA launched the celebration during the September Board of Education meeting with a family event featuring a bilingual reading of Mango, Abuela and Me by Meg Medina. Students created crafts, participated in raffles and book giveaways, and enjoyed Dominican food while exploring an interactive bulletin board honoring Hispanic heroes and trailblazers.
At Steele Elementary School, students turned the gymnasium into an art gallery for the school’s first “Viva Latina Art Exhibition.” Each student from kindergarten through fifth grade created artwork inspired by Hispanic and Latino culture, history, or figures, resulting in 277 pieces displayed for families to view.
“The Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibition was truly magical,” Steele Principal LaTrace Finney said. “I’m so proud that every student contributed a project — each piece reflected their creativity, learning, and pride.”
Art teacher Nicole Rubin said the event exceeded expectations.
“It was incredible to see how each student interpreted the assignment so creatively, so differently, and so beautifully,” she said. “The best part was seeing their faces when they spotted their artwork — the energy was electric.”
In addition, Nancy Aquino’s second-grade class at Steele welcomed guest presenters who shared personal insights about Hispanic heritage and traditions, including lessons on flags and notable figures.
At the secondary level, Baldwin Middle School began the month with daily announcements highlighting influential Hispanic Americans, and Latin music played in the hallways between classes.
The Spanish Club at Baldwin High School led by school counselor Stephanie Piña, organized a Spirit Week and several after-school events celebrating Hispanic culture. Students enjoyed hot chocolate, dominoes, and Uno — all staples in Hispanic and Latino communities — and later joined the Star Club for a bachata and salsa dance event. Announcements were also delivered in Spanish throughout the week.
District officials said the celebration reflected Baldwin’s ongoing mission to inspire, educate, and empower students through experiences that promote diversity and unity.
