Celebrating Mexico's Independence Day Today at P.V.E.S.
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To celebrate, two 5th graders announced in Spanish and English over the intercom this morning about Mexico's Independence Day.  Classes stopped to read the information and posters on the wall outside of the library.  A slide show about Mexico's Independence Day played during lunch for the students to see while The Mexican Hat Dance song played in the serving line of the cafeteria while the children picked up their food.  Every child received an individually wrapped cookie in Spanish that read, "Galletas con relleno sabor vainilla y bañadas en cobertura sabor chocolate."

Our school has many students from Mexico or families from Mexico, so we wanted to make, September 16, (which is part of National Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15-October 15) a special celebration for everyone in our school!

Elkton Middle School
EMS

EMS students are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and reading diverse books! In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the library has a monthly reading challenge. This month's challenge is to read a book by a Hispanic author. Any student who reads a book and writes a review on Destiny (or talks to Mrs. Kitta about your book) gets a water bottle challenge sticker.

PVES Kindergarteners Learning about Butterflies or Mariposas
Butterflies

Kindergartners had fun learning about Butterflies! Stories were told in both English & Spanish.

Peak View Elementary
picts

For Hispanic Heritage month, some EL students from Peak View Elementary shared about traditions, foods and dances from their home culture (not just Hispanic), defined what it means for someone to be “Hispanic,”  watched a short educational clip about Hispanic Heritage month, and then learned “The Mexican Hat Dance.”

Antibullying Day
Antibullying Day

Antibullying Day

Elkton Elementary School
EES

Having fun learning about the artist Piet Mondrian, shapes, and primary colors

oportunidades de trabajo para estudiantes
Job picture
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays
Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for Abraham Lincoln
MMS

Books are windows and books are mirrors. Beth Moore, a grandparent at McGaheysville Elementary School read Dancing Hands How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for Abraham Lincoln by Margarita Engle to a class of 4th grade students. Upon reading the title, two students immediately commented that the name in the title "Sounds Spanish like mine." Mrs. Moore pointed out that the main character was in fact Hispanic, and that the book was based on a true story. As they read, the students commented how, much like the character, they also came to the United States when they were little and did not speak any English.

The story features a brave and talented female protagonist who is invited to the White House to play the Piano for Abraham Lincoln. All children deserve to see themselves represented in the books they read. Dancing Hands sent a powerful and uplifting message that showcased the talent of a young immigrant from Venezuela. Because of this read-aloud, two of our ELL students were able to connect with a book because they saw themselves represented on the pages. Never underestimate the power of windows and mirrors.

Learning About Frida Kahlo