Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month at Renbrook School
by Jacqueline Nickeo, Diversity & Belonging Coordinator
Each year from September 15 to October 15, the nation celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month (NHHM)—a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. At Renbrook School, this month provides a meaningful opportunity to deepen our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and global literacy while engaging students in joyful, hands-on learning.
Why September 15?
NHHM begins on September 15 because it marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile follow closely, celebrating their independence on September 16 and 18, respectively. These anniversaries highlight the resilience and richness of Hispanic and Latinx histories, serving as a backdrop for our classroom explorations.
Bringing Hispanic and Latinx Culture to Life at Renbrook
At Renbrook, we weave NHHM into lessons, projects, performances, and discussions across grade levels. Our Grade 4 students learn the Colombian Cumbia, using music and dance to bring culture to life for the entire school community. Beyond special events, our classrooms highlight Hispanic and Latinx voices through literature, history, and art.
Spanish language learning is also deeply rooted in our curriculum. At Renbrook, students begin Spanish in Preschool. Early exposure to Spanish provides more than just linguistic skills; it fosters empathy, curiosity, and cultural awareness. Learning another language expands a child’s ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and understand multiple perspectives. These lifelong skills help students grow into compassionate, globally literate citizens.
In sixth grade, Spanish students recently engaged in a creative project that blended language learning with cultural exploration. After reading an article about the “History of the Hoodie,” students researched the life and contributions of a Hispanic or Latine figure. Their research included inspiring individuals such as Rigoberta Menchú, Nobel Peace Prize–winning human rights activist; Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to go to space; Laurie Hernandez, Olympic gold medal gymnast; Oscar de la Hoya, world champion boxer; and Eva Perón, influential political leader and First Lady of Argentina. From the information they gathered, students designed “Historical Hoodies” decorated with meaningful symbols, colors, and imagery that told the story of their chosen person. The project encouraged students not only to learn about influential figures in Hispanic and Latine history, but also to think critically about representation and storytelling. By combining art, research, and language, the hoodies became powerful visual narratives that celebrated identity and honored the legacies of those who have shaped our world.
The Importance of Celebrating in Schools
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in schools ensures students both see themselves reflected in the curriculum and gain an appreciation for cultures beyond their own. It is important to move beyond stereotypes by:
- Asking curious questions about culture and language (“I wonder how many languages are spoken in Guatemala?”).
- Teaching inclusive and accurate terminology (Hispanic, Latino/a, Latine).
- Reading books by Hispanic/Latine authors at every grade level.
- Highlighting activists such as Dolores Huerta, who worked alongside César Chávez for labor rights.
By doing so, we not only honor heritage but also help children develop respect and empathy across cultures.
Book Recommendations
One of the most engaging ways to celebrate NHHM is by reading stories that reflect the experiences, voices, and imaginations of Hispanic and Latinx authors. Here are some favorites:
Preschool–Grade 2
- Looking for Bongo by Eric Velasquez
- Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
- Yes, We Can!: Janitor Strike in L.A. by Diana Cohn, Paul Mirocha, Francisco Delgado
- Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh
- LucĂa the Luchadora by Cynthia Leonor Garza
- Octopus Stew by Eric Velasquez
- Mis Dos Pueblos Fronterizos / My Two Border Towns by David Bowles
- ABC El Salvador by Holly Ayala
- I Love You, Baby Burrito by Angela Dominguez
- Pablo Remembers: The Fiesta of the Day of the Dead by George Ancona
Grades 3–5
- Yo Soy Muslim: A Father’s Letter to His Daughter by Mark Gonzales
- Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
- Soldier for Equality: José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War by Duncan Tonatiuh
- Where Are You From? / ÂżDe dĂłnde eres? by Yamile Saied MĂ©ndez
- Red Panda and Moon Bear by Jarod RosellĂł
- Pablo Remembers: The Fiesta of the Day of the Dead by George Ancona
- Sonia Sotomayor: First Hispanic U.S. Supreme Court Justice by Lisa Tucker McElroy
- Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers by Sarah Warren
- Yes! We Are Latinos: Poems and Prose About the Latino Experience by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy
- Tales of the Feathered Serpent, Book 1: Rise of the Halfling King by David Bowles
These stories provide children with authentic perspectives and allow them to see Hispanic and Latinx cultures as vibrant, multifaceted, and integral to our collective story.
A Time to Shine Together
At Renbrook School, we believe that “the world shines brighter when we celebrate one another.” National Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us to honor the legacies of the past, celebrate the vibrancy of the present, and inspire a future built on respect, curiosity, and inclusion.
This year’s sixth-grade Historical Hoodie project is a perfect example of how our students embody these values. By researching leaders, athletes, artists, and activists from Hispanic and Latine backgrounds, and by creatively sharing their stories, our students are not only learning history—they are celebrating it, living it, and carrying it forward. In doing so, they remind us all that the richness of Hispanic and Latinx heritage shines most brightly when it is woven into the fabric of our classrooms and our community.