Schools across the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) network of neighborhood conversion charter schools celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15 with presentations, cultural events, books, art and music lessons, and community events.
We spoke with Rosalia Castelan, Community Site Specialist/Latino Outreach at Hampstead Hill Academy (HHA) on the many activities for the students, faculty/staff, and families of the Southeast Baltimore school, which serves a large Hispanic/Latino population.
Hispanic Heritage Festival
The HHA Hispanic Heritage Festival on October 10 was a great success! The event was filled with a variety of delicious foods from different Latin American countries, adding vibrant flavors to the celebration. Activities included crafting maracas and creating sombreros out of cookies, which were a hit with both kids and adults. The highlight of the day was the traditional dance performance by a group of Chinelos from Mexico, bringing energy and joy to the crowd. The cooking class was another favorite, where families had the chance to learn how to make authentic Venezuelan arepas. It was a wonderful day celebrating culture, tradition, and community.
Cooking Classes for Parents
As part of our Hispanic Heritage Festival, we hosted cooking classes where HHA parents shared their culinary skills with the community. They taught other parents how to make traditional dishes like Venezuelan arepas, Honduran pastelitos, and Salvadoran pupusas. The classes were a wonderful way to connect through food and learn about different cultures. We’ll be ending the month with a traditional potluck, bringing everyone together to celebrate the flavors and traditions of Hispanic culture.
Bilingual Morning Announcements
During Hispanic Heritage Month, Pedro Zuniga and HHA students proudly led the morning announcements in both English and Spanish. This bilingual moment was a wonderful way to celebrate our diverse community and highlight the importance of language and cultural heritage. The student’s enthusiasm and confidence set a positive tone for the day, making everyone feel connected and inspired.
Guest Speaker at Leaders Go Places Circles
During our Leaders Go Places circles for the middle school, we were honored to welcome former students who returned to share their heritage through dance and discuss upcoming community events at their high schools. We also had a special guest speaker from the district who shared his inspiring journey as the first in his family to graduate from college. His story resonated with students, highlighting the importance of perseverance and embracing one’s roots. The event was a meaningful celebration of culture, education, and community.
Colorful, Visual Celebrations
Each day through Hispanic Heritage Month, a new country flag was flown in the hallways to further explore the unique histories and traditions of Hispanic and Latinx cultures.
Students dressed in the colors of a different Latin American flag during Spirit Week to show pride, learn about diverse cultures, and celebrate community. Each student paid $1 to dress up to raise funds for CASA de Maryland, a Latino and immigration advocacy-and-assistance organization with major foci in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Baltimore, working on a wide range of policies, ranging from law enforcement to education.
