Each year between September 15 and October 15 we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) by honoring and recognizing the contributions of Hispanic Americans to our culture and the long and important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans in America.
Hispanic Heritage Week was first proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. The commemorative week was expanded to cover a 30-day period from September 15 to October 15 by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. It was enacted into law the same year.
September 15 was selected as the start date because it is the anniversary of the declaration of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18, and September 21, respectively.
- Douglas MacArthur Elementary School art and music teachers highlighted Latino icons in their classrooms.
- George Washington Middle School hosted a Hispanic Heritage Night Celebration on October 5.
- John Adams Elementary School will host a Hispanic Heritage Celebration on October 20.
- Jefferson-Houston School had students recite the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish; they also highlighted famous Latino American contributions to our country.
- Mount Vernon Community School celebrated with two assemblies that included dances and songs by students and teachers.
- William Ramsay Elementary School made daily announcements during HHM to highlight the accomplishments of famous Latinos.
Enjoy these social media highlights: