National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is being celebrated across our school district, including during the Board of Education meeting on October 9. In addition to a performance by the Middie Mariachi ensemble, there was a presentation explaining the importance of this celebration, especially in our school community. Information from the presentation is included below.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15- October 15
- 1812 - Independence Day celebrated by five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua
- 1968 - President Lyndon B. Johnson- Proclaimed 1 week
- 1988 - President Ronald Reagan- Enacted the law that Hispanic Heritage be recognized for 1 month
2024 National Theme
"Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together"
This theme recognizes the many Hispanics/Latinos who have paved the way for future generations to be able to enact change, and encompasses the spirit of innovation, resilience and unity that define the Hispanic experience.
ECSDM Facts/Data- September 2024
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/ District Culture
- 17 Global Locations
- 4,582 Hispanic Scholars K-12
- 64% Hispanic Scholars
- 512 Hispanic New Entrant Scholars K-12
- Variety of Spanish Dialects & Language Programs
- 2020 Cohort Graduation Rate 92%
Alignment to District’s Values & Beliefs
Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education
- Welcoming & Affirming Environments
- High Expectations & Rigorous Instruction
- Inclusive Curriculum & Assessment
- Ongoing Professional Learning
During This Month ECSDM Amplifies…
- Diversity
- Language
- Education
- Traditions
- Community
We Are Legacy Makers
- English as a New Language, Bilingual and World Language Education
- Puerto Rican/ Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute PR/HYLI
- New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB)
We are committed to preparing the diverse leaders of tomorrow to compete in a global marketplace.
Elementary School Highlights
- Scholars learned about Frida Kahlo. There was a book study, character analysis, deep dive into the art work, and a representation of a famous quote: "Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?"
- Research on different Caribbean, Central and South American countries.
- The scholars here researched different counties and the staple foods of those counties. They created a food truck display of comidas Latinas.
Secondary School Highlights
- Scholars collected data about everyone's country of origin from each class and analyzed the data.
- Classes participated in a Question Trail activity to learn about Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Personal Identification Unit: Scholars chose a template to either design their own sneaker or sweater to represent who they are. They designed it according to their country colors and added information about themselves. They also created their own country flags to represent their culture and heritage.
- Scholars explored the diversity of the Latino(a)(x)/American experience. They had to draw and write about their experience after learning about the stories and legacies of Latino Americans.
- Scholars are reading a story called "The Continuity of Parks" by Hispanic author Julio Cortázar.
Community & Engagement
Upcoming School & Community Opportunities
October 18th - Maple Hill- The fourth grade is hosting a parent event as a culminating event for Hispanic Heritage Month. They are inviting families in to build Mayan ruins. 9:30am -10:30am.
October 18th - Monhagen & Twin Towers Middle School- Dancing and songs by scholars will be performed to celebrate the stories, traditions values and contributions of the Hispanic community. 9:15am -10:15am
Learn English: ESL Program (SUNY Orange)
- Five levels of English instruction
- Quality structured classes in grammar, reading, and writing
- Expert instructors specialized in teaching English
- $25 per entire course
- Fall, spring, and summer semesters
- Classes in Middletown and Newburgh
- Call (845) 341-9593 or (845) 341-9373 to make an appointment for an evaluation and registration
- Strengthening Families Program
- Join them for a unique no-cost program for parents/caregivers to attend with their children who are 10-14 years old! Enjoy a family meal, interesting parenting discussions, and youth and family activities. FREE childcare for children 3-9 years old.
- The 7-week program includes:
- Fun youth and families activities
- Ways to strengthen family communication
- Why preteens/teens act the way they do
- How to work through problems together
- How to avoid problems with alcohol and other drugs
- The program is on Wednesdays, October 9, 16, 23, 30; November 6, 13, and 20 from 5:45-8:45 p.m. It is hosted at Presidential Park Elementary School (50 Roosevelt Ave. Middletown, NY)
- Call Carol at 845-344-1234 or register online here.
- There is no charge for this program due to generous funding provided by the Orange County Youth Bureau.
New York State Seal of Biliteracy Informational Meetings
- New York State Seal of Biliteracy Website
- Application & Information 2024- 2025
- NYSSB 2024-2025 Handbook
- Meeting Link: meet.google.com/kns-jvat-dhg
- Meeting Dates:
- October 28, 2024
- November 6, 2024
- November 25, 2024
- November 21, 2024
ECSDM Highlight: WEdnesday Family Nights
All K-12 families are welcome! Childcare, snacks, and interpretation will be available.
Dates:
- October 16, 2024
- November 13, 2024
- February 5, 2025
- March 26, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Place: Presidential Park Elementary
ECSDM Highlight: Diversity Committee
Dates:
- November 6, 2024
- December 4, 2024
- January 8, 2025
- February 12, 2025
- March 19, 2025
- April 9, 2025
- May 14, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Place: Board of Education Office (223 Wisner Avenue)
ECSDM Highlight: Multicultural Event- SAVE THE DATE!
Come celebrate our district’s diversity through fun, food, music, performances, dance and much more!
Date: April 25, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Place: Middletown High School
ECSDM Highlight: Experience Our Programs- SAVE THE DATE!
Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
Place: Middletown High School