¡Celebremos! Let’s celebrate!
Henrico County Public Schools is proud to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is Sept. 15-Oct. 15.
This commemoration celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic/Latin(e) people, whose heritage come from Spanish-speaking countries throughout North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. This includes, but is not limited to: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Hispanic Heritage Month was initially established as a celebratory week in 1968 and extended to a month in 1988. The mid-month starting point was chosen as the starting point to commemorate the Cry of Dolores, which marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810, which eventually led to the independence of several countries in Central America.
About 13% of HCPS students are considered Hispanic/Latin(e), according to 2023 data. J.R. Tucker High School proudly ranks as the most diverse school in the state, with 28% of its students being Hispanic — the largest demographic at the school.
Tucker utilizes this strength in its everyday curriculum and support for Spanish-speaking students, as it is home to the English as a Second Language Welcome Center, which helps Spanish-speaking and other multilingual families register for school and connect to key resources. Tucker is also home to the Center for Spanish Language and Global Citizenship, which is currently celebrating its 30th year.
Elizabeth Holladay Elementary School is also a leader in support for Hispanic and Spanish-speaking students with its Dual Language Immersion Program, which began in 2021 and was the first program of its kind in Henrico. Classes at Holladay are taught in both English and Spanish, which engages the multilingual student population and enhances learning for students starting in pre-K.
Looking to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? Check in with individual schools for cultural nights, art showcases, performances and other fun events.
You can also check out these divisionwide and local events, along with resources to grow your understanding of Hispanic Heritage Month:
The HCPS Office of Equity, Diversity and Opportunity is hosting the second Proximos Pasos (Next Steps), which is part of Henrico County Public Schools' Cultural Heritage Month series. The event, which is set for 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 8 at the ACE Center at Hermitage, will feature food, performances and insightful bilingual panel discussions focused on advancing opportunities for our Hispanic/Latin(e) students and their families. Resources will be available from HCPS departments and local organizations specifically to support Spanish-speaking families, and translators will be available throughout the evening.
HCPS and Henrico County will be among the local vendors and organizations at the 2024 ¡Virginia Fiesta!, hosted by Radio Poder, Saturday, Sept. 21, from 2-7 p.m. at 2809 Emerywood Parkway, Henrico, VA, 23294. There will be plenty of music, food trucks, dancing and giveaways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and our diverse communities.
The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino features resources that dig into the history, cultural significance and celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month: https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources
A website dedicated to Hispanic Heritage Month details more of the cultural impact and contributions of Hispanic/Latin(e) people: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/
The Virginia Hispanic Chamber has a list of Hispanic Heritage Month celebration events throughout the region and state: https://www.vahcc.com/hispanic-heritage-month
