Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of quick videos showing how AAPS ensures a culture of dignity, belonging, and well-being through intentional actions each day.
Each year, AAPS joins in the observation of National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the contributions and importance of Hispanics and Latinos to the United States and those American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
In a message to the AAPS community this week, Superintendent Jeanice Swift shared a few of the ways the district observes the month.
She noted that librarians across the district have been highlighting titles by Hispanic American authors throughout the month through book displays, in our Sora Collections, book talks, and in lessons.
AAPS elementary schools celebrate in many different ways, including exciting interdisciplinary units of study, rich celebrations that include food, music, and conversation, as well as highlighting books and authors who represent characters & stories that validate and reflect our Hispanic communities.
“The Young Adult book community is fortunate to have many incredible Latinx authors, and we are also spotlighting well-known and recently published books, such as those shared by the New York Public Library,” noted Swift.
Middle and K8 schools launched Hispanic Heritage Month in advisories and in interdisciplinary units with Spanish, art, music, and P.E. classes by providing a menu of options, including prompts, information shared via slides, and activities to incorporate into their day. Students are engaged and excited to complete music challenges in advisories and listen to music from each of the Spanish-speaking countries.
AAPS teachers are including resources in their classrooms, such as those highlighted in this post by National Council Teachers of English (NCTE) member Kasey Short for recommendations around Nonfiction Picture Books for National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Nonfiction picture books provide an opportunity to introduce students to various topics, events, cultures, and people over a short period of time, Swift noted, adding that the books included are nonfiction picture books that can be used to honor, celebrate, and explore Hispanic Heritage Month.
“We appreciate the planning and work of our teachers, librarians, and all on our team AAPS to ensure meaningful connections and learning through the celebration of National Hispanic American Heritage Month in the Ann Arbor Public Schools,” said Swift. “We are a stronger Ann Arbor Public Schools community as we honor, embrace, and celebrate our diversity, continually create a culture of belonging for all, and value the connections that unite us as an inclusive Ann Arbor community.”
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