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Hispanic Heritage Month Observed Through Projects

September 15 through October 15 marks Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States, a month-long celebration of the culture and contributions of people of Latin American and Spanish ancestry or origin.

Because Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with the first month of school, Sierra Canyon’s Spanish language classes on both campuses use the opportunity to start their curriculum with a wide range of contexts, including activities about the celebration’s origin, geographical and cultural studies of Spanish and Latin American countries, and highlights of achievements by notable Hispanics and Latinos. 
 
On the Lower Campus, for example, in addition to learning why we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, lower elementary students study the origins of the Spanish language and engage in activities related to areas where Spanish is spoken. Upper elementary students learn about prominent Latinos and Latinas through the bilingual books Fearless Trailblazers: 11 Latinos who made U.S. History, and Be Bold! Be Brave! 11 Latinas who made U.S. History, written by Naibe Reynoso. In addition, Lower School art teacher Emma Pérez, originally from La Paz, Mexico, teaches a unit on how her cultural background informs her art, including influences from Mexico and a recent trip to New Mexico.
 
On the Upper Campus, several Spanish classes research and present on a variety of topics related to Hispanic Heritage Month. Both Middle and Upper School students have opportunities to share their experiences through video presentations using the digital resource Flipgrid. Students discuss current cultural topics such as understanding and differences regarding the definitions of Hispanic and Latino and the fairly new terms Latinx, Chicanx, and Hispanix.  Classes also explore the accomplishments of important Hispanics, Chicanos, and Latinos in the United States. Click the links below to see some of the video presentations students have created.
 
7th grade: What is the difference between Hispanic and Latino? What does Latinx mean?
8th grade: Latinx Individual
These projects are ongoing through September and October. Upon their completion, Sierra Canyon will feature a sampling of the students’ work on our website so that the entire community can share in the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month. 
Lower School: 11052 Independence Avenue
Middle and Upper School: 20801 Rinaldi Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311  | 818.882.8121
Sierra Canyon School is a private, independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory school for students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12 located in Chatsworth, California. The highly cosmopolitan campus community is reflective of the Greater Los Angeles area and the world at large. Students are empowered to realize their greatest creative, ethical, intellectual and physical promise through small class sizes, a diverse student-teacher culture and a family-like environment.