October 2018 – Students at Mater International Academy celebrated #HispanicHeritageMonth with an array of activities that included music, dance, food, and stories. Throughout the month of October, students across the country learn about the traditions and experiences of Hispanic Americans, and how they have helped make the United States an exciting and diverse place to live. However, at this school – located in the heart of a Hispanic community – the celebrations, songs, and stories have a personal meaning for the students — especially those who are recent immigrants.
“This month is particularly special for the community we serve,” explains Olga Camarena, Principal. “For many of our students, English is a second language and the United States is their new home. Hispanic Heritage Month gives them an opportunity to celebrate their own heritage, while encouraging them to embrace the fact that they are bi-lingual, and bi-cultural.” Teachers create lesson plans and activities that help the children see themselves reflected in the community/civic leaders, professionals, sports stars, and heroes highlighted during the month-long celebration. “From Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to MBL superstar David “Big Papi” Ortiz, Dr. Ellen Ochoa – the first Hispanic woman to go into space – to Miami’s own, Armando Perez/Pitbull, we make sure to showcase people the kids can relate to and be inspired by,” continues Camarena.
Mater International Academy, a K-5 public charter school, is located at 3405 NW 27th Avenue in Miami.