Morse Pond School

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Falmouth Public Schools

At Falmouth Public Schools, we proudly celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, honoring the significant achievements, resilience, and contributions of Hispanic Americans who have shaped our nation's history and continue to inspire progress. Originally established in 1968 as a week-long observance under President Lyndon Johnson, Hispanic Heritage Month was expanded to a 30-day celebration by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, marking an official recognition of the vibrant diversity within our communities.

This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” calls us to reflect on the trailblazers who are driving meaningful progress and to engage in creating an inclusive future for all.

At Falmouth, we support and embrace all students year-round. Learning about diverse cultures is not limited to designated months but is integrated throughout the year, embedded in our curriculum. Our educators are committed to being culturally responsive in their classrooms, and Heritage Months provide opportunities to celebrate and elevate the work happening year-round. Please look at this link to prevent any pitfalls during the celebration in book selection.

Here are ideas and resources to help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in your classroom:

Books for Primary Students

• Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal

• Niño Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales

• Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers by Juliet Menéndez

• Bravo! Poems About Amazing Hispanics by Margarita Engle

• Islandborn by Junot Díaz

• Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin by Duncan Tonatiuh

• Just Ask! / ¡Solo Pregunta! by Sonia Sotomayor

• Abuela by Arthur Dorros

• Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

• Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol series by Andrés Miedoso

Books for Secondary Students

• The Wild Ones by Nafiza Azad  

• Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera

• I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez

• Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez

• Finding Miracles by Julia Alvarez

• My Family Divided by Diane Guerrero

• Sí, Somos Latinos – various authors

Hispanic Artists to Explore

• Antonio Berni

• Xul Solar

• Carmen Lomas Garza

• Clara Ledesma

• Fernando Botero

• Pablo Picasso

• Frida Kahlo

Films/Series

• A Million Miles Away (PG)

• Pachamama (PG)

• Street Food: Latin America (high school age appropriate, some episodes suitable for grades 7–8)

• Pero Like (YouTube)

Sports

• Hispanic Athletes: Highlight the impact of Hispanic athletes such as Lionel Messi, Roberto Clemente, and Lorena Ochoa.

• Activity Idea: Organize a class discussion on the role of soccer (fútbol) in Hispanic culture, including the significance of the FIFA World Cup.

• Sporting Films:

  • Pele: Birth of a Legend (PG)

  • Clemente (Documentary)

Food and Culinary Traditions

• Documentaries/Series: Street Food: Latin America (Netflix) – Explore traditional Latin American cuisine through this visually engaging series.

• Classroom Activity: Host a “Taste of Latin America” day, where students can bring or discuss popular Hispanic dishes such as tamales, empanadas, and arepas.

• Recipes for Kids:

  • Cooking Class Global Feast! by Deanna F. Cook – Easy Hispanic recipes for students to try.

  • Encourage students to research and share the history behind traditional Hispanic foods like tortillas, paella, and guacamole.

Local Community Events

• Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month: The Woods Hole Diversity Advisory Committee and the Falmouth Community invite you to join them in a variety of events:

  • Community Fiesta – September 21 at 12 - 3 PM POSTER - at the MBL Courtyard. There will be food, a salsa (food) competition, salsa dancing classes, trivia, and music!

  • Movie Night & Discussion – September 30 at 6 PM

  • Día de los Muertos Event – November 1

Many educators and community members contributed to these resources. We hope they inspire meaningful engagement with Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond.