Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month at USM

Students and teachers at University School of Milwaukee take pride in honoring national heritage and history months throughout the year. These occasions offer a valuable opportunity to explore the rich historical, cultural, and social aspects of various identities, and they support our guiding principles of community and inclusion. Most recently, teachers and students have been honoring Hispanic Heritage month (Sept. 15 – Oct 15, 2024) in a variety of ways.  

Preschool and Lower School
Preschool and Lower School classrooms explored literature from Hispanic authors and illustrators, and engaged in stories rich with Hispanic characters, culture, and history through shared readings and discussions. These books include “Let Me Fix You a Plate: A Tale of Two Kitchens” by Elizabeth Lilly and “Carmela Full of Wishes” by Matt de la Peña.

In addition, Lower School students also studied important Hispanic leaders, including Frida Kahlo, at the beginning of every Spanish class. At the end of the month, 4th grade students will play a game to challenge their knowledge about what they learned.

Middle School
Middle School students also enjoyed a curated collection of books that celebrate Hispanic authors, stories, and themes. Fifth grade students are participating in a collaborative learning experience involving art, world cultural geography, English, Spanish, choir, and library. This experience focuses on the culture and traditions of Mexico, culminating in the annual “Ofrendas Exhibit” at Latino Arts Inc. Gallery in November.

Upper School
In Upper School, members of the Latinos Unidos affinity group gave a presentation to the entire division during Community Time about the history and importance of Hispanic Heritage month, and students in Intermediate Spanish 2 researched information on Hispanic figures and wrote books about them that they presented to their peers in Spanish. These figures ranged from athletes like Roberto Clemente to political leaders like Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, with many careers and countries of Spanish heritage represented. 

Greater Milwaukee
USM was a sponsor of the Noche de Gala hosted by Latino Arts on Sept. 21, which was a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with Latin American cuisine, music, and art. USM also served as an impact sponsor at the HPGM Juntos Rising gala, which supports HPGM—a Milwaukee nonprofit that supports employers with attracting, retaining, and advancing Latino talent. Both events were attended by USM faculty and staff members, and student members of USM’s Latinos Unidos affinity group attended the HPGM gala as volunteers.