Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated across GCPS

       One of the things that makes Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) special is the variety of cultures found among our staff, students, and families. During Hispanic Heritage Month, our schools celebrated those cultural flavors through unique events and initiatives that helped each school community learn more about one another. Each year, our schools are committed to finding innovative educational activities that align with the district's curriculum and values.

      Schools like Duluth Middle School hosted a variety of events, including Spirit Week, Trivia, and Food Celebrations. Students dressed in traditional attire, cultural colors, and sports jerseys, sampled traditional Hispanic dishes, heard live music from a Mariachi Band, and immersed themselves in the rich cultural practices of Hispanic communities. The school also hosted a door-decorating contest and movies featuring Hispanic actors and actresses.

     Duluth Middle School Principal Dr. Jimmie McKinley says he wanted to ensure that Hispanic Heritage Month was not only informative but also joyful and inclusive.

     “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is an important part of DMS’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and culturally aware environment,” Dr. McKinley shares. “It allows our students to see themselves and their families reflected in the school culture and curriculum, helping to build a sense of pride and belonging. At the same time, it provides all students with the opportunity to learn about the significant impact Hispanic Americans have made in U.S. history, the arts, sciences, and beyond. These celebrations promote mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse backgrounds within our school community. They also encourage cultural exchange and unity, reinforcing the idea that diversity is a strength to be celebrated and shared.”

     McKendree Elementary School’s students created a special video presentation titled “The Voices of the Children and Staff of McKendree.” The celebration concluded with an energetic Mexican line dance, led by staff and Principal Courtney Bernardo.

     “Hispanic Heritage Month is always such a fun and exciting time for our school,” Bernardo shares. “It gives us a chance to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and stories that make our community so special. Whether it's through music, food, art, or family events, our students and families light up with pride and curiosity. It’s a time when we come together, celebrating the beautiful diversity of our community as we learn from one another, and really feel the joy of being part of something bigger than ourselves.”

          Alcova Elementary School's comprehensive lineup of activities encouraged students to experience Hispanic culture in several ways.

   

“Here at Alcova Elementary School, we recognized Hispanic Heritage Month with various activities to celebrate our students and community,” says Principal Jacquetta Baldwin. “Each day, our classes enjoyed a lesson or experience that would allow students to gain a better understanding of the many contributions the Hispanic community brings to our lives. We learned about music and artists, studied maps to discover the countries we were learning about, and focused on dance, food, and history. We wrapped up the month with a cultural parade, where students proudly represented Hispanic cultures by wearing clothing from a specific country.”