Ritenour Community Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Ritenour School District proudly joined communities across the U.S. in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This annual celebration holds special significance for our district, as nearly 30% of Ritenour students identify as Hispanic and represent our fastest-growing population. Ritenour’s celebration honors the rich cultural tapestry woven by students and families from Mexico, Central America, and South America. 

Hispanic Heritage Month's roots trace back to 1968 when it began as a week-long observance. In 1988, it expanded to a full month, recognizing the independence days of several Latin American countries and Mexico's historic Cry of Dolores on Sept. 15, 1810.

Each Ritenour school engaged students in learning projects, events and activities that tap into the history and culture of Hispanic trailblazers who have significantly impacted American history, as well as enjoyed authentic Latin American music, dance, art and cuisine. Here’s a sampling of how some Ritenour schools recognized Hispanic Heritage Month:

• Buder Elementary students participated in Hispanic Heritage Month assembly that highlighted students singing, presentations, poetry, and highlights of different Latino countries.

• Kratz Elementary’s Fiesta Hispana on Oct. 15 allowed families to learn more about the different countries in Kratz's Hispanic community by collecting flags, trying new snacks, and playing bingo in Spanish.

• Iveland Elementary culminated the month with a large family event that included performances that spotlighted countries represented at Iveland. 

• Marion Elementary School held a celebration event for families that included Hispanic dancing and singing by staff and students, crafts, and free children’s books. Throughout the year, students are learning about various Hispanic cultures and important people of Latino heritage who have positively impacted society.

   

• Marvin Elementary students learned about famous Hispanic Americans during morning announcements. They participated in music mania and voted for their favorite Hispanic songs, creating traditional Mexican art called papel picado with multicolored tissue paper. 

   

• Wyland Elementary students honored Hispanic Heritage in their classrooms. Their learning culminated with an assembly that featured two fourth graders who narrated a "Journey of Identity." A group of fifth graders performed a traditional ballet folklorico. Another highlight included a Marion Elementary staff member who wowed the crowd with traditional Mariachi music.

   

• Students at the International Welcome Center (IWC) kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with a visit from guest speaker Jose Jones, who is from Panama and represented Boxing Therapy in St. Charles. Students also enjoyed hearing the journeys from guest speakers who are immigrants from LatinX countries and now work in careers in the St. Louis area. IWC finished the month with a cultural celebration at Tiemeyer Park.