Ursuline celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

The Ursuline School is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with color, creativity, and hands-on learning that honor the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. Throughout September and early October, students in the World Languages Department who are studying Spanish participated in lessons, projects, and presentations that showcased the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.

Earlier in the month, a cultural display positioned at a prominent intersection between the main lobby and the hallway leading to Murphy Commons and the cafeteria featured artifacts, flags, and materials from Spanish-speaking countries. Created by students studying Spanish, the display reflected their curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring culture through language. It was also on display for prospective students and parents during the first Admissions event of the school year, held on October 2, offering visitors a lively glimpse of Ursuline's spirit and inclusivity.

Spanish music added to the atmosphere as students arrived to the sounds of salsa, merengue, reggaetón, and traditional folk tunes, creating an energetic start to the school day. Inside classrooms, maps, artwork, and creative projects highlighted countries across Latin America and Europe.

Teachers Lead with Passion

Faculty in the World Languages Department guided students through engaging activities that brought Hispanic culture to life.

Mrs. Rosemary Clarizio '89 introduced sixth graders to Día de los Muertos and helped younger students explore Spanish-speaking countries through cultural projects.

Ms. Geraldine Perry's Spanish 2 Honors students delivered daily morning announcements highlighting the achievements of influential Hispanic women. Her classes also created posters illustrating the impact of Hispanic culture in the United States through music, cuisine, dance, sports, and religion.

Ms. Mary Boselli's students shared facts about famous Hispanic and Spanish saints during morning announcements and presented on Spain's La Tomatina festival in the iHub. Spanish 4 Honors students designed three-day itineraries for trips to Argentina, while Spanish Club members are creating La Catrina masks in preparation for the upcoming Día de los Muertos celebration.

Ms. Esther Hahn’s classes explored the history of abanicos (Spanish fans), designed their own, and learned The Lord’s Prayer in Spanish, a prayer they will continue to revisit throughout the year.

Dr. Laura Rojas led discussions about the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month, emphasizing its history, achievements, and cultural diversity. Her students created postcards from Spanish-speaking countries, collaborated on Google Slides presentations, and will conclude the month with a viewing of Disney’s Encanto to celebrate Colombian culture and family identity.

“Our goal is to honor heritage through hands-on learning and joyful discovery,” Rojas said. “Students are seeing how culture connects us and how language opens the door to understanding one another.”

“Our goal is to honor heritage through hands-on learning and joyful discovery.”
- Dr. Laura Rojas, world language teacher

A Celebration that Connects the Community

As Hispanic Heritage Month continues through October 15, Ursuline's celebration reflects the school's commitment to fostering global awareness, respect, and community pride.

As one student reflected, "We didn’t just learn about Hispanic culture—we experienced it.”