ACPS Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

In Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), we are excited to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month! Nearly 38% of our students in ACPS are Hispanic, representing our largest demographic group. Each year, we join together as a community from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to celebrate the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans with ancestors who came to the U.S. from Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Mexico and Spain. This year’s theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.”

Hispanic Heritage Week was first observed in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson. It was later expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. Sept. 15 marks the anniversary of independence for some countries in Central and South America, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. Indigenous Peoples Day and Día de la Raza falls within this 30-day period, as well.

Here in Alexandria, Hispanic heritage has shaped our community, particularly through the migration of Central and South American residents. The Chirilagua neighborhood, home to a large Salvadoran population that settled here in the 1980s, remains a testament to the enduring cultural contributions that continue to enrich our city. You can explore more about this community’s history in the Cultural History of Arlandria-Chirilagua, available in both English and Spanish. In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Alexandria Library is also highlighting book selections and databases that further explore the history and contributions of Hispanic Americans.

Within ACPS, we can all come together this month to celebrate the many contributions of Hispanic Americans in our community, learning from their history and celebrating the culture.

ACPS schools will be hosting events and sharing resources throughout the month, including:

• Alexandria City High School will share National Hispanic Heritage Month features via Titan Morning Announcements. Latinos Unidos is organizing a Spirit Week.
• Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School will decorate a hallway inspired by the artwork of Frida Kahlo and display Hispanic heritage books in the library.
• James K. Polk Elementary School will incorporate Hispanic heritage into the school’s daily SEAL lessons through virtual tours of Spanish-speaking countries, videos about famous Hispanic Americans, Spanish vocabulary for emotions and read-aloud stories. In addition, the school will spotlight staff of Hispanic backgrounds.
• Mount Vernon Community School will be celebrating in many ways, including holding a fiesta on Oct. 11, 2024.
• Patrick Henry K-8 school will have guest greeters, readers and presentations.

To view additional activities happening across ACPS throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, visit our Cultural Recognitions and Observances webpage.