From student-created museums and cultural performances to research projects and storytelling, the Baldwin Union Free School District celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with activities honoring the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.
Observed annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, what began in 1968 as a weeklong observance authorized by President Lyndon B. Johnson expanded into a monthlong celebration through legislation signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
A highlight of this year’s celebrations was Steele Elementary School’s “¡Viva Latino! A Celebration of Hispanic Art & Culture,” a schoolwide exhibition that transformed student research and creativity into an interactive Hispanic Heritage Museum. Families explored student-created artwork, posters, dioramas and projects showcasing Hispanic traditions, artists, innovators, changemakers and cultural contributions. Students highlighted figures ranging from Bad Bunny to Frida Kahlo.
Students in kindergarten through fifth garde researched grade-specific topics, created projects and presented their findings to classmates before sharing their work with families at the exhibition.
Now in its second year, Steele’s Hispanic Heritage Project was developed in response to a family survey that identified interested in more opportunities to celebrate cultural diversity. The initiative has grown into a collaboration among students, families, teachers, school leaders and the PTA.
Families received project guidelines and grade-specific expectations at the start of the school year, with teachers offering support throughout the month. Steele art teacher Nicole Rubin collected and organized school projects, interviewed students and transformed the exhibition space into a museum. PTA volunteers helped decorate and prepare the displays.
The exhibition also reflected Baldwin UFSD’s six Future-Ready Competencies: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, civics and character.
“At Steele, every child deserves to feel seen, loved, valued and celebrated,” said Steele Elementary School Principal LaTrace Finney. “We honor our students’ cultures and stories, reminding them that who they are and where they come from matter. Through experiences like our Hispanic Heritage Museum, students develop pride in their identities while learning to appreciate the diversity of others.”
More ways Baldwin Schools celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month
Schools throughout the district incorporated Hispanic Heritage Month into classroom instruction and schoolwide activities.
At Plaza Elementary School, students of Hispanic heritage shared weekly mystery riddles during morning announcements. Teachers incorporated read-alouds and discussion questions into lessons, while Plaza alumni shared videos about their careers, school experiences and advice for current students. The celebration concluded with a schoolwide activity testing students’ knowledge.
At Lenox and Meadow elementary schools, the PTAs sponsored cultural assemblies featuring “The Castanets Sing and the Feet Talk,” an interactive performance by the Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Company.
Brookside Elementary School students participated in a salsa dancing assembly and a “Papel Picado with the PTA” event. They also created colorful wings inspired by renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
English as a New Language students at Baldwin Middle School read culturally relevant memoirs and wrote personal narrative essays for submission to the 2026 Hispanic Heriatge Month Essay Contest.
Middle school students in native Spanish classes also researched notable Hispanic figures, historical events and cultural contributions. Their findings were featured on two banners displayed throughout the school, and students presented their research in Spanish.
At Baldwin High School, a Noches de Gala event was planned as part of the school’s Hispanic Heritage Month festivities, offering students and community members an opportunity to celebrate Hispanic and Latino culture.
Baldwin UFSD remains committed to creating inclusive learning environments that honor cultural diversity and foster a sense of belonging. Hispanic Heritage Month gave students opportunities to explore artistic expression, storytelling and collaborative learning while celebrating the many cultures represented across the district.
“The Hispanic Heritage Project is more than a school assignment. It is an opportunity to bring families into the learning process, amplify student voice, celebrate cultural identity and create a schoolwide experience in which every child has the opportunity to shine,” Finney said.
