Students throughout the Eastport-South Manor Central School District are taking time in their foreign language in elementary school classes to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15th, 2024, to October 15th, 2024.
At South Street School, Latin ballroom dancing instructor Michelle Vicale-Smith treated students to a Flamenco performance and discussed the various styles and history behind Latin dance. Several teachers volunteered to demonstrate the dances with the instructor and students then line danced to the music.
During a lesson with fourth-grade students at Dayton Avenue School, teacher Chris Battista discussed the importance of National Hispanic Heritage Month and what it means to have a “heritage.” The students then rotated to several stations where they learned about various famous Hispanic individuals such as Isabelle Allende, Frida Kahlo and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
The district’s FLES program has expanded this school year to include fourth grade and is designed to foster early language learning and cross-cultural connections. The program also promotes a love of language learning through song, dance, culture, and technology.