Mason Creek Elementary School students are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by incorporating food, music, and even a special STEM project tied to a legendary soccer player into their daily activities.
Kindergarten students enjoyed a fiesta where they sampled dishes that reflect the culinary traditions passed down through the generations in Hispanic and Latino communities, including tamales, Spanish chicken, rice, empanadas, tacos, conchas, flan and tres leches cake.
Students also danced to music by Hispanic artists outside their classrooms.
“Our students loved exploring another culture — discovering its dances, traditions, and especially tasting its delicious food,” said Kindergarten Lead Teacher Corissa Weidner.
Media Specialist Katie Henry said the fiesta tradition introduces students to Hispanic culture while giving the school’s Hispanic students a chance to “share their heritage with pride.”
“The smiles on their faces and the memories they are creating reflect the strong sense of community our kindergarten teachers are building — one that will stay with students throughout their educational journey and beyond,” Henry said.
Mason Creek first-graders are diving into Hispanic Heritage through their reading curriculum with
the book “Mice and Beans.” After learning about traditions, the first-graders experienced a birthday celebration complete with a piñata.
It took only three students to break open the piñata, Henry said, but the sweetest moment came after some students noticed others had less candy and chose to share their treats with one another.
In fourth grade, students are celebrating with a special STEM challenge. In honor of legendary soccer player Pelé, they’re designing and building a shoebox stadium that doubles as a foosball table.
The hands-on project incorporates creativity with practical math skills. Students are using their knowledge to "purchase" materials from a class store, budgeting for everything from the field itself to concessions and scoreboards.
“It’s a great way to learn about design, teamwork, and finance all at once!” Henry said.
In addition to all of the creative activities, Mason Creek is celebrating Hispanic culture during the morning announcements with some new Hispanic Heritage-themed features — a famous person spotlight, a Spanish word of the day, a delicious food to know, a fun fact, a geography highlight, or even a type of music or dance.
“It’s a fun way to learn and grow together while honoring Hispanic Heritage!” she said.