Celebrating Latina/o/x Heritage Month at Poly

September 15-October 15 is Latina/o/x Heritage Month and Poly is honoring the month in some special ways. Teachers in the Lower School are exploring Latin American countries through morning meeting time learning about language, geography, and literature. The libraries across all three divisions are recommending books about, written, and illustrated by Latinx artists. The Upper School assembly featured presentations about identity, culture, representation, and history. Read on for an interview with Cynthia García-Macedonio of the world languages department about Latina/o/x Heritage Month and how we can celebrate year-round.

Why is it important that Poly celebrates Latina/o/x Heritage Month?

It is imperative that we recognize and appreciate the multitude of facets that constitute our Latinx heritage. For years our gente has been seen through the lens of happy fiestas, music, and overall art and gastronomic entertainment during this month. Las cosas han cambiado. Things have changed. We are resilient, hard-working people who have overcome many challenges throughout our history. It is time to acknowledge the tenacity of the braceros, the courage of all immigrants, the richness of our language, and the voices that have made a tremendous positive impact on who we are today. By embracing both struggle and celebration of the LatinX communities we heal as a nation, we connect, and most importantly we build empathy. Es hora. It is time.

In what ways is it being celebrated?

The Latines Unides and Las Monarcas Affinity groups have had extensive conversations regarding the many ways that they want to celebrate this month. Students presented their perspectives on identity, culture, representation, and history during an assembly in the Upper School. Furthermore, students will be writing articles for The Paw Print, they will be putting up educational and awareness posters around the school, and will be sharing brief narratives and momentos during Morning Meetings, among many other activities. We want to highlight our stories and the power of our voces as instruments of change and awareness.

How can we honor Latina/o/x heritage year-round?

As a LatinX Poly community, we have been working and generating wonderful transformations in our school over the past few years. We have increased both our student and faculty LatinX numbers, created Affinity spaces and have started to incorporate our stamp in our curriculum. Living in Southern California, it is impossible not to be immersed in our profound and diverse LatinX landscape. At Poly our commitment is to generate a genuinely inclusive and equitable space where we can connect through our stories, be our authentic selves, and learn the value of diverse perspectives. Our hope is that we will continue to create spaces where everyone can learn, grow, and value the beautiful history and impact that the LatinX people have had in everyone’s lives. 

¡Aquí estamos! Here we are! Y no nos vamos.
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