Our recognition of Hispanic Heritage month concluded with a special presentation sponsored by the PTA, “Musiquita,” guided by a wife/husband duo, Blanca Cecilia González (vocals/violin/ukulele/percussion) and Jesse Elder (vocals/piano/melodica/percussion.) The couple performs a wide variety of music appropriate for all ages. Musiquita has two central goals: To uplift and encourage children and to strengthen and deepen the bonds between young people and the adults in their lives. Students in all grades were immersed in this English and Spanish assembly that featured singing and dancing to a variety of songs from different Latin American countries.
Fifth grade classes celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights. They heard a read aloud, "The Story of Diwali: Rama & Sita by Jay Anika,” created beautiful rangoli art, and even got henna tattoos. We are grateful to our amazing family volunteers who helped bring this celebration to life. And a special shout-out to our three student presenters who shared the story and answered everyone’s questions with confidence and pride.
Second graders also had the opportunity to listen to a story and create Diyas, which represent hope, enlightenment, and inner spiritual light, often used in Hindu traditions to dispel negativity. Lighting a diya signifies the overcoming of challenges and is an essential part of spiritual practices and festivals like Diwali.
