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Newburgh schools celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with K–12 projects, performances and community partnerships
Summary
District staff and students presented a monthlong slate of Hispanic Heritage Month activities, highlighting classroom projects, assemblies, bilingual research, and partnerships that connect literacy work to cultural celebrations across elementary, middle and high schools.
The Newburgh City School District on Tuesday showcased districtwide activities marking Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring student projects, bilingual classrooms, music and dance performances and community guest readers from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Doctor Martinez Morales, who led the presentation, said Hispanic Heritage Month, observed Sept. 15–Oct. 15, “commemorates how the Hispanic community has influenced and contributed to American society at large,” and noted the district’s student body is diverse with “over 36 different home languages” and that Hispanic students make up “over 60% of our total student population.”
The presentation emphasized year‑round cultural affirmation rather than a single‑month observance. Julie Chambers, the district’s director of literacy, walked the board through elementary activities that included food and dress representing students’ countries of origin, guest readers, and art and research projects. Chambers described hands‑on projects such as Mexican mirrors at Fostertown and interdisciplinary activities at Velske that paired the arts with science and engineering themes.
Fourth‑grade bilingual students presented classroom work on Dia de los Muertos. Jacob Davalos Fovis described building a small ofrenda to honor a family member, saying the assignment “brought our family together” and helped him learn about another Hispanic tradition. Classmate Melanie Samano explained that making an ofrenda was “really meaningful” because it connected her to family memories and cultural pride.
At the secondary level, presenters described assemblies, alumni guest performers and student research projects. Tom Rissentowler and Ben Ayling, representing the district’s capital team and Jacobs, noted that the district’s high‑school programs also collaborate with community partners to spotlight Hispanic leaders and alumni achievements.
Board members praised the breadth of activities. Board member Mister Howard said the events reflect the district’s diversity and prepare graduates for life beyond school, calling the programs “something to celebrate.”
The presentation included a large photo slideshow posted on the district website, and district officials invited community members to view examples of student work and event recaps online.
