Milstead Middle School celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month-- with surprise guest speaker
By Kadey Heidrich
Pasadena ISD Communications
The coronavirus pandemic may have changed quite a few things for schools in Pasadena ISD, but faculty members at Milstead Middle School were determined to continue the campus’ annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration and program.
Hispanic Heritage Month, which started on September 15 and lasted through October 15, recognizes and pays tribute to the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States.
“Here at Milstead Middle, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the many accomplishments of Hispanic Americans and the diverse nationalities of our community,” said
James Kelley, a fifth-and sixth-grade social studies teacher at Milstead.
As part of the celebration this year, hallways were decorated with student artwork depicting notable figures of Hispanic heritage including Frida Kahlo, Sonia Sotomayor and Cesar Chavez, along with flags from Hispanic and South American countries. In Kelley’s class, students placed cutouts of their hands on the classroom door. The cutouts, featuring the student’s name and career goals, were placed next to famous Hispanic figures to send the message that they, too, can become leaders or as Kelley calls them, “World-Changers.”
“We are always looking for innovative ways to inspire and encourage our students,” said Kelley. “By promoting a sense of community, we are able to hold true to our ‘rise up’ motto.”
Each day during Hispanic Heritage Month, students in social studies classes watched videos to learn about Hispanic leaders in government, civil rights and their community. On the last day of the month, the students received a surprise video recorded for them by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
“We wanted to include her,” said Kelley. “The students see her on the news making a difference in the community.”
During the video, Hidalgo encouraged students to follow their passion when looking to their future and to consider a career in public service.
“As you chart your path through middle school and high school and beyond, think about connecting your interests to work in government, in public service,” said Judge Hidalgo.