CUSTOMS, HERITAGES & TRADITIONS MOMENTS
 Why it Matters?Children thrive when their home language, customs, heritage, and traditions are honored. When they feel seen and valued, they show up stronger, more willing to take risks, ask questions, and connect with others. That’s the kind of school community where all children grow, academically and emotionally.
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Dear Families,
The other morning, I walked into one of our friendly schools and noticed two students standing by a poster that said “hello” in many different languages. I greeted them with “hello,” and one student answered back with “hola.” Another chimed in with “bonjour.” We all exchanged smiles before heading off to start the day. A simple poster sparked pride and connection, as students shared their languages.
As I always say, being part of this school district and living in this community is a wonderful opportunity to learn from so many families, languages, and traditions. Every day, our children bring with them the rich history of their families. And when those stories meet inside our schools, they build something bigger: a space for nurturing student belonging and compassion.
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3 WAYS OUR SCHOOLS SUPPORT
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Morning Meetings & Read-Alouds: Teachers use these moments to welcome students, share multilingual greetings, read books, and share experiences that reflect the many student backgrounds in our classrooms.
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Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations: From September 15 to October 15, our schools engage students in activities that highlight Hispanic culture and heritage. These celebrations also open the door for students to learn more about one another and their heritage.
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RULER Tools from Yale: With tools like the Mood Meter and Blueprint, students learn how to recognize emotions, handle peer conflicts, and respond to others with kindness, no matter where they’re from.
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| 3 WAYS OUR FAMILIES CAN SUPPORT AT HOME |
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Talk About Your Roots: Share stories from your own childhood, speak your home language, or teach your child a family tradition that means something to you.
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Explore Music and Books Together: Play songs or find books in your family’s language—or borrow books that celebrate a culture your child is curious about.
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Celebrate Curiosity: When your child mentions a classmate from a different background, ask what they learned or liked. These moments build understanding and empathy.
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KEY FACTS ABOUT HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
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Dates: Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 each year.
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Purpose: This month is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the histories, cultures, languages, and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
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Celebrations: Schools, communities, and organizations across the country hold festivals, read stories, cook traditional foods, and host events that honor Latin American heritage and pride.
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THIS MONTH'S EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY CHALLENGE
Email a photo to familyconnections@vs30.org of your child celebrating your family’s custom and/or traditions—reading a book, cooking a meal, or wearing something that reflects your heritage. With your permission, we will highlight it on our website or social media as part of our commitment to honoring every family.
Instagram @vs30friendlyschools
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| CONNECTING! PARTNERING! SUPPORTING! |
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