This morning, Garfield School was filled with color, music, pride, and emotion as it celebrated the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. Flags from different countries decorated the campus while students, teachers, and families gathered to recognize the cultural richness that lives within this school community every day.
One of the most meaningful moments was hearing the children proudly speak about the countries representing the roots of many Garfield families: Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. The students read, presented, and shared parts of the history and traditions of these nations. Some wore traditional clothing, while others proudly held their flags. There were also dances that filled the space with joy and movement.
It was moving to see our children take the microphone and speak about their culture in front of the entire school community. In those moments, they were not simply sharing information about a country; they were honoring their parents, their grandparents, and the stories that traveled with their families to reach this place.
Celebrating Hispanic heritage at a school means telling our children: “Your story matters. Your language has value. Your roots are also part of your education.” When students feel represented and can recognize themselves in their school, they learn with greater confidence and develop a deep sense of belonging.
Following the ceremony, a meeting was held with the new superintendent, who shared his personal and professional story. He spoke about growing up in Little Village, a Latino community on Chicago’s South Side, and recalled how the support of his parents, teachers, and extracurricular programs helped keep him safe and opened doors to new opportunities.
He also spoke about his experience as a public-school student, learning English during elementary school, and his professional journey as a bilingual teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, and district leader. His story reminded us that many people who now hold leadership positions also grew up facing barriers and understand, through their own experiences, the importance of a high-quality public education.
During the meeting, he presented his plan for his first 90 days. It focuses on listening and learning, strengthening collaboration, visiting schools and district departments, better understanding district operations, and maintaining transparent communication with families. Among his priorities, he mentioned reducing opportunity gaps, strengthening multilingualism, and ensuring that every student receives the support needed to thrive.
Perhaps the most important message, however, was his desire to hear directly from the community. Through a QR code, he invited parents and caregivers to confidentially share the successes they recognize, the areas they believe need improvement, and their expectations for Garfield and the district. This invitation must become participation. Our voices need to be present in the conversations and decisions that affect our children’s education.
Casa Círculo Cultural was present during this celebration because Garfield holds a very special place in our community. Most of the children participating in our after-school program attend this school. We watch them grow, learn, and discover their talents, and we know many of their families closely. For that reason, accompanying them on a morning like this was especially meaningful.
Schools, families, and community organizations should not walk separate paths. When we work together, we create a network that protects, inspires, and opens doors for our children. What we experienced at Garfield this morning was much more than a celebration. It was a collective affirmation that our cultures enrich our schools and that our children can feel proud of who they are and where they come from.
May this Hispanic Heritage Month remind us that our roots do not belong only to the past. They are alive in the voices of these children, in their dance steps, in the flags they raise with pride, and, above all, in the future they are beginning to build.
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