CHICAGO (September 30, 2003)

Archdiocese of Chicago elementary schools are joining students across the country to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through October 15. This is an annual celebration established to honor and recognize Hispanic heritage, culture and noted achievements of Hispanic-Americans.

Here are some highlights of the celebrations, programs and projects scheduled throughout Hispanic Heritage Month:

St. Ladislaus, 3330 N. Lockwood Ave., Chicago

The school will welcome a new Hispanic heritage club called “De Colores” on October 16. Student members will explore Latin dance, music and art.

Leading up to the “Day of the Dead, ” first graders will create a special artistic piece called an ofrenda, or “Spanish offering.” And on October 30, students and faculty will observe the “Day of the Dead,” with a small shrine of photos honoring deceased friends and family members.

St. Philomena School, 4131 W. Cortland Ave., Chicago

Students and faculty have brought in Latin American artifacts from their homes to be put on display near the school’s main entrance. Many of the students are of Hispanic origin and have already decorated the tables with a diverse range of beautiful works of art including pottery, Peruvian sculptures, Honduran hand-woven dolls, unique clothing and beautiful items made from balsa, a tree native to Central and South America.

In addition, seventh- and eighth-graders are designing authentic Mexican masks that will hang from their lockers, decorating the school’s hallway. Sixth-graders will add to their artistic efforts by creating colorful paper mache animals of Mexico and South America.

Holy Trinity’s Student Organization of Latinos (SOL) will celebrate their ethnic roots by painting a Latin American mural. The project is scheduled to be completed by mid-October.

SOL will host a Latin American festival that will include ethnic food, music and students dressed in Latin American costumes. Club members will prepare food from different areas of Latin America, giving the entire student body the opportunity to try something new and learn about different cultures.

Resurrection Catholic Academy, 2845 W. Barry Ave., Chicago

Each week throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, classrooms will study the history, art, music, foods and famous people of various countries, including Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, South America, Spain and Central America

Students will learn the Spanish versions of the “Sign of the Cross” and “Our Father.” A special liturgical celebration and fiesta are being planned.

St. Helen, 2347 W. Augusta Blvd.

The fourth-grade classes created Mexican art and crafts including vibrant piñatas and flags. All artwork will be on display at the fourth grade’s cultural celebration where the entire student body will be invited to try traditional Spanish foods, view a display of Mexican artifacts and learn about Hispanic culture.

Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago play a critical role in the life of the community by providing academic excellence and faith formation for approximately 117,000 students of many races, faiths and backgrounds in the 283 elementary and secondary schools in Cook and Lake counties. There are more than 6,400 teachers in the Catholic school system who instill values, teach discipline and achieve strong, consistent academic results in the Archdiocese of Chicago's 242 elementary and 41 secondary schools. Visit the Archdiocese of Chicago Web site at www.archchicago.org/schools.