Guide to Observing Hispanic/Latino/a/x Heritage Month

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. 

Please see the presentation above to read about the unique cultural wealth and diversity ABCUSD celebrates in our Hispanic/Latino/a/x staff members.

INFORMATION, FACTS & TERMINOLOGY 

Latinx and English Learner

How many students are Latinx in ABC USD? How many K-12 students in ABC USD are English Learners? 

According to the California Department of Education, in the 2022-23 school year, the Latinx student population in ABC USD is 8,327 out of 18,354 total students, or 43.5%. Countywide there are 864,437 Latinx students (66%).

In ABC USD, there are 2,462 (13.4%) students who are English learners and in Los Angeles County there are 242,684 students who are English learners. 

Often, the terms “Latinx” and “English learners” are used synonymously. Nevertheless, assuming that a Latinx student is still acquiring English is not only incorrect in many cases, but it also contributes to a deficit mindset about language capacity among Latinx students and families.  Additionally, there are 41 different languages represented among our ABC USD students who are English learners.

Hispanic, Chicano/a, or Latino/a/x/e

The videos below explain the origins and differences between the terms:

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS

• National Museum of the American Latino: How to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
• Latino Center at the Smithsonian
• 12 Great Books for Hispanic Heritage Month
• National Educators Association Hispanic Heritage Month
• ADL National Hispanic Heritage Month Ideas for Teachers
• ADL 8 Lesson Plan Ideas for Teaching National Hispanic Heritage Month
• Hispanic Heritage Month hosted by the Library of Congress
• History Stories - The Mendez Family Fought School Segregation 8 Years Before Brown v. Board of Ed