Several City School District of New Rochelle schools mark Hispanic Heritage Month through lessons, events and ceremonies. Isaac E. Young Middle School implements an inclusive curriculum in which students learn about the histories and perspectives of people from different cultures and backgrounds throughout the year. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, English Language Arts teachers focused on Hispanic authors and texts that many students were unfamiliar with. Students also read familiar works by Sandra Cisneros. Students participated in “write-like” activities where they tried to mimic her writing style via voice, tone, and figurative language. “The House on Mango Street” consists of vignettes.
Here is a sample of a student's attempt to write like Cisneros: My name is Lisa, short and sweet. It is special and unique and writes like a dancing ballerina. It is like a cool spring day, or daydreaming. I like being Lisa, after all I don’t know anyone else named Lisa. It is dainty. It is elegant. A sweet tone.” In grade 6 social studies, students learned about important leaders such as Cesar Chavez and Simon Bolivar. Students also studied the Aztecs and their contributions to the development of modern Mexico. Students will continue to learn about the histories, stories, culture, perspectives, and influences of Hispanics on the world throughout the year.