Welcome to the 2024-25 IDEA Newsletter where you will find a place of belonging, inspiration, education, and space for your contributions…

Heritage and identity are personal and the words to describe both evolve. One example of this is the ongoing conversation around the terms Hispanic vs. Latino, and newer terms Latinx and Latine.

• Hispanic, while broadly used, is actually pretty specific. It refers to a person’s language, meaning someone from Spanish-speaking Latin American countries or Spain.

• Latino identifies people who have heritage rooted in Latin America, regardless of what language they speak. For instance, a Portuguese-speaking person from Brazil may identify as Latino, not Hispanic.

• While Latino may not refer to language, the Spanish language employs masculine and feminine versions (Latino vs. Latina respectively). The word Latinx and the more recent Latine shift from using the masculine word as the default descriptor. Latinx is more well-known among English speakers currently.

Many organizations feature Latinx history, music, or art during Hispanic Heritage Month. Explore exhibits, museums, and other opportunities in your community. If there isn't anything nearby, a virtual tour can help kids learn about the contributions of Latino communities and individuals.

• La Casa Azul is Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s former home. The name literally translates to the Blue House. Now, it’s a museum dedicated to her work and life that can be toured virtually.

• The Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Latino shines a light on the legacy of U.S. Latinos and Latinas.

Kids learn through play. If your kid enjoys a game of chance, then odds are they’ll enjoy the card game Lotería. Lotería is Mexico’s version of Bingo. Players will match words called out (such as el arbol – the tree, or el camaron – the shrimp) to their game board. When they’ve got a row, the winner shouts “¡Buena!” to end the game. The Smithsonian also has a collection of games and activities for purchase from their “Nuestra América” series. Play their bilingual memory card game or piece together their puzzle to learn about famous Hispanic Americans.

Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dali, Fernando Botero, Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya – Latinx and Hispanic artists are some of the most famous of all time.

• Making Hispanic-inspired crafts is also a great way to experience hands-on learning through art.

• For younger kids, this Hispanic Heritage Month banner printable coloring sheet is a simple activity to do at home.

Kid-friendly movies that explore Hispanic and Latino culture are perfect for movie night.

• The hit 2021 movie “Encanto” takes place in Colombia. While your kids enjoy the magical family Madrigal, they’ll also see Colombian fashion, architecture, animals and food. Expect to learn a few Spanish words along the way.

• Inspired by the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead, the 2017 animated film “Coco” explores family and tradition.

• Set to the musical stylings of Lin-Manual Miranda, 2021’s “Vivo” on Netflix celebrates the culture of Cuba as a rain forest creature seeks to deliver a message on behalf of his owner.

If you’re looking for more movie picks throughout the month, check out these other kid-friendly movie options.

If your child considers every room a dance floor, it’s time to introduce them to the vibrancy of Latino dance styles. There are plenty of new moves to learn:

• Check out the basic steps of salsa dancing.

• Get moving to these fun, Spanglish-taught cumbia moves.

Exploring culture is a great way to learn about other people while deepening respect for diversity and inclusion.

Deaf Awareness Month, observed in September, and aims to promote understanding, awareness, and inclusivity of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

ASL is a fully developed, complex language with its own grammar and syntax, and it is the primary language for many in the Deaf community in the United States. Recognizing and respecting ASL, as well as other sign languages used globally, is crucial for communication and inclusion.

The Deaf community is diverse and encompasses a range of identities, including different cultural backgrounds, languages, communication preferences, and experiences. It's essential to acknowledge this diversity and avoid generalizations about the Deaf experience.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals often face barriers in accessing education, healthcare, employment, and public services due to a lack of accommodations, such as sign language interpreters, captions, and accessible technologies. Raising awareness about these barriers is key to fostering a more inclusive environment.

Deaf culture is rich and vibrant, with its own history, values, art, literature, and traditions. Highlighting the contributions of Deaf individuals in various fields, including education, activism, arts, sports, and science, can help foster appreciation and respect.

On September 16, Mexicans around the globe will celebrate the anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain. The day is marked by a national holiday in Mexico, a reenactment of a historic moment from the revolution’s leader, and an array of performances from fireworks to dance routines.

Native American Day is celebrated on the fourth Friday of September every year, falling on September 27 this year, as a way of honoring those who have been a part of the American tradition even before the nation of the U.S.A. came into being. However, the history of the Native Americans is written in blood and violence. After centuries of persecution, not much is left of the tribes and many have integrated into modern society. Those still in touch with their roots, will remember these events and honor their ancestor’s sacrifices. Native American Day is a holiday that hopes to change the way people view Native Americans and their culture.

For more information, please contact Gregory Smith, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

for Farmington Public Schools at gregory.smith@fpsk12.net

The government has made legal provisions to ensure that no person is discriminated against on the basis of race, color, natural origin, sex, age, or disability. In order to protect these rights and assure compliance, the Farmington Public Schools District has appointed Mr. Christopher O’Brien as Coordinator of Title IX and Section 504 and Mr. Greg Smith as Coordinator of Title VI, the Age Discrimination Act, and Title II. Inquiries concerning the application of, or grievances for, any of these regulations should be addressed to: christopher.obrien@fpsk12.net or gregory.smith@fpsk12.net.