Hispanic Parent Council

An Affinity Group of Albuquerque Academy

Newsletter Issue #1 - October 20, 2021

Launch of HPC Newsletter ~

Welcome to the first issue of our newsletter for the Albuquerque Academy Hispanic Parent Council. The purpose of this newsletter is to serve as another method for communicating with the Hispanic/Latino parent community. Our intent is to keep you informed about our upcoming meetings, events and volunteer opportunities in order to help you stay engaged with the HPC and the Academy. We also hope to serve as a resource for both new and current parents as you navigate all that the Academy has to offer for your student(s) in middle school and high school. Please feel free to reach out to HPC Co-Chairs Matt Martinez or Cristina Torres Archibeque with questions or ideas. We look forward to getting to know you!

Our Mission ~

The mission of the Hispanic Parent Council is to strengthen and enrich the overall Albuquerque Academy experience by cultivating diversity and inclusion within the community. The HPC is an affinity group that supports parents and students who identify as Hispanic/Latino through networking, engagement, advocacy and mentoring.

In the News ~

Members of the Hispanic Parent Council (HPC) gathered this month to set up a display for Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month. What awesome participation we had!! Thank you to everyone who came out to assist and loaned decorative items. It came out great and we have received many compliments campus-wide. The Hispanic Parent Council (HPC) would like to invite all students, faculty, staff, and Academy families to visit the National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month display at Simms Library.

The theme of this year’s display is El Dia de los Muertos… A Celebration of Lives Past. El Dia de los Muertos is a traditional way in the Hispanic culture to honor those we’ve lost. It originated in Mexico, and versions of this tradition are observed in Hispanic communities across the globe. With the loss of so many due to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the recent passing of some of our own Academy community members, the HPC believes this theme is timely and important. Our intent is to celebrate and remember our loved ones as we express our grief through hope, as well as educate and inspire all who walk through. Join us throughout the month of October as we also celebrate in this spirit through additional activities and student/community participation. Hispanic inspired lunches will be offered by the dining service and the Hispanic Student Association will be putting on a Dia de los Muertos themed Procession/Parade on Friday, October 29th at 11:30am on the upper campus.

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Volunteers Needed ~

We are looking for parent volunteers to staff the HPC Table and speak with prospective parents at the upcoming Admission Open House on Sunday, October 24th from 12:30-2:30pm. The more Hispanic/Latino parents present, the better in making our community feel welcome and encouraged to apply to the Academy! If you can serve a 30 minute or hour shift, please contact co-chairs - Matt Martinez or Cristina Torres Archibeque. Thank You!!!

Meetings ~

The Hispanic Parent Council meets regularly on the last Tuesday of the Month at 6:30pm. The meeting location and format varies, but often occurs virtually via Zoom. We also meet for social gatherings, on-campus student/family events and community engagement.

Join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, October 26th at 6:30pm via Zoom. A link will be sent out to all Hispanic/Latino parents with an agenda to follow.