At Christopher House, we believe that every child’s culture, identity, and lived experiences deserve to be celebrated. This Hispanic Heritage Month, our scholars, families, and staff came together to honor the rich histories, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through meaningful learning experiences, cultural celebrations, and opportunities for connection.
With many Christopher House scholars and families identifying as Hispanic or Latino/a/x, this month holds special significance for our community. Throughout our schools, hallways came alive with colorful decorations, classrooms engaged in cultural projects, and scholars took deeper dives into Hispanic and Latino history, heritage, and traditions.
Scholars were also encouraged to explore their own families’ cultural backgrounds, share traditions with classmates, and learn from one another. These experiences created opportunities to celebrate their identities while building understanding, pride, and a stronger sense of belonging.
A Special Celebration with Alderperson Jessie Fuentes
On October 6, Christopher House welcomed 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes to our Stewart Campus for a special Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Families, staff, and members of our school community gathered in person and virtually to hear their inspiring story, reflect on the importance of cultural identity, and celebrate the strength of community.
The celebration also brought people together through food, including tamales, and the opportunity to connect over shared traditions and experiences.
A longtime educator, community organizer, and advocate, Alderperson Fuentes shared their personal journey as the child of a Cuban refugee and a Puerto Rican parent. They reflected on the challenges their family faced, the transformative role education played in their life, and how discovering their cultural identity helped them find their voice as a young person.
They also emphasized the importance of schools creating spaces where children feel safe, supported, and proud of who they are.
Reflecting on Christopher House’s commitment to high-quality education and comprehensive family support, Fuentes shared:
“Christopher House has been an organization that has opened their arms to the Latino community, and it’s important for me to support organizations that ensure that no matter the color of their skin or the zip code that they reside in, that young people receive the quality education and the quality services that they deserve.”
Their message reinforced the importance of creating educational environments that honor children’s identities, recognize their individual experiences, and provide the support they need to thrive.
Fuentes also reminded attendees that Latino communities are not a monolith. While families may share languages or cultural connections, their histories, experiences, and traditions are wonderfully diverse. Honoring those differences, they emphasized, is an essential part of building stronger, more inclusive communities.
When asked what advice they would give their eighth-grade self, Fuentes offered a powerful reminder to young people: “Love who you are.” They encouraged scholars to embrace their authentic selves, find joy in being young, and recognize the community of support surrounding them.
Learning From One Another, Growing Together
Beyond this special celebration, Hispanic Heritage Month was woven into the everyday learning experiences of Christopher House scholars.
Through classroom projects, intentional lessons, and opportunities to share family traditions, scholars explored the diversity of Hispanic and Latino cultures while developing a deeper appreciation for their own identities and those of their peers.
These experiences reflect an important part of the Christopher House approach to education: learning extends beyond academics. When children see their cultures represented and celebrated in their classrooms, they develop confidence, connection, and a stronger sense of belonging. And when they learn about the experiences of others, they build empathy, curiosity, and respect.
As we reflect on Hispanic Heritage Month, we are reminded that celebrating culture and identity is not limited to one month of the year. At Christopher House, we remain committed to fostering inclusive spaces where every scholar and family feels seen, valued, and welcomed.
Because when we celebrate what makes each of us unique, we strengthen the community that brings us together. And together, we thrive.
