September 22
What Does Hispanic Heritage Month Mean to You?
Our school counselor was featured on PGCPS's website to Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 Saber es poder: Celebrating Latino Educators.
Meet Jose Conde, a Professional School Counselor at CMIT Academy North High School with 18 years with PGCPS!
Q. What is your heritage and what country (or countries) is your family from?
A. El Salvador
Q. What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally, and why is it important to celebrate it in the PGCPS community?
A. Hispanic Heritage Month is the acknowledgement of the presence of an important segment of the American population. It is an effort to counteract marginalization. It is an antiracist effort to strike at the heart of racism, ethnocentrism, xenophobia, and stereotyping of people groups. It is broadening America's view of what being Hispanic actually means: it's a beautiful blend of colors, cultures, and customs that provides a majestic mosaic of myriad political, geographical, and ancestral backgrounds. Hispanic Heritage Month emphasizes the complexities of an ethnic identity that has been and continues to be influenced by constant clashes between old world and new world forces. Lastly, Hispanic Heritage Month ensures our young people know who they are and empowers them to claim and take ownership of their identity.
Q. How has your cultural background and heritage shaped your perspective as a leader in education?
A. There is a lack of knowledge students have of different groups of people in the school system. I have made sure that in my role as an English teacher and my role as a professional school counselor to challenge the stereotypes our staff and students have of Hispanics in the U.S.
Furthermore, my hope is that my hard work and dedication in education encourages my students to view themselves as future professionals and leaders in the field of education and in any other profession.
Q. What advice do you have for those interested in pursuing a career in education, especially those from Latino backgrounds?
A. Do not let anyone define who you are based on your national, ethnic, racial, or linguistic background. Make no apologies for being in America. You belong here and you are an important part of this country. Take up the challenge to develop yourself to your fullest potential through education, hard work, and dedication. Don't strive to prove to people your importance; strive to live out the importance with which you were already born. You were made for something great; show your greatness in everything you do.
Q. Can you recommend a book, movie, podcast or other resource that students, parents and educators can explore to learn more about Hispanic heritage and its significance in our society?
Hispanic heritage is intricately woven in the American tapestry. It would be harder to try to avoid hearing about an influential Hispanic American than it is to actually find important Hispanic American historical and contemporary figures in America.
I would advise reading the autobiographies of people like Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Listen to Latin-American music like Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. Research the contributions of Latin-American art and culture on music and visual arts like Frida Kahlo, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Gloria Estefan. Research the many racial backgrounds of Hispanics. Research the many American political figures like Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez.
Student Service Learning Volunteer Opportunities
There will be an event at the University of Maryland, College Park this Saturday. Student volunteers are needed to help at the event. Please use the Link for Student Volunteers to sign up. Please use the attached form to record your hours and have it signed by a representative that coordinates and organizes the volunteers at the event.
Free Mental Health Services (Boris L. Henson Foundation)
Dear Parents and Students,
Our students are able to receive five (5) free individual sessions through the Free Mental Wellness Support Program provided by The Boris L. Henson Foundation. If your child is in need of mental health services, please use the Registration Link to sign up for free sessions with a licensed therapist. Also, please read the attached documents to learn more about the foundation.
The following is the joint letter from the founder, Taraji P. Henson, and the executive director, Tracie Jade.
2023 marks the 5th year anniversary of The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation.
As we reflect on the past five years, we want to pause to express so much gratitude to our donors, partners, and community. Since our launch in 2018, we have remained committed to our mission of eradicating the stigma around mental health in the Black community.
We continue to dedicate ourselves to changing the narrative by speaking out, and encouraging others to share their challenges with mental illness and to get the help they need.
Through dedicated programming and services over the years, we have seen a significant increase in the participation and conversations around mental wellness, but we still have so much work to do. The systemic challenges that Black communities continue to face are deeply rooted. We are committed to breaking down the barriers to equitable access and positive change. We're excited about what we have planned this year and the impact we will continue to make with your help, as we strive towards mental health equity for all. Joy is indeed our birthright.
Taraji P. Henson and Tracie Jade
Latin American Bracelets for Sale
Use this Latin American Bracelet Order Form to place an order for a bracelet or multiple bracelets representing a Latin-American country. You may purchase one bracelet for $3 or two bracelets for $5.
Twenty-one Spanish speaking Latin-American countries are listed. Please choose the country you would want represented in the bracelet you order. Payment for the bracelet is required when you pick up your order.
Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation was established in 2003. In 2005 the first of seven STEM focused schools was established. Today, Chesapeake Science Point Middle/High Charter School in Anne Arundel County, and the Chesapeake Math & IT Academy Public Charter Schools, Prince George's County, remain among Best Schools (US News). The 7th school, Chesapeake Science Point Elementary Public Charter School, is slated to open in Fall 2023.