CUSD Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month at Chester High School & District-Wide

CHESTER, PA- October 10, 2023 - The Chester Upland School District (CUSD) proudly continues its commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month through a series of district-wide activities.

On October 10, CUSD hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Chester High School, serving as a focal point in an array of district-wide initiatives designed to engage students and staff in various activities. These activities included mural displays, cultural dance lessons, and various projects.

As a proud Latinx American and the district's Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Coordinator, Dana Bowser, from Central Administration, has been collaborating with school leaders, staff, and students to develop activities and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month district-wide. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and celebrating Hispanic culture, stating, "Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for us to unite, appreciate our rich cultural diversity, and reinforce our commitment to equity and inclusion, and fostering an environment of belonging. It's both a privilege and a joy to lead these initiatives, and I'm truly honored by the enthusiasm shown by our students and staff."

In addition to students' inquiries about the various activities highlighting the month, dozens of Latinx students expressed their gratitude, with many vocalizing their surprise and appreciation for the celebration and the focus on their culture.

The celebration at Chester High School was a lively event, showcasing Latinx-themed music, salsa lessons, a variety of Latin American candies, and displays honoring notable Hispanic/Latin American figures. Chartwell, the district's food service provider, helped round out the festivities by serving popular cultural dishes for breakfast and lunch.

Dr. Latrice N. Mumin, Ed. D., MBA, CUSD’s Interim Superintendent of Schools, emphasized the district's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, stating, "CUSD takes immense pride in embracing the uniqueness of our student body and staff while actively promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout our district. Hispanic Heritage Month provides us with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Latinx community members, recognize their contributions, and honor their culture."

The final event of the CUSD celebration is scheduled for tomorrow, October 11, at Toby Farms Intermediate School. Ms. Bowser will visit Toby Farms Intermediate School to instruct students in Salsa/Merengue dance lessons, reaffirming the district's commitment to providing engaging and educational experiences for its diverse student population.

###