A NOTE FROM SUPERINTENDENT GOTTO | OCTOBER 2
Dear Westminster Public Schools Community,
When we talk about a school district “Where Education is Personal” it is important to understand that includes our students and employees' immediate family, ancestors, and heritage. I am proud to say that is very evident this month as WPS celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15.
A remarkable example of this occurred at Friday’s homecoming pep assembly when the high school’s mariachi team was joined by musicians from the orchestra, band, and choir for the largest-ever performance of mariachi song and dance. It was a joy to see students from all backgrounds celebrate Hispanic culture and history. Soon the entire state will know about this special event because the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) was on hand to videotape the performance and talk to students and staff.
Board of Education member Audrey Yanos was also interviewed. She spoke movingly about the importance of recognizing where people come from and the pride that everyone shares in their ancestry. She said the mariachi music she heard on Friday reminded her of the songs she heard as a child.
We have more on the CDE visit in this issue of What’s up WPS and we will share their video when it is finished.
Still, another example comes from Sherrelwood Elementary. Later this month, Raúl The Third, a New York Times bestselling and three-time Pura Belpre award-winning illustrator, will be at the school to discuss his work which centers around the contemporary Mexican-American experience and his memories of growing up in El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
While the majority of our students have Hispanic and Latino roots, we work hard to embrace the background, ancestry, and culture of all WPS families. This year we expanded our website translation service, which has always included Spanish to now translate content to Russian, Vietnamese, Hmong, and Nepali.
Our Council for Education Equity and Opportunity is taking the lead to ensure that our district creates a safe and inclusive environment for everyone and that we find ways to value and respect people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
I believe all of these actions create the kind of environment where learning is enhanced and all of us are better because of it. That is what we mean by a district, WHERE EDUCATION IS PERSONAL.
Sincerely
Dr. Jeni Gotto
Superintendent of Schools
Westminster Public Schools
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