For Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, students at Park Avenue Elementary School learned about the important contributions of many Hispanic-Americans. 

Principal Dr. Lynn Coyle spoke about a notable person each day during the morning announcements, some familiar and others lesser known. On the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month, librarian Yvonne Francolini read students “Alma and How She Got Her Name” by Juana Martinez-Neal. The story was about a girl who thought her name was too long, until her dad tells her about all the people she is named for as well as the uniqueness of her own name.   

Ms. Francolini then led students in discussions about the stories of their name. Third grader Madison Carabia shared that when she was 6 years old, her mom explained that her first name means “princess” in Chinese. As a culminating, hands-on activity, students then made their names out of Legos.  

“They’re hearing all these names,” Ms. Francolini said about the Hispanic-American being celebrated during the daily announcements, “so let’s get them thinking about their own names to culminate the month.” 

Click here to view the Celebrating Culture and Names at Park Avenue slideshow.

Date Added: 10/17/2025