On October 13, Hispanic culture and pride were out in full at Knollwood Elementary School’s English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) Family Night!  

Many families enjoyed the educational and entertaining events.  Several families wore shirts and dress representing their countries.  Hispanic pride was seen everywhere you looked!

The first part of the evening was dedicated to providing information to families on ways they can become involved in the community and how to overcome obstacles they may encounter.  Dr. Jennifer Hudson from Salisbury Pediatrics talked with families about how to help their children overcome the issues they are facing due to the COVID pandemic and the resources that are available to them.

To help families who are new to our country, several speakers shared their stories on what they experienced when coming to the United States as immigrants and how they overcame the challenges they faced.  Carolina Hernandez, School Nutrition Manager at Hurley Elementary School, along with her daughter, Karina Reyes, fourth grade teacher at Knollwood Elementary School, shared their experiences as immigrants from Mexico.  Mr. Jose Tello, a judge from California, also shared advice.

After the speakers, the fun began!  Students from Knollwood and Hurley Elementary Schools shared with the audience Hispanic music and dancing.  Knollwood Elementary third grader, Brandon Retana, Recited poems written by Luis Cernuda and Alejandra Pizarnik.  The night concluded with a parade of flags from Hispanic countries by Knollwood Elementary School students!  

The evening was a great success!  A special thanks goes to the Knollwood Elementary School ESL teachers, Katherine Gardner, Eddyee Chaverra Rodiguez, and Johanna Vargas Jaramillo for planning this event.

Story by Meredith Barbour for Knollwood Elementary