Foxboro Elementary School recently celebrated Hispanic heritage with a special assembly featuring Sambo Fogo, a Brazilian dance and music group. The performance gave students an opportunity to experience Brazilian culture through music and dance while celebrating the Hispanic and Latino heritage represented throughout their school community.
Foxboro is home to students and families with roots in 13 countries and territories, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Brazil, Ecuador, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Peru. For students, that heritage is reflected in the traditions, languages and family experiences that shape their lives.
"My family heritage is from Mexico. At my house, we speak Spanish and English. One of my favorite traditions is Día de los Muertos," said student Kamila. "I am proud of my Hispanic heritage because being Mexican and getting to celebrate both of my parents' cultures enables me to honor them and it makes me proud."
For other students, cultural pride comes from the traditions and experiences they share with their families. Gabriela, whose family is also from Mexico, described what makes her heritage meaningful to her.
"I am proud of my Hispanic heritage because we have beautiful traditions and I have a beautiful culture," Gabriela shared.
Students also highlighted the variety of traditions and experiences represented at Foxboro. Ashley, whose family heritage is from Honduras, shared a favorite family tradition and a message about what her heritage means to her.
"One of my favorite traditions is Kids' Day. One of my favorite foods is baleadas. I am proud of my Hispanic heritage because I can express how I feel and we can do anything," Ashley said.
At Foxboro, events like the Sambo Fogo assembly create opportunities for students to experience cultures through the arts, celebrate their classmates' backgrounds and strengthen the connections that make their school community unique. By making space for students' stories and traditions, the school reinforces an important message: every student's story belongs.