King School students embraced Hispanic Heritage Month with enthusiasm, immersing themselves in the vibrant traditions of Hispanic and Latino cultures through art, history, music, and food. Across the divisions, hands-on activities and special events brought this rich heritage to life.
In the Lower School, students focused on the Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos, which honors loved ones who have passed. Spanish lessons centered on this colorful and meaningful holiday, giving students a chance to engage with its rich traditions through creative projects at each grade level.
Kindergarteners brought the lively calaveritas to life by coloring and decorating mini skulls, while first-grade students crafted esqueletos (skeletons), exploring the cultural significance behind these playful figures. In second grade, students planted cempasúchil flower seeds in decorated pots, learning about the marigold’s symbolic connection to life and death in Mexican culture.
Third-grade students took a closer look at the history of calaveras, understanding the artistry and cultural importance behind these symbols, while designing their own colorful versions. Fourth grade students created papel picado posters, tracing the decorative art’s history from pre-Columbian times to its role in modern Día de los Muertos celebrations. Fifth grader students took a broader approach, working in groups to explore different aspects of the holiday — from traditional symbols and customs to crafting vibrant alebrijes, the fantastical creatures seen in Mexican folk art.
These projects will come together in a shared display as the students' work will be used to create a Día de los Muertos ofrenda (altar), which will be showcased in the Lower School through Friday, November 1, honoring this meaningful tradition.
In the Middle School, students experienced a powerful cultural event on October 16 with a performance of Tres Vidas, a chamber music piece based on the lives of three iconic Latin American women: Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, Salvadoran activist Rufina Amaya, and Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni. The performance, brought to life by Rosa Rodriguez and pianist Byron Sean, told the stories of these remarkable women through music and narrative, offering students an emotional glimpse into their resilience, creativity, and activism.
Following the performance, students engaged in a Q&A session, asking insightful questions about the historical and personal significance of the women's experiences. Reflecting on the value of this event, Dean of Student Life Jeremy Bletterman shared, "Experiences like these give us a broader perspective on the world and challenge the idea of a single story."
The Upper School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant lunchtime gathering on October 11, hosted by the Latin American and Hispanic Affinity Group. The group brought together other affinity groups for a shared meal, featuring authentic Colombian cuisine from local Stamford restaurant Noches de Colombia. Students and faculty enjoyed the rich flavors and came together to celebrate the diversity within their community.
“It’s amazing to see people come together to support and appreciate our cultures,” said Olivia Rodrigues ’25, the leader of the Latin American and Hispanic Affinity Group. “We’re excited to plan more events that connect our culture and our community.” Fellow group leader Camila Pajares ’27 echoed these thoughts, saying, “It’s great to see how open our classmates are to trying new things and learning about different cultures.”
Adding to the celebration, FLIK, the school’s dining service, curated a special Hispanic Heritage Month lunch for the entire Upper School, featuring savory dishes like pozole blanco and chimichurri yucca, alongside sweet treats like churros, allowing the community to come together over a shared love of food.
The celebrations reflected King School’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Students and teachers embraced this opportunity to learn, celebrate, and connect with the rich traditions of Hispanic and Latino cultures, deepening the sense of community and shared appreciation for King’s diversity.