Celebrating National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month: Honoring Culture, History, and Impact

From September 15 to October 15, Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) proudly celebrate National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month—a time to recognize and honor the rich histories, cultures, achievements, and contributions of individuals with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

This annual observance began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a full month, and it was officially enacted into law on August 17, 1988.

The 2026 theme, “Unidos, Somos Más” (“Together, We Are More”), celebrates the power of unity and the lasting impact Hispanic and Latino communities make when they come together.

Here in FWPS, we are proud that 32.7% of our scholars identify as Hispanic or Latinx. According to the 2024 U.S. Census, 20.0% of the broader Federal Way community shares this heritage.

We are committed to creating schools that reflect and celebrate the diversity of our community—where every scholar feels welcome, valued, and empowered to realize their potential. By honoring cultural heritage, we strengthen the school community and create a richer learning environment for everyone. See how your school is celebrating by visiting their Facebook page which can be found at www.fwps.org/schools.

Join FWPS in celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month by sharing how your school honors Hispanic and Latinx cultures through learning, art, student clubs, cultural events, and other meaningful activities. Tag @FWPS210 or email photos to socialmedia@fwps.org.

View additional recognitions in the FWPS Cultural & Religious Calendar here: www.fwps.org/culturalcalendar

Celebrating Belonging at Rainier View Elementary

🌎💙 Every Culture. Every Tradition. Every Scholar.

As part of Federal Way Public Schools’ recognition of cultural appreciation dates throughout the year, Rainier View Elementary is proud to celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month with a beautiful Multicultural Bulleting Board.

At Rainier View Elementary, every scholar deserves to walk into school and see themselves reflected in their learning community. Creating a sense of belonging is at the heart of who we are, and the Multicultural Bulletin Board is one way to celebrates the rich diversity that makes the school so special.

The bulletin board highlights the many cultures, traditions, languages, and experiences represented throughout the Rainier View community. More than just a beautiful display, it serves as a powerful reminder that every scholar’s identity matters and that everyone belongs here.

By honoring and learning about one another’s cultures and traditions, we help create an inclusive environment where scholars feel seen, valued, heard, and proud of who they are. These experiences foster understanding, respect, and meaningful connections among students, staff, and families.

The school's Principal Kara Maphosa shared,

"Our Multicultural Bulletin Board celebrates the many cultures, traditions, languages, and experiences that make our Rainier View community so special. Our purpose goes beyond creating a beautiful display—we want every scholar to know that who they are matters and belongs here."

🦅 At Rainier View Elementary, belonging means there is a place for everyone. 💙

Valhalla Elementary Celebrates Culture, Pride, and Heritage at Annual Hispanic Heritage Fashion Show

As part of National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, Valhalla Elementary recently hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Fashion Show, a vibrant celebration of culture, identity, and community that brought students, staff, and families together.

Students gathered in two assemblies, one for grades K-2 and another for grades 3-5, to honor the rich traditions and diverse cultures represented within the school community. Students with Hispanic heritage proudly walked across the stage wearing colorful traditional garments that reflected their family's culture and history and shared with the audience where their heritage was from. As they shared the cultures they represent, classmates filled the room with applause and excitement. 

Four featured students also took the microphone to explain the significance of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month and what the celebration means to them.

Mia, a fifth-grade student, delighted the audience with two traditional dances from Honduras alongside her abuelo, or grandfather. Together, they showcased their heritage through music and movement, creating a memorable moment for everyone in attendance. Her grandfather shared how meaningful it was to support his granddaughter and celebrate their culture together.

"Dancing at my school makes me very happy!" she said.

"I like to wear my boots and my sombrero!" shared fourth-grader Oscar.

Another fourth-grade student, Maleni, expressed her excitement about participating once again.

"I'm really happy this is happening again. It is so much fun, and I love to participate in anything that has to do with culture," she said.

Maleni, who proudly wore a beautiful yellow embroidered shirt from Mexico, reflected on why events like the fashion show matter.

"So I can express my culture, and I want to show people that they can express their culture too," she said. "I would love to see other people's culture!"

The celebration extended beyond the fashion show itself. Visitors entering Valhalla Elementary are welcomed by a display honoring influential figures of Hispanic heritage, including artists, authors, athletes, astronauts, and performers who have made lasting contributions to society. The exhibit serves as an opportunity for students to learn about Hispanic leaders and role models while fostering appreciation for the many cultures represented in the school community.

Events like the Hispanic Heritage Fashion Show help create a strong sense of belonging by encouraging students to share who they are, celebrate their heritage, and learn from one another. Through these experiences, students see that their identities and cultures are valued and celebrated.

A special thank-you goes to music teacher Amy Adams, the event emcee, and to teacher Lina Hofschneider for organizing this annual tradition and creating meaningful opportunities for students and families to celebrate culture, history, and community together.

TAF@Saghalie's Latino Heritage Club Celebrates Culture, Community, and Belonging

There is a new Wolf Den at TAF@Saghalie where Latinx and Hispanic culture is celebrated, connections are built, and students take pride in sharing their heritage.

Launched this school year, the Latino Heritage Club has quickly grown into a welcoming space for students who are passionate about celebrating their Latin roots, learning about one another's cultures, and promoting their heritage throughout the school community.

During weekly meetings, club members gather to play games, collaborate on school events, and participate in creative activities. Some students learn choreographed dances while others explore meaningful art projects, such as creating piñatas or posters, all with support from the club's advisor, middle school counselor Elizabeth Benitez Martinez and other staff members. 

"The club is about celebrating Latin heritage," shared Jairo, a sixth-grade student with Venezuelan roots. He said clubs like this are important because they help students learn about cultures beyond their own.

"It helps people know that other countries have different traditions and celebrations," he said. "It makes me happy when others learn about mine."

For Jairo, one of the highlights of the club has been meeting students whose families come from many different countries throughout Latin America.

"I've met students from Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, and many other countries," he shared. "We speak the same language, but with different accents, and we all have different traditions and celebrations."

The club has become a place where students feel comfortable expressing their identities and connecting with peers who share similar experiences.

"I like the club because we can celebrate our culture, and it makes us proud of being Latino," he added.

Eighth grader Maya shared, “Embrace your culture and make sure it is well known.” Alessandra, also in eighth grade, added, “Do not be ashamed of who you are. Always be proud of who you are.”

According to Elizabeth, the purpose of the Latino Heritage Club extends beyond cultural celebration.

"The goal of the Latino Heritage Club is to help increase belonging and attendance for Latino students at TAF@Saghalie," Elizabeth shared.

With approximately one-third of the school's student population identifying as Latino, the club provides meaningful opportunities for students to see their cultures represented and valued. Through dance, poetry, art, and community-building activities, members are creating a stronger sense of belonging while helping the entire school community learn about and appreciate the rich diversity of Latin cultures.

By celebrating heritage and building connections, the Latino Heritage Club is helping students strengthen their cultural pride, develop lasting friendships, and contribute to a more inclusive school environment where every student feels seen, valued, and supported.