October 11, 2018

RE: Hispanic Heritage Month

Dear Teaneck Community,

As our country celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, it is important that we educate our children regarding the many contributions made by Hispanic and Latino Americans.

The names of famous Hispanic athletes and musicians are likely recognizable; but there are also writers, scientists, and the first and only Latina on the U.S. Supreme Court – Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

According to the 2000 Census, the Hispanic population was at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population. In the 2010 Census, this number grew to 50.5 million or 16% of the population. Today, 57.5 million people or 18% of the American population are of Hispanic or Latino
origin. In Teaneck Public Schools, our student population this school year is 36% Hispanic.

I encourage you to celebrate the Hispanic heritage and culture, and to participate in honoring the accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

For more information and ideas on how to celebrate, please visit this
website: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.org/. I am also inviting you to come out on October 30th to participate in Thomas Jefferson Middle School Drama Club’s presentation of “Viva!. This special event begins at 7 pm and you can obtain more information on the school and district website.

Sincerely,

Dr. Christopher C. Irving, Superintendent of Schools