Hillside Grade School students have been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in their music classes.

Second graders learned the Mexican song, “Colas,” and practiced zapateado dance steps. Third and fourth grade students learned about Plena music from Puerto Rico, studying special Plena rhythms on percussion instruments. They also spent time in class comparing and contrasting Plena music with Puerto Rico’s other music style, Bomba.

Classroom lessons inspired by Hispanic Heritage Month support the district’s goal to “ensure a focus on inclusive and culturally proficient practices that improve learning and school cultures.”