Second Grade Celebrates "Day of the Dead" Through Spanish/Art Collaboration

Do you know the words "Calaveras", "Papel Picado" or "Pan de Muertos"? Ask a second grader and they can tell you! The Spanish and art classes collaborated to teach 2nd graders about the popular Mexican holiday called "Dia de los Muertos" or "Day of the Dead" which took place October 31 - November 2. Far from being a sad time, it is a celebration of the lives of those who have died. It pays tribute to the circle of life and death and ensures that the stories of ancestors are passed down. Families gather and put out favorite foods, flowers and candles for the spirits' yearly visit.

Second graders got to eat pan de muertos (special bread of the dead) and Mrs. Ouladdaoud's class had a lovely time with Mr. Gonzalez, Maya's dad, as he shared his memories of Dia de los Muertos. The students had a fun time making calacas (hand-made skeleton figures) and calavera (skull) masks. Please observe the festive atmosphere as you walk below the papel picado (cut paper) in the main hallway and observe the second grade artwork commemorating this wonderful Mexican holiday!