Hispanic Heritage Month at Roosevelt High School Highlights Diversity
Broderick Spencer is a New York academic leader who serves as principal of Roosevelt High School and strives to ensure high results among students of all levels. One recent event that Broderick Spencer helped facilitate was a night of dance, music, art, and poetry presented as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Speaking with Newsday, Mr. Spencer noted that two-thirds of the 1,100 students at Roosevelt are Hispanic, with many having cultural roots in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Central America.
Many who emigrate to Long Island and immediately start studies at Roosevelt face numerous challenges. In addition to the “steep learning curve” involved in learning English, many students face stresses associated with being in the country illegally and having family backgrounds of limited education.
Events such as those for Hispanic Heritage Month help solidify a sense of self-worth and cultural identity. As an English Language Learner program teacher described it, “Showcasing immigration is not a threat. Immigration is a blessing.”
Speaking with Newsday, Mr. Spencer noted that two-thirds of the 1,100 students at Roosevelt are Hispanic, with many having cultural roots in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Central America.
Many who emigrate to Long Island and immediately start studies at Roosevelt face numerous challenges. In addition to the “steep learning curve” involved in learning English, many students face stresses associated with being in the country illegally and having family backgrounds of limited education.
Events such as those for Hispanic Heritage Month help solidify a sense of self-worth and cultural identity. As an English Language Learner program teacher described it, “Showcasing immigration is not a threat. Immigration is a blessing.”
