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As the nation's eleventh largest school district, Dallas Independent School District serves more than 160,000 students who come from homes where 58 different languages are spoken.  Operating with a $1 billion dollar budget, DISDemploys 18,613 employees including 10,000 teachers in 220 schools.

DISD Schools National Hispanic Heritage Month

11 Sep 2000

Students in the Dallas Independent School District will have an opportunity to display their dancing skills, learn important historical facts and share in the overall community spirit as part of the National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.

Among the highlights this year, district students will participate in a citywide 16 de septiembre parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. The parade departs from the West End in downtown Dallas and concludes at Artist Square. Dance and musical groups representing Zaragoza Elementary, Casa View Elementary, Stevens Park Elementary, and Edison Runyon Academy have been invited to participate in the event.

Other activities include daily morning announcements throughout the month at Kleberg Elementary School, 1450 Edd Rd. The announcements will focus on Mexican traditions and their impact on U.S. culture. Students at Harry Stone Montessori will view “Sacred Space,” a photographic exhibit of Mexican and Central American divine works at the Hall of State at Fair Park at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 29. Bethune Elementary students will enjoy a performance at 10:30 a.m. by professional dancers Hilda Benitez and Jorge Gutierrez Friday, October 6. The school is located at 1665 Duncanville Rd.

The purpose of many of these activities is to teach cultural and historical facts about the Hispanic culture. These annual celebrations mark the Mexican battle to regain independence from Spain. The festivities commemorate the bravery of Mexican leader Miguel Hidalgo who gave the first "grito" or shout for freedom on the night of September 15, 1810.