Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month at Aveson School of Leaders

At Aveson School of Leaders, we believe some of the most meaningful learning happens when students have opportunities to experience the traditions, stories, art, and cultures that make up our community. Our TK–5 students learn in an environment built around curiosity, connection, experiential learning, and celebrating the perspectives each student brings to school.

This month, ASL kicked off our celebration of Latinx Heritage Month during our first school assembly of the year, bringing students together for an introduction to Lotería, Mexican folklórico dance, music, history, and community.

Learning Through Lotería

We were excited to welcome Marianna, one of our TK parents, who introduced our students to Lotería, the traditional Mexican game that has been enjoyed by generations of families.

Marianna shared memories of growing up playing Lotería with her own family and talked about how the game continues to bring people together at family gatherings today. Students also learned several Spanish and English words featured in the game, giving them a fun and interactive way to make connections between language and culture.

Having members of our own Aveson community share their experiences makes moments like these especially meaningful. Students get to hear firsthand how traditions are passed between generations and continue to shape families and communities.

That spirit of curiosity, empathy, appreciation, and exploration is also part of The Aveson Way, the values that help guide learning and community across Aveson Schools.

Welcoming Danza Floricanto to ASL

Our assembly continued with a special performance by Danza Floricanto, the oldest existing professional Mexican folk dance company in Southern California.

Through colorful costumes, music, movement, and storytelling, Danza Floricanto introduced our students to Mexican folklórico dance and shared some of the history and origins behind the traditions they performed.

For our students, it was a chance to experience culture through more than a lesson or a book. They could hear the music, watch the movement, see the costumes up close, and learn directly from artists dedicated to preserving and sharing these traditions.

Experiences like these are an important part of the transformative and experiential learning at Aveson School of Leaders, where learning can extend beyond the classroom and connect students with artists, organizations, places, and people throughout the greater Pasadena community.

And judging by the faces in the audience, they loved every minute of it.

Continuing the Celebration Beyond the School Day

Our Latinx Heritage Month celebration continued after school thanks to our friends at Alma Fuerte Public School, who invited Aveson’s after-school camp students to their Latinx Heritage Festival.

Students had the opportunity to experience a traditional Aztec dance performance and join another celebration centered around culture and community.

We are grateful to Alma Fuerte for including our students and creating another opportunity for them to learn alongside their neighbors.

Culture, Community, and Learning at Aveson

Celebrations like Latinx Heritage Month give our students opportunities to become curious about cultures and traditions, learn directly from members of their community, and experience history through art, language, music, movement, and storytelling.

They also reflect Aveson Schools' mission and values: helping students develop their unique potential while preparing them to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

A huge thank you to Marianna, Danza Floricanto, Alma Fuerte, and everyone who helped make these experiences possible for our students.

We’re looking forward to continuing our celebration throughout Latinx Heritage Month and finding even more ways to bring our community into the learning happening at Aveson School of Leaders.

Discover Aveson School of Leaders

Looking for a tuition-free TK–5 public charter school in Pasadena where students are encouraged to explore, create, connect, and lead?

Learn more about Aveson School of Leaders, schedule a campus tour, or apply to Aveson Schools for the 2027–2028 school year.