VIDEO LINKS: Boston 25 News Visits Fourth Grade Classroom | Boston 25 News Speaks with Berkowitz Family, Staff

CHELSEA, Mass. – “It means to me that it’s the celebration of our culture, history and traditions” 

Fourth grade student Jalexa described what Hispanic Heritage Month meant to her on a Thursday morning in her fourth grade classroom at the Berkowitz Elementary School. Not only was she speaking to her classmates, she was speaking into a reporter’s microphone as the Berkowitz was profiled by Boston 25 News for a segment about Hispanic Heritage Month.

Fourth grade student named Jalexa was interviewed by Boston 25 News on Thursday, September 26

While at the Berkowitz, the news station learned about how the school incorporates cultures into its curriculum. The camera crew stopped by Mr. Samuel Vega’s fourth grade where they observed cultural elements visible in the classroom as well as say an assignment that integrated culture into the existing curricular materials.

“My students are working on writing a short biography, incorporating reading, writing and social studies skills, about famous Hispanics,” Mr. Vega commented.

Fourth grade teacher Mr. Samuel Vega speaking with Boston 25 News in his fourth grade classroom

Like all schools in Chelsea, the Berkowitz is proud of all the cultures and heritages of its school community. Berkowitz Principal Blanca Restrepo discussed the high expectations that the Berkowitz has for its students and the high quality and rigorous instruction that its teachers provide students.

“We want our students to know that if you work hard, if you preserve and if you have resilience you can achieve and you can do what you want in life.”

Principal Blanca Restrepo speaking with Boston 25 News in the Berkowitz School lobby

Both Berkowitz parent Orlando Velazco and Restrepo added how the celebration of culture is not limited to this month.

“It almost feels like there’s a Latino Heritage class in this school because it goes all year round … In May we have a multicultural night where we invite families and neighboring organizations to bring traditional foods, traditional entertainments, dances, teaching kids about their culture, letting them know they have a place in this world and they can prosper.

Restrepo added, “Our school motto is ‘together we are better’ we really celebrate where all heritages come together. We celebrate everyone working together.”