Wednesday, May 14, 2014

This Friday -- 8th Annual APRS Latino Heritage Night

Press Release

8th Annual Latino Achievement Night
Friday, May 16, 2014
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium
170 Chestnut Street   Amherst, MA 01002

The 8th Annual Latino Achievement Night is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2014 in the auditorium at Amherst Regional Middle School, 170 Chestnut Street.  The free event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the community is encouraged to attend.

Dr. Marta Guevara, Director of Equity and Achievement, coordinates the event with support from ARPS Family Center staff and community partners. Latino Achievement Night is aligned with the social justice commitment of the Amherst-Pelham & Regional Public Schools and aspires toward equity of opportunity, inclusion, respect and community-building.

“Latino Achievement Night was envisioned nine years ago with the establishment of the Latino Initiative group. At that time, data revealed that Latinos were performing at significantly lower levels than other students.  A series of recommendations was formulated to address this critical issue and close the achievement gap.  Latino Achievement Night was created as a direct result of these discussions and provides an opportunity for the community to celebrate accomplishments of Latino students. This event parallels the customs of many Latin American countries as it includes traditional dance, song and music,” states Guevara.

Latino students in Kindergarten and Grades 6, 8 and 12 are nominated by school staff and recognized for academic achievement, community spirit, effort, leadership and progress. Each student receives a Certificate of Excellence from their school’s principal.

In addition to student awards, State Representative Aaron Vega (Holyoke, MA Fifth Hampden District) will be recognized for his contributions to the community.  Elected in 2012, Mr. Vega also serves on the Joint Committees for Higher Education and Economic Development and focuses his work on providing constituent services, lessening student debt and creating affordable college options.

Superintendent Maria Geryk adds, “We are thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of our Latino students in such a meaningful way – with family, staff  and the greater Amherst community.”

Please contact Mildred Martinez at martinezm2@arps.org or 413-362-1871 with questions or concerns.

The mission of the Amherst, Pelham & Regional Public Schools is to provide all students with a high quality education that enables them to be contributing members of a multiethnic, multicultural, pluralistic society. We seek to create an environment that achieves equity for all students and ensures that each student is a successful learner, is fully respected, and learns to respect others.