Our Hispanic Roots

Meet our teachers and learn about their favorite foods, places, and traditions from their hispanic roots.

Mr. Fuentes

Mr. Fuentes is from Mexico, and one of his favorite places in the country is the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City, a site that represents the history, culture, and tradition of his homeland. His favorite food is pozole, a traditional dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and celebrations. During Hispanic Heritage Month, he enjoys participating in parades, celebrating and sharing the rich traditions of Mexican culture. For Mr. Fuentes, these celebrations are more than just events—they are opportunities to connect with others, teach students about heritage, and experience the sense of community that comes from honoring one’s roots.

Mr. Lopez

Mr. López is from Mexico, and his favorite place in the country is Arandas, Jalisco, a town he admires for its beauty, traditions, and sense of community. His favorite food is tacos, which he associates with family, culture, and the vibrant flavors of his homeland. During Hispanic Heritage Month, he enjoys walking and raising the flag, activities that allow him to stay actively connected to his roots while teaching students the importance of pride, respect, and cultural awareness. These moments give him a chance to share the significance of Mexican traditions in a meaningful and engaging way.

Mr. Banderas

Mr. Banderas was born in Chicago but is originally from Mexico, and he feels a strong connection to his roots. One of his favorite places in Mexico is Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, a location full of natural beauty, cultural richness, and tradition. His favorite food is chilaquiles, a dish that reminds him of home and family. During Hispanic Heritage Month, he especially enjoys festivals where there are chinelos, celebrations that allow him to reconnect with Mexican history, music, and community spirit. These events give him the chance to share his heritage with students and colleagues, creating a sense of pride and belonging.

Ms. Rendon

Ms. Rendón is from Mexico, and her favorite food is mole poblano, a dish that represents the depth and richness of Mexican culinary tradition. One of her favorite places in Mexico is Acapulco, known for its beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere, and vibrant culture. During Hispanic Heritage Month, she enjoys engaging in activities that allow her to celebrate and share Mexican culture, helping students and the community connect with their roots. For her, these celebrations are an important way to pass on cultural knowledge, foster pride in heritage, and create meaningful connections between generations.

Mr. Jacobo

Mr. Jacobo is from Mexico, though he was born in Chicago, and his parents are also Mexican. His favorite place in Mexico is Michoacán, and his favorite food is enchiladas, which remind him of family gatherings and traditional celebrations. For him, Hispanic Heritage Month is about more than just recognition—it is a time to celebrate the roots and where we come from, listen to our music, speak Spanish, eat our food, and celebrate Hispanic heritage in school. These moments are essential for honoring culture, sharing traditions with others, and helping students feel connected to their own heritage in a meaningful way.

Mr. Mathew

For Mr. Mathew, it is a bit difficult to pick just one favorite Hispanic country because every nation has unique qualities and traditions. However, he finds Cuba especially interesting, particularly because of how its people resisted the imperialism of the United States and fought to preserve their culture. His favorite foods include tamales and tacos, reflecting the rich diversity of Hispanic cuisine. Over time, he has learned a lot from the Hispanic community, including about their countries of origin, their food, their history, and the personal experiences of family members migrating to the United States. These lessons have given him a deeper appreciation for the resilience, creativity, and cultural pride of Hispanic families.

Mr. Rodriguez

Mr. Rodríguez is very proud of his Mexican roots. His parents are from Mexico, his mom from Jalisco and his dad from Michoacán, and he was born in Chicago. He enjoys the beaches, but his favorite place is Tangancícuaro, his wife’s hometown, where there is a lake called Camécuaro. It is a place he loves for relaxing and taking a break from everyday life, just enjoying the calm. When it comes to food, he has very special childhood memories. His favorite dish is birria, which reminds him of his mom, and from his dad, he inherited a love for corundas. For him, these foods are not just meals, they are a way to stay connected to his family and his Mexican roots.

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