DSST Team, 

It is officially Latino Heritage Month! Latino Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. You may see the month named differently, and individuals in the community may use a different name (eg: Latino, Latine, Latina, Latinx) depending on their preferences, perspectives and identity. Latino Heritage Month is a nationally recognized time when we celebrate the contributions, experiences, stories and communities across the Latino diaspora—more on the history and importance of this month from a DSST student.  

As a Latina, I celebrate my culture 365 days a year because knowing my history, grounding myself in my identity and language, and continuing to learn and unlearn are part of what, I believe, strengthens me as a leader. I look forward to all the ways that DSST will be celebrating our community this month.  

Just to share a few, DSST: Elevate will celebrate starting on Oct. 7 with a Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week, DSST: Green Valley Ranch High School will host a celebration event on Oct. 8 and DSST: Conservatory Green will have a Latinx Heritage Month Celebration on Oct. 15.

For me, one of the best ways to celebrate our community is to continue to believe, at your core, that Latino students can learn and grow at the highest levels in our classrooms and in our schools. Acting on that belief daily inspires new life trajectories for our students, like the story I shared at Infusion about my experience meeting Dylan’s family with the Campos Scholars. What better way to celebrate people than to demonstrate your conviction of their inherent greatness or grandeza? 

There is lots more happening across this month and into the next. 

• We look forward to ending Quarter 1, on pace to hit our Big 5 goals. 
• We launched our Network Leadership Listening Tour to continue to stay connected and engaged with our staff. 
• We are working through rounds of feedback and input on our Middle School Academic program, as part of our Strategic Plan. 
• And, we celebrate our wins and opportunities from the past year in our strong SPF results from 2023. 

I heard that fall is beautiful in Colorado. Is that coming soon too? 🍂🍁

¡Adelante!

Nella García Urban

CEO