It was a celebration of family and remembrance at Roosevelt and Edison Intermediate Schools on Nov. 1 and 2, as students in grades 6-8 and their world language teachers marked Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
The Day of the Dead, which largely originated in Mexico but is celebrated throughout Latin America and elsewhere, honors deceased loved ones with festivals and lively celebrations. At Roosevelt, a colorful display adorned a corner near the main entrance.
“At first glance, you notice the beautiful colors of flowers and designs,” says RIS world language teacher Maria Reilly who collaborated with technology and special education teachers, the media specialist, and “creative helper students” to create the display. “Upon further glance, students and staff were able to learn more about this special day that honors our deceased loved ones by using QR codes throughout the display.”
At Edison, student-created displays, or ofrendas, blended the traditions of the holiday with traditions of their own to honor a family member who has died. Some students celebrated the life of a pet or a well-known person as well.