Shore Acres Elementary celebrated “Dia del Niño” (Children’s Day) with a carnival-themed family event

Shore Acres Elementary staff and families celebrated Dia del Niño on April 30th with a carnival-themed gathering that honored the Mexican and Latin American traditional “Children’s Day!” The event, which included food, balloons, clowns, dancing and outdoor soccer, was organized by Noon Supervisors Liliana Hernandez and Estela Mojica, along with Office Manager Evelin Delgadillo Mojica (Estella's daughter), and supported by administrators, teachers and parent volunteers.

Andrea Navarro, who teaches 2nd grade at the school, said Dia del Niño is often celebrated in Mexico with parades, bands and people dressing up. She was born in Mexico and moved to California as a child, attending Ygnacio Valley Elementary, which did not celebrate this day back then. "I think it's a really good opportunity to create relationships between staff and families - so they feel seen - and to be able to celebrate their cultures, especially since we have a lot of newcomers (immigrants), so they get to keep a lot of that part of them here," she said. 

Second-grade teacher and parent Lorena Murillo, whose daughter attends 2nd grade at the school, said Dia del Niño was a way to recognize the cultural heritage of many of the families. "I think it's great," she said. "It brings the community together!"

Estello Mojica said she and her daughter and Liliana worked together with parents to continue the event this year after starting it last year. "It's for the whole school," she said. "It's for the little kids." Liliana said it brings her satisfaction to see all the children so happy.

Principal Lisamarie Gascot Reyes, who leads Shore Acres along with Vice Principal Angelica Zanipatin, said she is from Puerto Rico, which does not have the same kinds of celebrations on Dia del Niño. "This is our first year (as administrators) here, but we were welcomed with open arms," she said. "I just fell in love with the community. They are great. And this event is so special for them. It's so great just to celebrate together."

Click here to see a reel highlighting the event.