YONKERS, NY — October 8, 2026 — To mark Hispanic Heritage Month, eighth grade students at School 30 explored history and contemporary issues involving the Hispanic community in Yonkers.
“I wanted my students to see that history isn’t just in the past,” said social studies teacher Miss Reina Mendez. “What they’re living through today will fill the history books of tomorrow.”
Miss Mendez posed a question: How has the Hispanic community shaped Yonkers and improved life for Hispanic people living in the city? Students chose their own topics and conducted research in groups. Project-based learning encourages critical thinking, source verification, problem-solving and analysis. Students honed their public speaking skills as they presented to parents, visitors and seventh graders.
Miss Mendez, whose family comes from Puerto Rico, wants her students to be proud of their roots.
“I see so much of myself in my students,” Miss Mendez reflected. “I was a student here at School 30. I always wanted to give back to the community that molded me, so now I teach here. I know what Yonkers kids are capable of when given the proper tools.”
Students examined their communities, neighborhoods and families to identify issues that matter in their daily lives. One group looked at Hispanics in law enforcement and profiled Yonkers Police Detective Vanessa Capllonch, who emigrated from the Dominican Republic when she was eight years old. Another group highlighted the work of the non-profit, Latina-led organization One Paso, which provides mental health services. Other research projects looked at Hispanic elected officials, business professionals who raise money for scholarships and an organization that delivers disaster aid to Hispanic countries.
The research project was an eye-opening experience for eighth grader Guadalupe Jimenez.
“I never realized how many people in the Hispanic community work to make life better for all of us,” Guadalupe said. “It inspires me to do the same thing when I grow up. I want to give back and help too.”
