Six Flags Isn’t Just a Theme Park

This time of year offers us the opportunity to reflect on the rich cultural diversity in Texas and in C-FB ISD. Each fall, I think about corny dogs and folkloric dancers. You might say – I understand Folkloric dancers because we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage month, but why corny dogs? Well, both corny dogs and folkloric dancers are memories I have of the State Fair of Texas. As we get ready for our Fair Day campus holiday on October 8, I am reminiscing about our fantastic state fair. I have always enjoyed eating a corny dog and visiting the exhibits at the fair showcasing our cultural diversity in Texas. Texas has a rich history and our diversity is a valuable asset.

Forgive me as I give you a quick refresher on Texas history. Did you know Six Flags isn’t just a theme park? According to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, the flags of six nations have flown over Texas. They are:

• Spain (1519-1685; 1690-1821) 
• France (1685-1690) 
• Mexico (1821-1836) 
• Republic of Texas (1836-1845) 
• Confederate States of America (1861-1865) 
• United States of America (1845-1861; 1865-present) 

Each year from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Our students on campuses spend the month studying our rich diversity in Texas. Here is a sampling of the many ways that our students celebrated our rich diversity and Hispanic Heritage Month. 

• Newman Smith High School has an extensive display in the Media Center of books relating to Hispanic Culture and History! Media Center Webpage
• McWhorter Elementary hosted a multicultural celebration during their October 9 PTA night. 
• Early College High School students participated in a Celebration of Cultures with Brookhaven College. 

Texas’ history has helped to create a rich culture of diversity. I am reminded of the district’s “Positioning Statement” which summarizes our beliefs – our brand. One line says, “We respect and honor the diversity of our families.” Maya Angelou once said, “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” In C-FB ISD, we agree that our diversity in culture, languages, ethnicity, and backgrounds adds to the strength of our educational community.