Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Faculty and students in the Culture Club at Spring Branch ISD’s Northbrook High School (NHS) created several colorful ofrendas as part of a week of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) observations. Ofrendas are temporary displays set up to celebrate the lives of loved ones, famous people and pets who have passed away, and include photos, elements and symbols that are part of this traditional Mexican custom, which originated in ancient Mesoamerica.

Other Día de los Muertos activities, coordinated by Culture Club sponsor and Spanish teacher Christina Forman Cabrera, include:

• After school face painting by Culture Club students
• The ofrendas each featured a QR code visitors could use to get more information about the people or pets being honored.
• Celebracion de la vida (Celebration of life) assembly for students, yearbook staff and creative writing classes. The event featured guest speakers and performances:
  • Tony Diaz, author and KPFT radio host, and co-founder of Nuestra Palabra -- a Latino writer’s organization
  • An interactive presentation by Monica Villarreal entitled “Danza Azteca Taxcaloyolt - A conscientization”
  • Hear their stories: Northbrook alumni who are members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) shared their histories and encouraged students to become the best they can be once they graduate.
  • Northbrook graduate, Ronald Castro, a teacher at YES Prep Middle-High School @ White Oak, brought a folkloric troupe from the school to perform songs and traditional dances.

The NHS Culture Club was formed to explore a variety of cultures represented at the school. Other events are planned throughout the school year to honor and expand awareness of specialty foods, traditional dress and customs from around the world. 

“Northbrook is very multicultural,” NHS junior Celeste Mejia, Culture Club public relations officer, said. “I had not joined any other clubs before, but I like this one because I can relate to what it does. We encourage more people to join so we can learn about cultures from around the world.”

We are #SBISDProud of the club’s Limitless Curiosity to bring wider understanding and appreciation into the school’s culture.