Celebrating Diversity at Horace Mann: Cultural Heritage Night 2025

Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ proudly participated in Cultural Heritage Night at Horace Mann Elementary School, in collaboration with Conéctate Foundation.

This vibrant annual event, which brought together more than 70 cultures from around the world, was a true celebration of diversity, creativity, and community spirit.

Together with families, students, and educators, Isabella & Ferdinand® showcased the richness of the Spanish language and Latin American traditions through music, dance, and art.

🎶 Highlights of the Evening

• Children’s Choir Performance: Our talented students filled the auditorium with joy and pride, performing songs that celebrated multiculturalism and unity.

• Sevillanas Dance Demonstration & Mini-Class: Led by Professor Lucía Torres, families joined in to learn the rhythm and movement of this traditional Andalusian dance.

• Bolivian Caporales Dance Show: The audience was captivated by the vibrant colors and energy of the Caporales, a dynamic folkloric dance that represents Bolivia’s cultural spirit.

• Live Music by Fulvia Fossati: The Bolivian singer delighted guests with an international repertoire, performing in multiple languages to honor global diversity.

• Art Station for Kids: Young artists explored creativity through painting activities inspired by Latin American culture.

• Information Booth: Families had the opportunity to learn about our Spanish immersion programs, Summer Camps, and DELE-certified courses that promote intercultural learning year-round.

The evening was a beautiful reminder that language and culture connect us all.
At Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™, we are proud to be part of such meaningful initiatives that celebrate identity, heritage, and community through education.

💫 ¡Gracias, Horace Mann Elementary and Conéctate Foundation, for an unforgettable celebration of culture and unity!

A Day of Culture and Connection at the País Invitado Cultural Immersion Event

This past Saturday, we had the pleasure of participating in the País Invitado Project—a vibrant cultural immersion event celebrating Bolivia and Latin America. Held at the Armenian Church and sponsored by the Bolivian Embassy and Conectate Foundation, the event brought together families, vendors, artisans, and educators to share and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region. Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ proudly took part as a vendor, showcasing our programs and sharing exciting plans for our Summer Camp 2025.

Families were warmly welcomed as they explored various artisan booths offering handcrafted textiles, jewelry, and crafts inspired by the Bolivian tradition of Alasitas, symbolizing abundance and good fortune. The event was filled with colorful displays that brought the sights and sounds of Latin American culture to life.

The energy was palpable as both children and adults savored delicious traditional Bolivian cuisine, mingled with vendors, and enjoyed live music and dance performances. One of the event's highlights was a captivating Caporales dance, which mesmerized the audience and celebrated the deep connection between art, music, and heritage.

In addition to the cultural festivities, Miriam Ybarnegaray, one of our talented teachers, led a fun and interactive art class that delighted both young and old. The children especially enjoyed creating their own artworks, inspired by Bolivian culture, while practicing their Spanish skills in a hands-on, creative setting.

Our Isabella & Ferdinand® team was present throughout the event, connecting with families, answering questions, and sharing details about our educational programs. We were thrilled to see so many parents and children eager to learn more about how we incorporate language learning with cultural experiences.

"Participating in the 1st event of the País Invitado Project was an incredibly enriching experience for our community. It was an honor to share the cultural richness of Bolivia and Latin America while fostering Spanish learning in a creative and interactive way. At Isabella & Ferdinand®, we believe that language goes beyond words; it's a gateway to culture and understanding. We're excited to continue offering these spaces of learning and culture for our families."

Maira Abasto, Executive Director - Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™

This event was a testament to the importance of community, culture, and learning. We are honored to have been part of such a special day, and we thank the Bolivian Embassy and all the organizers for hosting this enriching experience. We look forward to many more opportunities to bring families together through language, art, and the vibrant cultures of Latin America.

Introducing Learning Treasures: Toys & Educational Materials Collection Program

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Learning Treasures: Toys & Educational Materials Collection Program, a meaningful initiative designed to give gently used or new toys, books, school supplies, and educational tools a second life. Through Learning Treasures, we aim to create more engaging and enriching learning environments, ensuring that every child has access to the resources that inspire creativity and growth.

Why Your Contribution Matters

Each item donated—whether a toy, book, or educational tool—becomes a treasure in the hands of a child, enhancing their learning experience. By contributing to this program, you’re not just donating materials; you’re making a profound impact on the education of our students, fostering an environment where curiosity, discovery, and joy thrive.

What We're Collecting:

• Gently used or new toys: Bring fun and learning together during playtime.

• Books for all ages: Share the love of reading and help ignite imagination.

• Educational games and puzzles: Promote critical thinking and problem-solving.

• School supplies: Equip students with the tools they need to succeed.

How You Can Make a Difference

Donations can be brought directly to class, where they’ll be collected and distributed to students in need. With your support, we can turn classrooms into vibrant spaces of interactive learning, where each child has access to materials that inspire both creativity and growth.

Together, through Learning Treasures, we can transform simple items into powerful tools for education. Stay tuned for details on collection points and additional ways to get involved. Your generosity will help us build a stronger, more inclusive community of learners.

For any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@isabellaandferdinand.org to make your material and toy donations.

Empowering Heritage Spanish Speakers: A Reflection on Our Participation in the Symposium at Instituto Cervantes

As the Director of Isabella & Ferdinand Academia de Español, I had the privilege of representing our academy at the symposium “La enseñanza de español para hablantes de herencia” this past Saturday at the Instituto Cervantes in New York. The event was a profound experience, allowing us to further our commitment to supporting heritage Spanish speakers by focusing on their unique sociocultural and linguistic needs.

One of the central themes of the symposium was the critical role of fostering a strong cultural identity in our students. We explored how connecting their heritage language with both their personal and professional aspirations can create a sense of pride and belonging. This not only enriches their language skills but also strengthens their emotional and psychological well-being.

As educators, we recognize the importance of creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where young Hispanic/Latino learners in the U.S. can thrive academically while embracing their cultural roots.

The workshops offered at the event were particularly impactful, introducing us to innovative tools designed to empower marginalized communities. One standout was the use of podcasts, which provide students with a platform to share their voices, stories, and experiences. Additionally, we learned how to integrate Latino archival collections from CUNY into our Spanish instruction, offering students a richer and more meaningful connection to their heritage.

This symposium has not only reinforced our passion for teaching but also inspired us to continue evolving our educational methods. At Isabella & Ferdinand, we are dedicated to ensuring that our students not only master the Spanish language but also develop a deep, lasting connection to their cultural heritage. Through these initiatives, we aim to help them build a bridge between their past and their future, fostering both linguistic proficiency and cultural pride.

We are excited to incorporate these new ideas into our programs and to continue shaping the future of heritage language education.

Maira Abasto - Executive Director Isabella & Ferdinand Academia de Español

Summer Camp 2024 Recap: An Unforgettable Journey of Learning and Fun!

As our six-week adventure comes to an end, we're excited to share the incredible experiences and memories we've created at the Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ Summer Camp. This summer, we welcomed over [number] students who embarked on a journey filled with exploration, learning, and fun. Our campers immersed themselves in the Spanish language while participating in a variety of enriching activities designed to foster personal growth, cultural awareness, and new friendships.

A Summer of Exploration and Discovery

Week 1: Butterflies, Science, and Art We kicked off the camp with a deep dive into the world of butterflies. The children explored their life cycle and participated in hands-on scientific experiments with a young biologist from American University. Creativity was in full bloom as campers painted and crafted unique masterpieces, and our trips to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Natural History Museum added a layer of excitement and learning to the week.

Week 2: Nature, Art, and Cultural Immersion Week 2 brought a focus on nature and cultural immersion. Our visit to the U.S. Botanic Garden allowed children to plant their own plants, learning about the water cycle and the environment. Through arts, crafts, and songs, they reinforced their Spanish vocabulary and connected with the world around them.

Week 3: Gymnastics, Crafts, and Teamwork This week, physical activity took center stage. A special gymnastics class provided by our partners at Gymnastics Together helped children develop their teamwork skills. Water games, crochet lessons, and a visit to the National Botanic Garden rounded out the week, combining fun with valuable learning experiences.

Week 4: Environmental Conservation and Creativity Our campers focused on environmental conservation this week, creating clothing collections from recycled materials. Their creative presentations in Spanish showcased not only their artistic talents but also their commitment to the environment. A visit to Watkins Nature Center and various crafts and readings in Spanish enhanced their understanding of both nature and language.

Week 5: Latino Culture and Outdoor Exploration Week 5 was dedicated to exploring Latino culture. A visit to the National Museum of the American Latino provided our campers with insights into the history and contributions of the Latino community in the United States. Treasure hunts, creative crafts, and outdoor explorations made this week both educational and adventurous.

Week 6: Sports, Science, and Farewells Our final week was a culmination of all the learning and fun we had throughout the summer. We revisited key concepts through games, songs, and interactive activities, and sports activities at Thomas Pyle Middle School allowed our campers to enjoy the various facilities available. The week concluded with an evaluation to ensure that our students had gained valuable knowledge and skills.

In addition to these activities, we offered a special program for teens, providing them with tailored experiences that catered to their interests and developmental needs.

A Summer to Remember

Our campers not only engaged in a rich array of activities but also traveled by metro, played with water, participated in sports, and visited various parts of the city. They were fully immersed in the Spanish language, learning in a natural and effective way that will serve them well in the future.

Join Us for Fall Enrollment!

As we wrap up this unforgettable summer, we’re excited to announce that enrollment for our fall programs is now open! Whether your child was with us this summer or not, our fall programs offer a fantastic opportunity to continue their journey of learning and discovery.

Don’t miss out on the chance to enroll your child in an enriching educational experience this fall. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today!

Contact Us:
For more information on our fall programs or to enroll, visit our website or contact us directly at info@isabellaandferdinand.org or call 202-450-1940. We can’t wait to see your child continue to grow and thrive with us!