Parents, community members read at Moore Elementary School for Hispanic Heritage Month

A picture book in his hand, Justice of the Peace Joe Benavides shared a story with fifth graders Thursday morning at Moore Elementary School, Spanish phrases sprinkled into the tale.

After, fifth grader Ximena Velazquez raised her hand to translate the book's title. "Abuela" by Arthur Dorros celebrates the relationship between a granddaughter and grandmother.

"Abuela, from the book, is actually grandma," Ximena said.

Ximena doesn't spend as much time with her grandma as the character in the book, because her grandma lives in Mexico.

"But I think my grandma is probably really adventurous too," she said.

Benavides was one of several community members who visited Moore Elementary School on Thursday, reading stories that included Spanish words and phrases to students as part of the school's celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

In one bilingual third grade class, parent Yoan Gonzalez read a version of Little Red Riding Hood in Spanish.

"They're reading to them in Spanish and the kids are really enjoying it," teacher Stephanie Alejandro said. "It's very nice to have parent involvement."

In the rooms Benavides visited, he also shared a personal message with each book.

"Reading is the most important tool you have in your lifetime," Benavides said.

Benavides told the children about the opportunities that reading and education have given him, including college degrees, a career and the opportunity to travel the world.

"Stay in school, graduate from high school, go to college and do what you have to do," Benavides said. "...I see here professionals, attorneys, doctors of education, doctors of medicine, school teachers, counselors, nurses. There's probably a judge here in the future."

After a reading in his class, third grader James Haney raised his hand.

"Thank you for reading the book," James said.

Tuloso-Midway ISD launches dual language, expands dual credit programs

Expansion coming to Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery

'He was an all-around good guy': Kingsville, T-M honor Marco Contreras ahead of district opener

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Guest readers celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Moore Elementary