Weatherly middle and high school students had an opportunity to learn about Día de los Muertos last week.

Spanish teacher Gina Dinko said she’s been teaching about the holiday to students for 13 years.

“I’d say within the past 5-6 years, we’ve all dug deeper and seem to do a little more each year,” Dinko said.

“It was refreshing to celebrate in person this year. Things looked a little different due to COVID last year, so we did extra this year to make up for it.”

Dinko, who teaches grades 7-12, said since the movie “Coco” came out in 2017, Día de los Muertos started to gain more recognition in the United States.

“From an educational standpoint, the movie really helped lessons about this celebration come full circle for many students. We always start with a lesson on what the holiday actually is; a celebration which dates back to the ancient Aztecs and Spanish Catholics coming together to remember and celebrate the lives of departed loved ones. The history and symbolism behind the entire holiday is beautiful, and my students simply love this time of year.”

Dinko said younger grades did research on important symbols associated with Día de los Muertos. Those students made sugar-skull inspired wooden crafts that they took home as a keepsake.

Her Spanish 3 students looked into symbolism and then built poster altars to honor lost loved ones or a deceased celebrity of their choice.

“The posters are always so well done, and it becomes very emotional during the presentations, as they talk about who they chose and why they placed certain elements on the altars,” Dinko added.

Spanish 4 students helped Dinko build an actual altar in the high school.

“It’s a three-tier, authentic-inspired altar, which has all of the authentic staples one would find on one from Mexico,” Dinko said.

“Students and staff are able to honor their loved ones by placing photos on the altar and it becomes a very special place where many will stop to enjoy and appreciate. All around the altar are educational signs, prepared by the upper-level students, about what exactly is on the altar and why those elements are included.”

The feedback from Weatherly students about the historical week in Spanish class has been tremendous.

“Yes, it’s absolutely a favorite week of theirs,” Dinko said.

“They all get so into it and it’s apparent in their quality of work and energy throughout the different activities. They’re already sad that the celebration is over, as am I. But we’ll leave the altar up for another week or so to enjoy.”