More than 400 students, parents and community members filled the schoolyard at PS 19 in Corona, Queens, on Sept. 27 for a full day of live music, food and dance performances celebrating Hispanic heritage and health.

PS 19 is one of 39 schools participating in the UFT’s United Community Schools initiative, which connects the entire school to the broader community to address the educational, emotional, social and health issues that can stand in the way of learning.

Among the day’s festivities are book giveaways for students and families in attendance.

The event showcased a variety of Latin American musical traditions, from Colombian cumbia to Mexican mariachi to pan-Latin ballads. Attendees also received free resources such as books, backpacks and health information from the school and its more than 20 partner organizations, including MetroPlusHealth and Las Doñas Academy, a women’s entrepreneurship organization.

Among the day’s festivities are face painting for students and families in attendance.

“It was a great experience,” said Berenice Mora, a special education teacher at PS 19 who volunteered for the event. “We were sharing different customs from our cultures. Everyone was so proud. It helps us to open our eyes and open our minds to learn from different cultures.”

The celebration also strengthened community ties, said PS 19 paraprofessional Irene Oliva-Sutherlann. She welcomed the opportunity to engage with students and parents outside the classroom, allowing her to show that “I’m part of your community too!”

Walgreens, one of the school’s community partners, offered flu shots to attendees, and more than 300 bags of food were distributed, said Community School Director Sheba Giraldo Vallejo. Local elected officials joined in to welcome the community as well.

Monica Chavez, whose 8-year-old daughter attends PS 19, said she appreciated getting information about financial management and English classes. Her daughter, she added, was “enchanted by the Peruvian dancing, face painting and free ice cream!”

Mora noted that the event helped parents make new connections and friendships as well. “Sometimes we think only about the children, but when parents make those connections, that helps the families, too,” she said. “Events like this help create a stronger community.”