Monday Message – October 12, 2026
Filipino American History Month
October is Filipino American History Month, the month that marks the arrival of the first recorded Filipinos in what is now Morro Bay, California, in 1587. October is also the birth month of Filipino American labor leader Larry Itliong, who initiated farmworker strikes in California. Officially recognized in 2009, the month honors the vibrant history and lasting impact of Filipino Americans.
Filipino Americans have made significant contributions to our society in many fields, from health care and education to the arts and public service. Their stories showcase strong family values, resilience, hard work, and a strong sense of community.
To celebrate, we encourage you to explore Filipino traditions, try traditional foods, learn about Filipino heroes, and appreciate the diversity that strengthens us. Celebrating this month helps foster understanding and respect for the unique experiences of Filipino Americans.
Museums such as the Field Museum and the Asian Art Museum host special exhibits and events that highlight Filipino American stories and culture. Learn more about these celebrations here:
Presentation of Learning: Piñata Perfection – Engineering a Cultural Celebration
If you live in Southern California, you have most definitely taken a swing at a piñata. And not just once, but very likely many times over. But I bet you didn’t know that piñatas have a worldwide, multicultural history. Last fall, 7th and 8th grade iLEAD Exploration learners dove into the history of piñatas and designed and constructed their own in the project-based learning course Piñata Perfection: Engineering a Cultural Celebration, offered by our very own Learner University.
The word “piñata” comes from the Italian word “pignata,” or clay pot, because they were once made of clay. Though they have had many great ideas, the Italians didn’t come up with this one: piñatas originally derived from Chinese harvest good-luck vessels filled with seeds and then smashed with a stick. Italian explorer Marco Polo brought this tradition back to Europe. Spanish missionaries then transported the concept across the ocean and combined it with similar Aztec and Mayan customs to help convert native peoples in South and Central America to Catholicism. What a long and colorful journey for the vibrant papier-mâché beauties we enjoy today.
Piñata Perfection’s driving question was “How do I make the perfect piñata?” And our “celebration engineers” had a great time setting out to find their answers. After researching the history of the piñata, learners created a one-page depiction of what they learned.
Next, they began designing their piñatas. It was important to these learners to create something both personally meaningful and well-constructed. They consulted community experts about best practices in making them. Yesenia Prieto, the visionary artist behind Piñata Design Studio in Covina, CA, visited the class via Zoom and shared pro tips on piñata construction.
Our iLEAD Exploration celebration engineers then carefully documented their process, built and decorated their piñatas, reflected on their design successes and growth opportunities and, in the end, shared the final products with their class, family members, and educational facilitators.
Gael M. agreed to share the low-rider car piñata he made in honor of his father, his childhood Hot Wheels collection, and his Latino culture. Another learner made a disco ball piñata for her little cousin’s early New Year’s Party, and another opted to make a traditionally shaped piñata (the seven-pointed star shape that missionaries used to symbolize the seven deadly sins) but jazzed it up by making it in the birthday girl’s favorite colors. A wonderful cultural celebration enjoyed by all.
Resources
How China Influenced the Latin American Piñata | Cultural Insights
There Are More Piñatas Than People in This Mexican Town | Short Film Showcase
How to Paper Mache: BEST paper, BEST glue, BEST results!
Art Portfolio Workshops for High School Learners
Need some assistance with your art portfolio for college applications? iLEAD Exploration’s Engage Art Teacher, Jessica Diaz, will lead workshops to help learners prepare their portfolios for college applications. Participants may also choose to attend and share their work on November 15 at National Portfolio Day, where accredited colleges will provide reviews and program information. RSVP today!
Upcoming Events & Synchronous Instruction
Join us for our upcoming events!
- 10/6: Exploring the Arts: Vibe Performing Arts for Student Support
- 10/7: STEAM Virtual Guest Speaker
- 10/9: TK Farm Fun in Costa Mesa
- 10/9: Norton Simon Museum Scavenger Hunt
- 10/16: College Information Series- Financial Aid: Loans and Debt
- 10/16: Literature Day @ the OC Curriculum Library
- 10/21: Dave and Buster’s – Irvine Spectrum
- 10/23: October Storytime @ the Acton Library
- 10/30: TK Fall Parade Park Day in Joshua Tree
Synchronous Instruction
To see the full synchronous instruction schedule, click here.
Universal Studios Stunt and Pyrotechnics Tour - High School/Middle School Only
Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Picking
In and Out Behind the Scenes Tour Huntington Beach
Knott's Berry Farm Early American Heritage
