Hispanic Community Observation Paper

When considering a needs assessment of the Hispanic population of Carthage, many factors were measured through direct observation, as well as research on the internet. With an increase in population comes the need for additional housing, additional residential parking, trash service, and city sewer maintenance; to name a few. The Carthage R-9 School district continues to make adjustments for the ever increasing number of students. With statistical history in mind, there will be a great need for more bilingual educators, social workers, firefighters, medical emergency service workers and policemen. I feel there is a great need for better communication with the Hispanic community, relating to city ordinances. Because city ordinances set

standards of maintenance on homes and yards, trash and nuisance abatement; keeping the city clean and inviting.
I have lived in Carthage for four years now and it has been an adjustment.

With complete honesty, I felt a bit of a culture shock when moving into a neighborhood that is primarily Hispanic. By estimation, my neighborhood in Carthage is at least 80% Hispanic and I have grown to love it. The most noticeable aspect of my Hispanic neighborhood is the number of Hispanics living in each home. The U.S. Census Board identifies Hispanic homes in Carthage as having approximately four people in residence in the home. (United States Census Bureau, 2015) This is not accurate, according to my visual observation. There are many people that live in each and every Hispanic home in my neighborhood. The procedure of multiple families living in single family homes is part of their culture and family ties. Consequently, I have become accustomed to the large number of neighbors. I enjoy watching how much family and respect is valued in the Hispanic community. I appreciate their culture and moral values and feel that as Americans, we can learn a lot from them. Because of my appreciation, I feel acceptance and knowledge of the Hispanic culture are the most important subjects with integration in Carthage today. Although, Hispanic and Non-Hispanic people intermingle every day in stores, in their workplace and educational facilities; this doesn’t mean that there are not differences and prejudices that exist. I think if more Non-Hispanics were able to witness the loyal, warm and friendly aspects of this culture, more acceptance would exist, helping to bridge a racial gap that exists in Carthage

today.
I believe the most influential organization for the Hispanic community in Carthage is the Carthage R-9 School District. Within my research, I found a host of tools set up to help educate the local Hispanic community. The 2015-2016 school year at Fairview Elementary kicked off a new program, call the Carthage Dual Language Program. This program allows a very small number of students the opportunity to learn their studies in English and Spanish. The program is made up of Kindergarten and First Grade students, approximately fifty percent of the children are primarily Spanish speaking and the other fifty percent are English speaking. There are two partner teachers for each class, fifty percent of the classes are taught in English and fifty percent are taught in Spanish. The normal curriculum will be continued, with modifications; and the students will be assessed in both Spanish and English in their oral, written and reading skills.