By Ron Brown
 
October 31, 2008
 
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. -- Spanish language students at Crater High School are getting a different view of Halloween, this time focusing on the traditional Day of the Dead holiday, which takes place November 1st, and honors those who have died.
 
"Culture is a huge portion of a language program. It's important for them to understand people from any culture. And so in the Spanish language program it's important for them to understand the reason behind the holidays," says Spanish Teacher Tess Siemer.
 
Five sets of student lead activities took place at the student center. Students were graded on their preparation and performance, including those whose first language is Spanish. While the ceremony is primarily designed to bring together Spanish classes, it also allows Hispanic students to work on their English.
 
"I'm grading them on points, if they give them vocabulary, if they explain it well, giving directions. And they're explaining in English, and that is their second language. So it's quite a bit of practice, and they're very embarrassed sometimes, so we practice how to give a presentation," says ESL Teacher Lori Ledy.
 
Under the Crater High School academy format, there are Spanish language classes within each of Crater's four schools-within-a-school.