During September, which was Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States, the 72 fourth-graders in Malena Hebert's Spanish language classes completed research assignments on a number of famous, and some lesser-known, Hispanic-Americans.

Students used the Internet and other tools to do their research. Among the things they discovered is that three Hispanic-American scientists have won Nobel Prizes and dozens have been elected to the United States House of Representatives.

"I wanted them to see the positive effect that Hispanic Americans have had on this country," Ms. Hebert said.

Each student produced a biography of their research subject, which included a picture, vital information, and what the person is noted for. The projects were then displayed on a wall inside the school.

Students in Ms. Heberts fifth-grade Spanish classes recently wrote letters to students who attend the Mixto Toya de las Flores school in the Guatemalan state of Cruzblanca.

The McNulty students learned that the Guatemalan students are also learning to speak Spanish. That's because the Guatemalan students' native language is Cakchique. McNulty students also learned that the Guatemalan students are very poor and must bring firewood to school so they can all  keep warm.

"I thought they would really enjoy getting letters from other students who are learning Spanish just like they are," Hebert said.