Ipick my daughter up from school every day and fight to keep my composure. The teachers are positioned on corners around the school, looking out for suspicious vehicles. Red whistles hang from their necks, walkie-talkies in hand, ready to signal danger. I can see both fear and calm in their faces — the quiet strength that I think drew them to teaching in the first place.

The school in Chicago serves mostly Mexican and Ecuadorian families. Walking through the building feels like stepping into Disney’s “ Coco” . It’s almost time to celebrate the Day of the Dead, and the kids are busy making marigolds out of tissue paper, baking pan de muerto , and bringing in photos of loved ones to add to the altars. Latin Heritage Spirit Week just wrapped up, and the kids went all out — dressed

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