The Portuguese culture was alive on Monday night as 100 students from the Jorge de Sena School performed traditional Portuguese songs for their end of the year presentation at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church.

Jorge de Sena is an after school program language class that originated in 1985 by a group of parents who wanted their kids to learn the language and culture of Portugal. Today, Jorge de Sena School houses over 100 students from kindergarten through sixth grade throughout Stanislaus County.

“Most of the students who attend Jorge de Sena are of Portuguese descent,” said teacher Maria Freitas. “This after-school class exposes the students to the language and culture of their heritage.”

There are seven certificated teachers from Stanislaus County who teach at Jorge de Sena School. The school also offers a Portuguese language class for adults.

For more questions about Jorge de Sena, contact Maria Freitas at mfreitas@hilmar.k12.ca.us.