Turning Reading into Weekend Family Fun at Rocketship Wisconsin

On a Saturday morning at Burnham Park, you might see a group of children laughing over a book of jokes, or families taking turns reading aloud beneath the trees. This isn’t your typical school event; it’s Read & Play Saturday: a literacy-inspired community gathering dreamed up by Rocketship Southside Community Prep’s Assistant Principal of Humanities, Ms. Myiesha Stanton.

Now in her eighth year at Rocketship, Ms. Stanton has worn many hats: enrichment coordinator, second-grade humanities teacher, and now Assistant Principal of Humanities. But through it all, one thing has stayed constant: her belief that reading should be joyful, shared, and accessible to every family.

From After-School Meetings to Saturday Fun

Like many educators, Ms. Stanton noticed that traditional family literacy nights weren’t working for everyone. “Parents were sitting and [learning about literacy tools], but students weren’t included,” she said. “It didn’t feel fun. I wanted to change that—to make something where families could learn together and actually enjoy it.”

So she reimagined a completely new alternative. Once a month, families now gather at Burnham Park for a 90-minute blend of reading, education games, snacks, and playtime. Each month looks a little different; sometimes teachers lead read-alouds, other times families bring their own books and read to each other. Lately, the group has added literacy-themed games, like flashcard limbo or alphabet relay races.

The goal is simple: build confidence and joy around reading, while strengthening school-family connections.

Building Community, One Book at a Time

What started last spring as a small pilot for first and second graders quickly grew. Siblings joined in, new families tagged along, and before long, a core group of regulars formed.
Ms. Stanton keeps things fresh and creative. At their upcoming fall event, for example, she plans to raffle off themed gift baskets for families to continue the fun at home. These include cozy blankets, hot chocolate kits, and, of course, books!

“Reading is important,” says Ms. Stanton. “One day, our kids will want to be teachers or other professionals, but it starts here: in order to truly succeed in the world, you need to read & enjoy it!”

Looking Ahead

Ms. Stanton hopes to one day expand Read & Play Saturday to all Rocketship schools across the country, and eventually connect it with other family programs like Los Dichos. Her dream is for every family—no matter their schedule—to have a chance to connect, read, and grow together.

Want to See It for Yourself?

Read & Play Saturday is open to all Rocketship Wisconsin families, and community members are always welcome to join in the fun.

If you’re a Milwaukee parent looking for a free public elementary school that values literacy, family engagement, and joyful learning, come see what’s happening at Rocketship Wisconsin.

Connect with our team to learn more about our three schools in Milwaukee and schedule a tour!

Published on November 14, 2025