‘Los Dichos’ Program Brings Culture and Literacy to Milwaukee Students

Elsy Villafuentes Manager of Family Advocacy, Rocketship Southside Community Prep

Bringing Los Dichos back to Rocketship Southside Community Prep has already proven to be an exciting and rewarding experience. When I took on the role of Los Dichos coordinator for Milwaukee, I wasn’t sure how we would balance training, recruiting, and organizing with everyone’s busy schedules. Despite the challenges, our first week was a huge success thanks to our dedicated teachers and family volunteers. We had 29 parent volunteers join us, a fantastic way to level up family engagement!

One of the best parts of Los Dichos is the way it brings parents into their children’s learning experience. Many want to be more involved in their child’s education but don’t always know how. This program creates a space for them to engage meaningfully. This week, as we read Coquí and Celia Cruz: Queen of Salsa, students lit up with excitement, relating to the stories and embracing their cultural pride. These books sparked discussions about home, pride in identity, and resilience, all while strengthening literacy skills. Seeing students connect to these stories reminded us how representation in literature fosters confidence and curiosity.

Beyond literacy, Los Dichos strengthens relationships. It bridges home and school, bringing families and educators together in a shared commitment to student success. The enthusiasm from parents, teachers, and students shows how much this program enriches our school culture.

I’m excited to see how Los Dichos will continue to grow, inspiring our students to level up in their learning, confidence, and cultural awareness. A special thank you to Ms. Liz Smith, Mrs. Barraza, Ms. B, and our amazing teachers for their involvement and teamwork in making this program a success!

Published on February 12, 2025