At a Santa Rita Union School District board meeting, staff and Centrobi program leaders described the expansion of a Mixteco trilingual after‑school program from Santa Rita Elementary to McKinnon and summarized outcomes from nearly two years of operation.

The presentation highlighted student language development, parent workshops and cultural events that organizers say have increased student pride and participation. "Our students are reporting to us not just that they feel a greater sense of belonging in our space, but the adults who are supporting our students have become part of our team," said Dr. Summer Prather Smith, director of engagement and school climate.

Why it matters: district staff and Centrobi leaders said the program changed how Mixteco is perceived in the school community — from a target for bullying to a language students want to learn — and that the work supports student belonging and family engagement.

Program details and activities: presenters described four program pillars — Mixteco language, gastronomy, art and culture — used in classrooms and family events. Staff said students who entered the program speaking only Spanish have increased their Mixteco vocabulary and confidence. The program now offers monthly parent workshops on school platforms and provides interpretation and translated documents for families.

Centrobi staff named in the presentation included Daniela Maldonado (program coordinator), Cecilena Perez (instructor), Leonardo Galvez (coordinator), Adrian Reyes (instructor) and Andrea Diaz Aquino. Andrea Diaz Aquino, senior programs manager for Centrobi National, said, "seeing people that look like us, that speak like us, and that makes a great impact." Several students performed a short Mixteco poem for the board during the presentation.

Organizers said the program has held culturally based events at Santa Rita — including Dia de los Muertos activities, carnival events and a Mother’s Day celebration — and that parents responded positively to participation opportunities. Staff described outreach through classroom visits, WhatsApp groups and translated materials to increase family attendance and engagement.

Funding and partnerships: presenters acknowledged Centrobi National as a partner that enables the program and said the district has provided support for interpretation and logistics. No specific budget line items or dollar amounts were presented to the board during the update.

What’s next: staff asked families to continue attending events and sign up for programs; leaders said they will remain on site for questions and follow‑up. Board members praised growth and said they will advocate for the program externally.