Springdale High School students are inspiring younger learners while fostering cultural pride through their bilingual service-learning book project. Collaborating with Bayyari and Monitor Elementary Schools, the high schoolers, known as the "Bilingual Bulldogs," are teaching literacy and language skills while guiding students to connect with their heritage.

This unique program focuses on creating culturally rich books designed to encourage younger students to take pride in their native languages, including Spanish and Marshallese. Each session begins with an empowering chant in English, Spanish, and Marshallese:
"No limits, no limits, my life has no limits / From the east to the west, from the north to the south / Bilingual and smart, so shout it out."

Bayyari Principal Mary Mullican shared why this program is essential, particularly in a district where 76% of her students are English as a second language learners:
"It promotes pride in their culture and language. They see role models who look and sound like them thriving in their bilingual journey."

High school senior Shumiko "Nini" Clement described how the program benefits both the high school and elementary students:
"We’re learning through them, and they’re learning through us. It’s all about connecting to our roots and helping others do the same."

Junior Yisela Mancila echoed this sentiment:
"I hope my book helps kids see how connecting with their culture can strengthen their family ties. This year, I’m creating a story with a purpose to inspire them."

For these high schoolers, the program is about more than creating books—it’s about building a bridge between generations.
"I hope the younger kids look up to us the way I admired older students and teachers when I was their age," Mancila said.

With 45% of students in Springdale Public Schools identifying as Hispanic and 15% as Marshallese, programs like this help celebrate the district’s diversity. The initiative also prepares students for success by emphasizing the value of bilingualism.

The Bilingual Bulldogs hope to publish the books as gifts for the elementary students and digitally record the students’ voices reading their stories. These projects allow students to take pride in their heritage while fostering literacy and cultural understanding.

Mullican summarized the program’s importance:
"Our students can see that being bilingual is a strength. They are learning that their native languages and cultures are valuable, not just for school but for their futures."

Springdale Public Schools

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Phone: 479-750-8800