Back to School!

September 2025

Working to achieve our 90% literacy goal

Community Engagement because children and communities thrive when literacy is a community priority.

Making the Moonshot Goal - A Testimony from Michael Kint

The Learning Alliance is honored to be the managing partner of our community’s Moonshot Community Action Network (MCAN), where we work together to collaboratively create the conditions in our community so we can reach the Moonshot goal for 90% of children to be reading on grade-level by the end of 3rd grade. We’re grateful for the community leaders who are committed to this journey. Here’s a testimonial from Michael Kint, one of the original members of MCAN.

Family Partnerships to strengthen parents as their child’s first teacher.

Indian River Lullaby Book Coming to IRC Families

We are thrilled to announce the release of the Indian River Lullaby book, designed to foster the bond between parents and their newborns through music. Based on the beautiful and original lullaby created by TLA's own Lullaband to welcome children to Indian River County, this book transforms a simple song into a shared reading experience that builds crucial early language and literacy skills.

The book will be distributed to all families with newborns through our partnership with Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition.

This initiative is part of TLA's collaboration with the Carnegie Hall Lullaby Project, bringing the power of music and connection to the very first days of a child's life. We are delighted to help families build a foundation of love and learning, one song at a time.

Afterschool and Summer Tutoring to catch kids up.

Supporting Hundreds of Students at Moonshot Academy

Recently, we launched Moonshot Academy across nine elementary schools: Beachland, Citrus, Dodgertown, Fellsmere, Glendale, Osceola, Rosewood, Treasure Coast, and Vero Beach. This year, we have a record-breaking number of students participating, with more than 420 currently enrolled.

This is a testament to the students’ and families’ commitment, as well as the teachers’ willingness to lead the programming.

Additionally, over the past few weeks, our amazing Moonshot Academy staff have come together to review goals, analyze data, and celebrate the start of a brand new year. We’re excited and ready to continue building reading confidence and supporting our students on their journey to success!

Educator Coaching and Training to ensure children have great teachers.

VBE, The Moonshot School, Launches the Year with Celebration and Inspiration

Vero Beach Elementary proudly kicked off the school year with a high-energy pep rally featuring the Vero Beach High School Band, football players, and cheerleaders. Students and staff were inspired by guest speaker Martin O’Neal, a retired teacher and principal in Indian River County who now co-coaches the track team. His powerful message encouraged students to give their very best in all they do this year.

Principal Sarah Van Brimmer closed the celebration by honoring a historic milestone: VBE has officially been named an “A” school for the first time since 2012! This recognition reflects the dedication of our students, families, and staff, and sets the tone for a year of continued achievement.

As we celebrate these successes, our Demonstration Classroom teachers are already hard at work, diving into the Science of Learning and the Science of Behavior. Their classrooms will showcase best practices for colleagues across the district, ensuring that our Moonshot mission continues to lift every learner higher.

If you would like to get involved, Donate or Volunteer today!