March 2025

Working to achieve our 90% literacy goal

Earlier this month, a national education news site, The 74, published an op-ed by Dr. Moore and our very own CEO and co-founder Barbara Hammond about our public-private partnership and the progress it is achieving for students in our community. 


We hope you'll take the time to read it and share it with your networks!

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

The Learning Alliance was honored to host community leaders from Danville, VA for the “See the Possible Tour” during the week of February 25, to share the work of IRC’s Moonshot Community. Visitors were impressed with and inspired by the collaboration toward the common Moonshot Goal of 90% literacy. Guests toured the Moonshot Academy, Family Connection Center, and Moonshot School.

In addition, they participated in the Moonshot Reading Captains Re-ignite event and visited Moonshot partners including Childcare Resources, Treasure Coast Technical College, Crossover Mission, and GYAC. Moonshot Community Action Network (MCAN) leaders from United Way and the County (Parks & Rec and Library) met with their counterparts from Danville. It was a fantastic learning session and a testament to the success and positive work of MCAN.

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

Reading Captains Re-Ignited for Literacy! 

The Learning Alliance had a fantastic turnout for the "Re-Ignite Reading Captains" event on February 25 at the Wabasso Church of God. More than 40 Reading Captains, veteran and new, convened to celebrate a shared commitment to literacy and connect families with The Learning Alliance's Moonshot Families team.

The evening was filled with inspiration and valuable information.The Learning Alliance's Sue Curtis provided essential training on the BASICS of early literacy, strengthening parents as their child’s first teacher. Additionally, the event fostered connections between Reading Captains and the Moonshot Families team, growing the network of support for families.

Thank you to the dedicated Reading Captains, lead reading captain Mrs. Margaret Ingram, The Learning Alliance’s Marie O'Brien, and Pastor Ramsey of the Wabasso Church of God (our amazing "Moonshot Church") for hosting this important event. And a special shout-out to Chef Sandra for the delicious take-home meals!

Connection Center at Leisure Square Grand Opening

The Learning Alliance is excited to celebrate the opening of a new Connection Center at Leisure Square, providing families with young children a welcoming space to engage in free literacy activities. At the new Center, Moonshot Families Connection Specialist Theresa Pickett will engage with families as they read, talk, play, sing, and create together, fostering essential early learning skills. Special programs include a family sing-along every Friday and open play sessions from 2 to 4 p.m. each afternoon when parents and children can explore and interact in a fun, educational environment.


Visit us on Facebook for the Connection Center schedule.

Educator Coaching and Training to ensure children have great teachers.

Our teachers at Vero Beach Elementary continue to participate in the professional learning opportunities provided only at Vero Beach Elementary, a Moonshot School. More than 50% of VBE teachers have completed a literacy micro-credential or are currently enrolled. More than 60% of teachers have stayed after school to learn from Demonstration Classroom Teachers as they implement evidence-based practices with their students. Initial data indicate that this hard work is paying off. To date, 86% of VBE’s kindergarten students, and 79% of first-grade students are on or above grade level!

In the classroom, VBE kindergarten students learned all about the weather as teacher Ms. Henry delivered the weather report with Moonshot. Students had fun while experiencing different weather patterns across the world. Second-grade botanists are working hard in their garden, preparing for their family showcase, where they will be sharing what they learned about the plants they grew and the insects they attract.

Afterschool and Summer Tutoring to catch kids up.

This month, we had the honor of hosting the Children's Services Advisory Committee (CSAC) for a tour of Glendale Elementary’s Moonshot Academy. Visitors from CSAC, a Moonshot Academy funder, were able to see the program in action and witness the impact it has on our students. Moonshot Academy takes place on nine out of 13 campuses, serving about 400 students this spring. MSA students experience 50% more growth than peers not in MSA.

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