Winter Workshop Friday

Ask the Experts

Topic 1: Supporting English Language Students

Topic 2: Managing Student Engagement and Behavior

Join us this Friday, January 9 from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM on Zoom for an engaging and informational "Ask the Experts" workshop. We’ll be learning together, hearing great insights from our school partner specialists, and getting helpful ideas to support your students.

Join the Zoom meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87426386264?jst=2

Coach Observations

Continuing to Support Our Coaches

Literations observes coaches throughout the year so we can understand what’s working and where we may need to provide additional support and training for coaches. The stronger and more confident our coaches are in delivering our program, the stronger and more confident our students will become in their reading.

Our observations help make Literations an even better experience for both our coaches and students.

Team leaders and program staff will begin observing coaches (focusing on first-year volunteers first and returning volunteers next) in December and January. Please have a look at the observation form to see what team leaders will be observing and discussing with you. As you will see, the form follows our 30-minute structured session and provides opportunities for coaches to share what they need to feel confident and successful. 

Coach Observation Form

Upcoming Events

• Pickle Ball Outing— Fri Jan 30 | 10am
• Join us for a fun volunteer pickleball outing in Boston (Tentatively planned for Boston Pickle Club at Hyde Park)! All skill levels are welcome—come play, learn, or just hang out and cheer. We’ll have a coach to get us organized, some extra equipment, and snacks. Come show off your skills or simply relax and socialize!
• Learn more and RSVP here

• Hub Office Hours — Every Friday | 1–2pm
• Got questions about logging in, session entry, or timesheets? Drop in for live support. Zoom info can be found under Timesheets and Session Entry on the Link!

• LC Zoom Drop-Ins: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81899806046
• Ask questions from your early weeks of sessions
• Get coaching tips and advice
• Share ideas and challenges with other volunteers
• Upcoming Date:
• Tues, Jan 13 | 12–1pm

Staffing Update

We're excited to share some Literations staffing updates with you. Esther Faith Tendo (who goes by Faith) will be joining the Literations staff team as the new Framingham Program Coordinator on Monday, January 12. Faith comes to Literations with program management and volunteer coordination experience in the youth advocacy space as well as strong organizational, communication, and problem solving skills. Please join us in welcoming Faith!

Additionally, as of January 1st, Literations has made some staffing shifts with a continued focus on the future, strengthening our program and volunteer support, and expanding our reach to even more students. Connie Yepez has been promoted to Director of Programs. In her elevated role Connie is now a member of the Leadership Team and oversees the implementation and running of all our program sites. Also Jen Bowen Flynn transitioned from her role as Deputy Director into a newly created position as the Director of Strategy. As the Director of Strategy, Jen will lead the development and implementation of Literations' strategic vision to expand our reach and deepen program impact. 

School Calendar Notices

MLK Jr. Day: Monday, January 19 - no sessions

Boston Public School Calendar

Chelsea Public School Calendar

Framingham Public School Calendar

Note: Literations follows Boston, Framingham, and Chelsea Public School closures during inclement weather. Please review our Snow Policy for details on program closures, event cancellations, and weather-related communications.

Coaching Quick Tips

📚 Understanding Our Site Library Books

We’ve heard a few questions about the different books available at sites. Here’s a quick guide! And if your site is running low on certain levels or categories—or if a familiar title has disappeared—please let your Site Team Leader know so we can restock when possible.

Reminder: For the reading practice portion, the coach and student should each have their own book—please grab two Reading A-Z book copies when you start!

White RAZ Books:

Printed on white paper (covers may be any color)

Standard Reading A–Z books used for reading practice / games

👉 Students may take these home when finished.

Blue RAZ Books:

Printed on blue paper (covers may be any color)

Supplemental Reading A–Z books used for reading practice / games

👉 These must stay in the site libraries for reuse.*

Read-Aloud Books:

Regular children’s picture and chapter books chosen for engaging topics, stories, and rich language.

👉 These stay in the library for others to use.*



*Blue RAZ books and read-aloud books stay on-site because we purchase them with limited funds. Keeping them in the libraries allows more students to benefit from a wider variety of titles.