Mark Your Calendar

Reminder - No Sessions

• May 26 - Memorial Day



Lighting the Spark - May 7

is almost here and you won’t want to miss it! Join us for an inspiring evening filled with community, impact, and celebration of youth literacy! Let’s come together to celebrate all the work you each do every day.

📍 More Than Words Bookstore, South End

 📅 Wednesday, May 7th 🕙 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Buy tickets here (50% discount for volunteers)



Latino Pioneers in Boston II - May 23

Join fellow Literations volunteers and community members for a special screening of Latino Pioneers in Boston II with filmmaker Blanca Bonilla. Celebrate Latino history, enjoy good company, and connect with your community. And bring a friend!

📅 Friday, May 23 | 🕙 10AM–12PM

📍 Roxbury Branch Library | 🥯 Refreshments provided

Sign up here

District Calendars

• Boston Public Schools
• Framingham Public Schools
• Chelsea Public Schools

NOTE: These events and trainings are optional unless marked as mandatory. Attending live events should be tracked in the HUB under Training. Watching a recording should be logged under Prep.

Help Us Pick New Bluebooks!

It’s time to choose new Reading A-Z Bluebooks, and we want your input! What kinds of books would you love to see added to our collection? Let us know your thoughts by filling out this quick survey.

End of Year Notices

End-of-Year Coach Check-In/Intent to Serve

complete by Fri, May 23

Please tell us about your experience this year and if you plan to return next year!

COMPLETE LC EOY SURVEY HERE

End-of-Year Student Social-Emotional Learning Survey (SEL)

complete by Fri, May 23

Please provide us updates about your student(s) SEL growth over the year. Your STLs have a list of students who need to complete the check-in. The information, rubric and directions to complete the SEL survey is on the link. Please read the directions carefull, the link to acces SEL survey is also here or it can be accessed through the HUB under "surveys" on the menu on the left. 

COMPLETE SEL SURVEY HERE

Student Files

submit by Thurs, June 6

Please submit your student files to your program staff/team leader on the last day of sessions.

Final Data Entry: Sessions and Time Entry

complete by Thurs, June 6 in all sites except Chelsea (due 6/10)

Please complete all your timesheets/session entries for the year by the last day of sessions.

Gift Giving Policy

Literations asks that we DO NOT buy additional gifts for children. Cards are okay. This is to respect equity for both the students and your fellow coaches. Thank you for respecting this important policy.

Tell Us Your Stories

We know our literacy coaches have incredible stories about the impact they’re making in students’ lives, and we’d love to hear them! Help us tell our story to funders, social media followers, and the broader Literations community by sharing your favorite coaching moments through this quick survey. Of course, there’s no pressure—just an open invitation to contribute if you’re interested.

Stand Up for Volunteers and Students

AmeriCorps – Your Voice Matters

As you have likely heard, the federal government is proposing deep cuts to national service programs, including AmeriCorps. Literations remains strong and stable and will continue our incredible programing in our Boston, Chelsea, and Framingham communities with no interruptions. While we’re still weighing our path forward, we believe in national service and the importance of speaking up for it.

What You Can Do

Call your representatives and let them know you're concerned about these cuts. Members of Congress rely on real stories from constituents when speaking up on the floor.

Please Call Your Senators and Member of Congress and Say:

"Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City/Town]. I’m concerned about cuts to AmeriCorps. These programs matter in our community. I know an AmeriCorps stipend volunteer who’s made a big impact on kids—[brief story or example]. Please support full and stable funding. Thank you."

Senator Warren: (202) 224-4543, email

Senator Markey: (202) 224-2742, email

Find your House rep. by entering your zip code here:  https://www.house.gov/htbin/findrep

Thank You for Celebrating with Us

Thank you to everyone who came out for our Volunteer Celebration! It was such a joy to spend time together, share stories, and recognize all the amazing ways you make a difference. We hope you left feeling as appreciated as you are — because we truly couldn’t do this work without you. Check out the photos!

Let's Grow!

Know someone who’d be a great volunteer? Our info sessions are on the calendar, and we’re gearing up for a new crew of volunteers to join us this fall. If you have friends, family, or coworkers who might love what we do, send them our way. The more, the merrier — help us spread the word!

AAPI Heritage Month

🎉 Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! ✨Check out these joyful community events and more happening all month long!

• AAPI Comedy Festival
• Boston Public Library Events
• AAPI Heritage Month Celebration 

Training Videos

• Virtual Volunteer Retreat recording
• EC Hub: A recording of our Refresher training can be found on the LINK.
• Emergent Reader Program Town Hall: watch the recording

Volunteers Facebook Group!

Looking to connect with fellow volunteers, share tips, and celebrate successes? Our new Literations Volunteers Facebook Group is the perfect space to build community and stay inspired. Whether you’re seeking advice, sharing resources, or just want to join the conversation, we’d love to have you!

Coaching Quick Tips

A Gentle Reminder

When students get off track, how we correct them matters as much as what we say. It’s easy to slip into a sharper tone when students are wiggly or distracted — we’ve all been there! But a calm, kind voice can make a big difference in helping students feel safe and supported.

A few small things that help:

• Use a warm, inviting tone when redirecting.
• Keep corrections short, friendly, and low-key.
• Focus on teaming up: "Let’s finish strong together!"

Here are some things you might say:

• "How about we get back to the story? I’m excited to hear what happens next!"
• "Want to help me stay focused too? We’re a team."
• "I love your energy — let’s pour it into this story for a few minutes."