January 2022 Newsletter

December 2021 Newsletter

Happy New Year!

Wishing all our Reading Power friends a very happy 2022!

With COVID-19 cases surging and in-person tutoring currently on pause, the start of 2022 doesn’t look quite as we’d hoped. However,

Reading Power is made for this moment.

With patience, grit, and determination we will overcome current challenges and help our students achieve growth during the remainder of the academic year and beyond.

Learning During COVID-19: An Update

As the pandemic enters year three, it's important to remember how large of an impact this time has had on all students. For most early elementary students, their entire academic lives have been disrupted causing significant learning loss.

Many key findings regarding student learning during COVID-19 have recently emerged:

Fall 2021 achievement was lower for all student groups; however, historically marginalized students and students in high-poverty schools were disproportionately impacted, particularly in elementary grades. (NWEA, 2021)

Research suggests that more first and second graders have ended this year two or more grade levels below expectations than in any previous year. Given the major strides children at this age typically make in mastering reading, and the critical importance of early reading for later academic success, this is of particular concern. (McKinsey, July 2021)

Fewer students attending schools in lower-income zip codes are on grade level than students attending schools in higher-income zip codes, and these inequities also pre-date the pandemic. (Curriculum Associates Research Brief, November 2021)

District 187 Winter update reports 51% absenteeism in North Chicago schools. These increased missed days, in addition to COVID quarantines, and teacher shortages contribute to learning loss.

Reading Power: Proven Program, Proven Results

Students need intensive tutoring now more than ever. With the help of Reading Power’s proven program, students at all levels showed measurable growth during the last school year. Despite fewer tutoring days and technology barriers, students made the necessary progress needed to reduce the risk of underachievement in reading.

As we expand our program, we are continually evolving and making updates to meet the needs of today’s students. This month we are:

Adding a Hybrid Tutoring Option

Reading Power will be offering a hybrid tutoring program starting at the end of January 2022 at Beulah Park Elementary in Zion, IL. Reading Power staff will be on-site with students. Tutors will log in and tutor virtually. The open classroom design of Beulah Park does not allow sufficient safety for volunteers in the school building during COVID.

Reaching New Students

Third grade students have not had a normal school environment since kindergarten. This has created a new need for additional, intensive tutoring to help these students overcome the learning opportunity gap due to COVID. Several third grade students have been added to the Reading Power program, based on need and availability.

New Faces For A New Year

Reading Power is proud to welcome three new staff members this month as we continue to expand our programming.

Heather Sommers, MA, Site Coordinator

Heather Sommers, a certified Learning Specialist with a master’s in special education joined Reading Power in January 2022 as a Site Coordinator. Recognized for collaborating with students, parents, and faculty to foster student literacy growth, Heather has taught students in both public and private schools in addition to having a private practice tutoring students in grades K-5. A graduate of Denison University with a B.A. in English Literature and Masters in Learning and Instruction from the University of San Francisco, Heather taught for ten years at an independent school in Chicago where she built the student support program. A passionate yogi and recent graduate of Yoga Teacher Training, Heather uses multi-sensory and evidence-based practices to meet students where they are and empower them to reach their potential.

Summer Zilisch, Assistant Site Coordinator

Summer Zilisch joined Reading Power in 2021 as an Assistant Site Coordinator. She will be graduating from Tremper High School in June 2022, while attending Carthage College for early college credit. Summer works part-time as a Site Coordinator at an organization that teaches toddler sports. She also holds many leadership positions, such as class president, KUSD School Board Student Representative, Parliamentarian for National Honor Society, and Thespian Society Board member. With a background of starting her own non-profit charity and countless volunteer hours, she is thrilled to be part of Reading Power to help young minds grow.

Jennifer Brun, MST, Site Coordinator

Jennifer joined Reading Power in 2022 as a Site Coordinator. She holds a Master of Science in Teaching degree from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor's degree from Duke University in Development Psychology. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in elementary education as a prekindergarten through third grade teacher, as well as providing professional development for educators and parents as an early childhood consultant. Jennifer's true passion is encouraging children to be lifelong learners and avid readers. She is thrilled to be a part of Reading Power's mission to help young readers develop their literacy skills and reach their full potential!

Save The Date!

Save the date! We are thrilled to announce Reading Power's second annual Play for Literacy Golf & Games Event is scheduled for September 12, 2022. If you, or your organization, would like to become an event sponsor, please contact Nancy Duffy.