Thank You for an Incredible Year!
As the school year comes to a close, we want to recognize the important work you’ve done to support student literacy and Confident Learners in your classrooms. Your dedication, adaptability, and commitment to your students have made a real difference.
We hope you enjoy a well-deserved summer break to rest and recharge, and we look forward to the year ahead!
From a Literacy Coach’s Desk
By Ericka Sutherland
As we wrap up another school year, it’s worth pausing to look at how far we’ve come—together. In my three years with The Learning Bar and our Confident Learners schools, I’ve seen incredible growth in both students and educators.
Your commitment to reflecting on your practice and bringing research-based approaches into the classroom is making a real difference. Professional learning communities are evolving—asking questions, exploring data, and working together to solve challenges in meaningful ways.
What stands out most is the balance you’re building: strong comprehension alongside phonics, decoding, and vocabulary. You’re also seeing the impact of this work in your daily interactions with students. Those moments of listening, noticing their thinking, and recognizing their identities as learners matter deeply.
As the year comes to a close, take a moment to recognize your own growth—as a teacher, a colleague, and as part of a team. Celebrate what you’ve accomplished. You’ve earned a restful and well-deserved summer, and I am looking forward to collaborating with everyone in 2026-2027!
- Ericka
Simple Ways to Support Learning This Summer
Regular practice helps children build strong reading skills, including memory, fluency, and understanding.
Here are two simple ideas you can share with families and communities to continue learning over the summer:
1. Play “I Spy” with a twist
Anywhere you go, try:
- “I spy something that starts with /b/”
- “I spy something that rhymes with far”
- “I spy something that ends with /t/”
2. Make writing fun
Practice printing in sand, in dirt, or with rocks. Children can use sticks or small stones to form letters and words.
Playful practice can make a big difference!
Looking Ahead to September
As the school year winds down, a few small steps can help make September feel more manageable. This is a chance to capture what matters most and set yourself up for a smoother start.
- You might consider saving or printing each class’s final PARA data as a helpful reference point for fall assessment.
- When possible, passing along detailed scoring sheets can also give next year’s teachers useful insight into students’ learning.
Coming This Fall: A Fresh Look for the LMS Academy
This fall, your Academy login may look a little different as we’re updating our infrastructure.
These updates strengthen the platform and will improve your overall experience. Your access to courses, assessments, and content won’t change. We’ll share more details and guidance closer to launch.
Thanks for your partnership as we continue improving the Academy.
Share Your Thoughts!
At The Learning Bar, we’re always looking to improve. Please reach out at any time with feedback or suggestions. We’re happy to hear from you!