July 2025 Newsletter
Keep your family engaged with learning and beat the “Summer Slide”!
During July, we elevate the importance of summer learning in keeping students engaged, safe, and healthy while they enjoy a few months of vacation. High-quality summer programs play a vital role in supporting student success and closing the country’s opportunity gap. This includes summer reading programs, which help children and young adults maintain their literacy skills over the months when school is not in session.
A summer reading program that incorporates activities and goal-setting can draw in reluctant readers. By engaging students’ interests, what starts as a game may encourage a lifelong reading habit. And it being summer, an interactive reading program can just be good fun — there are even opportunities to grow family literacy while students are spending more time at home.
LBN supports the need for all students, regardless of background or income, to access and benefit from a rewarding learning experience every summer.
Below are a few links to free educational resources from the National Summer Learning Association, to help your family reconnect with learning!
- NSLA Discover Summer Family Guide (PDF) >
- Learn Fresh – Math & STEM Virtual Programs >
- Scholastic Summer Reading Home Base >
- The Achievery – Free, No-Ads Digital Learning Platform >
- MeshEd – Courses to build critical thinking, creative arts, and digital literacy >
Tutor training is on break…
But applications are open!
Tutor Training Workshops will resume in September. Meanwhile, we are always accepting applications online for potential new volunteers.
The first step in becoming a Literacy Tutor is to fill out a volunteer application. Visit our website to review the list of tutor requirements and apply today!
Student Story
In this interview, meet our student Dina and learn about her experience in the ESL tutoring program!
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I came to the U.S. in 2009 to escape many different circumstances. I lost my job in my home country due to the war in Sudan. Coming to the United States was so I could make a better life for myself and my family.
What made you decide to join the ESL program?
My journey started as soon as I came to the U.S. I tried many different ESL programs, however LBN was the best fit for me. The program was compassionate and small, so it was easy for me to learn.
What has been the hardest part of learning?
English has a lot of words that mean many different things. Learning that everything has so many meanings in my home country’s language is hardest!
Was there a time when you felt proud of yourself?
Passing the GED, becoming a U.S. citizen — these things made me feel proud. These things make me want to do more.
Read Dina’s full interview here!
LBN Events
Cocktails in Character
October 23, 2025
Start thinking of costume ideas…
Cocktails in Character will be here before you know it!
Join LBN for a special evening at the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens to celebrate our 60th Anniversary.
Tickets are on-sale now!
A free one-on-one tutoring program for adults who want to improve their digital literacy skills. Get more comfortable using the Internet, computers, and other tech devices!
ESL & English Language Learning Programs
For adults looking for help with learning how to speak or read English. Students receive a personalized learning plan and meet with their tutor for2 hours a week in a public setting.
Check back next month for more updates from LBN!
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