Creating Stronger Returns on Summer Learning Investments

Hi LinkedIn Friends,

I’m thrilled to introduce you to the first issue of The Sizzle, NSSI’s new monthly newsletter! Each month, we’ll bring you insights, updates, spotlights on people behind the work–even music and reading recommendations.

The Sizzle is a quick read, designed to keep you informed, inspired, and entertained. Be sure to share some feedback, and we’ll do our best to make adjustments as we go!

Jeff Feinman Chief of Partnerships, NSSI

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Q&A

Meet our New CEO – Nancy Livingston

We’re excited to announce that Nancy Livingston joined NSSI in September as our new CEO.

Nancy brings fresh energy and a track record of instructional leadership to the organization.

We recently sat down with her to gain insights into how she’s feeling about her new chapter:

What excites you most about NSSI's future? Right now, we’re upgrading our K-2 ELA program based on feedback from teachers and leaders. We’ve listened to the feedback and enlisted content experts to make something effective and engaging for kids. I can’t wait to see this revised program in teachers' hands this summer and watch them bring the lessons to life in classrooms nationwide.

What are you most eager to learn about NSSI after seven weeks in the role? It's hard to believe it's only been seven weeks! Each week, I've set a learning agenda to deepen my understanding of our organization, programs, data, and partnerships. The puzzle pieces are starting to come together. I’m especially excited to visit classrooms this summer and see our work in action. There's nothing like watching students explore different solution pathways or uncover new layers of meaning in a novel. This experience will not only bring me personal joy but also provide our team with valuable insights to better meet the needs of students and teachers.

What most surprised you about NSSI that you didn't know prior to joining the team? While not quite a surprise, one thing that stands out about NSSI is how much our team genuinely cares about each other and our partners. The team is thoughtful about the needs of teachers and the interests of students engaged in learning. We design solutions that are truly people-centered, which you can see in the core features of our program—our instructional materials, professional development scheduling, and operational support. This aspect of our culture was here before I got here, and I feel a sense of duty to uphold it.

Districts and CMOs have so many things they hope to do to improve teaching and learning. Why should summer top the list? When summer is seen as an add-on, it can easily slip down the priority list. When summer is integrated into the overall teaching and learning approach, you’ve strategically and coherently extended the school year by 12%. Our most successful partners take this approach, maximizing their investment in time and resources by making summer a core component of how they improve teaching and learning.

What do you like most about living in Nashville? This may sound cliché, but it’s the music! On Friday, we’re going to Grimey’s, a local record store, for a mini-show and record signing with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, two of my favorite Americana artists. Many concerts feature surprise guest artists because they live here. And then, of course, there’s the Ryman Auditorium—there’s no better music venue in the country (and yes, I’ve been to Red Rocks).

When you're not breakdancing or leading NSSI, what are some of your favorite activities?I’m an avid reader and try to make time for it every day. Currently, I'm reading The End of Trauma by George A. Bonanno and recently finished The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz, a follow-up to her twisty novel The Plot. I highly recommend all three! I also took a sewing class this past spring. I had a terrific teacher who provided the perfect set of scaffolds and selected projects that increased in complexity at the right pace as she took those scaffolds away. I am working hard to finish a baby quilt for a friend who is expecting next month. ?

What's your favorite fall tradition? Just this August, I asked my son what his favorite season is, and after a brief pause, he confidently replied, “football.” So, I’d say our favorite tradition is the annual return of the football season. Anchor Down and Go Pack Go!

BY THE NUMBERS

Summer Growth and Student Results

We’re thrilled to share and celebrate that this past summer, we more than doubled the number of students and teachers served in our program from summer 2023.

While we’re excited to see more stakeholders engaging with our offering, we care most about student impact.

In math, students averaged 21% gains across all K-8 classrooms.

In ELA, students averaged 12% gains across all K-8 classrooms.

In our next issue, we’ll give a sneak peek into the off-season work we’re pursuing to further amplify these outcomes in summer 2025!

What we’re reading

In each issue of The Sizzle, we hope to feature a book recommendation from one of NSSI’s key stakeholders. This issue, the honor goes to Ellie Bridges, NSSI’s ?Director of ELA.

“I had been eagerly awaiting the publication of a new novel, The Hunter, from one of my favorite crime novelists, Tana French... and it did not disappoint! It is about a Chicago detective who retires to rural Ireland to look for peace. In the small, tightly knit community, he finds acceptance and deep connections but cannot escape trouble. If you are looking for an exceptionally well written crime novel that will have you turning every page until the very end, check this out! (and then go read all of her other books as well ??)”

What we’re listening to

We’re a team that loves music! If you’re a leader or teacher who has attended an NSSI training, chances are you’ve been hit by one of our killer playlists.

This month’s featured tune is curated by Keri Hubbard, our Chief of Program – who also happens to lead Cyclebar classes with all that spare time (3 young kids, big job, how is that possible?)

“I can't get enough of "Surfin" by Kid Cudi. It's a good vibes only kind of song that is a great pick me up whenever I need one. If you need a feel-good anthem, this is it. You're welcome ??