Nurture 15 At-Risk Atlanta Preschoolers for a Year

Dear Friends,

Another great school year has started at Sheltering Arms as we move toward our 125th anniversary of service to children and families!  The 2500 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in our care every day are receiving the best early education possible, preparing them to start school ready for success.  Their parents receive the affordable child care that makes it possible for them to be stable employees and good providers for their families.  Our work helps to provide our community a productive workforce today, and a well-prepared workforce for the future.

Once again this year, we'll be kicking off the schoolyear and our year-round literacy project, Operation StoryBook, with a two day Read-A-Thon at all 16 of our schools on Thursday, September 13 and Friday, September 14.  Corporate and community volunteers, VIPs, and professional storytellers will share books and stories with our children, both through reading and through performances, songs, games, and arts and crafts.  At the end of the two day celebration, each child will take home a new book, the first of 12 books they'll receive over the next year for their home libraries.  Book ownership is one of the strongest predictors of future reading skills, but many low-income families have few if any books in the home.  Operation StoryBook is helping to close that potential achievement gap, while at the same time creating excitement around reading and introducing children to folk tales and stories that teach important lessons about their culture, heritage, and character.

If you're in Atlanta on September 13 and 14, we hope you'll sign up for a time to come share your favorite stories with our precious little ones.  Thanks for your support that gives them the great educational opportunities offered at Sheltering Arms.

With appreciation,

Paige

Links:

• Learn more & register to volunteer for Operation StoryBook