Atlanta Public Schools will formally announce a $5 million contribution to a $20 million investment the City of Atlanta plans to make in an initiative designed to better prepare the city’s children for school.

The announcement will be made by APS Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring during a press conference, Friday at 9:30 a.m., in front of the Sheltering Arms Educare Center (404 Fulton Street, SW), on the campus of Dunbar Elementary School.

Others who will be bringing remarks about the importance of early childhood education are Blythe Keeler Robinson, President & CEO, Sheltering Arms; Mindy Binderman, Executive Director, Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS); Stephanie Blank, Board Chair & President, GEEARS; and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who initially presented the challenge to raise at least $20 million to invest in early learning programs, initiatives, and strategies throughout the city.

Following the press conference, Dr. Herring will read to a Pre-K class, and Dunbar Elementary Pre-K teacher Jonique Rance will present a literacy lesson to her class of young learners.

Here is a run-of-show for the event:
9:30 to 9:50 AM Press conference

Blythe Keeler Robinson, President & CEO, Sheltering Arms
Mindy Binderman, Executive Director, GEEARS (Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students)
Stephanie Blank, Board Chair & President, GEEARS
Andre Dickens, Mayor, City of Atlanta
Dr. Lisa Herring, Superintendent, Atlanta Public Schools
9:50 to 10:00 AM Media is invited to do brief individual stand-up 1-on-1 interviews with any one of the speakers.
10:05 to 10:15 AM Dr. Herring reads to a Pre-K class at Dunbar Elementary. (Media invited to film.)

10:20 to 10:35 AM Media invited to get footage of a Pre-K literacy lesson being taught by Ms. Jonique Rance. (Media invited to film.)

10:35 AM Media exits the campus.

WHAT: Press conference to formally announce a $5 million contribution to a $20 million investment the City of Atlanta plans to make in an initiative designed to better prepare the city’s children for school.

WHEN: Friday, October 7 | 9:30 AM

WHERE: Sheltering Arms Educare Center - Dunbar
(404 Fulton Street, SW)