While the return to Next Door classrooms in fall will look different this year – both on-site and virtual learning options, smaller class sizes, limited interaction with other students – making connections continues to be their focus. Without age appropriate materials and qualified educators supporting them, their students are at risk of starting kindergarten up to 18 months behind children from more affluent families – creating an opportunity gap that is difficult to overcome. Research shows that the number of books available to a child may surpass all other variables in predicting their long-term success in school, and that's why TMJ4 and Bank Five Nine are teaming up for the "If You Give a Child a Book..." campaign! Joining us to discuss the importance of books and how you can get involved is Jackie Shanti from Next Door and Becky Miller from Bank Five Nine!
You can make donations to "If You Give a Child a Book..." to benefit the great work being done at Next Door! And our friends at Bank Five Nine will match the donations up to $5,000! To donate, visit TMJ4.com/book.