Now in its 10th year, the Reading Power Read-A-Thon is a fun two-week campaign that encourages the love of reading and directly involves all students in the District in fundraising for our schools. Students log the amount of time they read and collect pledges from friends and extended family to raise money for School-Force, the Belmont-Redwood Shores Public Schools Foundation. Last year, Belmont-Redwood Shores students read over 1.6 million minutes and raised over $225,000 for School-Force. Those funds are helping to support class size reduction, libraries, music, reading specialists and many other programs this year. For more information, contact your school’s Reading Power Chairperson or email readingpowerchair@schoolforce.org.
Reading Power FAQs
What is Reading Power?
Now in its 10th year, the Reading Power Read-A-Thon is a fun two-week campaign that encourages the love of reading and directly involves all students in the District in fundraising for our schools. Students log the amount of time they read and collect pledges from friends and extended family to raise money for School-Force, the Belmont-Redwood Shores Public Schools Foundation.
When is Reading Power?
The 10th Annual Reading Power Read-A-Thon runs from January 18 to February 1, 2013.
How does it work?
The Read-A-Thon Packet (reading log, pledge form and instruction flyer) will be distributed to students in a large white envelope on January 18. Students record the amount of time they spend reading on their Reading Power reading log each day during the campaign. Kindergartners and first graders can count the amount of time they are read to in their totals.
How exactly does my child earn rockets?
Parent/guardians should initial each line of your child’s reading log. Your child brings his or her reading log to school to claim paper rockets earned – for every 100 minutes read, your child earns one rocket to launch. Each school has different dates and times for distributing rockets, so stay tuned for more instructions from the Reading Power Chair at your school.
How can our friends and family sponsor my child?
Sponsors pledge either a flat amount or donate by number of minutes read by writing a check payable to “School-Force” or donating online at www.schoolforce.org/donate. NEW THIS YEAR! Students can create a personalized donation page to forward to family and friends when asking for donation. Go to readingpower.schoolforce.org to create your own page.
What happened to the dragon?
Everyone loved the dragon! However, we have used the same theme for the past three years and thought it was time to try something new to keep kids excited about the program. This year’s theme is “Blast Off with Reading Power,” and elementary students will earn colorful paper rockets for a display wall at school. Using a large, colorful visual helps children see how the campaign is progressing and encourages friendly competition among classes.
Are there prizes for participating?
Yes. The class with the highest participation wins a party. The Top Class Reader and Top Fundraisers also win a prize. Also, 1,000-Minute Club members will earn a prize at an awards ceremony at the end of the campaign. Remember, to be considered a participant and to be eligible for any prize, students must turn in a completed Reading Power packet by the February 6 deadline with at least one pledge.
What is the 1000-Minute Club?
Students that read 1,000 minutes or more during the Reading Power Read-A-Thon and turn in the Read-A-Thon Packet on time with at least one donation make it into the 1,000-Minute Club. 1,000-Minute Club members will earn a prize at an awards ceremony at the end of the campaign.
Is a Reading Power donation different than my annual School-Force donation?
Yes. While we welcome all donations, School-Force encourages parents and students to use Reading Power as a way to get grandparents, neighbors and extended family to make a pledge for their reading efforts and help our schools financially. Many friends and family find this is the perfect way to encourage your child’s academic success and also show they care by supporting your child’s school. Parents and guardians should still make their suggested donation of $1200 per child (or as much as they can afford) during School-Force’s Annual Giving Campaign.
How much does Reading Power raise for our schools?
Last year, Belmont-Redwood Shores students read over 1.6 million minutes and raised over $225,000 for School-Force. Those funds are helping to support class size reduction, libraries, music, reading specialists and many other programs this year.
For more information, contact your school’s Reading Power Chairperson or email readingpowerchair@schoolforce.org
3,2,1 “Blast Off with Reading Power!”
