Reading Power Read-A-Thon

The SchoolForce Reading Power Read-A-Thon is a fun two-week event that encourages the love of reading and raises money for our schools. Students log the amount of time they read and collect pledges from friends and extended family to raise money for SchoolForce, the Belmont-Redwood Shores Public Schools Foundation. Money raised during Reading Power benefits EVERY student in our school district by supporting librarians, reading specialists, and many other programs this year.

Reading Power Timeline – 2019

• Week of Jan 14th – Reading Power packets distributed to each student at school
• Jan 18th through Feb 1st – Reading Power
• Week of Feb 4th – Reading Power packets (including reading logs and pledge forms) due

Did you know?

In 2018, students raised over $400,000 for SchoolForce! Money raised during Reading Power benefits ALL students in our school district by supporting librarians, reading specialists, class size reduction, music, and many other programs this year.

Reading Power FAQs

What is Reading Power?

Now in its 15th year, the Reading Power Read-a-thon is a fun two-week event 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 donations from friends and extended family to raise money for their schools. Checks are written to SchoolForce, the Belmont-Redwood Shores Public School Foundation, which is the fundraising organization for the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District.

When is Reading Power?

The 15th Annual Reading Power Read-a-thon runs from January 18th to February 1st, 2019.

How does it work?

The Read-a-thon Packet, which includes a reading log, pledge form and instruction flyer, will be distributed to students in a large white envelope on the first day of the event. Students record the amount of time they spend reading on their Reading Power reading log each day during the event. (TK/Kindergartners and first graders can count the amount of time they are read to in their totals).

During the two week event, students are encouraged to ask friends, neighbors and extended family to make donations for their reading efforts. The Reading Power packets (reading logs, pledge forms and collected donations) are due February 8, 2019.

How exactly does my child earn fish scales or sea creatures during the Read-a-thon?

Parents/guardians should initial each line of your child’s reading log daily. Your child brings his or her reading log to school to claim paper fish scales or sea creatures. For 100 minutes read, students earn a scale or sea creature to add to the display at their school. Each school has different dates and times for distributing scales and sea creatures so stay tuned for more instructions from the Reading Power Chair at your school. Parents are encouraged to help with this fun activity. Contact your school chairperson (contact info below) to find out how you can help.

Are there prizes for participating?

Yes! The class with the highest participation wins a party. Top Fundraisers win prizes and 1000 Minute Club members will earn a prize at the end of the event. Remember, to be considered a participant and to be eligible for any prizes, students must turn in a complete Reading Power packet by February 8, 2019 with at least one donation.

What is the 1000 Minute Club?

Students who read 1,000 minutes or more during the Reading Power Read-a-thon and turn in the Reading Power packet on time with at least one donation make it into the 1000 Minute Club. 1000 Minute Club members will earn a prize at the end of the Read-a-thon. (Note: Ralston Middle School has a 2019 minute club instead of a 1000 minute club for their student readers.)

How can our friends and family sponsor my child?

Sponsors can pledge either a flat amount or donate by the number of minutes read by writing a check payable to SchoolForce or donating online at schoolforce.org/donate.

Is a Reading Power donation different than my annual School-Force donation?

Yes. While we welcome all donations, SchoolForce encourages parents and students to use Reading Power as a way to get grandparents, neighbors and extended family to make donations for the students’ reading efforts. Many friends and family find this 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 $1500 per child (or as much as they can afford) during the school year ending June 30, 2019.

Matching makes a big difference!

Many companies have a matching gift program that can increase and sometimes double your donation to SchoolForce. It’s an easy way to increase your donation! For more

How much does Reading Power raise for our schools?

Last year, Belmont-Redwood Shores students read 2.6 million minutes to raise over $400,000 to support their schools. Those funds are helping to support literacy programs, sizes, science, music, technology, art, sports, counselors, innovation grants and more.

For more information, contact your school’s Reading Power Chairperson or email readingpowerchair@schoolforce.org.

Reading Power Chairs – Contacts