Read-A-Thon

When does the Read-A-Thon take place?

READ-A-THON takes place from March 1 - March 21. Your child’s READ-A-THON packet will be sent home with them on Tuesday, February 27! Students should return their completed Reading Tracker, the Sponsor Log, and the Envelope with any cash & checks to their teacher on Friday, March 22.

How does my child earn reading prizes?

As your child completes reading challenges at home or in school, they will color in the corresponding book on the Reading Tracker sheet. Teachers will also help students complete some challenges during Independent Reading time and during Spirit Days listed on the Tracker. We recommend that you keep the Reading Tracker in your child’s take-home folder so they can easily show their teacher progress to earn prizes as they go, and to keep track of reading challenges that are completed during Independent Reading time at school. Keep the Sponsor Log and Envelope at home so you don’t lose your donations and sponsor records.

How do we raise money?

If every child raises $30, we will surpass our fundraising goal of $15,000! Your child can read a story to a friend or family member in return for a donation (and a special memory shared), or your child can ask friends, family, and your coworkers to make a flat donation to sponsor their reading challenge. The BSES PTO is a registered charitable 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible. Unlike the food fundraisers we’ve coordinated in the past, every penny goes right back into the education of our elementary school students! Checks should be made payable to the BSES PTO.

How is the Top Fundraiser determined?

Every child receives a Sponsor Log to record donations made via check, cash, or online. At the end of the fundraiser, tally up all of the donations and write in the total in the box provided. This is the number PTO volunteers will use to determine the top fundraiser in each grade. We will verify that the online donations match the total on the Sponsor Log before naming the winner.

Be sure to tell family & friends to let you know if they make a donation online, and to do so by March 21 so their contribution can count toward your child’s chance at winning the Grade-Level Top Fundraiser Prize — a free ticket to Hersheypark!

How do I submit a message to be displayed at school?

Anyone who makes a donation online may submit an encouraging message during the checkout process. (Example: You are a super reader, Gregory! Love Gram & Pop) These special digital messages will be displayed on monitors in the school lobby and in classrooms for all students throughout the school day. Parents and donors will also get a chance to see messages on our website, at the Literacy Night event, and during spring conferences. Messages may only be submitted through our online donation platform.

When is the Literacy Night event?

Families are invited to a Pajamas & Bedtime Stories Literacy Event on Thursday, March 21 at 6pm at BSES! Students will enjoy a night of stories read by some of their favorite teachers, snacks, and early access to the book fair! This Literacy Night event is one of the Reading Challenges! RSVP at bit.ly/bsesliteracynight24

How is the East Berlin library involved?

We are partnering with the Jean Barnett Trone Memorial Library of East Berlin (aka East Berlin Library) to help our students develop a love for reading and a habit of visiting their local library! You’ll notice that Borrow a book from the East Berlin Library is one of our reading challenges. The East Berlin Library is providing a free book as a prize for any student who completes 15 or more reading challenges! If your child earns that prize, he or she will receive a coupon that can be redeemed at the East Berlin Library for a brand new book to keep!

The East Berlin Library is located at 105 Locust Street, East Berlin, PA 17316. They’re open Mon/Wed: 10am-6pm, Tue/Thu: 12pm-8pm, & Fri/Sat: 9am-4pm. Learn more about the East Berlin Library here.

Are their PR opportunities for businesses to sponsor the Read-A-Thon?

Absolutely! For a sponsorship of $125 or more, we can coordinate a visit for you read a book & a photo opportunity with a class at the Book Fair (March 22-28) , and/or logo recognition on our website, Facebook, and Twitter. Please email bsespto@bermudian.org for more information on business sponsorships.