Read-A-Thon Q&A

Click links below to download individual sheets

Q: What is the Spiritridge Read-A-Thon?

A: The Read-A-Thon will be Spiritridge PTSA Spring fundraiser for the 2018-2019 school year. Students will set a reading goal, gather sponsors to pledge money, read during the week of 4/21 – 4/28 and turn in money and packets by May 3, 2019. There is a calendar in this packet that shows the full schedule of the event.

Q: Can you tell me more about Spiritridge PTSA Fundraising?

A: PTSA raise money to support and enhance our students’ education. Our budget this year spends approximately $275 on education enhancing opportunities for every Spiritridge student. We know that some families will donate more than this amount and some will donate less. The important thing is that everyone participates at a level that is comfortable and meaningful to them.

Q: Can I submit for matching funds from my employer?

A: Yes! If your employer matches funds that you donate, please submit all necessary paperwork so that the Spiritridge PTSA can receive double the amount of your donation! Microsoft employees, please use account #653-85.

Q: What can students win?

A: We have some awesome prizes for this event. There are lots of ways to win!

Participation: Every student who participates will receive a bookmark PLUS coupon from Peaks Yogurt for 4oz of FREE frozen yogurt!
Reading Achievement: The student who reads the most number of minutes in each grade level, regardless of amount of money raised, will receive a book selected and signed by Ms. Rogers & Ms. Gehrke.
Grand Prize: The students who raise the most money in each grade level will receive a book selected and signed by Ms. Rogers & Ms. Gehrke PLUS a Panther stuffed animal
Highest Class Participation: The class that has the highest percentage of participation in the Primary Grades (K-2) and the Secondary Grades (3-5) will earn a Popcicles on the Playground Party!

Q: Cool! How do we participate?

A: There are four things students need to do to participate in the Read-A-Thon:

Set a reading goal.
Get at least one sponsor to pledge at least $10.
Read during the week of April 21 – 28th & fill out either a paper or online reading
Turn in your Money, Pledge Sheet, and Reading Log by Friday, May 3^rd, 2019.

Q. Wait – Did you say can we do this ONLINE now???

A: Yep! If you would rather donate online and/or fill out an online reading log rather than use a paper packet you can do that through our website. Just click the “Read-A-Thon” icon on http://spiritridge.org home page and there will be instructions on how to do it. The cool part is: students can enter their own reading minutes into their online reading log! It’s a pretty fun interface where they can earn badges for reading various amounts of time. Parents will need to log in and approve the number of minutes their students read.

Students Log Your Minutes Here

Parents Approve Reading Minutes Here

Q. Do I have go online to participate in the Read-A-Thon?

A: Nope! Everything you need to participate is in this paper packet.

Q. Can I do part of the Read-A-Thon online and part by paper?

A. Absolutely. It’s totally fine to donate online and fill out a paper reading log, or send in checks and a paper pledge form and do the online reading log, or do it all via paper, or all online. Whatever works for you. Just make sure you get everything turned in by May 3^rd, 2019.

Q: What counts as reading for this event?

Books
Magazines
Newspapers
Audiobooks
Materials in languages other than English
Online Reading (Raz-Kids, )

Parents reading to Kids
Kids reading to Parents
Spiritridge siblings or friends reading to each other counts for both kids – a win/win!
Your regular assigned reading from your teacher

Think of something that isn’t listed above? Here’s a rule of thumb: if your teacher or Ms. Rogers or Ms. Gehrke would consider it reading, then it is. :)

Q: Where can I find reading materials?

A: Here are a few suggestions:

The Spiritridge Librarians will allow all students to check out one extra book the week before the Read-A-Thon!
King County Library. While there are many branches, the one closest to Spiritridge is the Lake Hill branch, at 15590 Lake Hills Blvd
The Internet. Every student at Spiritridge has access to many reading databases – check with your teacher or the librarians if you cannot find your list of login/passwords.

Q: Where do students find sponsors?

A: Included in this packet is a sample letter that students can e-mail or read to friends, family, and neighbors requesting sponsorship. Students should NOT ask strangers – we want everyone to stay safe!

Q: I am concerned I won’t be able to find someone to pledge at least $10. Can I still participate and help my class earn a party?

A: Yes, you can! In addition to raising money to support our students’ education, the Spiritridge Read-A- Thon also focuses on setting goals, making reading a priority, and building community with our classmates. Because of that, participation is highly encouraged! If you think you will be unable to find a sponsor, the PTSA will find you a sponsor. Just tell your teacher you’ll need some help with this part, and your teacher will let the Read-A-Thon chair know.

Q: I have more questions. How do I get them answered?

A: You can email your questions to readathon@spiritridge.org We are happy to answer any question you have, so please don’t hesitate to ask.

GOOD LUCK PANTHERS!

READ! READ! READ!