Read Around The Universe

Q: What is the Read-A-Thon?

A: This is a fun reading and fund-raising event to support our school. All funds raised will be used to continue to bring excellent enrichment programs for students. 

Q: What are the dates for the Read-A-Thon?

A: The event runs from March 2 - March 17

Q: How does the Read-A-Thon Work?

A: Here are the simple steps. More details about each of the steps in the FAQ’s below.

• Find good books to read and a cozy corner to read them. 

• Share an email with family and friends about how they can support you and Stocklmeir. 

• Keep track of your daily reading minutes. You may make a copy of this reading log to log minutes or write on paper and calculate total minutes read. A maximum of 20 minutes each day during school hours may be counted.  Note: students cannot access the reading log from their cusdk8.org accounts. An account with an email must be used.

• At the end of the 2 weeks, enter your total minutes read via a Google Form. 

• During the course of the Read-A-Thon, feel free to tell us about what you are reading, upload images of books, drawings, etc. via the school-wide padlet link.  Please make sure you do not enter your full names, classroom numbers or your photos while updating the padlet. 

Q: What counts for reading? 

A: Any exposure to reading counts! However, you may only count a maximum of 20 minutes each day during school hours. This can include when you read by yourself, when someone reads with you, when someone reads out loud to you, when you read on the computer or a device, and when you read on RazKids, EPIC or any online platform! 

Q: How do I keep track of minutes each day? 

A: You can track your minutes on paper, or use the online Reading Log. In order to edit the log, parents can make a copy and save it with your name. It will be saved to the Google Drive (drive.google.com) of the account that saved the copy. Note: students cannot access the reading log from their cusdk8.org accounts. An account with an email must be used. At the bottom of the screen if it says "You are logged in as studentnumber@cusdk8.org" click on that which brings you to "Choose an account to use with Google Drive". After choosing your own account, it will allow you to Copy the reading log to your own drive.google.com. Once you have a personal copy, use it to record the total minutes of reading for each day. Find your copy again by typing "drive.google.com" in a Google search. Please do not request access to the Reading Log for the student account. We are unable to grant access and can't even email you to let you know because the student accounts have no email associated with it and have no drive to store the reading log. At the end of the day on March 17th, just fill in the Google Form to enter your total minutes read over the 2 weeks. 

Q: What information can I share with my friends and family? 

A: You can copy the message below and send it to your families and friends via email.

Hello ( name of person),

My school, Stocklmeir Elementary, is conducting a fun Read-A-Thon event from March 2 - 17 during which I look forward to reading a lot of great books while striving to meet my grade level reading goals. 

It is also a fundraising event, and all the money raised will be used to bring wonderful programs to all the students including Art and Music, Assemblies and STEM fair, fund classroom supplies, emergency planning and so much more. I hope you will consider supporting me and my school with any donation. You can donate online by clicking here. Please enter my name and classroom number so I can get credit for the donation. Your donation is tax deductible as well. I look forward to your support and thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

( Student Name), Classroom #( your classroom number)

Q: Do I have to donate money or find sponsors in order to participate in the Read-A-Thon? 

A: No, donations are not required in order for students to participate in the Read-A-Thon. However, since we are trying to raise money to sustain our PTA programs at Stocklmeir, we are hoping that you will consider donating toward this cause! Any amount helps and is appreciated.

Q: How do I turn in donations? 

A: There are two ways you have your friends and family donate:

• • Online: Donations may be made online through Konstella. This is a public link that students and their families can share with anyone - making it easy to donate. All donations are tax-deductible. Please remind everyone to include your name and classroom number so we can ensure that you receive credit for the donation. 

  • Cash/Check: Students may also collect cash or check donations. If they do, we request that they bring or mail a check for the final amount (made to “Stocklmeir PTA”) to the school office at 592 Dunholme Way, Sunnyvale, CA 94087. 

Q: Are there prizes for the Read-A-Thon?

A: Yes! Every participant will receive a prize for participating. In addition, we have exciting prizes for:

• Students who have read the most at each grade level and in each classroom

• Students who donate $25, $50, $75, $150, $250, $350 and more

• All participants who submit a Google Form with total number of minutes read for the two week period. The participation prize for the first 500 who submit their minutes on March 17 and received donations will receive an ice cream cone award provided by Baskin Robbins M.V.

Q: What does my child need to do to participate in the Read-A-Thon?

A: Keep track of the time he or she spends reading on the Read-A-Thon and solicit donations. While it is not a requirement for participation, we encourage your child to solicit donations for their reading.

Q: My child cannot yet read on his or her own, can my child still participate?

A: Yes! Parents, guardians, siblings and other family members may read aloud to or along with your child. This reading time counts towards minutes read.

Q: Do I need special forms for the Read-A-Thon?

A: At the end of the Read-A-Thon, you must enter your total hours on the Google Form. If you missed the deadline to enter the total minutes, you can still enter them but do it ASAP. Late entries past deadlines are not eligible for the overall and class prizes but will receive the participation prize. Also feel free to use the Read-A-Thon Reading Log to track minutes read.

Q: Whom should my child ask to be a sponsor?

A: Sponsors can be parents, relatives, neighbors -- anyone who has a connection to your child, would like to support his or her reading, and would like to support our school.

Q: How much money should a sponsor donate?

A: That is up to the sponsor. Sponsors can give a flat donation, or sponsor the child for meeting daily minimum minutes read. We are hoping that each child can set a goal of $25 or more. We can reach our goal if every student set and reached their goal of $25.

Q: Why do we need to raise funds?

A: The Stocklmeir PTA sponsors over 25 programs and activities for Stocklmeir Elementary including Running Club, STEM Fair, assemblies, Project Cornerstone, library books, technology, classroom supplies and more.  This is our biggest fundraiser.  All donations made are tax-deductible.

Q: How much did past Read-A-Thons raise?

A: 

• In 2018, the Read-A-Thon raised $34,116.57

• In 2019, the Read-A-Thon raised $35,630.96 

• In 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic we went to online learning.  There was no Read-A-Thon.

• In 2021, the Read-A-Thon raised $13,751.77

• In 2022, the Read-A-Thon raised $11,523.73 

• In 2023, the Read-A-Thon raised $22,295.00

Q: How much did each grade raise in 2023?

• Pre-K   $692

• Kindergarten $3,188

• K-1st Grade $2,232

• 1st Grade $3,305

• 2nd Grade $3,680

• 3rd Grade $5,537

• 4th Grade $1,701

• 5th Grade $1,960

• Total       $22,295

Q: Where can I find resources for books for my child to read?

A: 

• Spelling Bee book recommendations by grade level for folks interested in spelling bee later this year https://spellingbee.com/book-list

• Great Book lists https://sccld.org/explore/?post-type=staff-list&audience=school-age-kids&tag=graded-reading

• Book finder for different reading levels https://www.arbookfind.com/

• Book Reviews - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews

• https://www.rallytoread.org/

Q: How else can I encourage my child to read?

A: Sunnyvale Public Library is doing a Reading program for 6 weeks - starting Saturday, 3/4/23 - If kids read 5 books cover to cover - they get an In-N-Out Burger certificate (can get up to 3) https://www.library.sunnyvale.ca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/2058/74?curm=3&cury=2023

Q: Who can I contact if I have questions?

A: If you have any questions, please email readathon@stocklmeirpta.org.