This April, Simonds students will celebrate reading in two exciting ways: our school-wide read of Flora & Ulysses and our annual Read-A-Thon fundraiser.
Together, these events create a school-wide celebration of reading. Through One School, One Book, our community will share the adventure of the same story, while the Read-A-Thon encourages students to power up their reading, log their pages, and gather sponsors to support programs that benefit our school.
Kickoff for both events
Read, log pages and collect donations
Reading logs due to Mrs. James
Wildlife Encounters Assembly
Read-A-Thon Celebration assembly
A SCHOOL-WIDE CELEBRATION OF READING
This April, Simonds students will celebrate reading through two exciting programs happening at the same time—our annual Read-A-Thon fundraiser and our shared school-wide reading experience, Flora & Ulysses.
PTO FUNDRAISER
The Read-A-Thon is our annual PTO fundraiser that encourages students to read as much as they can during the event.
Students track the pages they read and ask friends and family to sponsor their efforts. Every page helps support PTO programs that benefit our school community.
At the end of the event, students will be recognized at a celebration assembly!
SCHOOL READING PROGRAM
Our entire school community will share the same story as we read Flora & Ulysses together.
Through this program, students, teachers, and families all follow the same reading journey, creating opportunities for discussion, activities, and a shared love of books.
It’s a fun way to bring our school together through the power of storytelling.
THIS YEAR’S THEME
Inspired by Flora & Ulysses, this year’s theme celebrates the special powers reading can unlock in every student—imagination, curiosity, courage, empathy, and a love of learning.
Family Information
Everything families need to know for a fun and successful week of reading, from setting goals to collecting sponsors and turning in donations.
In celebration of National School Library Month, all students at Simonds are asked to participate in the Read-A-Thon fundraiser! This is a fun and educational way to raise money for our school without selling overpriced merchandise. And the best part is that 100% of the donations go to our school. Rewards are given to students based on reading participation.
The Read-A-Thon reading days run a total of ten (10) days from Friday, April 10th, through Sunday, April 19th. The students will have some dedicated time during the school day to read as well.
Please work with your child to set a reading goal that is a bit challenging, yet attainable given his or her reading level and ability. If you have questions about what is appropriate, please contact your child’s teacher.
Be sure to record all your reading time throughout the week and get an adult to initial each time. Copy and use additional forms if necessary.
Students are encouraged to get as many donations from sponsors as they can starting on Friday, April 3rd. You can raise money for Simonds by having your sponsors pledge a flat amount for your reading efforts. Your friends and family can also donate online at www.simondspto.org For safety reasons, collect pledges only from people you know. Do not ask strangers!
Please return your completed Sponsor Form, Reading Log and all collected donations to the office by Monday, April 20th, 2026. Checks should be made payable to Simonds PTO. Donations can also be made securely online using PayPal at www.simondspto.org. Family and friends can include your name with their online donation so you’ll get credit for the sponsorship.
All students who read and turn in their reading log will receive a participation award. The top reader in each grade will get a special recognition. The top reader of the whole school will receive the Read-A-Thon Top Reader trophy!
Need more space to keep track of reading pages? Collecting more donations? Download extra reading logs or sponorship forms here!
10 – 20 minutes per day
15 – 20 minutes per day
20 – 30 minutes per day
25 – 35 minutes per day
30 – 45 minutes per day
30 – 60 minutes per day
Support a Reader
Friends and family can cheer on Simonds readers in a few different ways. Choose the option that works best for you and help support our school community through the Read-A-Thon.
You can sponsor a reader in person by sending cash or a check made payable to “Simonds PTO.” Students can record your contact information and donation amount on their sponsor form.
Please include your email address if you would like a receipt for your tax-deductible donation.
Friends and relatives near and far can support their favorite young readers by making a secure online donation. A receipt can be provided for your tax-deductible contribution.
Please include the name of the student in the notes section at checkout so they receive credit for the donation.
You can also mail your donation to the school directly. Please do not mail cash. Checks should be made payable to “Simonds PTO” and include the name of the student you are sponsoring in the memo line.