An Annual Celebration of Reading
Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy’s annual Read-a-thon to our biggest celebration of reading of the year! For 8 days in the spring, Harvey Milk students will read, set goals, and share their love of books with the whole community.
Dates: Spring 2025-26
The Read-a-thon is:
- A Celebration of Reading — All reading counts! Books, comics, bedtime stories, audiobooks, reading for school, or reading just for fun.
- A Fundraiser (Optional!) — Friends and family can sponsor your reading to help raise money for our school. Donations are welcome but never required to participate.
- A Goal-Setting Challenge — Students set their own reading goals, and everyone who meets or beats their goal will receive special recognition.
How to Participate
- Get Sponsors (Optional) – Encourage family and friends to donate based on how much you read or as a celebration of reaching your goal.
- Set Your Goal — Think about how many minutes you want to read over 8 days.
- Read Every Day — Choose books, comics, or anything you enjoy.
- Log Your Minutes — Record what you’ve read each day.
- Submit Your Log – Don’t forget to submit your log by the end of the Read-a-thon to get credit for your reading.
- Celebrate and Donate — Be proud of your progress and join us at the recognition celebration. Remember to follow up with your sponsors (if you chose to have any) and let them know about your reading milestone.
Sponsor a Reader
The Read-a-thon is also one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. Encourage family and friends to sponsor your reading! Every dollar raised goes directly back into enrichment programs, field trips, supplies, and more at Harvey Milk.
We have a handy toolkit with information on how to encourage your friends and family to support your student’s goals: Get the toolkit
Do I need to fundraise to participate?
Not at all! Fundraising is optional. Every student is encouraged to read and celebrate.
Find Something to Read
Looking for inspiration? Try these ideas:
- Visit the school or public library for new favorites.
- Explore e-books or audiobooks.
- Trade books with a friend.
- Graphic novels and magazines count too!
Check out these free online reading resources available through your student’s Clever badge (reach out to your teacher if you’ve lost your Clever QR code):
Set a Goal & Register It
Every student will set a reading goal, and all students who meet or beat their goal will be celebrated.
6 Secrets to Successful Goal-Setting (from Education World)
- Write clear and measurable goals.
- Create a specific action plan for each goal.
- Read your goals daily and imagine yourself accomplishing them.
- Reflect on your progress to see if you’re on target.
- Revise your action plan if needed.
- Celebrate your accomplishments! 🎉
Goal Suggestions
- ALL reading counts: books, comics, audiobooks, or being read to by an adult.
- Reading in class and outside of class all adds up.
- Choose a goal that’s realistic but also a little challenging—you’ll feel proud when you hit it!
Below are suggested reading goals by grade, but every student’s journey is unique.
Register a Goal
Once your student has picked their goal, don’t forget to get it registered.
Log Reading Minutes
Keeping track of reading time is simple—choose the method that works best for your family!
How to Log Minutes
- Online form – Submit minutes daily (students can also do this themselves).
- Digital log – Track minutes throughout Read-a-thon and submit at the end.
- Paper handout – Use the minute-tracker form sent home. Extra copies are available in the library or from your student’s teacher.
How to Submit a Log
- Online form – If you/your student logged minutes daily, you’re all set—no extra step needed!
- Digital log – Email a completed log to readathon@harveymilkpfc.org.
- Paper handout – Return to your teacher by the last day of the Read-a-thon, or take a clear photo and email it to readathon@harveymilkpfc.org by the following Wednesday.
⚠️ All reading logs must be submitted by the following Wednesday to count!
Have questions? Email us at readathon@harveymilkpfc.org.
Follow Up with Your Sponsors
At the end of Read-a-thon, if your student chose to fundraise, be sure to thank their sponsors and remind them to make their donations.
Donations can be submitted securely by credit or debit card at our donation page, or via PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Cash.
Keep Reading, Keep Growing
The Read-a-thon is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of stories, imagination, and the joy of learning. Every page turned brings our students closer to their goals and strengthens our school community. Happy reading!