Read-a-thon

Read-a-Thon FAQs

Read-a-Thon is an 11-day reading marathon that helps students make tremendous progress in their reading and comprehension ability while raising funds for Julia Green. During Read-a-Thon, students are challenged to read as many books as possible and record them in their school-provided reading logs. Family, friends, and local businesses can serve as event or corporate sponsors and can sponsor an individual student to encourage their reading efforts. This fundraiser supports Julia Green’s literacy specialist, classroom materials, and overall educational success.

What are the 2026 Read-a-Thon dates?

January 30 – February 9, 2026

My student came home with a booklet. What do I do with it?

Log books and be sure to return it to school on counting days

Kindergarteners: Use the “pages read” column. These may be pages from books read to them or books they read.

First - Fifth Graders: Use the “minutes read” column.

How do I make sure the books are “just right” for my child?

Books that challenge a student without frustrating them are considered on their reading level. If you are unsure or need suggestions, contact your teacher.

Where can I find additional books to read?

The library is a great resource for “just right” books. Plus, you get extra credits/minutes when you visit a library.

How does Read-a-Thon raise money for Julia Green?

Generous donations from corporate sponsors, host families, and individuals who believe in the power of reading provide funding for Julia Green’s literacy specialist, classroom materials, and Julia Green’s overall educational success. In fact, RAT raises more than one-third of the budget for Julia Green’s Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)!

How do I sign up to be a sponsor?

- Corporate Sponsors: Businesses can sponsor at the $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000 level. One $3,000 sponsor can also support the distribution of a book for the event. Visit the link above to donate.

- Event Sponsors: Families can sponsors at the $100, $250 and $500 level. Visit the link above to donate.

What does it mean to sponsor a student?

Sponsoring a student is a way to show your support! By signing a student’s sponsor list, you are helping to keep them accountable and motivated.

Do I have to donate to sponsor a student?

There is no financial commitment to sponsor a student. Sponsoring can include sharing a list of your favorite books or authors, helping them set a goal, or writing a note of encouragement.If you’d like to make a financial donation as part of your sponsorship, click here. Any amount is welcome. Every dollar supports our school!

Can I make an in-kind donation?

Yes! We welcome contributions for our student awards and prizes. Please contact JuliaGreenRAT@gmail.com.

Julia Green’s Parent Teacher Organization is designated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as tax-exempt, defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and, as such, contributions to Julia Green PTO are tax-deductible.

Are there prizes during Read-a-Thon?

Yes! There are three prize levels for every student:

Tier 1 (1-45 credits or 15-450 minutes)
Tier 2 (46-75 credits or 451-750 minutes)
Tier 3 (76+ credits or 751+ minutes)

Students will receive a designated prize for each level they achieve.

How do students know if they won a prize?

The reading room parent (RRP) will calculate credits on counting days. When students hit a new level, they will qualify for a prize.

When are the counting days?

February 4th and February 10th!

Are there prizes for additional achievements?

The 2026 Read-a-Thon is a true celebration of READING! Helping students improve their reading and comprehension and discover new books is a reward in itself. Of course, a little friendly competition never hurts. This year, awards will be given for: Top class per grade + teachers (6 winning classes), Top reader for each grade (6 winners). Additionally, the top class in the school will win a party of their choice! These schoolwide awards will be announced at the closing ceremony. There will also be fun incentives along the way to keep students going and to celebrate a job well done.

Are there opportunities for extra credits?

Students can earn five bonus credits or 50 bonus minutes for completing each of the following activities (up to 30 bonus credits/300 bonus minutes total). Completion is on the student’s honor and can be noted in the RAT booklet:Find at least 5 individual sponsors. Sponsorship does not require a donation. Attend Parnassus Day on Feb 1. Read at least one [1] book on the recommended teacher list (see RAT booklet). If students read more than one book from this list, they can simply log them for credits/minutes! Write a Thank-you note to a guest reader, a sponsor, a teacher, or anyone who encourages a student to read. Complete the reading comprehension questions in the RAT booklet. Visit a library during RAT.

Can parents/adults participate in Read-a-Thon?

The best way to contribute to Read-a-Thon is to encourage your child’s reading at home! If you are able, making a donation can help strengthen Julia Green’s educational success.

Can I come to school to read?

To keep this event focused on reading without disrupting regular classwork, classroom readers will be welcomed at the teacher’s discretion. Be on the lookout for communication from your Reading Room Parent to sign up! Julia Green will also welcome a few Nashville stars to share in the reading celebration during the week.

How can I volunteer to help with Read-a-Thon?

Read-a-Thon is a significant undertaking and we greatly appreciate the support of our volunteer community. If you’d like to help with next year’s Read-a-Thon, please contact the PTO or JuliaGreenRAT@gmail.com.

I have more questions. Who do I ask?

Your reading room parent(s) is your designated Read-a-Thon liaison. If you have general questions about the event, please contact JuliaGreenRAT@gmail.com.