The 2026 Read-a-thon will take place Saturday, February 21 – Friday, March 20!
What is a Read-a-thon?
The Read-a-thon is a month-long school-wide event in which TPES students read as much as they can, and raise funds for the school PTA. Like in a charity marathon, when runners are “sponsored” for every mile they run, students solicit sponsors for every minute they read.
It is the largest fundraiser of the year for the PTA and provides resources for TPES students, teachers and staff (such as classroom and playground supplies, library and classroom books, teacher appreciation events, school assemblies, field trips and more.)
It’s a fun event that gets children excited about reading!
Parent Letters (all sent home via Dolphin folder)
Reading & Minutes Log
Starting February 21, students should log minutes read. They should read as much as they can!
Encourage students to set a goal, and work to achieve it! Reading can occur at home or school. Listening to someone read (including audiobooks) counts.
Students should record minutes daily and at the end of each week, they should work with a grown-up to upload their minutes through the link below.
Can we reach out school-wide goal of 200,000 minutes? We’ll announce our school progress, as well as the “Minutes Club” status weekly! (Note: There are no weekly Minutes logs this year ; All minutes should be uploaded electronically)
Sponsorships & Pledge Sheet
Throughout the Read-a-thon, students can ask sponsors for support. Anyone (parent, grandparent, family friend, etc.) can sponsor a child. Each sponsor decides their own amount (i.e., 1 cent per minute read, $1 for each day read, or a flat amount for just doing their best! Every dollar counts.)
At the end of the event, a grown-up and child can work together to share their reading accomplishments with their sponsors and encourage donations.
- Pledge Sheet
- Donation flyers to share with sponsors
- Sponsors can sign up for Read-a-thon updates and reminders here
Fulfilling your sponsorship & supporting TPES
Are you ready to donate to support this great event and amazing school now? You don’t need to sponsor a child to donate to the PTA. Please find donation information below.
- Pay online (Preferred)
- Make a check payable to TPES PTA and put in the take-home folder or mail to TPES PTA at 7511 Holly Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
- Put cash in an envelope addressed to TPES PTA in the take-home folder
Please submit all donations for this year’s TPES Read-a-thon by April 13, 2026.
Your participation is crucial to the success of Read-a-thon. Thank you and happy reading!
The PTA Read-a-thon Committee Chair
Leslie Hamilton (leslie.jimison@gmail.com).
If you’d like to assist with Read-a-thon events, please reach out to Leslie!