FAQs

What is Readathon?

A month-long reading celebration where students raise money for essential PTO programs and resources at Neil Cummins. 

What happens during Readathon month?

Students fundraise via their 99Pledges page and participate in reading activities including: mystery reader guests, bookmark competition + raffle, weekly prizes and Readathon day (January 29th), a day dedicated to reading, author visits and more!

Why Readathon?

Reading builds our brain! It strengthens our visual cortex and memory functions and slows down mental decline later in life.  It develops our imagination and logical thinking skills.

When is the Readathon? 

January 6 – February 3, 2025  click here for full Readathon 2025 schedule

When is Readathon Day?

January 29

Where does the money I raise go?

Neil Cummins PTO, which supports Neil Cummins elementary school ONLY.

  • Specific grade-level curriculum and student enrichment programs, such as Worldly-Wise, Writing Without Tears, Alan Scofield’s dance program, 5th grade planners, and magnetic word boards for Kindergarten.
  • Individual teacher classroom budgets to provide start up materials and classroom supplies.
  • School events (such as the Kindergarten Welcome Social, spirit assemblies, Fall Festival and Spring Social, Holiday Store, Variety Show, & 5th Grade Step-Up Ceremony)
  • Parent Education Events
  • Playground and physical education equipment
  • Recess Enrichment Classes and materials (Zentangle, Magic the Gathering Club, Sports, and Dance!)
  • Ecology and Campus Beautification & Hawks’ Garden (Green Team & conservation materials)
  • Garden curriculum with a Master Gardener
  • Campus projects (such as the Gaga Ball Pit and the Sensory Path, new signage around campus)
  • Staff Appreciation (welcome gifts, luncheons, birthday gift stipends)
What is the difference between Spark and Readathon? 

Our state and federal government only gives so much. All school fundraising is to help cover the gaps that are crucial to support the best academics, staff and facilities our students deserve.

Spark is a fundraiser that is district wide. Money raised for Spark is allocated evenly across Cove School, Neil Cummins and Hall Middle.

Readathon is a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) fundraiser that covers funding gaps for Neil Cummins only.

How do I order the author book to be signed on Readathon day? 

Click here for order details

Can I participate in corporate match?

Yes! Neil Cummins School Parent Teacher Organization (reg. 501(c)3 non-profit and our EIN Number 36-4781717

How can I help with the Readathon?

Support their fundraising efforts and encourage their participation in reading activities.

Missing a form or need a pledge sheet? New bookmark contest sheet? 

DONATIONS & 99PLEDGES

What is 99Pledges and why do we partner with them?

99Pledges is a website that helps many schools and community organizations to collect donations for their fundraising events. We like working with 99Pledges because it helps students reach a broader audience but removes the need for them to handle money. Students receive a custom link to their personal web page, which can be shared with friends and family to request donations.

What info does 99Pledges have about my student and what if I want to opt-out?

99Pledges will receive your child’s name, class, grade, and a family email address, but all information is confidential and will NOT be shared. There is a strict policy not to sell or distribute this information, or contact anyone beyond the scope of the Readathon. Cash donations collected are also entered and tracked online so we have a complete picture of the results of the event. Click here for more information about 99Pledges privacy policy.

What is the suggested donation amount?

While there is no suggested amount, we are hopeful that each student will do the best they can to raise as much money as they can for our school. Based on the $80,000 fundraising goal, we are hoping for each student to raise $175, or more.

Why is 99Pledges collecting a tip?

99Pledges offers their service to our school for free. To be able to maintain their platform for free to us, there is an optional donor tip. This tip goes to 99Pledges and is completely optional.

Can I customize my child’s participant page?

You can upload your child’s photo on the page!

Are my online payments secure?

Yes, the site is encrypted.  You should be able to see it at the top of the browser.  All traffic gets redirected from “http://” to “https://”, which encrypts it using SSL (same technology that banks use).

Is my donation tax-free?

Yes! The Neil Cummins PTO is a registered Section 501(c)3 nonprofit and donations qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. (Tax ID#36-4781717)

Can my child still collect donations the old-fashioned way? (Door-to-door)

Yes, but we prefer all donations to happen online. If your child does not have computer access or prefers to personally solicit donations, they will still have the traditional envelope option. Download and print our pledge sheet to begin cash or check collection. All donations due February 3, 2025.

My child lost his/her Readathon tote. Can I get a replacement?

Yes! Replacement totes are available for $10.  All money supports the Neil Cummins PTO. Contact ncreadathon@gmail.com for a replacement.

MORE INFORMATION

Who is on the Readathon team?

    • Natasha Chalmers-Dan, mom to Pippa (3rd) and Hannah (K)
    • Lisl Dupree, mom to Scott (3rd) and Quinn (K)
    • Ashley Eklund, mom to George (3rd), Susie (1st), and a preschooler
    • Stephanie Jackson, mom to Oliver (3rd), Serena (1st), and a preschooler
    • Anjuli Marotto, mom to Mia (3rd) and Tony (1st)
    • Allison Penning, mom to Blakely (1st) and a preschooler
    • Liz Pearce, mom to Hannah (5th), Emmy (3rd) and Katie (K)
    • Melanie Schier, mom to Emilia (K) and a preschooler
    • Anne-Marie Tasto, mom to Monica (3rd), Joe (2nd), and a preschooler

We feel fortunate to be working together for a great cause.

Additional questions?

Email the Readathon team! Our email address is ncreadathon@gmail.com.