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Parents and Students Get Help Here

Day of Reading
OUR ANNUAL STUDENT FUNDRAISER
Day of Reading 2024 launches on Wednesday, January 31, and culminates on Friday, February 16 when Oak Grove students come to school in their pajamas, along with a favorite stuffed toy and a treasured book or two. The day is spent exploring the magic of words and pictures.

DONATE HERE:  oakgroveschool.org/reading/

WHEN
On Wednesday, February 16, all Oak Grove students, faculty, staff, and participating parenting-aduts come to school in their jammies, along with a favorite stuffed toy and a treasured book for a day spent exploring the magic of words and pictures. Before then, each of our students is asked to request that their aunts, uncles, grandparents, family friends, and neighbors sponsor them to read (or be read to).

HOW
Fundraising officially began on Wednesday, January 31, and continues until February 16. Students (and parenting-adults) get sponsors in two ways:

  1. The sponsorship webpage: oakgroveschool.org/reading/
    Click on a students grade level and fill out the form
  2. Directly, with one-on-one requests (like we did with candy sales or walkathons when we were kids). Each student will be given a blue-colored sponsorship envelope after the Day of Reading Launch.

WHAT
Day of Reading is an opportunity for our students to raise money to support their school. In the past, our students have purchased many needed items through this annual fundraiser including: STEAM tools for classrooms, instruments for the music programs, art patios, new playground equipment, water fountains, stone Pavilion seating, and much, much more.

This year’s Day of Reading goals
This year, students will raise funds for teaching tools and voted to give 20% of funds to Ojai Valley Family Shelter, a local organization providing advocacy for homeless persons and families in the Ojai Valley area of Ventura County, California. During our four month winter season, they provide a safe, restful and clean environment in which to spend the night. Volunteers provide guests with a hot meal, warm shower and clean sleeping space in the evening and a good breakfast the next morning. Ojai Family Shelter relies on donations and our support through Day of Reading will help to fund their mission.

Day of Reading Email Appeal Suggestions

  • Have the text or email be from your student (in first person) if possible
  • Use humor to make it fun
  • Video your child speaking, singing, dancing their request
  • Include a photo or art (of the student’s) in the letter
  • Include the information that we are supporting — Teaching Tools — a fund that directly supports students and teachers by fulfilling special classroom requests for one-time asks. Teaching Tools has helped expand classroom libraries, add new cameras for Photography classes, and sponsor special field trips to name just a few projects our students have benefited from. Students also voted to give 20% of funds to Ojai Valley Family Shelter, a local organization providing advocacy for families and individuals who are unhoused in the Ojai Valley.
  • Remind donors they can use a credit card through our website
  • Remind donors to direct funds to the student’s name and grade
  • Include your student/child’s name in the subject line, so it catches the eye of the receiver

Example of 6th grade email appeal …

Subject: Max has a message for you.

Dear Grandma,

Please sponsor me to read at my school’s Day of Reading on February 16th. We are raising funds to purchase new teaching tools and supplies. We also voted to give 20% of funds to Ojai Valley Family Shelter, a local organization providing advocacy for families and individuals who are unhoused in the Ojai Valley area of Ventura County, California. Day of Reading is a significant student fundraiser we have each year at Oak Grove School, so your donation really means a lot. Won’t you please click on the link below to learn more and make a credit card donation today?  Don’t forget to select my grade (I’m in 5th grade now), so you can see my class photo!

Go to: oakgroveschool.org/reading

Thanks so much, I love you!!
Max

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