WE CAN DO IT!

What is Day Of Reading and How Does It Work?

What is Day of Reading?

Day of Reading 2026 launches on Monday, February 2 with a fun parade and rally, and culminates on Friday, February 13 when Oak Grove students celebrate by coming to school in pajamas, bringing a favorite stuffed toy, and sharing a treasured book or two. The day is spent exploring the magic of words, stories, and pictures.

Connecting with Extended Family & Friends

Day of Reading is an opportunity for our students to raise money to support their school. Students ask their aunts, uncles, grandparents, family friends, and neighbors to sponsor them to read (or be read to) on the Day of Reading. Students explain that they are raising money for classroom teaching tools, with 20% of proceeds going to a local nonprofit. Support can be given online or directly using the citrus yellow envelopes students take home.

What Does Fundraising Support?

Funding Teaching Tools

Teaching Tools is a fund that directly supports students and teachers by fulfilling special classroom requests for one-time asks. Examples include expanding classroom libraries, new cameras for Photography classes, playground equipment, gardening supplies, classroom technology, and special field trips.

20% to a Local Nonprofit

Students also voted to donate 20% of all funds raised to The Ojai Raptor Center (ORC), a local nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and education of raptors, while inspiring children and families in the Ojai Valley to connect with wildlife and nature. Oak Grove students value ORC’s hands-on educational programs and are proud to support its important work in our community.

How it Works

Fundraising officially begins on Tuesday, February 2, and continues until Friday, February 13. Students (and parenting-adults) can gather sponsors in two ways:

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

DONATE HERE:  oakgroveschool.org/reading/

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 (top of page) about Day of Reading
  • 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 special message for you.

Dear Grandma,

Hi! How are you? I hope your knee is feeling better.

I’m writing to ask if you would please sponsor me for my school’s Day of Reading on February 13th. We are raising funds to buy new teaching tools and supplies to help students at my school. We also voted to give 20% of the money to The Ojai Raptor Center (ORC), which helps rescue and take care of birds like Lucky the Hawk and teaches people about wildlife.

Day of Reading is a big student fundraiser we have once a year at Oak Grove School, so it would mean a lot to me if you could help. If you want to support me, you can click on the link below.  It’s really quick and easy! You choose my grade (I’m in 6th grade now), see my class photo, and after you donate there’s a spot where you can leave me a message!

Go to: oakgroveschool.org/day-of-reading

Thanks so much, I love you!!
Max

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