The first read-a-thon began at California Elementary with the students encouraged to read at home.
The students observed "Read-In Day" March 10 as a "Pajama Day" symbolizing reading at home.
The challenge is to promote literacy and a positive education culture.
Literacy is considered important enough to merit a section in the Revised Missouri Statutes.
According to statute 9.137: "The second Friday in March shall be set apart and designated as 'Missouri School Read-In Day.' It is recommended to the people of the state that the day be appropriately observed through activities that will bring about an increased awareness of the importance and benefits of reading and encourage greater emphasis on reading, both in the school and in the home. Missouri school read-in day recognizes that reading proficiency is a major factor in determining a child's success in school, regardless of the socioeconomic status, race, ethnic background, or educational level of the child and the child's family."
According to California Elementary School Principal Gary Baker, this recognizes reading as a major factor in determining a student's success in school. The Pajama Day was to help kick-off Read At Home.
Students are encouraged to find sponsors and keep a reading log.
For every $50 of sponsorship and/or 180 minutes of reading, a student will receive a small piece of duct tape.
On March 31, the students will be able to use their duct tape pieces to "stick the principal and assistant principal to the wall."
In addition, the top four in each category will each be able to throw a pie at the taped-up administrators.