READATHON 2015 “Quality for Quantity” “Quality for Quantity”

The Readathon this year is quite different to last year. There are some BIG changes. So please read the information carefully!

Introduction In January 2015, Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School and the Neilson Hays Library (the NHL) will be holding a Readathon to promote literacy across the whole school, and to raise money for the NHL and 4 new carefully student-selected charities, one chosen for each House. The NHL will take 20% of each house’s earnings and the other charities will receive the remaining 80%. Read on to find out more about the charities the students have chosen! This year, we have changed the categories and prizes so that each student will be able to challenge themselves through their interests in different ways. This is to achieve our goal of Readathon “Quality for Quantity”. We expect our students to gain as much from this event personally as possible and to provide financial aid for our community.

Introduction Our Readathon is a reading marathon where children are encouraged to find sponsors who will agree to pay them a certain amount of money for every book, (or amount of pages) they read. We hope that each child will be sponsored by many family members and friends during this programme. At the end of the Readathon, all the money collected goes to well deserving causes. For your information, we raised an astounding THB 571,700 last year! We are excited to see how we do this year as well as to ensure the “Quality” of the students’ reading.

Activities and Important Dates Readathon Launch AssembliesJanuary 5 Collect SponsorsDec. 1 - Jan. 9 Reading Officially Starts (KS4-5 have permission to begin early) January 5 Reading Officially StopsJanuary 30 Collect Donations from SponsorsJan Feb. 6 All Donations, Sponsor Lists, Book Reviews & Reading Logs Due February 6 Readathon Prize AssembliesFebruary 27 It is expected that all students will participate. Even one book and one sponsor can add to the efforts of joining the programme and the value of reading. Please help your child to read in their unique and appropriate range. Teachers and parents are asked to help guide these choices, and help them log their reading and book reviews.

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement! Warm wishes, The Readathon Team

READATHON 2015 “Quality for Quantity” FOUR STEPS

FOUR STEPS

The Prizes will be based on the highest amount of reading. Winners will receive gift certificates to buy books of their personal choice to explore more of their favorite authors, titles, or genres!

* The class that raises the most money in all of Primary School will receive a book bundle for their classroom library. * In Secondary, Points go to the House that raises the most money for their charity. 1st Place = 60, 2nd Place = 45, 3rd Place = 30, 4th place = 15

General Readathon Rules All students must check in at least twice a week for the charts. Students who do not check in will be disqualified from their category. 1 Book = 1 sticker. Pages will be recorded on each sticker. Sponsors will not have to pay for books where reviews have not been written. You are to show them your reviews if they ask. Teachers within Upper and Lower Primary agree on nuances of how the count will be collected at the end to ensure students are reading for quality and fairness.

Introduction to the Charities The charities this year were carefully researched and chosen by the Community Service Student team in Secondary School. They researched and chose charities that ranged across local, regional, national and international groups- to be able to understand the need to give help to worthy projects as personal as our neighbors and as vast as respected worldwide charities. We thank the Community Service Team Students for their hard work and thoughtful selection for this event!

Introduction to the Charities The Neilson Hays Library (The NHL): Local Expat Charity The NHL is the largest English-language library and the oldest non-profit organisation in Thailand. Founded in 1869, this historical library is actively run completely by volunteers, and depends entirely on patron subscriptions and fundraising for its survival. The Bangkok Prep Readathon donations have gone specifically to repairing the roof and refurbishing the teak floors in the last two years!

Ursus/ Bears: Local Thai Charity- Baan Kru Noi Baan Kru Noi supports children in live in slum areas to provide them with an education and opportunities. They Help over 800 underprivileged children, many whom have parents who are imprisoned, or have abandoned them by providing them home, education and guidance. As their computer skills are minimal, they do not have an official website, but can be found through internet search from different forums. Introduction to the Charities

Sabre/ Tigers: Regional Charity- Camillian Home The Camillian Home works with children living with disabilities, HIV/AIDS, or have been orphaned or abandoned. Designed to give specialized care in a family atmosphere they encourage and develop the capability of each child, regardless of the severity of their condition. Children are stimulated mentally and physically with a competent staff who are dedicated to caring for the children and educating others about advocacy for special need children. Introduction to the Charities

Surus/ Elephants: National Charity- Bring the Elephant Home The Asian elephant, a keystone species, is threatened with extinction as deforestation has destroyed much of its habitat, food supply and migration routes. Over the last three generations, a population decline of at least 50% has been estimated with a current population of less than 40,000 wild elephants. Bring the Elephant Home restores natural habitat, finds solutions to mitigate human-elephant conflicts and stimulates elephant friendly eco-tourism. Introduction to the Charities

Panthera/ Lions: International Charity- UNICEF Specific Projects on basic education and gender equality In over 190 countries around the world UNICEF does whatever it takes to reach the world's most vulnerable children. They are saving lives, protecting childhoods and getting children to school. They constantly monitor the situation of children worldwide and act rapidly when an emergency strikes. UNICEF helps children have better lives today; and also works with governments and partners to change laws and policies for future generations of children. Introduction to the Charities