MS Read-A-Thon Handbook - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

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MSREADATHON.CA
HANDBOOK
2010-2011

WElCOME
Welcome to the MS Read-
A-Thon! Whether this
is an annual event at
your school or your
first time participating,
you will quickly
see how great this
program is! It unites
students as they read
and fundraise to make a
difference in the lives of people
living with MS – people like me.
Amanda Piron,
National MS Read-A-
Thon Guest Speaker
At 17 years old I was diagnosed with relapsingremitting
multiple sclerosis. When I learned
about the MS Read-A-Thon and how I could
Happy Reading!
ABOuT THE MulTiplE SClEROSiS SOCiETy Of CANADA
The MS Society of Canada is the only national
voluntary organization in Canada that supports
both MS research and services for people
with MS and their families. Since our founding
in 1948, the core support of the MS Society
has been from tens of thousands of dedicated
individuals, companies and foundations in
communities across Canada.
2 MS READ-A-THON
share my story with students, I jumped on
board. As an MS Read-A-Thon Guest Speaker,
I get the opportunity to visit schools, tell them
about my experience with MS and hopefully
inspire them to help!
The number of Canadians living with MS
continues to increase every day and young
people like myself are being diagnosed more
and more. By fundraising for the MS Read-A-
Thon you are making a difference in the lives of
people living with MS.
I hope that as you participate in this program
you never forget how thankful we are.
The MS Society’s net revenue is devoted to
program areas such as MS research, services
for people with MS and their families, MS clinics,
social action, public education and chapter
development. For more information, visit
mssociety.ca.
MiSSiON STATEMENT
to be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and
enabling people affected by MS to enhance
their quality of life.

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mSreadathoN.cA
HANDBOOK
2010-2011
ABOuT THiS HANDBOOK
This handbook contains everything you need to know about hosting the
MS Read-A-Thon or MS Read & Walk at your school! It has information
on all aspects of the program, sample materials, fundraising tips and,
ways to engage teachers and students to participate and to end MS.
In order to provide you with the most current program information, please
ensure we have your school's most up to date information. Contact our
office at 250-314-0773 or toll free 1-888-304-6622 or email
info.kamloops@mssociety.ca.
WHAT iS MulTiplE SClEROSiS?
● MS is the most common disease of the
central nervous system among young
adults in Canada.
● The disease affects an estimated 55,000
to 75,000 Canadians, with three more
people diagnosed each day.
● Symptoms can include vision and speech
problems, extreme fatigue, lack of
balance and coordination, and even
paralysis.
● MS is most commonly diagnosed between
the ages of 15 and 40, but can
occur at any age. Children as young as
three have been diagnosed with the
disease.
● Canada has one of the highest rates of
MS in the world, but Canada is also a
leader in MS research.
How do we explain MS
to kids? Find out online
at msreadathon.ca.
“I have been involved with running
the MS Read-A-Thon for almost 15
years, in 3 different schools, and I think
it is one of the best programs for the
students.
Not only do they learn about MS and
how to help others in our community,
but they are also very motivated to
read as much as they can. Even our
reluctant readers seem to enjoy the
challenge as they are able to choose
their reading material. As a school,
we have focused on setting classroom
goals, as well as a school wide goal
for the number of minutes read. The
kids love it!
The program is very easy to organize.
I feel it is an extremely worthwhile
fundraiser that fits with curriculum
and is fun too!
Cathy Garrard, Teacher,
Adrienne Clarkson Elementary
School (Ontario)
HANDBOOK 2010-2011
3

OuR pROGRAMS
We are pleased to offer two program choices through the Kamloops and Area Chapter office:
the MS Read-A-Thon and the new MS Read & Walk. Both programs are FUN for students and
EASY for teachers to organize! They also motivate children to read and promote school spirit.
In addition, they allow students to make a difference in the lives of people affected by Multiple
Sclerosis. Schools can choose any time of the year to participate - Fall Winter or Spring.
WHAT iS THE MS READ & WAlK?
The MS Read & Walk is a new 1 day event, where the school
determines the distance the students will walk/run and the amount
of time the students will read that same day. Students can collect
pledges or donations for this event and receive awards based on
their fundraising amounts. This event combines physical education,
literacy, as well as character education and philanthropy.
DiD yOu KNOW?
Some of our materials
are available in French!
Contact us for more
information.
4 MS READ-A-THON
WHAT iS THE MS READ-A-THON?
The MS Read-A-Thon is our traditional program where students
read for 2-3 weeks and receive awards based on their reading and
fundraising amounts. This program is designed to motivate students
to read as well as raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis.
GETTiNG STARTED
First, choose a program and a start time (Fall, Winter or Spring). Then contact
Leanne Fisher at the Kamloops and Area Chapter office to register.
Phone: 250-314-0773
Toll free: 1-888-304-6622.
Email: leanne.fisher@mssociety.ca
NEED MORE
iNfORMATiON fOR
STAff?
Invite a representative from the
MS Society to speak at a staff
meeting!

Officially launch the MS Read-A-Thon or MS
Read & Walk to increase excitement at your
school! Whether a representative from the MS
Society of Canada will be visiting your school
or if you or a member of your staff will be
conducting the Kick-Off Assembly it is a great
opportunity to teach students about giving back
to their community.
Your MS Read-A-Thon Coordinator will work
with you to arrange the best Kick-Off Assembly
format for your school.
KiCK-Off ASSEMBly fORMATS
Society Hosted – An MS Society
representative will conduct a presentation at
your school
School Hosted – A self-directed presentation
by someone from your school
SOCiETy HOSTED
KiCK-Off ASSEMBly
● A representative from the MS Society will
visit your school for the Kick-Off Assembly.
● Your coordinator will contact you a few
weeks before to confirm the date, time and
details.
● On the day of the presentation, we will bring
everything you need to run the program,
including student pledge envelopes,
collection envelopes for the teachers, and
posters to put up around the school.
● During the assembly, the MS Society
presenter will explain what multiple
sclerosis is, the importance of reading, the
value of fundraising for a cause, and how
the MS Read-A-Thon or MS Read & Walk is
going to work.
5 MS READ-A-THON
KiCK-Off ASSEMBly
SCHOOl HOSTED KiCK-Off
ASSEMBly
You or a member of your staff will be running
the Kick-Off Assembly for your school’s
MS Read-A-Thon or MS Read & Walk this
year.
Your coordinator will provide you with all of
the materials you will need for a successful
Kick-Off Assembly.
To assist with the Assembly we will send you:
● A guide to hosting your own Kick-Off
Assembly and a script to accompany the
Kick-Off Assembly.
If you are interested in additional tools
to incorporate into the assembly visit
msreadathon.ca to find:
● Activities to help teach students about
multiple sclerosis
● Videos and tools to accompany the
presentation
This format allows you the flexibility to set
your own dates for the program.
Once you have booked your MS Read-A-Thon
start and end dates you will receive all of the
material needed to run the program.
We will send you student pledge envelopes,
collection envelopes for the teachers, and
posters to put up around the school.
HANDBOOK 2010-2011
5

ENHANCiNG yOuR pROGRAM
GuEST SpEAKERS
Courtesy of The Mississauga News
We are lucky to have the help and support
of volunteer guest speakers at the Kick-Off
Assembly. During the assembly, they will
speak for 5-10 minutes about their own
experience with MS. Their involvement
adds a personal impact to the message as
guest speakers may have MS themselves,
or have a connection through a family
member. They can answer questions from
students and teachers and they bring a face
to the disease.
Contact your MS Read-A-Thon Coordinator
to arrange a guest speaker for your Kick-
Off Assembly.
6 MS READ-A-THON
ACTiViTiES
Track funds raised and minutes/hours read
as a way to motivate students and staff while
highlighting the benefits of participating in the
MS Read-A-Thon. Use these ideas in addition
to requesting donations! Some ideas for
activities to enhance your MS Read-A-Thon
are:
● Post and use the MS hourglass in
classrooms or around your school
(available at msreadathon.ca - Teachers
section)
● Host a classroom race to 1,000 minutes
read
● Reward the TOP fundraising class with an
ice cream or a pizza party!
● Challenge students to ‘Beat the Librarian’ in
minutes read
● Host a ‘Toonie Drive’ for a movie afternoon
or dance
● ‘Pie the Principal’ if your school raises more
than last year
● Create teams or reading buddies for a
‘Reading Boot Camp’
● Wear RED on designated days during the
reading period to support MS
● Organize a one day reading and raising
BLITZ with activities, games and prizes
● Contact your Coordinator or visit
msreadathon.ca for more creative ideas!
The more you read,
the more you raise,
the more you help!
HANDBOOK 2010-2011
6

awardS
If you have selected the Individual Awards option for your
school, you will be receiving the student pledge envelope
$1000+ ❏
shown here. Students who raise $20 or more will be eligible ❏
to receive an award.
MS
SupER
STAR
7 MS READ-A-THON
Make your fundraising dollars
go even further! Students can
choose to be an MS Superstar
and donate their prize back to
the MS Society of Canada.
Prize posters will be delivered to
your school with all materials.
KiDS
lOVE
AWARDS!
A REMiNDER!
Teachers do not need to count any
money for either of our programs.
Total your pledges and choose your award.
Digital Camera OR
$100 Chapters-Indigo Gift Card
$500-$999.99 ❏ iPod Shuffle OR
❏ $50 Chapters-Indigo Gift Card
$250-$499.99 ❏ iHome Speakers OR
❏ $25 Chapters-Indigo Gift Card
$100-$249.99 ❏ Crayola Twistables OR
❏ $10 Chapters-Indigo Gift Card
$75-$99.99 ❏ Beat the Parents Board Game OR
❏ Headlamp Booklight OR
❏ Crayola Presto Dots Multi-Pack
$50-$74.99 ❏ H O Bottle OR
2
❏ Crayola Model Magic - 6 Pack
$35-$49.99 ❏ Lunch Bag OR
❏ Crayola Scentsations
$25-$34.99 ❏ Pencil Case
❏ I want to help even more! Instead
of sending me an award, please
donate it back to the MS Society
Note: The MS Society reserves the right to substitute awards
of equal or greater value. Awards are not cumulative.
Grades k-3 (400 minutes or more)
Grades 4 extra and up special (1000 minutes effort! or more)
Through hard work and devotion, Jessica became
Canada’s top MS Read-A-Thon fundraiser in 2009
raising over $4,000. Motivated by her mother’s
diagnosis of MS, Jessica remains positive and
determined to make a difference.
AWARDS
Jessica Sanftleben, Student
JOIN THE MINUTES CLUB
MINUTE TraCkEr
Students: Keep track of the minutes you read by
colouring in the hourglass.
My reading goal is: minute
MINUTES
Total number of minutes read: minutes
Have you read even MORE? That’s great! Just write the total
number of minutes you have read in the “Total number of
minutes read” box above.
TOp READER AND TOp fuNDRAiSER
CERTifiCATES
A special thank you to the students who made an
minutes
minutes
HANDBOOK 2010-2011
Fill out total minutes read to become a member of
Minutes Club. Members are entered into a draw fo
OWL/chickaDEE/Chirp Magazine subscriptions.
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada • 175 Bloor St E, Suite 700, North Tower • Toronto, Ontario • M4W 3R8
To download the MS read-a-Thon prize poster and for games and trivia visit msreadathon.c
MiNuTES CluB
Primary students who read more than 400
minutes in the and Intermediate students who
read more 1000 minutes in the MS Read-A-Thon
qualify for the Minutes Club. A draw will be made
from all qualifying students in the Kamloops and
Area Chapter region.
7

OTHER RECOGNiTiON
2009 Top Students During their Broadcast
Centre Tours
TOOlS yOu CAN fiND ON THE WEBSiTE:
● Videos about reading and MS
● Printable hourglass to track class reading and
fundraising goals
● Online publications to help you explain MS to kids
● Fun ways to encourage older students to read
8 MS READ-A-THON
B100/CfJC TV BROADCAST CENTRE TOuRS
With support from Cheryl and Steve at B100 Radio station,
we are pleased to offer our Top Fundraisers and Readers
(primary and intermediate) a tour of the CFJC Broadcast
Centre and B100 radio station. Students also have the
opportunity to be interviewed on B100. Out of town schools
have the option of phoning into the radio station.
BuilD yOuR SCHOOl liBRARy
Schools receive sample Scholastic Books as a thank you
for participating in the MS Read-A-Thon or MS Read &
Walk. As well, we offer Scholastic Gift Certifcates as school
registration and fundraising incentives.
MONEy COllECTiON
While your students are busy reading, your MS Read-A-Thon
Coordinator will contact you to discuss the money collection procedures
for your school. At this time we will schedule an appropriate pick-up
date. Please remind teachers to collect Student Pledge Envelopes for
their class and submit their Class Collection Envelope to you before the
pick-up date.

GET yOuR COllEAGuES iNVOlVED
GET EVERyONE iNVOlVED
Running the MS Read-A-Thon or MS Read & Walk at your school can be a big job and it’s
important to have the support of your colleagues in order to make the campaign successful. Here
are some tips to help you get staff at your school involved in the program:
Put if in your school calendar!
Inform your collegues at a staff meeting that
you will be participating in the MS Read-A-
Thon or MS Read & Walk. Let everyone know
when you're planning to run the program
to ensure other fundraising events are not
scheduled at the same time.
Host a Pre-Program Rally
You'll find information about multiple
sclerosis and the MS Read-A-Thon online
at msreadathon.ca under the Teacher
Resouces section. Sharing this information
with the rest of the staff will give them a better
understanding of the cause they're supporting
and will also help them answer questions
students may have once the program begins.
Set school-wide goals for dollars raised
or minutes read
Encourage teachers to set classroom
fundraising or reading goals, or challenge
another class or grade to see who can read
or raise the most. A little friendly competition
can go a long way to motivate students and
teachers too!
GET pARENTS iNVOlVED
Tell parents about the importance of participating in the MS
Read-A-Thon and what your school is doing to help those living
with MS in your community.
● Incorporate the messages into your school newsletter.
● Distribute copies of the Parent Information Letter.
● Invite parents to your Kick-Off Assembly
Promote the MS Read-A-Thon or MS
Read & Walk in your school
Hang up a poster in the staff room, highlight it
in your school's monthly newsletter, and use
the morning announcement templates. Include
important dates, such as the end of the reading
period, student envelope collection week, and
the pick-up date.
Additional materials are available online at
msreadathon.ca in the Teacher Resouce
section for helpful documents including:
● Email templates to send to your collegues
reminding them of deadlines
● Printable activities to track reading and
fundraising goals
● Information on how to explain muliple
sclerosis to kids
● Motivating short videos about MS
HANDBOOK 2010-2011
9

MORNiNG ANNOuNCEMENTS
DAy BEfORE THE KiCK-Off
Tomorrow we will be having our MS Read-A-
Thon (or MS Read & Walk) Kick-Off Assembly.
Please wear RED to the assembly to show your
support!
KiCK-Off DAy
Today is the start of the MS Read-A-Thon. You
will be called down to the (INSERT LOCATION)
at (INSERT TIME) for a Kick-Off Assembly
where you will learn about the MS Read-A-
Thon and how you can participate.
DAy AfTER KiCK-Off
The MS Read-A-Thon has started! We have
(INSERT LENGTH OF READING PERIOD)
to read and raise money to help people with
MS. This is our chance to make a difference
in the lives of people in our community. So get
sponsors and get reading!
DuRiNG THE READiNG pERiOD
Did you know that between 55,000 and 75,000
Canadians have MS? You can help them
just by reading. If you haven’t started the MS
Read-A-Thon already, it’s not too late! Every
donation, no matter how small, makes a
difference!
Last year, students in the Kamloops and Area
Chapter region raised over $9,300 dollars
10 MS READ-A-THON
Here are some sample morning announcements for before,
during and after your MS Read-A-Thon or MS Read & Walk
Kick-Off Assembly. Please visit the Teacher Resources
section of our msreadathon.ca for more examples!
through the MS Read-A-Thon. Someof that
money was used to help scientists research
the causes of MS and create new medications
to help people who have MS. They are doing
great work, but there’s still no cure! By reading
and getting sponsors, you play a big part in
finding a cure for MS. There’s just (INSERT #)
reading days left!
MONEy COllECTiON WEEK
Have you remembered to put your name on
your Student Pledge Envelope for the MS
Read-A-Thon? Please bring the money that
you’ve collected from your sponsors as well
as your MS Read-A-Thon Pledge Envelope to
school by (INSERT DAY OF WEEK). Thank you
for a job well done!!!
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR TEACHERS:
The MS Read-A-Thon collection period
concludes (INSERT DATE). Your students will
be handing in their envelopes to you this week.
Please make sure to use your Class Collection
Envelope to keep all the student submissions
from your class together. Please make sure
all envelopes are sealed and handed in to
(INSERT NAME OF SCHOOL LIAISON) by the
end of the day on (INSERT THE DAY).

BEfORE THE
KiCK-Off ASSEMBly:
Confirm your Kick-Off time and date with
your Coordinator. They will call you to
confirm the details of the program and
answer any questions you have.
Mark the MS Read-A-Thon or MS Read &
Walk on your school calendar!
Post an information poster in the staff
room. Let everyone know at your next
staff meeting and encourage each class to
participate.
Visit msreadathon.ca for resources and
tools to help make your MS Read-A-Thon
or MS Read & Walk a huge success!
KiCK-Off DAy:
Ask teachers to distribute a Student Pledge
Envelope to each student on the day of
your Kick-Off.
Have FUN and encourage students to
read, track their reading minutes, and
gather pledges.
DuRiNG THE READiNG pERiOD:
Read the scripted Morning Announcements
over the PA.
Download “Classroom Activities” to help
boost reading and fundraising, available at
msreadathon.ca – Teachers section
Expect a call or email from your
Coordinator. We will contact you to see
how you are doing, hear what’s happening
at your school and discuss submission of
funds.
pROGRAM CHECKliST
AfTER THE READiNG pERiOD:
Remind teachers to gather Student Pledge
Envelopes and place them in the Class
Collection Envelope. Teachers should
record the amount raised as indicated on
the Student Pledge Envelopes but assure
them they don’t have to count funds.
Ensure teachers submit their Class
Collection Envelope to you by the deadline.
Confirm your pick up date with your
coordinator to ensure your funds are safely
transferred to the MS Society.
AfTER MONEy COllECTiON:
Contact us if you receive any late
submissions to the MS Society and we will
coordinate an additional pick-up.
Expect awards and certificates to arrive
at your school approximately 6-8 weeks
after funds have been received by the MS
Society.
The MS Society will contact you to arrange
your Broadcast Tour or Radio Call-In
(out of town schools) for top readers and
fundraisers.
HANDBOOK 2010-2011
11

iMpORTANT DATES:
MS Read-A-Thon Kick-Off date:
MS Read-A-Thon Kick-Off time:
Reading ends:
Student Envelopes submitted by:
Pick up date:
MS Read-A-Thon
Kamloops & Area Chapter
Suite 180 - 546 St. Paul Street
Kamloops, BC V2C 5T1
Website: msreadathon.ca
mssociety.ca/kamloops
Email: info.kamloops@mssociety.ca
Phone: 250-314-0773 or 1-888-304-6622
THANK yOu TO OuR SpONSORS