The PTSA at John Muir Elementary in Kirkland sponsored a Read-a-Thon from Jan. 9-23. This all-school event celebrated reading while at the same time raising funds for the PTSA by collecting donations through pledges from family and friends.

In total, students read 54,791 minutes (over 913 hours) during the two week event. Students kept a reading log and received pledges from family and friends. Over $5,000 was raised to help fund field trips, family events and student enrichment programs like choir and drama. Prizes were awarded to all participants. Class parties and bonus recesses were awarded to the classrooms with the most minutes read. Nicholas Kanehen’s fifth grade class turned in the most minutes read and Whitney Tomita’s kindergarten class raised the highest amount of money this year. A number of guest readers also visited the school throughout this event, including Dr. Traci Pierce, LWSD Superintendent, two Kirkland Police officers, and Kingsgate librarian Jennifer Duffy.