Reading Makes Cents Program

Reading Challenge Form

Dear Saunders Community:

Saunders Middle School is happy to be participating in Reading Makes Cents, a statewide reading program for children in kindergarten through eighth grade focusing on personal finance concepts.

Through this year’s selection of books, students will learn financial concepts such as the value of working to earn money, the importance of saving, the idea of prioritizing wants, and being good decision-makers.  These are valuable life lessons that will benefit students as they grow up.

Our school will also earn 3 free books for our library, which I’m very excited to share with my students. Plus, if our school has the highest student participation rate within our region at the program’s close, we will earn an additional $500 worth of books. With your child’s participation, I know we can do it!

To participate: Encourage your child to read (or listen to, or watch a video!) 5 books as explained on the attached Reading Challenge form. Full information and details are available at ReadingMakesCents.com.

Every child who submits a completed Reading Challenge form (Link to Online Challenge Form), certified by a parent or guardian, is entered into a drawing to win one of 14 Invest529 college savings accounts from Virginia529 with an initial balance of $529, to grow year over year. (Entries are due May 15, 2023.)

As you know, education after high school is more important than ever before, whether it’s a degree from a 2 or 4-year college, an industry certification, or some other credential. As sponsors of the program, Virginia529 and the Virginia Council on Economic Education aim to help families start saving early for higher education expenses. Setting this expectation has been proven key to pursuing higher education.

Your signature on the Reading Challenge form is needed for Virginia529 to contact you if your child is a $529 savings account winner.  Also, you may be provided additional information on saving for higher education, but can opt out at any time. Your information will not be sold or used for any other purpose.

If you have any questions, please contact Saunders Middle School.

We’re thrilled to participate in this exciting program and pleased to offer your child the opportunity to learn alongside us. I personally can’t wait to see your student involved, engaged and, most of all, reading!

Sincerely,

Caitlyn Brandonisio and Rian Crothers

Saunders Middle School Librarians