Cayuga Elementary School Donates to American Red Cross Japan Relief Effort

Cayuga Elementary School recently presented a check for $6,100 to the American Red Cross to help with the Japan disaster relief efforts. The school raised money during its “Parents as Reading Partners” program by finding people to sponsor their reading efforts in a read-a-thon.

Each child’s sponsor set a pledge amount for each 15-minute period he or she reads, according to building principal Matt Wells.

Students kept a reading log to keep track of how much they read and raised, teaching lessons of management, math, reading and good-hearted fundraising for people in need.

The school had three “reward levels” that were challenges to reach.  When the school total reached one of the levels, a class reward was granted.  Children and their classes also worked on a list of rewards that they used to treat themselves to for all of their hard work. 

“We feel that this is a great learning opportunity and an exciting adventure for children,” Wells said in a letter to parents. “Maybe most important, they learn that they can make a difference in the world.”

Multiple Sachem alums were affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. To read about their stories, .