The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge craze has spread, first from Wilton’s Miller-Driscoll Elementary School last Wednesday, now to Cider Mill School Monday afternoon, Aug. 25. Answering the K-2 school’s challenge, Wilton’s 3rd-5th grade school rose to the occasion, with teachers, administrators and students dousing themselves with ice water, all in the name of raising money for ALS research and awareness. [see video below]
“We’re trying to one-up Miller-Driscoll,” joked Cider Mill principal Dr. Jen Mitchell. They’re also passing the bucket to the next school in the district, challenging Middlebrook Middle School, which will answer the call this coming Thursday.
We decided that on the first day of school it was a wonderful way to kick off and build community. We’ve also already reached and exceeded our fundraising target [of $500]. Just to be able to raise that money for ALS Association is wonderful. We’re well over that goal, so we’re thrilled,” Mitchell said.
As an educator, she says she also recognizes the positive lesson the students can learn from taking part, as well as seeing social media in a new, positive light.
“I think it’s so important to give back. The whole challenge thing has been phenomenal–they’re in the millions! [$79.7 million as of Monday, Agu. 25.] Just even how social media can do such a positive thing, in a world where everyone is so careful and unfortunately it can be used as a negative–but what a positive way social media can really build awareness.”
Mitchell takes it personally too–a family friend struggled with the disease for several years and lost the battle, leaving three young children behind. “Just to be part of this. It’s social responsibility, to show the kids that they can be part of something bigger.”
Not only were Mitchell and her staff excited about setting a great example for all the students, but she was also excited that her own son, Mason, a current Cider Mill student, would get to take the challenge at her side. She laughed at the prospect that all the students would be seeing her drenched and wet.
Mitchell sent an email to parents encouraging them to participate in three ways: watching the Cider Mill effort and making a small donation on the school’s ALSA.org “team” page; participating in MD’s ice bucket challenge; or doing both.
