• District staff to participate in Polar Bear Plunge to help raise money for anti-hunger programs that subsequently benefit students

    pbpBellefonte Area School District is known for winning the Cool School Challenge, and it’s because of faculty, staff and administrators who participate in the YMCA of Centre County’s Polar Bear Plunge that allow locals to jump in cold water for a lot of fun and help raise money for a good cause.

    This year, at least five members of the district are taking the plunge in an effort to raise money for the Y’s anti-hunger programs, such as the Backpack Weekend Food Program that benefits students in the district.

    jena jodon pbpThose participating are Marion-Walker Elementary School Principal Karen Krisch, third-grade teacher Jen Carroll, school counselor Ashley Hamilton, fifth-grade teacher Chris Cipro and elementary tech teacher Jena Jodon.

    The event is 10 a.m. Saturday Dec. 4 and held at two locations:

    • Black Moshannon State Park beach area: 4216 Beaver Road, Philipsburg
    • Penns Creek at Grace United Church of Christ: 118 Two Steeples Lane, Spring Mills

    pbpppcscBASD has claimed the title in 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019 after raising the most money for the campaign. The last time the event was held, more than $2,700 was raised, helping bring the Cool School Challenge title back to Bellefonte for the fourth time in five years. According to the YMCA, the Cool School Challenge is designed exclusively for school teams participating in the Polar Bear Plunge.

    To donate, visit these links: Karen Krisch and Team

    *By Brit Milazzo, public relations director, BASD. Photos of staff participants provided by Krisch and used with permission.