ISD Students, Staff and Community Raise More Than $42,000 For United Way

Using a variety of fun and creative incentives, $42,500 was raised districtwide during the annual United Way campaign- beating last year’s donation total by more than $6,000! “United Way helps many individuals within our community,” said Dr. Dale Herl, ISD superintendent. “It is such a great cause and I’m proud of our district’s efforts to make Independence and the entire greater Kansas City area a better place to live.”

Schools throughout the ISD held crazy hair days, ‘twin’ days, favorite team days, pajama days and wear your favorite color days to generate interest. Other ISD schools took a different approach. Benton Elementary had a ‘decorate a teacher’ day, Ott Elementary had sunglasses day and Bridger Middle School used a five team change war to see which teacher would be doused in ice water. Still other ISD schools decided to make a mess out of their United Way fundraising effort.

Sycamore Hills Elementary Principal Amber Miller took a pie in the face when her students reached their goal and if that wasn’t enough, she slept on the roof of the school! Blackburn Elementary ‘slimed’ Principal Sara Terrill and the superintendent, but two schools went over the top(ping)! Little Blue and Luff Elementary turned Friday into ‘sundae.’ Joe Armin, Little Blue’s principal and Melissa Carver, Luff’s principal, donned plastic suits and got creamed, sprinkled and sauced! Both, as a reward for the school topping donation expectations, were covered in toppings- ice cream sundae toppings (to see Luff’s video, click here). It was messy, but fun and educational.

“I hope the students will learn (from the United Way drive) to become involved in their community,” said Jim Myrick, Blackburn fifth-grade teacher. “Club involvement and community involvement is declining in our nation and I think it’s important (for students) to see that participation in community activities is a good thing.”