Would you get a haircut for almost $1,200? It seems like something celebrities do in Hollywood. Well on Friday, February 22 I did just that. Now before you think I am completely crazy let me explain.

The Clearmount Elementary School PTO wanted to give back to the community. We decided to collect money for Akron Children's Hospital's "Have a Heart, Do Your Part" Radiothon. A "Change Bandit" bucket was placed in each classroom and for two weeks students donated any spare change that they had. Sounds pretty simple and so the PTO board thought $500 was a reasonable goal.

Next, we needed incentive for students to donate. Our principal and fearless leader, Mr. Ile, had two requests. He did not want dress up (last year he dressed as Fancy Nancy) and he wouldn't shave his head. I spoke up and said I didn't have a problem shaving my head. Everyone thought this was a great idea. Mr. Ile and two other male staff members allowed students to smash pies in their faces.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I will do just about anything to get students excited. Dress up days are my favorite, especially pajama day. That's the day I get to wear my Mickey mouse slippers and my pink, fuzzy robe. I have also worn hula skirts for Hawaiian Day, dressed up like Mickey Mouse for favorite character day and I greet students on the first day of school with my Mickey Mouse gloves. I'm a Disney nut if you couldn't tell. Which is why I am wearing a Toy Story Aliens shirt in the pictures. The shirt went with my Buzz Lightyear pajama pants. The day of the head shaving was also pajama day and yes I did wear my slippers and robe.

Anyway, back to Friday, February 22. It was a fantastic experience. Over 350 student shook the school with chants of "Mr. Russ, Mr. Russ". Mrs. Humphrey (2nd Grade teacher) and 5 student helpers assisted in my haircut: Niko, Aleigh, Brennan, Ethan and Zoe. They did an outstanding job and left me with an interesting hair style (you can see it in the pictures). Luckily my wife was on hand to even it all out. 

Our staff was completely amazed and touched by the generosity of our families. The $500 seemed like a lofty goal but we surpassed that in three days. It will be interesting to set our goal next year. I am not sure what it will be but I definitely want to be a part of it.

If one school could raise almost $1200, could you imagine what our district could do?