Eye on ECCS: Polar Plungin!

Occasionally throughout the school year, we will visit a school across Eastern Carver County Schools. Some weeks the plan may be to stop in multiple classrooms by grade, or by subject. Other weeks it may highlight a certain specialist group. The purpose is to give families and our community a glimpse into the every-day learning environment happening in our buildings. A chance to spotlight the incredible work our teachers and staff do on a daily basis for our students, and to showcase the incredible work our students produce as well. So, keep your Eye on ECCS!

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Leaping feet-first into a lake in the winter with water temperatures hovering around 32 degrees … only in Minnesota. But when you’re extreme like Minnesotans, the “Polar Plunge” seems like a great idea. When an organization such as the Special Olympics benefits from the bravery, there’s even more reason to plunge.

More than 100 participants from Eastern Carver County Schools, representing seven buildings – Chanhassen High School, Chaska Middle School West and East, Victoria Elementary, Jonathan Elementary, Chanhassen Elementary, and Clover Ridge Elementary – will hit the icy waters of Riley Lake in Eden Prairie this Saturday at noon.

As of March 12, the collective ECCS team has raised more than $24,000. They are less than $2,000 away from their team goal.

“Our driving force is supporting inclusion for our students. At Chan High, we offer two Unified Classes (Art and Physical Wellness) and have a Unified Club. The money we raise helps us to take our students on field trips, purchase sports equipment, and provides more opportunities for inclusive programs,” said Andi Parker, special education teacher at Chanhassen High School.

The Unified Storm Surge team has 18 plungers signed up. The plunging group includes teachers, paras, students, friends, and family. One student has raised more than $1,800.

“I can say the students and teachers jumping in the Polar Plunge show what a truly supportive community looks like, people willing to step outside their comfort zones to lift others up,” Chanhassen teacher Brady Aretz said. “The money we raise helps ensure that students have access to inclusive programs, equipment, and experiences in the future that allow every student to learn, participate, and belong.”

THE BEGINNING

Polar Plunge events happen throughout the winter across the state of Minnesota, with more than 30 events scheduled in 2026. 

Chaska Middle School West leads the way in the district as a seventh-year participant. “That was the first year that we had a Unified Advisory partnering with a group of seventh-grade students with Danielle Raabe's Discover center-based students,” said Kelly Seglem, social studies teacher at Chaska Middle School West and East.  

The West team has raised more than $27,000 over the years. “We just reached our goal of raising at least $5,000 this year at $5,033 and counting!” Seglem said. The West Stars have 25 plungers ready for Saturday.

“At Chaska Middle School West, we house two of our middle school district center-based programs, AIM & DISCOVER, programs that serve students with unique needs that include autism, cognitive impairments, and severe multiple impairments. Our Unified programming provides opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in meaningful activities with general education peers, including Unified Physical Education daily, music, art, cooking opportunities, special events, and field trips in the community,” said Erin McGowan, special education services coordinator at West.

ONE COMMUNITY

This is the first year schools across the district have worked collectively to promote the Polar Plunge and join together as Eastern Carver County Schools. Each of the seven buildings has its own team under the ECCS umbrella. 

Kristen Laffe-Thao, ECCS specialized education services supervisor, and Reilly Woodruff, special education coordinator at Chanhassen Elementary, have spearheaded the growth of Unified programming in ECCS.

District-wide this year, ECCS has expanded Unified Schools programming through Special Olympics Minnesota at several of our elementary schools, including Clover Ridge, Victoria, Jonathan, and Chanhassen. 

“Unified programming focuses on building inclusive school communities by creating opportunities for students with and without disabilities to learn, participate, and build friendships together. A really meaningful piece of the Polar Plunge is that 50 percent of the funds raised come directly back to our schools. These funds help support inclusive opportunities and allow students of all abilities to participate side-by-side in meaningful ways,” Woodruff said.

Victoria Elementary is in its first year participating in the Polar Plunge. Their fundraising efforts have topped $4,000 thus far.

“We have a great new Unified Club happening with our students at Victoria, and it's been great seeing friendships grow! We are so excited to bring in more funds for our Unified Program while supporting many other Special Olympics athletes,” said Annie Putz, AIM special education teacher at Victoria Elementary.

Victoria will have 26 plungers including 11 staff and eight students.

“Our ‘why’ behind the Polar Plunge is really about inclusion, belonging, and opportunity. The funds raised support Special Olympics and Unified programming while also helping our schools continue to build environments where every student feels valued and connected,” Woodruff said.

Head out to the Riley Lake Park Pavilion at 9180 Riley Lake Road in Eden Prairie at noon on Saturday to cheer on the Eastern Carver County Schools plungers!