Dear Skokie Families,

To say that last Friday's Dance Marathon was a huge success would be an understatement.  This year, the Skokie and Washburne staffs made a collective commitment to come together, giving our teachers and students the opportunity to share a few memory-making experiences as one middle school community.  Dance Marathon is one of several efforts (see info below about St. Baldrick's and the Jungle Jog coming up next week!) to do just that.  A committee of Washburne and Skokie teachers and administrators came together to plan the event, with the added support of Ms. Julia Backer (a Winnetka parent), Washburne Student Council and a representative from Lurie's Children's Hospital.  Given that this would be the first time hosting an event like this, we weren't sure what to expect.  We began advertising the event at the beginning of February with a joint pep rally-style assembly in the Skokie Auditiorium, and continued advertising with different small fundraising events through the weeks leading up to March 1.  By the morning of March 1, we had 142 students registered to attend, and by the close of the night, 209 students ended up in attendance.  

We were graced with the presence of three families impacted by the incredible staff and support of Lurie's.  All three shared their stories, to include a celebrity of sorts:  Ms. Sophia Sanchez.  If you're not sure who she is, you might remember a news story about her back in August in which she participated in the "Kiki Challenge," asking recording artist, Drake, to make an appearance in her hospital room on a weekend when he was performing in Chicago.  The message made it to him, and Drake surprised Sophia, who was awaiting a heart transplant at the time.  Since then, Sophia has successfully received a new heart and is doing very well.  Her bravery and positivity have inspired many, and we felt lucky to have her at our Dance Marathon.  That evening, thanks to Sophia, our event was featured on WGN, CBS, ABC, NBC and WBBM radio.  We were not expecting that level of attention, but were thrilled to have it as by the end of the evening, we reported having raised $12,000....only to find after the fact, that we had actually raised $14,000 as donations continued to come in online.  

Click here to see the story captured on CBS

This event was not only a tremendous success, but a lot of fun for our kids, and hopefully the kick-off to many more opportunities to join our middle school community!  It serves as a reminder of the power of small, but incremental generosity, and the classic way that our staff and students find a way to come together and make big things happen.  A special shout out goes out to Mr. Mike Hynes (and his family!), Ms. Tracey Silverman, Mr. Noah Madden, Mr. Victor Cooper, Ms. Sheri Johnston, Ms. Carol Zalinski, our teachers who helped to plug the event leading up to it, all of the parents that volunteered to support the event, our PTO, Washburne Student Council, Ms. Julia Backer and the many more who made the night a possibility.  Thanks to this crew, Lurie's will receive a generous donation in support of their efforts to give families and children the very best in care.

Enjoy the time together with your family this weekend.  We'll be getting lots of rain, but hopefully a taste of spring temperatures.  We look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Monday!  Two more weeks until Spring Break!

Most Sincerely,

Kelly Tess