Welcome to the Cool School Challenge in illinois, where we bring the fun of the Plunge right to your school’s campus! Across the state, students and faculty participate in the illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge via the Cool School Challenge to support the athletes of Special Olympics illinois.
Not a part of the Cool School Challenge? Find out how to get involved.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Step 1: Find a Team Captain
Appoint a designated staff member as Team Captain who will serve as the point of contact between the school and Special Olympics Illinois
Step 2: Contact Us!
Contact Jen Kelso, jkelso@soill.org, or your Regional Plunge Director to get your School registered and a fundraising site created. Pick a date for your school to TAKE THE PLUNGE!!
Step 3: Register Students & Staff
Once your school’s fundraising site has been created, register students and staff who are committed to raising a $100 minimum each
Take the cool school challenge
The Cool School Challenge creates whole-school engagement and an exciting way to give back, all while teaching students about the importance of inclusion and making a positive impact.
How does it work? It’s simple. You work with us to host a Cool School Challenge Polar Plunge on your school’s campus. Specific extracurricular groups or the whole student body (and faculty of course) work together to raise money and support the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. Click the button below to get started and find out how you can BE COOL and TAKE THE PLUNGE with your school this year.
Register at Your School
Find the location where you want to take your ice dip for 2024
Participant Testimonials
Earn COOL Incentives
$250
Chill out your new inflatable sofa
$500
Jam out with your new speaker
$1,000
Stay cozy with your new blanket hoodie
Cool School Contests
Regional
Raise the most money in your region and earn a pizza party for your Plunge team!
Statewide
Be the Cool School that raises the most money in the state, earn a SCHOOL-WIDE pizza party and Cool School Trophy!
Cool School Leaderboards
School
Individual
1.Larry Mueller a.k.a Santa|TLS Plunging Mentors
Raised $250
Raised $100
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Team Captain
1st Time Plunger
Raised $5,000
2.Sarah Huber|Senior Class
1st Time Plunger
Raised $250
Raised $100
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Team Captain
Raised $5,000
3.CJ Devine|VJA Special Olympics
Raised $250
Raised $100
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Team Captain
1st Time Plunger
Raised $5,000
4.Nathan Andrews|York Staff
1st Time Plunger
Raised $250
Raised $100
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Team Captain
Raised $5,000
5.Meg Kwak|Chillin' With The Cats
Raised $250
Raised $100
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Team Captain
1st Time Plunger
Raised $5,000
Resources
Downloadable Guide
Read through this information to learn more about the Cool School Challenge and how it will work at your school.
DOWNLOAD PDF
Communication Toolkit
Visit our Polar Plunge Resources page for our social media toolkit and other fundraising resources
VIEW TOOLKIT
Become A unified champion school
The Unified Champion Schools strategy works to further develop inclusive learning and social environments for all students, with and without disabilities. By utilizing any of the three. components - Unified sports, whole-school engagement, and inclusive youth leadership - schools can elevate the inclusion and unification among their students as well as further social emotional learning for all.
