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D140 Polar Plunge Team Raises Over $50,000 for Special Olympics Illinois

  • Posted March 11, 2026
Individuals wearing matching black sweatshirts and colorful tutus pose proudly on a walkway by a lake at the Polar Plunge

KSD 140’s Polar Plunge team took a dip in the icy waters of Lake Manteno on Saturday, March 7. Led by educators Kristy Baumgartner, Chrisie DeCarlo, and Ashley Krizik, along with committee members representing each of the District’s seven schools, D140’s 76 participants raised more than $50,000 for athletes supported by Special Olympics Illinois.

The team earned top honors for individual and team contributions and was celebrated for surpassing $300,000 in Polar Plunge fundraising throughout the district’s participation in the event.

“Our Polar Plunge team continues to honor our dear colleague, Laura Cler, and show what makes D140 so special,” DeCarlo said. “The generosity, school spirit, and commitment displayed by our staff, students, and families truly make a difference for Special Olympics athletes.  

This year, the district added two Cool School Plunges, allowing students and staff to take the icy leap at their own middle schools. Together, the Grissom and Prairie View communities have raised more than $61,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.

Three smiling people in black shirts and colorful beaded necklaces pose for a selfie. One person in the foreground holds a cutout of the Wicked Witch of the West.     A group of people in costumes, including one dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, posing for a photo. Most are wearing black t-shirts with pink and green designs.

Four people stand together indoors, smiling at the camera. From left to right, they are wearing a black sweatshirt and green pants, a blue hoodie, another blue hoodie, and a blue tie-dye shirt and jeans. The two middle people wear matching blue hoodies with a "Polar Plunge" logo.     D140 Polar Plungers pose priudly on grass in front of lake at Polar Plunge event

A group of people in matching black t-shirts with pink and green accents pose for a photo by a lake. One person is dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.     A group of people, most wearing black t-shirts with "Special Olympics" text, pose for a photo. One person is dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.

Group of D140 polar plungers stand in a row before plunging into the lake     Three people plunge in the lake with lifeguard standing nearby

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