Spanish Lake Elementary’s (SLE) principal, Jacqueline Arias-Gonzalez, along with other staff members, participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The challenge is a viral phenomenon which encourages people to donate to the ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) Association or to pour a bucket of ice water over their heads, though many choose to complete the ice challenge and still donate. ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
SLE's faculty, staff, and PTA hope to raise awareness and a better understanding of ALS and to raise funds to help lead to treatment. The challenge was accepted in honor of Deb Gaudet who is afflicted with ALS. Gaudet is a former Dade County teacher forced to retire due to ALS. She also diligently served as the school’s garden mentor through The Education Fund.
Arias-Gonzalez was initially challenged by Lawton-Chiles Middle School Principal, Nelson Izquierdo. She challenged the American Feeder Pattern School principals to participate.