Eagan principal sleeps on roof to support school
Glacier Hills Elementary Principal Jeff Holton greeted students from the school’s roof Thursday after spending the night on it in a tent. – Photo submitted
While most school officials reward students with words of praise or prizes, one local principal took a more creative approach by sleeping on the roof.
Glacier Hills Elementary Principal Jeff Holton spent the night of Oct. 3 sleeping in a tent pitched on the Eagan school’s roof after promising students he would do so if they met their fundraising goal.
“I wanted to do something more interesting to motivate them,” Holton said.
Students aimed to raise $20,000 during the Huskie Hustle, a 5K run on Sept. 29, but exceeded that goal by $6,000. Students collected monetary sponsorships prior to the race, which included about 300 children.
“It was a fabulous event,” Holton said.
Glacier Hills relies on these events to fund the magnet school’s artist-, author- and scientist-in-residence programs as well as field trips.
“Our teachers are fabulous at infusing arts and science into their curriculum, but bringing in expertise into the school is another great learning tool,” he said.
Glacier Hills previously relied on sales of wrapping paper and other goods, but decided to instead pursue donations after consulting parents.
Holton’s evening began pleasantly with warm weather and home-cooked meals from Glacier Hills parents. By about 1 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, a bitter wind had begun to pound the unanchored tent.
As the wind died down around 7 a.m, Holton prepared for the day and waved to children from the rooftop as they arrived at school.
Reflecting on his experience, Holton said he would certainly try it again.
“I’m willing to do just about anything for my kids,” he said.
