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In a few short weeks, Dan Ryno, a fourth grade teacher at Jury Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District, will say good-bye to his hair, allowing one lucky student to shave his head and broadcast the haircut with a video into the classrooms throughout the building.

The opportunity to shave Ryno’s head is part of a bigger plan to raise money to buy Thanksgiving meals for two families at Jury as a service project for the school, supported by Student Council, which Ryno co-sponsors. The goal is to raise $150.

Since September, students have been buying tickets for 25 cents for the chance to cut off his hair. To date, tickets sales have brought in $116.

“I was looking for something to get the kids motivated for a fall fundraiser, and I wanted to take it to another level,” said Ryno.

Selling the tickets for a quarter is part of the strategy. “It’s easier to come up with a quarter. Any kid has a shot at being a part of this,” he said.

The purchased tickets have student names and room numbers on the back. Teachers can buy tickets, but cannot cut Ryno’s hair. He said that some teachers are buying tickets and giving them as rewards to the students.

“Our school counselor will help choose the families,” said Ryno. “We want to buy complete meals – mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, turkey…”

“The kids understand that it’s not only for fun, but for a good cause,” he said. Each week, students are updated on how much money has been raised.

Lemola Mason, a fourth grader, has already bought 50 tickets. Classmate Anthony Simpson has bought 33.

“I want to cut his hair. It’d be so funny,” said Simpson. “I thought it’d be cool to cut his hair,” echoed Mason.

When asked why it’s important to help families, both boys said it makes them feel good to be able to help buy food for Thanksgiving.

“They’re my classmates and my friends and I’ll be happy to help my friends,” said Mason.

Ryno will lose his hair on Nov. 13 at 3:25 p.m. in the multipurpose room at Jury Elementary School. Students can buy tickets until the day before.

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