Students at Lake Station’s Bailey Elementary scampered under a giant inflatable eagle and mingled with Tommy the Turkey Friday as they celebrated a goal many thought unattainable.
At a PTO meeting in early November, Principal Kimberly Hayes suggested the students raise money for playground improvements. She targeted a goal of $7,500 by the end of November.
“They laughed at me,” said Hayes, because the month includes the Thanksgiving break and is loaded with many family events and travel planning.
Bailey Elementary kids race around the school parking lot Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, during the school’s Turkey Trot. (Carole Carlson/For the Post-Tribune)
Led by first-grade teacher Lisa Richardson, students romped around the parking lot in the school’s first Turkey Trot after shattering Hayes’ goal by raising $10,000 in donations with a week left to go.
Kids ran laps around the giant Edison eagle and later met Tommy the Turkey, who visited from Erin’s Farm.
Richardson bounced around in an inflatable turkey, high-fiving students as they walked and ran.
The money came mostly from small donations with the exception of a single $800 contribution, Hayes said.
Parents delivered a plea on social media and students embraced the school’s daily challenges that brought incentive rewards like pizza, cookies, and a chance to be the school principal for an hour.
“People really wanted to give to our school because we really needed a playground,” said Ruth Alvarez,10, who’s president of the student council.
“They gave us challenges like ice cream sundaes we’d earn,” she said of the incentives students received.
Bailey Elementary students meet Tommy the Turkey from Erin’s Farm Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, as they celebrate a Turkey Trot at the school. (Kimberly Hayes/provided)
Tessa Laviolette, president of the PTO, said the challenges were a big key to success. “I had a feeling we would reach $7,500,” she said.
Hayes hopes work can start on the new playground upgrades in the spring. Bailey is one of two elementaries in Lake Station and has an enrollment of about 260 students.
Brian Coleman blows a bubble at first-grade teacher Lisa Richardson Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, during Bailey Elementary’s Turkey Trot (Carole Carlson/For the Post-Tribune)
They plan to add sitting areas with benches and tables, sensory pathways on a concrete walkway and new play equipment. They also plan a refresh for the basketball court and a mural on the rear of the school.
Meanwhile, Hayes has a busy calendar ahead as she plans to share her principal’s role with dozens of kids who earned an hour in her chair.
“I have probably 60 kids that I owe a principalship for,” she said.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/bailey-students-gobble-up-challenges-to-boost-playground/
