The fundraising event took place Wednesday, March 5.

ALEXANDRIA — A group of 330 Discovery Middle School kids were lined up and waiting to take their turn plunging into a tank of icy water Wednesday afternoon, March 5, as part of the Cool School Polar Plunge .

Despite the sunshine, a brisk northwesterly wind turned the 26 degree day into a feels-like 12 degrees.

Amidst the screams of encouragement, of determination, and of shock at the cold water, as of March 5, the Discovery plungers raised $39,755 of their $40,000 goal.

The money is divided with 50% benefiting Special Olympics Minnesota and the other 50% going to the DMS Unified Club, which helps pay for the teams that were registered.

In the seven-year history of the Discovery Middle School 's Cool School Plunge, the school has raised more than $260,000.