NESS 2015

NESS 2014

Eastlake Middle School NESS Dance 

Mrs. Camino, Mrs. Pavlic, Mr. Steinmetz, Miss Valencic, and Ms. Glasier are the teachers and aids that we have here at EMS who all work in the Autistic unit.  All of them truly enjoy working in the unit and see everyday as a new learning experience. 

Guidelines for NESS:

Dancers MUST commit to the ENTIRE dance marathon – arriving for check-in at 11:00 am and staying until 12:00am.  If you have schedule conflicts, you must make a CHOICE about what is most important to you.

Pledge Money

All proceeds from the event go to Autism Research at Cleveland Clinic, Share A Vision, and Camp Sue Osborn which are charitable organizations committed to providing outdoor recreational activities to children with autism. Because of the students’ hard work, over $13,000 has already been raised by these amazing young adults!

Dance Marathon

Check-in will begin at 11:00 am

The dance marathon will take place from noon to midnight.  Your ride MUST pick you up at midnight.

Morale Team

We are looking for people to be the Morale Team to encourage the dancers to make it through the twelve hours. If you would like to be a Morale Team member, please let us know! WE NEED PARENTS!! PLEASE SIGN UP TO HELP!!

Ms. Bothel

This is Ms. Bothel's 5th year of being a part of NESS. This is also her 10th year of teaching at EMS as an Intervention Specialist. She feels that it is very important to include all students in all aspects of a school environment. Ms. Bothel enjoys working with diverse children and always sees each day as a new and enjoyable challenge. When not in school she likes to devote her time to the local parks in the greater Cleveland area, educating youth and adults about the importance of our environment. She also teaches kayaking. Ms. Bothel is a true asset to the EMS staff and students. 

NESS 2014

Welcome to Eastlake Middle School!!

This is the Official Web page for the Eastlake Middle School NESS Dance. We are looking forward to raising awareness in our school and community about Autism. Take your time and look at the information that we have about what we currently do and what we have done in the past. Enjoy!!

*Some Facts About Autism:

  • Autism now affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys
  • Autism prevalence figures are growing
  • Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
  • Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average
  • Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
  • Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism
  • There is no medical detection or cure for autism

*http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/facts-about-autism

Adoption of NESS

On April 16th, Eastlake Middle School and the supporting community will celebrate autism awareness month by holding its 7th annual 12 hour dance marathon. Over 175 6th-8th grade (11-14 year old) students (almost 40% of the school population!) have committed to dance and stand on their feet from 12 noon until midnight, without any breaks to sit down and rest, while learning more about autism. Each student raised $70 or more in sponsorships to be a part of this amazing event. 

Adapted from Penn State’s “Thon,” which raises money to fight pediatric cancer, “Ness” was started in 2010 to create awareness of the prevalence of autism, while raising money to help find a cure. Growing since its inception, the Autism AwareNESS dance-a-thon has raised over $35,000 for autism research and programming.

During the dance-a-thon, every hour will be kicked off with a song written and produced by students from the EMS student body with a line dance choreographed by students as well! Other events during the day include a staff and student talent show. There will be a contest to see who can bring the most guests.  Additionally, presentations will be delivered by family members of people with autism, as well as other awareness activities, in order to help our students to understand autism from different perspectives. Come to Eastlake Middle School on April 16th to show your support and be a part of this amazing, worthwhile, fun event!

Mrs. Tompkins

This is Mrs. Tompkins 2nd year with being a part of NESS. This is Mrs. Tompkins 3rd  year teaching Math at EMS.  She is looking forward to being a part of such a great event. Mrs. Tompkins really appreciates seeing children learn from one another and enjoys the daily challenges for being a middle school teacher.  Mrs. Tompkins also enjoys playing volleyball in her spare time and spending time with her husband. Mrs. Tompkins is a asset to the EMS staff and students.  


Eastlake Middle School Students and some staff practicing NESS 2016 line dance. 

NESS 2014