Things have been a little “hairy” at PBE throughout the month of November, but in a very good way.

Fourth grade teacher Brian Fenical and Principal Eric Winter teamed up to raise money and awareness for men’s health issues through a group called Movember, an organization that supports men’s physical and mental health issues.

How’d they do it? By growing facial hair!

Movember is a non-profit group that formed in 2003 in Australia. A small group of friends decided to grow mustaches (that’s where the “mo” comes in) and make the campaign about men’s health.

That group of 30 friends has grown over the past 16 years to five million “mo bros” and “mo sisters” who participate in Movember.

There were many events throughout the month of November at Pine Bush Elementary School, according to Mr. Winter, like Flannel Friday and the pedometer challenge to raise money for the organization.

On Tuesday before Thanksgiving, classes gathered in the cafeteria to participate in Movember by having mustaches painted on their faces – or fingers in some cases. Some donated a quarter to do it, some donated more, and others just did it for fun. In all, they collected $207 for the group.

“This is a great organization and our staff really comes through,” said Mr. Winter. “We had a great time.”