Ten male staff members at Ira Jones Middle School are growing moustaches this month to raise money prostate cancer research. 

They have formed a team called "Mo Ira" and are accepting donations and pledges to grow moustaches through "Movember." "Movember" is an international men's health movement to challenge men to grow a moustache for 30 days.  ("Mo" is slang for moustache.)

The moustaches then become the "ribbon for men's health," the means by which awareness and funds are raised for cancers that affect men. 

The "Mo Ira" team of Principal Dr. Ed Boswell, Assistant Principal Tom Novinski, and teachers Dan Arntzen, Ryan Marketti, Brian Murray, Todd Crackel, Cameron Wiley, Mike Adamson, Kevin Marten and Tom Ruzinok put their razors away on Nov. 3.

Most of the Ira Jones participants are currently growing full beards until they have enough hair to groom into moustaches.

"Students are slowly catching on, and are now realizing that most of the men in the building are growing facial hair," physical education and health teacher Dan Arntzen said.  "When students ask, we tell them the reasons we are doing this and what they can do to help."

The Ira Jones team will begin collecting spare change for the cause during lunch periods, beginning Nov. 15.  Each team member is also collecting donations from family and friends.

Anyone who wishes to donate to the "Mo Ira" team can do so online by visiting www.movember.com, clicking "Donate" and entering "Mo Ira."

The team has not set a monetary goal because this is its first year supporting the cause.

"Our main goal is to help establish a more positive school environment by showing support for the fight against prostate cancer," Arntzen said.