Jumping for heart health

— First- and second-grade students participated in Jump Rope for Heart during the past week while thirdthrough fifth-grade students participated in Hoops for Heart.

The students learned new jump rope skills and basketball skills. The fundraiser was sponsored by the American Heart Association.

Students took collection envelopes home. Money collected is for research and educational programs for people with heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke, according to Andrea Ricketts, physical education teacher.

Ricketts displayed red paper hearts “in honor of” family or friends who have had heart disease.

“This makes it real for them,” Ricketts said of the hearts.

Second graders ran overhurdles, jumped rope, used ankle jump ropes and participated in several healthy exercises.

Last year, Jump Rope for Hearts raised $2,900 and Hoops for Hearts raised $2,350, Ricketts said.

Community, Pages 6 on 02/22/2012