With the goal of breaking their own record in funds raised last year, Chelsea third through fifth grade students participated in their eighteenth annual “Jump Rope for Heart” event. It is also the American Heart Association’s thirty-fifth anniversary of the program.
The students created websites for online donations and jumped rope during their physical education classes. Many parents volunteered to help with the program and some parents also jumped rope with their children as part of the “Parents in PE” program at the school. The students had the option of jumping in honor or memory of a friend or loved one. The event meshes with the District 157-C Character Counts character education program and it is coordinated by physical education teachers Kay Elam, Ryan Talaga and Randy Klosowski.
The students were asked to obtain donations for their involvement in “Jump Rope for Heart.” The money that they raise benefits lifesaving research on heart and blood vessel diseases including stroke. The children can earn thank-you gifts based on how much they raise and the school receives gift certificates that can be redeemed for physical education and recess equipment.Last year Chelsea Intermediate School earned the honor of placing fifth in the nation for funds raised while competing against nearly 28,000 participating schools. The annual event teaches students about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and also demonstrates to the children that they can be empowered to provide vital community service and make a difference. At the same time, students enjoy getting into the spirit of these fun-filled events.
