Main Street School students bounced, skipped and stepped through jump ropes during their physical education classes as the school participated in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart program on Feb 8-12.
“The program’s activities engaged the students through jumping rope while empowering them to improve their health and help people with heart issues,” physical education teacher Laura Shaw said. “Jumping rope is one thing they can do to keep their hearts healthy and make them stronger.”
During class, Shaw talked to her students about preventing heart disease and the importance of exercise and healthy eating. As a culmination to the event, students and staff members wore red on Feb. 12.
“The students also learned the value of community service by raising money for the American Heart Association,” said Shaw, adding that students were asked to make a donation, although it wasn’t a requirement for their participation in Jump Rope for Heart.
Fifth-grader Ethan Dwyer, who long jump roped with five of his classmates at once, said he enjoyed the exercise.
“Not only is it good for your heart, it helps you make new friends,” he said. “It’s a time when you get to jump rope with the whole class.”
Main Street School Principal Joyce Chapnick said Heart Healthy Week connected to the school’s character building and global citizenship initiatives. Throughout the week, the students were asked to reflect upon various character building questions and consider how they relate to living a healthy lifestyle and taking action to help others.
Photo Captions: Main Street School students bounced, skipped and stepped through jump ropes during their physical education classes as the school participated in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart program on Feb 8-12.
Photos courtesy of the Irvington Union Free School District
