North Babylon students at Woods Elementary School recently showed good character and worked on their physical fitness, all while raising funds for the American Heart Association.
Organized by the school’s physical education teachers, students participated in the American Heart Association’s “Jump Rope for Heart” program during their physical education classes. They learned about the importance of heart health, keeping active, staying fit and eating well-balanced meals. Students were also encouraged to drink more water, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and to get 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
Designed in 1983, the program works to educate students about cardiovascular fitness while raising funds for research, educational programs on heart disease and programs to combat childhood obesity.
Coupled with the district’s physical education curriculum, the program also allows students to use their critical-thinking skills to plan and organize a fundraiser to benefit those organizations.
Last year the school raised $13,265 and was ranked in the top 25 in the country as far as donating funds to the American Heart Association. This year, students and staff raised $16,049.
“Not only did the students help save the lives of children with heart disease, they also learned how to take care of their own hearts,” Principal Celeste Archer said. “We appreciate the hard work and dedication of everyone involved and we look forward to providing a better life for children with heart disease.”
Photo caption: In February, North Babylon students at Woods Road Elementary School participated in the American Heart Association’s “Jump Rope for Heart” program in celebration of American Heart Month.
Photos courtesy of the North Babylon School District
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