With the goal of breaking their own record in funds raised last year, Chelsea third through fifth grade students participated in their nineteenth annual “Jump Rope for Heart” event.
The students made posters, created websites from home for online donations and jumped rope in honor or memory of a friend or loved one 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 event meshes with the District 157-C Character Counts character education program and it is coordinated by physical education teachers Kay Elam, Randy Klosowski and Matt Dykema.
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.
Find out what's happening in Frankfortfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
This year the Chelsea students raised $62,323 during “Jump Rope for Heart” which was $10,000 higher than the amount raised last year. The top ten highest in donations over $500 were brought in by students Gavin LaDere, Nate Huizinga, Giovanna Perry, Hayden Tallarita, Nathaniel Ruminski, Jake Scianna, Nya Stokes, Mikayla Murray, Cooper Dust and Matthew Spencer.
This 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.
