Newtown's four elementary schools participated in the American Heart Association's Jump Rope For Heart program recently. The students raised money for the program and learned about heart health through activities in the schools.

According to the American Heart Association, the Jump Rope For Heart fundraiser helps engage students to improve their own health while working to share information about heart-health issues. Jump Rope for Heart events, according to the association, are run by schools, and students raise money and pledge to jump rope.

Throughout February and March Newtown's elementary schools held the Jump Rope for Heart program events.

Head O' Meadow Elementary School held its program during the week of February 12 to 15, according to physical education teacher Steve "Coach" Dreger. The school raised $10,500 through its efforts.

"They were enthusiastic, and they totally embraced the whole idea to raise money to save lives," Coach Dreger said on March 19.

At Hawley Elementary School, physical education teacher Doug Michlovitz introduced students to that day's activities on February 28 and physical education teacher Tony Sortino demonstrated some of the jumps. It was just one of the days for Hawley students to participate in the program. On March 19, Mr Michlovitz shared that Hawley raised $1,567 for the cause.

Middle Gate Elementary School started fundraising for the program at the end of February, according to physical education teacher Laura Cooper. By March 20, Ms Cooper said Middle Gate students had completed 13,498 jumps. The school ended up raising $7,495. Fourth grader Loren Thebodo was the school's top fundraiser from last year, and she shared morning announcements over the school's loudspeaker each morning this year during the fundraiser.

At each of the schools, students jumped rope in the traditional fashion and learned different ways to jump rope, individually and in groups.

Sandy Hook Elementary School students were jumping to reach fabric hanging on a rope and were skipping rope, as just two activities on March 16. As physical education teacher Jaclyn Lloyd made her way around the room, she helped students through the different activities.

According to an updated count on March 19, Ms Lloyd said Sandy Hook School raised $11,009 for the American Heart Association.