Jumping For Heart

By Laurie Borst

Breaking up the monotony of late winter, schools in Newtown participated in the Jump Rope For Heart. Head O’ Meadow kicked things off in February for the 15th year in a row. Physical Education teacher Steven Dreger reports this year the school raised more than $13,000.

On March 20, Sandy Hook School had 181 third and fourth graders sign up for the fundraiser. This is SHS’s 12th year participating. Students warmed up with the cha-cha slide and basic single rope skills. Then they moved through stations where they used long ropes, Chinese jump ropes, played Double Dutch and Lazy Cowboy, which is similar to a giant Skip-It. Another station, Champion Ball, had students shooting jump shots. They raised $11,156 this year.

Sharon Bean, a representative of the American Heart Association, which benefits from the fundraiser, was on hand. She shared with the youngsters her personal experience. Her father had heart problems last year. Research funded by these events like Jump Rope For Heart helped save him, she said.

On March 21, Middle Gate School held their ninth Jump Rope fundraiser. Approximately 120 students took part. Last year, they raised almost $6,000.

Reed Intermediate School held Hoops For Heart on March 20 and Jump Rope For Heart on March 21. Hoops For Heart pitted teachers against students on the basketball court. Reed raised $6,000 with the two events.

Newtown Middle School played Hoops For Heart on March 22. Thirty to 40 spectators came out to watch the game, raising about $200. NMS has participated for eight years.

Hawley School held their fundraiser on March 27. The school has participated since the 1999-2000 school year, raising more than $18,500 since that time.