Elementary school students and parents across the district have been working to help raise money through the Jump Rope for Heart program.

Each of the elementary schools participated this year, and Sandy Hook Elementary School will run its program from April 4 to 8.

Middle Gate Elementary School's gymnasium was taken over on Tuesday, March 22, by students taking turns jumping rope. This was the 20th year Middle Gate has participated in the program, and physical education teacher Laura Cooper, who organized the campaign, made her way around the room supplying jump ropes.

Jump Rope for Heart is a fundraising program for the American Heart Association. Participants in the program ask friends and family to help them raise money.

As students jumped rope around her, Ms Cooper said, as of March 22, the Middle Gate community had raised roughly $9,000 through the campaign. Ms Cooper said the fundraising effort began with a kick-off assembly at the school and ran for three weeks.

Hawley Elementary School physical education teacher Doug Michlovitz said his school "had a very successful Jump Rope for Heart/Hoops for Heart event." Hawley also participated in the American Heart Association's Hoops for Heart fundraising campaign. Second and third graders at the school participated in the Jump Rope for Heart program and fourth graders participated in the Hoops for Heart program.

"I've been involved with the Jump Rope for Heart program for the past 18 years at Hawley School," said Mr Michlovitz. "It's a wonderful event because it encourages a healthy, active lifestyle and all of the money goes towards a great cause."

Hawley's fundraising event was held the week of February 22, according to Mr Michlovitz, and the school raised $2,330.

Just before that, Head O' Meadow Elementary School held its Jump Rope for Heart campaign February 8 to 12. Physical education teacher Steve "Coach" Dreger said this was the 25th year his school participated in the program, and this year's efforts raised $12,000 for the cause.

Students participated in the Jump Rope for Heart program during the school day for the entire week at the school, according to Coach Dreger "All of the children get extremely excited about it," he added.

"A little of a competitive edge" comes out, with contests like seeing who can jump for the longest amount of time, but Coach Dreger said "most of it is just having fun."

Coach Dreger said the program gives students a chance to do something for their community and do something that is selfless.

"The money they raise actually saves lives," said Coach Dreger.

Thanks to students in Sandy Hook School's Jump Rope Club, excitement for the Jump Rope For Heart program is already building in advance of the school participating later this month, according to physical education teacher Jackie Lloyd. Jump Rope For Heart will run April 4 to 8 at Sandy Hook School.

The Jump Rope Club met weekly on Thursdays after school from December until recently, and the student members recently demonstrated jump rope skills, for single jumpers and pairs, for a Jump Rope for Heart kickoff at the school. Ms Lloyd, Kate Magness, and Geraldine Jackman oversaw the Jump Rope Club.