Elementary School and Otisville Elementary students learned the importance of helping others while discovering how healthy eating and regular exercise support strong heart health through their participation in the recent American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge.
The Elementary School, a K-2 building, raised $3,114 for the American Heart Association (AHA) though its jump roping activities.
“The Kids Heart Challenge is an important event to the school community as it teaches students about heart healthy activities such as drinking water, sleeping nine to 12 hours each night, eating healthy foods, avoiding tobacco and vaping, and exercise,” said Physical Education teacher Anthony Pascarelli. “They learn that the fundraising we do goes toward learning more about our hearts --- research and education --- and may help students in our school who have 'special hearts' --- students who have heart conditions.”
Otisville Elementary, a K-5 school, raised $6,796 for AHA through its jump roping and “Jump the Donut” activities.
“This year, our school learned how to keep our hearts and bodies healthy, participated in fun activities, and raised funds for the health of all hearts,” said Physical Education teacher Thomas Uhrig. “Three key points we focused on were: Exercise for 60 minutes a day, choose healthy foods and drink water over sugary drinks.”
Winners of the “Jump the Donut” competition are:
Fifth-grade: Grayson Festa
Fourth-grade: Cian Slomka
Third-grade: Eliya Graziano
Second-grade: Mason Christy
First-grade: Max Sheldon
The Kids Heart Challenge focuses on teaching students the importance of eating healthy and exercising to maintain good heart health. Students learned about heart health, discussed engaging in regular physical activity, eating a heart healthy diet, avoiding drugs, tobacco and vaping, and the importance of staying hydrated and good mental health. They learned all these can affect one’s health and risk factors for heart disease and stroke.