Pictured (l-r): Sara LaPlant, Danielle Falkenstein and Jasmine Powlowski jump for a good cause.

Students jump through hoops

Brockport's Barclay Elementary students jumped their way to $15,823.31 during an American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser. The second and third graders participated in 30 minutes of continuous exercise during their physical education classes, including jumping rope, jumping through hoola hoops and lateral jumps.

Physical Education Teachers Mary Lou Blodgett and Woody Vandenburg told students about the importance of exercise as it relates to the health of their heart and how everyone should get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Students were also given an opportunity to hang a card honoring a friend or family member who may have suffered from heart disease or a related illness.

This is the Barclay School's third year participating in this fundraiser, raising more than $43,50 for the American Heart Association. "We never thought we would come close to last year's total, but as usual, the kids and the community came through," Vandenburg said. "We're glad that the students had a chance to see how good it feels to do something for someone else. There was so much dedication and excitement from the students and generous community support. Not only is it a great cause, but it reinforces the district's health and wellness goals."

June 17, 2007