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Hilltoppers open their hearts to save others
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.A third-grade Hilltop Elementary School student showed off her hula hoop skills while participating in the American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart Program Feb. 9..
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.While in gym class, a third-grade Hilltop Elementary School student got in on the fun with a hula hoop for a good cause - the American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart Program..
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Two third-grade Hilltop Elementary School students took a break from jumping rope during the American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart Program Feb. 9..
By ABBY SLANKER
Students at Hilltop Elementary School had the opportunity to learn about heart health while exercising to raise money for the American Heart Association during the Jump Rope for Heart Program.
During the week of Feb. 6, under the direction of Linda Magyar, Hilltop Elementary School physical education teacher, students in grades kindergarten through fourth spent their gym classes being educated on the importance of heart health while having a good time jumping rope and enjoying other activities.
“We talked about eating healthy when they are young and forming good eating habits now that they will use for the rest of their lives. By eating right, they are doing something for their hearts right now. I also let them know they can still have fun and can still have treats, but in moderation. Drinking lots of water is also very important for them,” Magyar said.
Along with jumping rope, Magyar set up several stations for the students, including a teeter board, foul shots, step up, hula hoops, whiffle sticks, long rope and team knockout at the basketball hoop.
Music was playing to help motivate the children, and an instructional video was set up to show the children some exercise tips.
“The focus of the week was jumping rope, but I wanted to keep the children moving, so I set up additional stations for them to rotate between,” Magyar said.
The students raised money for the American Heart Association to fund research and educational materials to lower the risks of America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers: heart disease and stroke.
The children could earn thank-you gifts from the American Heart Association based on how much they raised, including a mini water bottle, a jump rope, a T-shirt and a soccer ball, with the top prize being a E100 Razor electric scooter. The prizes were cumulative, so depending on how much a student raised, they could receive several prizes.
The school will also receive educational materials, jump ropes and gift certificates for physical education equipment based on how much money is raised.
According to Magyar, the students raised more than $5,000 last year.
“We do this in February because it is American Heart Month and we tie it in Valentine’s Day and I think that helps to inspire the children to really get involved in the Jump Rope for Heart Program. They know they are helping children with ‘special’ hearts. They look forward to it every year,” Magyar said.