Last week Clearview physical education teacher George Bienusa led students in a day of fun activities designed to get their hearts pumping and raise money for The American Heart Association.

 

It was the school’s 11th annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser, which was begun by Bienusa the year he began teaching at Clearview. Prior to the event, he spoke to the students about children who have been affected by cardiovascular disease and how they can help, and stressed the importance of having a strong heart.

 

Jump Rope for Heart is one of the American Heart Association’s classroom programs that are aimed at teaching kids healthy heart habits and the importance of helping others. Along with participating in the event, students are encouraged to get donations from friends and family that will help save lives of people with heart problems.

 

Bienusa set up numerous stations designed to get students’ heart rate going and work their lower body, including step-ups, pogo balls, hoops, hopscotch, and of course, jump rope. Students rotated from station to station every two and a half to three minutes for 45 minutes, long enough to get their heart rate going but short enough that they didn’t get bored. There was also a rest station with refreshments.

 

The students decide if they want to get donations for the event, it’s not required. Jump Rope for Heart is held during regular physical education classes so all students in kindergarten through fifth grade participate. To give them something to work for, they can receive a variety of prizes depending on how much money they raise.

 

The student who brought in the highest total was named class PE teacher for a day; the student who brought in the second highest was named PE assistant.

This year Clearview students raised $11,436, a bit short of their goal but still enough for the PE department to receive $500 for purchasing equipment. One hundred thirteen students raised money online, sending out over 150 emails to family and friends.

 

For every $50 students collect the American Heart Association can save one life; these Clearview students saved 178 lives. 

 

For more information on the American Heart Association or Jump Rope for Heart, visit their website at www.heart.org.