Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart - School District 68

Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart:a Long-Standing Tradition in Our SchoolsThe Ladysmith Intermediate Jump Starts skipping team performedat Departure Bay to kick-off the school’s campaign.Students in Mrs. Bradley’s Grade 1/2 class at Rock City Elementaryrotated through various stations, including hula hoops.It’s the time of year in schools all across the Nanaimo-Ladysmith district when students can beseen avidly jumping rope. It’s an activity that is good for their hearts, in more ways than one,because while they are busy perfecting their jump rope moves, they are also raising money forthe Heart and Stroke Foundation.Jump Rope for Heart has long been a tradition in localschools, and its popularity has increased over the 29 yearsthe program has been in place. About 15 years ago, theHeart and Stroke Foundation also introduced the Hoops forHeart program, which features students seeing how many ballsthey can get through the basketball hoop.Last year, schools in the district raised an amazing $93,000through the two programs. This year, 27 District 68 schoolsare participating in Jump Rope for Heart and five are involvedin Hoops for Heart. Most schools sponsor one or two specialjump rope or hoops events in the January-February timeframe.What makes the programs so popular in schools?“Jump Rope for Heart is a great event and a really easy way toteach students the importance of having a healthy lifestyle,” saidBrechin Elementary Principal Diane Goodman. “The supportfrom the Heart and Stroke Foundation representative makesparticipating so easy and rewarding for the school.”Cilaire Elementary Principal Mike Ireland agreed. “It encouragesthe student to be active, and to learn that skipping is a funway to exercise. For the two weeks leading up (and the two weeksafter) the skipathon we have students asking to sign out skippingropes so that they can practice. Every student takes part, whetheror not they raise funds, so it is a fun and healthy day for all.”He said the second benefit the students derive from this isthat they are supporting a worthy cause by raising pledges. “Ithelps them be more socially aware and to understand that theycan help make a difference.”Teacher Wes Lazaroff at Pleasant Valley Elementary said thatat his school the teachers promote skipping in their PE classesduring the lead up to the event day. “Over the years the studentsfrom Grade 1 to Grade 7 have shown a great improvement intheir skipping abilities. It has turned into a traditional event atour school where the students seem to look forward to our JumpDay and take pride in what they have accomplished one jump ata time.”At Ladysmith Primary School (LPS), which has been involvedin the Jump Rope for Heart program for more than 20 years, as“Jump Rope for Heart is a great eventand a really easy way to teach studentsthe importance of having a healthylifestyle,” said Brechin ElementaryPrincipal Diane Goodman.well as receiving the physical benefits of jump rope, the studentsengage in discussions about healthy lifestyles that include propernutrition and rest, said Teacher Joan Tames. “All of us at LPS arevery proud to be supporters of this very worthwhile cause.”Teacher Beatrice Bradley, of Rock City Elementary added, “Itnot only helps us promote health and fitness, but it is also anotherway that we can build a community feeling for the whole school.”Uplands Park Elementary sponsors a Hoops for Heart event6 - ConnectED - Spring 2011