Kids Heart Challenge

During the month of February, elementary students had a special focus on healthful living in their PE classes by participating in the Kids Heart Challenge that is sponsored by the American Heart Association. K-6 PE teacher Danny Martin taught the unit about heart-healthy habits and tapped into the expertise of school nurse Dawn Murphy for the medical topics. On February 18 and 19 Nurse Murphy taught a special hands-only CPR session to the classes.

During the unit, the students discussed the importance of healthy eating habits and getting adequate sleep, dangers of smoking and vaping, and reasons to be kind and supportive. They also learned how to respond to emergency situations. Everyone was encouraged to support National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 6, to raise awareness about heart health. 

Thirty-five students helped in raising over $2,500 for the Kids Heart Challenge and exceeding the goal of $1,500. The student who raised the most money was kindergartner Jaycee Johnson. As a special fundraising incentive, the two homerooms that collected the most money will win a class set of jump ropes and a basketball, allowing them to have some PE equipment to use on the playground during recess. The top homeroom, Ms. Connor’s kindergarten, will receive an ice cream treat.

The elementary grades celebrated all of their achievements during an assembly on Friday afternoon, February 20. After Mellanice McFarlane from the American Heart Association and Nurse Murphy awarded prizes, Coach Martin generously volunteered to allow students who were recognized to tape him to a gym wall.