Children at the Letourneau Elementary School have had the chance to try their hands and feet at jump roping and trampoline during January 2009 as they participated in a unique physical education program. Jump Rope For Heart is a national educational fund-raising program sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). The program engages elementary students in jumping rope while raising funds to support lifesaving heart and stroke research. It teaches physical fitness and promotes the value of community service to students and their families. This year, Jump Rope For Heart celebrates its 30th Anniversary! Since 1978, Jump Rope For Heart has raised over $703 million for the fight against heart disease and stroke. The program has operated in Fall River schools for the past ten years. For more information about the program, contact Youth Market Director Lindsay Pietro at 1-800-242-6965, Ext. 2490.
 

(Top row, left) Members of the Brewster Bayside Skippers  jump rope team from Cape Cod perform at Letourneau school earlier in January to demonstrate what can be done with a jump rope. (Top row, center) Sophannah Phan demonstrates her jump roping skills at the Letourneau Elementary School. (Top row, right) Taylor Gaudette gives encouragement to Hayden Medeiros as he tries to get the hang of jumping rope. (Middle row, left) Kiley Paiva, Saklyda Tieng and Taylor Gaudette get into the rhythm of jumping. (Middle row, center) American Heart Association Youth Market Director Lindsay Pietro and Letourneau physical education teachers Carol Long and Jesse Sampson pose in front of the "Hoops for Hearts" and the "30th Anniversary Jump Rope for Heart!" banners. (Middle row, right) Kiley Paiva tries a jump on the trampoline while Lindsay models what to do. (Bottom row, left and center) Taylor and Sophannah take their turns on the trampoline. (Bottom row, right) Kiley high-fives Lindsay.