Jump Rope for Heart has been an annual event at the Academy for grades JK to 6 for many years. It raises awareness of the heart and its conditions.
Students jump for an hour and a half and do other activities, through which they experience a change in their heart beats.
Activities include bean bag toss, trampoline and riding on mini-scooters. Students enjoy this event, not only because of the day off from classes, but because they also have a day just to play.
According to P.E. teacher Elizabeth Loo, “I tell children stories about a boy who had a heart condition and I tell them about my own mother. The children like the stories and show much sympathy towards them.
“I do not ask for the students and their families to donate any money, but there are parents who do donate to support the awareness.”
Established in Australia in 1983, Jump Rope for Heart is supported by the American Heart Association and the Heart Foundation. It is the most popular physical activity and fundraising program in schools.