Menands students were “hoppy” to help raise awareness for healthy habits and youth activities during a recent physical education program.
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade took part in the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge, raising awareness about the importance of physical activity and raising funds for the youth who have heart health issues.
During physical education classes, students jumped rope, took part in “ninja belt challenges” and completed other activities that increased their heart rate and boosted awareness of cardiac health.
“The students worked on a different number of jumps that progressively got harder and signed their names on colored belts around the gym when they achieved each one,” said Physical Education Teacher Ryan Ahl.
Students enjoyed the challenge.
“I like it. It’s a lot of exercise and it’s fun,” said Rayan Ahmed, a fourth-grade student, while taking a break from jumping rope in class.
Classmate Kerim Ahmed agreed.
“I like it because it is healthy and helps people not sit around all day and watch TV and play on their computers,” he said.
While the physical education unit concluded on March 6, financial pledges are being accepted through March 20. So far, students have raised $3,797.
Students interested in signing up and making a donation can do so through the Heart Association website: One School Landing Page – American Heart Association.