During the week of February 3 through February 7, 2003, the students at the Augustine F. Maloney School in Blackstone participated in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart program.   Through this activity they raised $4,352 for heart disease research.   Each student solicited donations from family members and neighbors.   During their physical education class they participated in a variety of jump rope activities.
Jump Rope for Heart is a program designed to promote physical fitness and heart health through the fun activity of jumping rope.  It is co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Students used minitramps, long ropes, individual ropes, skip its and twirl’n jumps to increase their physical activity level and heart rate.
Richard Leclaire, grade 4, was the top fundraiser with $300.  Nicole Lussier, Ted Solinko and Sarah Reynolds raised over $150 each.   The top fundraisers are eligible to participate in the Disney World Trip Drawing to be held in July.  A variety of prizes will be awarded to all students participating in the event.
Susan Bergeron and Karen Thompson, physical education/health teachers coordinated this program.  David Isenberg, physical education/health teacher, Lynn Landry, Rose Tancrell, Chris Simmons, Karen Quitzau, Beverly Silver and Tricia Wozniak, parent volunteers also assisted.  This is the fourth year that the A.F. Maloney School has participated in this event.