Dear Lower School Families,
 

The energy and excitement for this year’s annual Jump Rope for Heart was contagious! Despite inclement weather moving our event indoors, the passion and pride were as palpable as ever. This event has been recurring annually at Bernard Zell for 36 years, and integrates several facets of learning for our second, third, and fourth grade students: jump rope skills, teamwork, heart health learning and an introduction to fundraising and service learning.

Our amazing Physical Education teachers, Dana Gradman, Ashley Johnson and Kyle Sheahan, led a comprehensive unit during classes for kids to learn jump roping skills, heart rate calculations, teamwork practice, and some basic information about the American Heart Association and the wonderful student-centered programs they offer, like the Kids Heart Challenge. We even had some of our Lower School students participate in a CPR training program this year.

We were fortunate to be able to further extend heart health learning for our fourth graders who listened to a special presentation by cardiologist, Alexander Javois. Dr. Javois taught students about ways to keep their hearts healthy and was impressed by all their background knowledge. Ms. Jennifer Smiley from the American Heart Association also joined the students to share a bit more about where donations go and how appreciative the AHA is for their relationship with Bernard Zell for many years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the event on April 13, all students in grades 2 - 4 were assigned jumping teams, and took turns jumping rope for one minute at a time before passing the rope to their teammates. The hard work of jumping, cheering on teammates, trying new skills, and maintaining high energy were no easy feat. But the effort was worth it as Bernard Zell students raised a total of $30,716.98 in their fundraising efforts. Truly tremendous! We always look forward to this spirited event and to know that we are contributing to the amazing cause of keeping kids and adults heart healthy. Way to go, Jumping Eagles!

Warmly, 

Karen Leavitt
Head of Lower School