This is the 21st year physical education teacher JoAnne Desy has led the day-long event, giving each second and third grade class a chance to jump rope. Students collected pledges and money from the event is donated to the American Heart Association.
Some students did the double-footed jump, others skipped, and some even jumped backward as they each took their turn jumping while DJ Jon Anderson of Prime NRG kept the crowd entertained with lively music.
Desy said the day is about reminding kids to be active and lead healthy lifestyles so their hearts stay healthy. And she reminded students it doesn't have to take a lot of time or fancy equipment – just a jump rope and a few minutes a day.
By the end of the day, Desy reported the total donations were $26,780 – but she said she expects that number will still increase since some of the on-line donations had not yet been counted.
“I'm so very proud of you,” Desy told students trying to keep her emotions in check. “You have done such a great thing today.”