Cedar Mountain 'jumps rope for heart'

VERNON — Cedar Mountain Primary School has been celebrating a week of “Jump Rope for Heart” in order to raise money and awareness of heart health.
Teacher Michele Gonnelli said the Kindergarten and First-Grade family and friends have raised $4,800 so far to donate to the American Heart Association through online pledges. In addition, she said, they are hoping to raise $5,000 by their end date, Friday, Feb. 23.
Gonnelli explained to her Kindergarten gym class, Fri., Feb. 16, they were exercising to keep their hearts healthy. On top of that, she said, they had been raising money, “to help those with special hearts.”
During their class, the children completed six different heart healthy stations, where the students incorporated: jumping, balancing, and climbing.
Music played in the background, including “'Cause I'm Happy,” as they changed from station to station.
Dedicated Dads Ted Cullin and Patrick Curreri, and Mom Extraordinaire Jennifer Horler helped hold the net tight for rope climbing and wiggled ropes back and forth for students to leap over.
Gonnelli also reinforced practicing Spanish with the students. “How do we say five in Spanish?” she asked.
“Cinco,” responded the students.
During six count jumping jack warm-up, the students counted in English and Spanish. “Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco, seis.”
Throughout the class, Gonnelli held a raffle where students could pick a prize from a lovely heart decorated table.
Gonnelli said, the students also receive thank you gifts from the American Heart Association, like key chains.