Ironwood elementary students 'Jump for a Heart'

IRONWOOD - The elementary school gymnasium at Luther L. Wright was jumping Thursday as students participated in the annual "Jump for a Heart" event.

The gymnasium was divided into 10 station, nine of which were based on different form of jumping exercises, such as skipping rope, plyometrics, a "long jump" and a "Lambeau Leap," as well as a number of other jumping activities.

K-5 physical education teacher Cece Aho said the tenth station allowed the students to enjoy a healthy snack.

According to Aho, students rotated around the gym so they could participate in all 10 stations, spending about three minutes at each station before they moved on.

Nicholas Steinmetz, Norrie Elementary School Principal, was pleased with how the event has grown over the years.

"I think it is great, Cece has really done a great job expanding on what (the former gym teacher) started, getting the kids involved," Steinmetz said. "It has been nice to see it grow."

The event, which meets state standards for a physical education unit, is also a fund-raiser for the American Heart Association.

Aho hopes to raise $3,000 from the event, which will benefit those with heart conditions throughout the Midwest, doubling the $1,500 that was raised last year. So far, the school has raised almost $1,900 through online donations. Aho expects that number to increase once the physical donations are turned in today.

While the school has been doing similar physical activities for quite a few years, the fund-raising component was added two years ago when Aho began teaching at the school. Those students who raised money will also receive a party for their efforts, Aho said.