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Spaulding Elementary School students raise money, get fit during Jump Rope for Heart

Spaulding Elementary School second-graders laughed and ran around the gym while jumping rope at various stations during the Jump Rope for Heart event Tuesday in Gurnee.

Students in grades kindergarten through second took turns jumping long ropes, short ropes, Chinese jump ropes and jumping in groups of two and three during physical education classes.

"It is an annual event that we have been doing since 2000," said physical education teacher Len Wojciechowicz. "We try to bring it down to the kids' level for elementary schoolchildren so that they understand that they are trying to help their own bodies by jumping rope but they are also contributing money and understanding that they are helping other people as well. They love the event."

Children were excited after receiving rubber ducks for prizes after contributing money for the fundraising event. Last year, more than $11,000 was raised at the school for the American Heart Association.

"I think it's really cool. I just like jumping rope," second-grader Ruby Lester said. "I like to help my friend, Ava, who has a heart defect."

  Faith Robinson, a second grade student at Spaulding Elementary School in Gurnee, jumps rope Tuesday during Jump Rope for Heart. Students in kindergarten through second grade jumped rope in physical education class to raise money for the American Heart Association. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
  Spaulding Elementary School second-grader Owen Stinson jumps as he plays Chinese jump rope Tuesday during Jump Rope for Heart at the Gurnee school. Students in kindergarten through second grade jumped rope in physical education class to raise money for the American Heart Association. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
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