WEST CHESTER, PA — At Glen Acres Elementary School, jump roping isn’t just fun and games – it’s an opportunity to connect as a community and even save lives. During the 2022-23 school year, Glen Acres Elementary School raised almost $40,000 through the Kids Heart Challenge, benefiting the American Heart Association (AHA). This impressive accomplishment demonstrates the school’s commitment to not only the health and wellbeing of their students but also their dedication to giving back to the community.
The Kids Heart Challenge is an annual event that encourages physical activity and healthy living while raising funds for the AHA, an organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Students and staff from Glen Acres Elementary School spoke to parents, family members, and those in their community to raise funds for this important cause. Additionally, Glen Acres Elementary’s Health and Physical Education Teacher, Michael Yarosewick, brought each grade level together to earn the funds donated through jump rope competitions and exercise.
“One the most rewarding experiences is watching first-hand as students grow their skills related to rope jumping over the years, then couple that with the experience of raising money for such a great cause,” said Yarosewick. “It’s just such a positive and special time in our school community and the overwhelming support from our students, families, staff and community is the reason our program has been so successful,” he added.
The nearly $40,000 raised by Glen Acres Elementary School will go towards funding life-saving research, providing education on heart health, and supporting those affected by heart disease and stroke.
“We are thrilled to see such incredible support from our students, families, and community members for the Kids Heart Challenge,” said Glen Acres Elementary School Principal, Donna Ryan. “Not only did our students have fun and get active, but they also learned about the importance of heart health and what they can do now to give back to those in need.”
Through programs like the Kids Heart Challenge, the West Chester Area School District (WCASD) has raised nearly $1.8 million since partnering with the AHA in 1998. Last year the WCASD’s charitable efforts raised over $106,000, and Glen Acres and Hillsdale Elementary Schools were ranked in the Top 25 Schools in the Eastern States region to fundraise for AHA, a designation that encompasses 13 states. Glen Acres Elementary is currently ranked number 2 in the Eastern States Region and number 1 in Chester County for fundraising efforts for the AHA.
“We are so grateful for everyone involved in the Kids Heart Challenge at Glen Acres Elementary School,” said Substitute Superintendent Kalia Reynolds. “Their efforts each year not only support a very worthy cause but also teach our students an important lesson about the power they have to make to a real, positive difference in the lives of others.”
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