When you see the month of February approaching, you may begin to think of what gift you can get a loved one for Valentine’s Day. At Robert Reid Elementary School it signals their annual participation in the American Heart Association event, Jump Rope for Heart. Jump Rope for Heart is a school wide activity where students and staff raise money by seeking donations from family and friends in the community for the American Heart Association. Every dollar raised goes towards funding lifesaving research for heart disease and blood vessel diseases as well as strokes – our nation’s #1 and #3 killers. Funding is also allocated to develop educational materials to teach the importance of heart health and staying physically fit.
Reid Elementary has participated in this note worthy cause since 2001, raising over $100,000 and earning several recognitions due to their extraordinary fundraising efforts. In 2004, Reid raised over $13,000 giving them the highest total in all of Columbia, Dauphin, Juanita, Lehigh, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill, Snyder, and Union counties. In that same year, they landed in the top twenty fundraising schools in all of Pennsylvania and Delaware! In 2007, they earned the “Elite School Award” for being one of the top 15 fundraising schools in the Capital Region which includes over 300 schools.
To celebrate everyone’s hard work, on February 17th, 2012 each grade level will participate in jump roping activities and competitions. Parents, community volunteers, WMSS 91.1, the student run school district radio station, and Harrisburg Senators mascots Rascal and Grounder will interact with the students and provide entertainment. The class that raises the most money will win a special lunch from Olive Garden and the top male and female fundraiser will receive a medal at the annual end of the year school assembly. If the school meets their fundraising goal of $10,000.00, Mr. Earl Bright, Principal and Mr. Michael MacDonald, Physical Education teacher, will participate in a challenge for all of the students to enjoy.
Everyone benefits from participating in this notable cause. Besides being fun, it teaches jump roping skills, the importance of physical activity, and community service. It builds school spirit and helps connect the school with the Middletown community.
If you would like to contribute to this very worthy cause and help Robert Reid Elementary School meet their goal, please contact Mr. Mike MacDonald at either 717 – 948 – 3360 or mmacdonald@raiderweb.org