By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—Valley Elementary School students raised nearly $3,600 for the American Heart Association as part of their celebration of American heart month.

Every February for American heart month, Valley Elementary School students learn about the heart and participate in various educational activities in physical education class.

“Our students spent a lot of time talking about the heart,” said Valley Elementary School physical education teacher Ginger Aaron. “They learned about the parts of the heart, the flow of blood, risk factors and ways to stay healthy.”

This year, students participated in two special events, a heart obstacle course in which students moved through the gym as blood cells, and the annual favorite, Jump Rope for Heart.

“The kids look forward to Jump Rope for Heart every year, it’s a tradition” said Aaron of the AHA and the American Alliance for Health Physical Education, Recreation and Dance sponsored event. “They love the opportunity to make their own hearts stronger and be community helpers.”

Valley Elementary students raised money and invited the community to join them in the all-day Jump for Heart event on Feb. 17. Every class took part in long-rope and short-rope activity stations, while music played and healthy snacks were served.

“It was a party atmosphere,” said Aaron. “Students loved inviting their parents and participating with them.”

At the end of the day, Valley Elementary School raised nearly $3,600 for the AHA.