The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG-Students at Waitsburg Elementary took a break from the books on Friday, February 14, and finished up the Hoops for Heart and Jump Rope for Heart fundraisers by shooting hoops and learning how to jump rope.

Each year, Waitsburg Elementary School participates in the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge. While raising money to help kids with special hearts, students learn how the heart works and ways to keep their hearts healthy.

Kindergarten through 2nd graders got to spend Friday morning learning how to jump rope. Kathy Schirm and P.E. teacher Nick Swisher worked together to create rotating stations, where kids could pick from jumping rope alone or with friends. Third through fifth grade students were divided into groups to play popular basketball games like Bump, and distance basket shooting games. High school students stood by to help the kids learn and to encourage the students when they needed it.

The elementary students raised approximately $2,000, which will go to helping kids born with special hearts with various aspects of care and education. The top earning class will have a pizza and popcorn party, and the top five individuals get to tape Superintendent Pickel to the wall with duct tape. Here's to wishing Mr. Pickel the best of luck, and congratulations to all Waitsburg Elementary students on a successful fundraiser for a great cause!