McKayla Meadows, pictured center, joins her jump rope teammates, Allison Henderson and Julie Frazier, for a quick picture during the group’s first practice at Ashton Elementary. The jump rope team will perform several times throughout the year, as well as raise money for the American Heart Association through Jump Rope for Heart.
In an effort to raise awareness and money for the American Heart Association, students involved in the jump rope team at Ashton are doing their part to help the organization by simply getting out their ropes.
Meeting at recess during two days out of the week, the group not only learns about how exercise is important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but they are educated on different jumping styles.
The team is coached by Larry Gibbs, physical education teacher at Ashton.
“This is our third year for the jump rope team,” Gibbs said. “We participate in Jump Rope for Heart, which raises money for the American Heart Association, and we have a lot of fun doing so.”
Gibbs said that during the first meeting, nearly 50 students in grades 3-6 showed up to jump and to find out how they can help the AHA.
“I always tell the kids that their schoolwork comes first, then if they have any extra time, they should practice their jump roping skills,” Gibbs added.
At recess, the gymnasium was full of eager students and returning team members who showed others how to do an Irish Fling, Criss Cross, and even Skier tricks with the rope. Other skills the students learned were Scissors, Jogger, X, and Straddle.
“We will get more into the difficult jumps, like Double-Dutch, later on,” Gibbs said. “The team also will practice for several performances we have planned, including one in front of the school and one in the community.”
Last year, the team had uniforms and Gibbs said they plan to have them again this year.
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