It’s been over 40 years since Wareham began participating in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart Program. 

As a tie-in with the physical education unit on jump rope, students not only learn about heart health, but take part in raising money for the association, according to PE Teacher Deanna Semple. 

Semple highlighted how many of her students' parents had the opportunity to participate in the program back when they were kids. 

This year, the goal was to raise $9,000. Wareham doubled their goal with a record-breaking $18,631 — and they’ll continue collecting donations through the end of the month.

Semple said it helps that the program draws from a larger pool of students now that the elementary schools are combined. 

However, Semple said she emphasizes with her students how even the smallest donation can make a big difference. 

She said to put it in perspective for them, she explained how if 1,000 students brought in one dollar then the school would be able to donate $1,000 to the American Heart Association.

Semple added how the association has made the process much easier for parents with an accompanying online guide.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in Finn’s Challenge where they learn about a little boy who was born with a heart defect. They can take on the challenge by learning CPR through a video.

“You never know when you’re going to need to know,” Semple said.