Schwarting Elementary School's Physical Education Leaders Club raised $4,300 for the American Heart Association at its seventh annual "Jump Rope for Heart" from Feb. 12 to 16. This year, they donated their funds in memory of the son of a Plainedge teacher who lost his life to heart disease.

Approximately 149 students in third, fourth and fifth grade participated. Students obtained pledges for the amount of time they spent jumping rope, either singly, doubly or as part of a circle. Physical Education teacher and Club Advisor Carol Flood was assisted by Student Council Advisor Donna Pessah and 45 parents who volunteered to spin ropes for the various classes.

Students in Kathy Diamond's class earned $875, the most money per class. Top fund raisers in each grade level include fifth-grader Katelyn Wasserman, fourth-grader Joe Ostrosky, and third-grader Nicholas Colombo.

Jump Rope for Heart teaches the value of exercise in maintaining a healthy heart, as well as helping to raise valuable research dollars for the American Heart Association.