On Friday, Jan. 16, students in grades 3-5 at Madill and John F. Kennedy elementary schools attended an assembly to kick off the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge service-learning program.
Through the program, students will learn healthy habits that will support their heart, body and mind while raising awareness and funds to fight heart disease and stroke. The challenge also helps build physical, mental, emotional and social-emotional well-being.
Families are encouraged to learn Hands-Only CPR, a lifesaving skill that takes only a few minutes and can make a critical difference in an emergency. The American Heart Association provides schools with resources that support multiple areas of health, as well as grant opportunities, professional development tools and stress-management materials for educators.
This year’s goal is for 100% of families to learn Hands-Only CPR.
How to Get Involved
- Sign up by downloading the free AHA Schools app or by visiting: https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?company_id=547670&pg=company&fr_id=12396.
- Complete Finn’s Mission (all seven steps) to learn Hands-Only CPR and be entered to win two tickets to Super Bowl LXI in 2027.
- Collect donations to support children with special hearts.
Students also brought home printed information about the challenge for families to review.
The three-week challenge offers students the chance to earn prizes based on the funds they raise. At the end of the challenge, a portion of the proceeds will support the elementary schools, with the remainder benefiting the American Heart Association.
Physical education teachers at each building are leading the initiative. Families with questions may contact Josh Myers at jmyers@ogdensburgk12.org.