During American Heart Month, students at West Gates Avenue Elementary School in the Lindenhurst Union Free School District enjoyed a visit from Mark Rothstein who shared his program the World of Jump Roping.

Throughout the interactive exhibition, Rothstein demonstrated various jump-roping techniques and invited students to challenge themselves and jump as well. The energetic presenter also explored the importance of being a leader who makes healthy life choices and the virtue in being honest, respectful, focused and kind.

The visit, his 18th consecutive at West Gates, was in celebration of the school’s Jump Rope for Heart fundraising campaign sponsored by the American Heart Association. The event and campaign were successful as the students and staff of West Gates collectively raised $11,500 for the cause.

Photo caption: Students at West Gates Avenue Elementary School recently enjoyed a visit from Mark Rothstein who shared his program the World of Jump Roping during American Heart Month.

Photo courtesy of Lindenhurst Union Free School District

Wearing green to show our support for mental health awareness week. This week is dedicated to positive body image. It’s important as athletes to take care of our bodies, so be mindful of your body this week! #ItsOkToNoBeOk#takingMACtion 💚

This week is MAC Mental Health Awareness Week and OU is #takingMACtion Two of our juniors, Kendall and Alex, are helping break the stigma and ready to talk about Mental Health Awareness and Body Positivity! “Be the change you want to see in the world, because sometimes all you have to ask for is help.”

To learn more about them visit: https://www.instagram.com/ohioufieldhockey

On Feb. 7, eighth graders at Oldfield Middle School in the Harborfields Central School District participated in The Charity Challenge — a fundraising competition in which proceeds were donated to the charity organization myFace.

Each year, eighth-graders at Oldfield Middle choose a charity they’d like to support with this grade-wide fundraiser. After rounds of persuasive speeches within classrooms, students vote on their peers’ essays. Ten semifinalists are then chosen to present their charities to the entire grade. This year’s winner was Wyatt LaFountaine, who chose the charity myFace — a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of patients with facial disfigurement. Focused mainly on children and their families, myFace funds medical, surgical, dental and psychosocial services as well as research and public awareness.

“I have a personal connection with this charity,” Wyatt said, “and I was so thankful my classmates chose myFace. This organization help so many people, and make so many lives better…and we’ll be helping them do that.”

To participate in the challenge, students paid an entrance fee, plus any additional funds they raised and formed teams. Students participated in physical and mental challenges, such as human “Hungry Hungry Hippos,” a ring toss, Kahoot trivia and more.

“My parents always told me that our generation is going to be the one to make a difference,” said eighth-grader Quinn, “and being able to participate in something like this really makes me feel like that’s true.”

Photo Captions:

1. Eighth graders at Oldfield Middle School participated in The Charity Challenge on Feb. 7.
2. Wyatt LaFountaine (second right) and his team participated in The Charity Challenge on Feb. 7, raising money for the non-profit organization myFace.
3. At Oldfield Middle School’s annual Charity Challenge’s, students participated in many challenges, including human “Hungry Hungry Hippos”

Photos courtesy of the Harborfields Central School District