Students and staff at Commack Road recently fundraised for the American Heart Association by taking part in Jump Rope for Heart.  Learning about heart-healthy habits, the students participated in various fitness activities during physical education classes, sharting the information that they learned with their families, who sponsored them for their hard work.

Commack Road set a goal of raising $10,000, and physical education teacher Jason Orlick even offered to have his head shaved if they met the challenge. With the students’ enthusiasm powering the drive, the school community raised more than $10,700. Third-grader Kylie McDonald alone raised $1,050, winning the honor of shaving Orlick’s head during Commack Road’s town meeting.

“While learning the importance of keeping our hearts healthy, we also focused on opening our hearts and helping those less fortunate who suffer from heart related illness,” said physical education teacher Carrie Rittberg. “Everyone was excited to share in the joy of achieving such a huge goal.”