Learn to walk before you jump

[Order this photo]

Third and fourth grade students at Fairview (top), Lincoln, Johnson and Sacred Heart elementary schools in Spencer began changing the local culture Monday as they took part in a program aimed at increasing exercise levels. The eight-week program, which will continue through May 22 and is funded in part through a grant from the Department of Transportation, will have students either walking outside or inside their school buildings during their Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunch breaks. With assistance from the Northwest Iowa Bone, Joint and Sports Surgeons, which donated a pedometer for each student to use, over 30 local adults have volunteered to help the students keep track of how far they've walked or run. Later in the evening, many of the same students came together in the Spencer Fieldhouse to take part in the 23rd annual Jump Rope for Heart event, an hour-and-a-half long, jump rope event that promotes both cardiovascular health through exercise as well as the efforts of the American Heart Association. Fourth, fifth and sixth grade students raise funds then participate in the event to generate the donation. Elizabeth Glover and Madi Rost (below), both sixth grade students at Lincoln, worked the rope together. Results of the Jump Rope for Heart will appear in the Daily Reporter later this week.

[Order this photo]