The Lane family, Sheila, Jeff and Kennedy, jump rope at Shrewsbury's first Family Fit Adventure.
Photo credit: Lindsay Corcoran

SHREWSBURY, Mass. – Nearly 500 students and families practiced jumping rope on Thursday as part of Shrewsbury's first Get Fit Family Adventure "Jump Rope for Healthy Hearts."

The event was one part of the $1.4 million grant the Shrewsbury Public Schools received for physical education, the Carol M. White Physical Education Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education which will buy pedometers and physical education equipment for all of the schools as well.

Patricia Degon, the district's director of health, physical education, and family consumer science, said she was happy to see the good turnout of both students and their parents.

"We want you as parents to think about what you're going to do to encourage your kids to stay active, especially during February vacation," Degon said.

The jump roping event, which took play at Shrewsbury High School, also worked to collect donations for the American Heart Association in honor of National Heart Month.

The event kicked off with students from every school performing jump rope tricks they've been learning in their physical education classes.

The Jump Rope Team from the Upton Memorial Elementary School also performed, Degon said to inspire the kids and families.

"We hope this will excite and encourage your kids – and maybe yourself – to jump rope," Degon said.

Following the performances, students and families were welcomed to participate in a variety of different stations teaching jump roping and other tricks.

Many kids were learning to jump rope for the first time and families were enjoying an active night together, just as Degon hoped they would.