Mohawk Avenue fifth graders jump rope for fitness and fun

Sparta - The Mohawk Avenue School gym was teeming with excitement as the annual jump-rope competition got under way. As the fifth-grade classes cheered on their classmates, the judges busily marked their score cards. The chosen finalists were the “JEMS,” from Gina Verhalen’s class, the “Mexican Jumping Beans,” from Jennifer Sawicki’s class, the “Beach Bums” and the “Blue Crew,” from Jennifer Hientzleman’s class, and from Mrs. Vienne’s class, the team, “Girls Rock.” “We started this event in 2001 as part of our school’s version of Jump Rope for Heart,” said Anthony Papa, physical education teacher. “It was part of a physical education unit, and the students raised $1,200 for the American Heart Association to help heighten awareness of heart disease.” All fifth-grade students were required to choreograph a jump-rope routine to music of their choice. Routines had a time requirement of three-to-five minutes and had to incorporate timing, rhythm, dance and gymnastics elements that met core curriculum content standards set by the state for physical education. “At the end of the unit, all groups presented their routines in front of their own classes,” explained Papa.. “Following the presentations, 12 groups were selected based on overall performance and teamwork score. These groups performed a second time, and from there the five finalists were chosen.” The students prepared for their routines by using their gym period time and scheduling practices before and after school hours. Their hard work and determination paid off, as the elaborate routines were finely tuned with exact precision and timing, and perfected with costumes and props. The finalists were scored by a panel of judges on quality and accuracy, team balance and rope variation, level of difficulty, choreography and creativity. The winners for the 2006 trophy and Olympic-style medals were awarded to the “Mexican Jumping Beans,” featuring Alison Surdoval, Danielle Farrand, Gage Malinowski, Lauren Petrin and Ryan Alteri. All the groups are scheduled to perform their routines for the third- and fourth-grade classes at the Helen Morgan and Alpine schools. “This presentation helps get the kids excited about participating in phys-ed class, and to looking forward to making the move over to the Mohawk Avenue School next year,” Papa said.