On Thursday, February 5, 2009, every student at Putnam Valley Elementary School participated in the annual Jump Rope for Heart event to raise funds for the American Heart Association. This year's school goal for donations is $12,000. Physical Education teachers Ken Kimball and Alyssa Aurigemma have promised the students that they will dye their hair blue if the $12,000 fundraising goal is reached. Students have until Friday, February 13 to turn in their donation envelopes. Each child received a sticker and a thank you card for participating, and some received prizes for creative jumping.
As with the "Hoops for Heart" program popular at Putnam Valley Middle School, students were asked to seek donations for the American Heart Association from relatives, teachers, and friends.

Since the 1980s Putnam Valley Elementary and Middle Schools have hosted Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart events. Student volunteers have helped to raise tens of thousands of dollars to support the AHA's mission. The funds will help to supply much-needed educational materials, specialized training for nurses and doctors, and heart-related research

Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops For Heart are sponsored by the AHA and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. These events fund critical research and educational programs about heart disease and stroke; they engage kids in community service while promoting the benefits of lifelong heart-healthy lifestyles; and they involve an entire school in a whole lot of fun!