Teller Elementary School’s physical education teacher, Christine Baumgartner, received national attention in the fall issue of The Pulse for her unique ability to motivate students in the Jump Rope for Heart event.

The Pulse newsletter, co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) that focuses on the Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart programs. The newsletter, which is also available online, is composed of articles from both of these national organizations, and state and local event coordinators.

The article, “Motivation and Momentum,” written by Michele Kimminau, Youth Market Manager for the Denver Area of the American Heart Association Desert/Mountain Affiliate, discusses both the “Jumping Events” Baumgartner created for the Jump Rope for Heart event and her fundraising efforts.

These Jumping Events include creative activities such as The Heart Throb, a 30 second speed-jumping event. Baumgartner created The Heart Throb, and other events including The Razzle Dazzle, The Marathon and The Millennium Mile, in an effort to challenge and motivate students to learn and be successful.

Baumgartner’s enthusiasm for her profession, students and the Jump Rope for Heart event is the reason Kimminau choose to write about her. “I like her event because she does some unique things,” Kimminau said. “Because the students are waiting for me to get there, and can’t wait to show me what they have worked on. I couldn’t ask for a better partner to teach kids about the importance of living a heart healthy life.”

“Motivation and Momentum” will reach approximately 4,000 to 5,000 subscribers, Kimminau said.

Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart are jointly sponsored by AAHPERD and the American Heart Association. The purpose of these programs is to promote physical education, healthy children, heart disease and stroke knowledge, and to raise funds for research and health education, according to AAHPERD.

Students participate by asking friends, neighbors and family to sponsor them, and collect pledges to provide funds for research and education.

The Pulse is available online at www.aahperd.org/aha-pulse.

Teller Elementary is located at 1150 Garfield St., 303-333-4285. For more information on Jump Rope for Heart or Hoops for Heart, contact Michele Kimminau at 303-369-5433, ext. 210.