Palmetto Bays Elementary teacher retiring with a lot of ‘heart’

Palmetto Bays Elementary students may have a whole lot of heart and a whole lot of stamina, but the physical education teacher has proved her heart many times over.

Debbie Wolfe, who’s headed the “Jump Rope for Heart” event for 19 years, is retiring in June. Over the years, she’s taught students the importance of physical fitness and the warning signs – and side effects – of heart disease. She’s inspired students to raise money for the American Heart Association, encouraged teachers to get involved and honored students who died from heart problems.

Thinking about her last year teaching brings tears to Wolfe’s eyes.

“I can hardly talk about it,” she said. “I already know I’m going to have to come back and help next year.”

Palmetto Bays had its annual “Jump Rope for Heart” event Friday morning to a crowd of students, teachers and parents. Jump-a-thon participants collect donations starting in January and compete for prizes during the event. Kids who raise the most money or jump rope the longest win a trophy, and door prizes are given away about every 15 minutes.

So far, Palmetto Bays has raised about $5,600, but there are still chances to raise money, including a day where teachers can pay to wear jeans, Wolfe said.

Over Wolfe’s 19 years hosting “Jump Rope for Heart,” she’s raised $176,000 for the American Heart Association.

“It’s all because of the kids,” she said. “They can really come together and work hard.”

Students jumped rope by themselves or with partners for about five minutes at a time, switching off with their classmates before Wolfe presented awards to “heart heroes” – students who raised the most money.

Mikayla Lewis, fourth grader, raised about $120 for the event. She spent her Friday morning inside the Palmetto Bays gymnasium, easily jumping rope for five minutes straight.

“I like all of it,” Lewis said. “It’s fun and I’m good at it.”

One of the biggest benefits of the jump rope event is how it teaches students that exercise can be fun, said volunteer Beth Anctil. Anctil has been volunteering with Palmetto Bays for about five years and said the Friday morning jump-a-thons in February are some of the most fun.

Supporting the American Heart Association – which provides community outreach programs, health education and research – is also key.

“Though I don’t personally have much experience with heart disease, it’s still really important to support the AHA,” she said.

Incorporating fun into fitness is another major sticking point.

“Students need to see that being in shape is something they should enjoy,” Wolfe said. “If they’re having fun, they won’t see it as work.”

This story was originally published February 13, 2016 at 1:00 AM with the headline "Palmetto Bays Elementary teacher retiring with a lot of ‘heart’."