Klein earns national grant from heart association

MADISON – Jennifer Klein, a physical education teacher at Mill Creek, has earned one of only 10 national grants for Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart.

The American Heart Association presented the grant to Klein for her exceptional support of physical education programs that the association promotes.

Klein has incorporated Jump Rope for Heart as a centerpiece of her effective physical education program. She educates students on ways to keep their hearts strong and teaches fundamental skills to lead a healthy lifestyle through adulthood, according to an AHA release.

“Jump Rope for Heart/Hoops for Heart are excellent programs to help teach the students the importance of making heart healthy choices,” Klein said. “The programs also provide the students with an opportunity to participate in a community service event and gain a sense of accomplishment knowing they’ve helped save someone’s life.”

The Society of Health and Physical Educators or SHAPE issued the recognition to Klein. As a grant winner, Klein will be recognized at SHAPE America’s Professional Excellence ceremony during its national convention and expo in Nashville in late April.

Klein has made Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart a staple of education in Madison for the past 15 years. Her efforts have raised $23,000 in life-saving funds during the past year and $105,000 in the past six years.

“This is one of my favorite fundraising efforts that we do each year,” Mill Creek Principal Carmen Buchanan said. “It’s really exciting to see how much fun our students have with this fundraising effort. I am so proud of Coach Klein and our PE Department.”

The heart health programs have become a tradition at Mill Creek. “It’s important that we educate our students first prior to doing any fundraising efforts. Coach Klein does just that and stresses the impact that the donations have on the lives of so many people,” Buchanan said.

Klein’s grant package includes a U.S. Games gift certificate for Mill Creek’s PE program, free membership to SHAPE America and an expenses-paid trip to the upcoming national convention.

In related work, Klein co-founded Mill Creek’s Archery Team. As coach, Klein led the Mill Creek archers to the 2017 National Archery in the Schools Program World Championship in Louisville, Ky.