Richard Ira Jones Middle School staff and students hope to raise $10,000 for the American Heart Association through a combination of football activities and fundraisers.

The students and staff are participating in "Football for Heart" through the American Heart Association (AHA). 

The American Heart Association piloted "Football for Heart" last April at four middle schools in Illinois.  Ira Jones is now one of nearly two dozen schools in Illinois to participate in the new program this year. 

 Modeled after the AHA's successful "Hoops for Heart" and "Jump Rope for Heart" programs, "Football For Heart" is a football skills program combined with a multi-week, in-school campaign to educate students about heart health and the importance of being physically active for at least 60 minutes a day.

In exchange for pledges, Ira Jones students participated in several football related activities and were evaluated on drills like the 40 yard dash, three cone drill, the standing broad jump and push-ups the week of October 4, 2010.  The "Football for Heart" week culminated with flag football games, including a staff versus staff flag football game.

The students and staff are continuing to fundraise for the AHA through Penny Wars competitions and staff wears jeans to work days.  All money raised will be used by the AHA to help children and adults through lifesaving heart and stroke research and education programs.

In addition, students who participate in the "Football For Heart" program can earn Chicago Bears prizes by reaching specific fundraising goals, and the school that raises the most money for the AHA will receive a visit from a current Bears player at their school. For more information call Amber Nickel at 815-267-3600 ext. 3102 or by email at anickel@psd202.org