Contributed by Tricia FLYNN

Students at St. James Elementary and Holy Redeemer Middle schools, touched by the tragedy in Japan, chose to “jump” in and help. The children created a “jump-a-thon” that would raise funds that would then be sent to relief agencies in the devastated nation.

Each student received a sponsor chart to get flat rate pledges for their jumps. On a warm Wednesday, the students jumped for 30 minutes nonstop, with each student keeping track of how many times they jumped.
In a show of true teamwork the fourth graders helped the kindergartners and then jumped themselves. At St. James – kindergarten through fourth grade – the children had a combined total of 65,747 jumps for their half hour. Over at Holy Redeemer, the students had a combined 86,699 jumps, a stellar effort that they enjoyed.
Efforts were not limited to students. Principal Susan Romero lent a hand, turning the rope so students could jump together. Even Math teacher Richard Triquart, in his suit and dress shoes, was seen bouncing for the cause.
For their efforts everyone received water and popsicles. At the end of the day, the schools together raised $2,985.68 that will be donated to The Diocese of Sendai to support the assistance efforts in Japan.

  Holy Redeemer, japan, May 12, st james, Tricia Flynn