Cottage Street Students Put Hearts Into Basketball

Tuesday, students played with basketballs for 40 minutes toward helping lengthen lifetimes.

Holding this American Heart Association "Hoops for Heart" event promoted healthy daily living habits in the youths, said Steve Denneno, a physical education teacher at the Kindergarten to grade five school.

Some students also collected donations, which will support the heart association's battle against heart disease, he said.

All three Sharon elementary schools will do such events, which have touched some students in the past, Denneno said.

"I've asked the question, 'How many of you know somebody who's had an issue with their heart?' And across the board, I've seen hands go up," he said.

"So, they do take it personally. They think, 'Maybe I can do something to help.'"

Tuesday, Kindergarteners and each grade each spent 40 minutes in the Cottage gym doing seven basketball activities, such as passing and shooting.

The event tied into the curriculum.

The students recently completed a basketball unit, Denneno said.

"We're constantly preaching exercise on a daily basis, proper health and nutrition," he noted.

"This is just one more thing we can do in a fun way."