Holly Elementary School studen...

HOLLY, Michigan – For the seventh consecutive year, second and third graders at Holly Elementary School had some heart pumpin’ fun, participating in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart program.

HAS gym teacher Jason McLaughlin not only uses the program to teach students about the importance of cardiovascular health and exercise, but also about giving back and raising money for an important cause.

Using sponsor forms, students asked friends and relatives to make a donation to the American Heart Association. Additionally, gym teacher Jason McLaughlin said students were able to designate a person for whom they were jumping, such as a grandparent or other relative who has suffered a stroke or heart attack.

HAS gym teacher Jason McLaughl...

HOLLY, Michigan – It’s an annual event at Holly Elementary School, and come Monday, students at Rose Pioneer Elementary School will be experiencing the same thing.

Holly Area Schools gym teacher Jason McLaughlin is splitting his time between the two schools this year, and on Friday, the students of Holly Elementary took part in the Fall Fun Run – four laps through the woods and around the field adjacent to the school, all adding up to a mile.

Doubling as the Presidential Fitness Challenge, the students have just 15 minutes to finish the run.

Before starting a group of fourth graders on their way, McLaughlin reminded them of the strategies. “Pick a good pace – stay with it,” he said. “If you’re running with a buddy, encourage each other.”

With that, the students bolted off the starting line, never once looking back.

After the Fun Run, it was time for the students to recharge with some apples and Gatorade, provided by the school.

“I’m really pleased with how the kids have been doing today,” McLaughlin said. “The times have been better than any other year, and the kids seem to be taking the run very seriously.”

On Monday, the kids of Rose Pioneer face the same challenge. “It’s going to be fun for the kids at Rose Pioneer – they’ve never done a Fall Fun Run before,” McLaughlin said. “I know they’re looking forward to it.”

Principal Beth Hunter and spel...

HOLLY, Michigan – When it comes to spelling, if there’s one thing fifth-grader Anna White doesn’t need, it’s a “tutor.”

Holly Elementary School fifth-graders participated in the school’s spelling bee Tuesday with the winning speller moving onto the 16th Annual Oakland Press Spelling Bee in February.

Before beginning the annual school spelling bee, Principal Beth Hunter told the group of students how proud she was of them for their participation.

“I’m just really proud of you all for trying,” she said. “That’s the important thing – and it’s awesome to have 32 of you willing to stand up and give it a shot.”

The aftermath of Round One left just 14 students still standing. Round Two reduced spellers to seven, and by Round Five, only three spellers remained – Lilly Rhoades, Rachel Warner and Anna White.  

Lilly Rhoades went down in Round Six, leaving Rachel and Anna to battle it out to the end. Deadlocked for Rounds Seven and Eight, Anna would eventually spell “tutor” in the ninth for the win.

“I’m really happy,” Anna said after the win. “I studied a lot – took a lot of quizzes.”

Anna will represent Holly Elementary School in the Oakland Press Spelling Bee slated for Feb. 20.

Brownie Troop 3327 will adopt ...

HOLLY, Michigan – During the school year, the members of Brownie Troop 3327 stay pretty busy, working on projects, working on their badges, and during the holiday season, figuring out ways to help those in need.

Meeting every other Wednesday at Holly Elementary School, troop leader Angie Broegman-Stinde said her troop of third-grade girls from Holly Elementary School and Holly Academy have been busy collecting the necessary funds to spend on an adopted family this season.

“We’re working on collecting money to, as a troop, adopt a family this Christmas,” Broegman-Stinde said. “It’s a great project because it really allows us to talk more about community service and what that really means.”

On Wednesday, the girls had plenty to do – making festive holiday tambourines, and later, reading a skit about Julliette Low, an American youth leader, and the founder of Girl Scouts of America.

“We always manage to stay pretty busy,” Broegman-Stinde said. “But that’s what makes being in Brownies so much fun – they all really enjoy it.”