What was your first experience with Heart Zones?
Aaron Jones, the PE teacher at Alimacani Elementary School, first experienced Heart Zones at their annual SHAPE Florida convention in 2017. Aaron spoke with former Heart Zones' employee and heart rate tech pioneer, Beth Kirkpatrick, who introduced him to heart rate monitors.
At first, Aaron decided to go with a different company, however his gut was telling him he needed to switch. But when he and his fellow educators returned to face-to-face learning after COVID-19, they found that the heart rate monitors would not work with their district’s firewall. This prompted Alimacani Elementary to make the switch to Heart Zones.
" I chose Heart Zones, because I loved how quickly the students can get going; the students can see their heart rate using the big board; the ease of putting the monitor on; with the tap and a click all of the monitors can be turned on. "
Although Aaron was the only one involved in securing the monitors, he wanted to also give a special thanks to Amanda Tewey and Alise Adams for pushing me to write and apply for a grant. Both astonishing women work for the American Heart Association. He would also like to thank the American Heart Association. Their work has positively helped our community stay healthy.
How has Heart Zones changed your PE program?
Before Heart Zones, Aaron was using IHT Spirit, but he found a few things that didn’t work well with his school setting. Then when COVID-19 hit, they had to stop using them. During that time, Aaron noticed trends at their school that suggested students were getting less physical activity, and not having the motivation to be physical active during and after school. For example, the students were not getting enough physical activity time (recess) or they were not wanting to participate in his class because they were “scared”.
Heart Zones "Big Board" shows off live student heart rate, zones, FIT points & more!
When Alimacani Elementary acquired Heart Zones, there was a BIG change. Students were even more excited to come to class. One student in particular kept asking “are we wearing the monitors today?” Students liked seeing their heart rate on the big board. But when Aaron switches it and shows them how many stars or points they’ve earned, WOW!!! They love seeing that.
" Because of Heart Zones, I look at each lesson differently. I try to see if the activity I’m doing is in the warm-up zone, moderate zone or vigorous zone . . . My students did very well on the district test with questions dealing with heart rate and intensity. "
what have you (and the students) liked the most about using heart Zones?
Aaron loves how easy the monitors are to put on. He loves how the students can see what their hearts are doing and how he can change the tiles to show different things like steps or their temperature.
Aaron especially loves how it does not require internet access to work. He loves how he can turn all of the monitors on at once. He also loves how easy it is to change the straps on the heart rate monitors.
What are some challenges you have faced using Heart Zones?
I don’t have too many challenges. I have scheduling challenges. I’m very lucky. I’m always thinking about my other colleagues at different schools, so I try to make the best of any situation. One thing he would like to suggest adding is a way to let the kids know that they need to go faster or slower based on their heart rate.
What does your admin and fellow faculty have to say about your innovations?
How were you able to secure funding for Heart Zones for your school?
Aaron was able to secure funding by using the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge grant. For the rest of the funding, he opened a school apparel store and was able to make up the rest from that. With these two projects it took him about a year to meet his dollar amount.
Heart rate monitors organized by number for easy strap on and go
Is there someone who deserves mention for their support?
Aaron recognized Heather Albritton (Health and Physical Education Director for Duval County Public Schools) Edgar Pabon (Health and Physical Education Specialist for Duval County Public Schools) Jen Croxton (a parent and former PTA Board member at my school) and Amanda Sullivan (a parent and former PTA President at my school). There are more, but that list would be long!
"They each supported my idea for heart rate monitors. Amanda pushed for me to write the grant even when I was feeling discouraged because I wrote a few before and they were all denied. Alise made sure our school still did the Kids Heart Challenge and helped write the grant. Heather and Edgar for always being there when I needed it. If I wanted to try something new, they always say,"
“Let us know how it goes and how we can help you succeed.”
"Thank you to Jen for trying to find ways to secure funding for me when I was denied. Amanda Sullivan helped me secure my first set of heart rate monitors. When she heard about my situation, she offered to help me even though she no longer lives in my county."
Aaron jones
" I’ve been teaching for 16 years. I started teaching middle school PE for 2 years. Then moved up to teaching health and physical education in High School. Then moved to elementary school where I taught a year and a half going between 2 schools. Now, I’m still teaching elementary, but I’m full time at one school. "
Want to contact Aaron directly or visit Alimacani Elementary to see Heart Zones for yourself?
Email Aaron Jones at Jonesa10@duvalschools.org
or visit Alimacani Elementary
2051 San Pablo Road South
Jacksonville, FL 32224