WELLS — On Jan. 27, Wells Elementary School welcomed the 2016 Spindrifters, a jump rope demonstration team from South Bristol, to perform for a student assembly. The Spindrifters are composed of fourth- through eighth-grade students and is sponsored by the American Heart Association. They perform throughout the state for schools that participate in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart, an annual student rope-jumping fundraising campaign.

The show at Wells Elementary School was the team’s first show of 2016. Nonstop jumping routines went on for 30 minutes. During their performance, jumpers demonstrated basic to complex jumping skills and tricks.

The team also promoted the health benefits of jumping, along with the hard work it takes to acquire such captivating skills.

The team is led by Coordinator Liz Giles-Brown, a physical education and health teacher, at South Bristol Elementary School.

“This audience was spectacular,” said Giles-Brown after the performance. “This is just such a warm, welcoming school.”

For the past 29 years, WES students have participated in Jump Rope for Heart under the direction and guidance of physical education teacher Kathy Calo. By skipping rope and gathering pledges, the students have raised more than $200,000 for the American Heart Association and heart research.

“Kathy Calo is spectacular,” added Giles-Brown. “She is just a wonderful teacher. You’re so lucky to have her.”