The Kenmore Town of Tonawanda Union Free School District Board of Education voted unanimously Aug. 5 to approve the district's updated K–12 physical education plan for 2025, Superintendent Samuels said after a presentation by Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health Lindsey Bergman.

Why it matters: The plan revises curriculum, assessments and operational procedures across elementary, middle and high school levels to align with New York State standards (2020) and the 2024 SHAPE America national standards; it also includes updated safety protocols for athletics and concussion management.

Presentation highlights: Bergman said the district created new curriculum maps and detailed yearly instructional plans for K–12 and completed a summerlong vertical alignment effort. A central feature is project ACES (All Children Exercising Simultaneously), designed to help elementary students meet daily physical education minute mandates by adding classroom‑based activity lessons delivered by physical education staff to supplement in‑class instructional time.

Assessment and accountability updates include revised elementary progress reports with a standards‑based lens, updated middle‑school grading rubrics for clarity and consistent practices, and streamlined high‑school grading procedures. Bergman said the district has improved facilities inventories and added administrative updates to better reflect available resources and access.

Safety changes cited in the plan include updated return‑to‑learn and return‑to‑sport concussion protocols developed with athletic trainers and the district nurse practitioner, new pre‑ and post‑season electronic coaching evaluation forms, and districtwide emergency action plan templates for buildings and athletic facilities, including stadiums and turf fields.

Action: Superintendent Samuels recommended the plan to the board and asked for approval; Karen moved the motion, Paul seconded and the board voted unanimously to adopt the 2025 physical education plan.

Implementation: Administration will roll out the revised curriculum, assessment instruments and safety procedures over the next school year and monitor implementation.