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Kenmore-Tonawanda highlights Hoover Elementary FITLab, student and staff recognitions
Summary
Board meeting featured a presentation on Hoover Elementary’s FITLab, recognition of students and staff, and the school’s partnership with the Independent Health Foundation on the Fitness for Kids Challenge.
Hoover Elementary Principal Michael Huff presented the school’s FITLab program to the Kenmore-Tonawanda Union Free School District Board of Education on Feb. 13, 2025, describing the FITLab as a reconfigured space for wellness and adapted physical education that now serves about 580 students and seven special‑education classes.
The presentation outlined the lab’s curriculum, which combines health‑related fitness, Shape America’s Health Moves Mind social and emotional learning activities, nutrition lessons and partner work with the Independent Health Foundation. “We teach some health related fitness and skill related fitness,” Heather Rackham, a Hoover physical education teacher, said during the presentation. Rackham and other Hoover staff described the program as a place where students learn about the circulatory system, nutrition and monthly wellness themes tied to fitness activities.
School leaders emphasized the FITLab’s role in serving students with special needs. “Often times students with autism being in a double phys ed class with 50 kids is too much for them,” Rackham said, describing how the FITLab provides a smaller, safer environment where students can engage without sensory overload. Kate Bennett, the school’s adapted physical‑education teacher, was credited by staff for helping tailor the space for those students.
The presentation also highlighted community partnerships. Rackham said Hoover has worked with the Independent Health Foundation and cited collaborations with the Buffalo Bills’ Play 60 program, the Buffalo Sabres student‑of‑the‑game program, and Canisius University. April Gamp and Kelsey Garavalli of the Independent Health Foundation joined the presentation and appeared in a short news clip shown to the board about the FITLab unveiling and the Fitness for Kids Challenge, which promotes the “9‑5‑2‑1‑0 plus you” goals (nine hours of sleep, five fruits/vegetables, two hours or less of screen time, one hour of activity, zero sugary drinks).
Board President Shamara and Superintendent Samato praised Hoover staff for the school’s positive culture and the FITLab’s contribution to student learning. During the recognition portion of the meeting, Hoover staff awarded certificates to a student, a support staff member and a teacher; the board and audience gave each honoree applause.
The presentation concluded with thanks to the Hoover staff and to partners for supporting the program’s development. The board did not take formal action on the FITLab during the meeting; the item was presented for recognition and district awareness.
