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Lindbergh Elementary staff and students honored; PE team outlines social-skills-focused program
Summary
The board recognized Lindbergh Elementary’s student and staff and heard a presentation from Principal Anne Macagnano and PE teachers on a program emphasizing teamwork, wellness and community partnerships, including the Kids Heart Challenge and a whole-school play day.
The Kenmore-Tonawanda Board of Education on Dec. 10 recognized students and staff from Lindbergh Elementary and received a presentation on the school’s physical education and wellness program.
Principal Anne Macagnano introduced PE staff who described a program that pairs traditional physical education with wellness lessons designed to build social skills, cooperation, conflict resolution and sportsmanship. April Liebler said students receive PE and wellness three days a week totaling about 120 minutes weekly, with two separate 40-minute gym and wellness sessions on those days. "We don't just teach sports skills in our phys ed classes, but we really like to focus through game play on some social skills, respect, cooperation, conflict resolution, team building, sportsmanship, and communication," Liebler told the board.
PE teacher Kelly Strong described longstanding community partnerships and the Kids Heart Challenge fundraising work. Strong said the school has raised "over $175,000 for the American Heart Association" across the years the program has operated and detailed the Fitness for Kids curriculum partnership with Independent Health, monthly themes, fruit-and-vegetable tastings and a school fun run.
The board presented awards to fourth-grade student Luca Denico for leadership, to Dawn Smythe for support-staff service and to Mindy Albanese for counseling work. Four students gave testimonials about how PE and wellness improved their health, cooperation and focus.
The presentation included thanks to district leaders noted on the record (Superintendent Samato, Assistant Superintendent Kelly White, Executive Director Mike Muscarello, Director Lindsay Bergman, Assistant Superintendent of Finance Nicole Morasco and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Jeff Richards). Board members said visits to Lindbergh demonstrate the program’s impact.
