Kids don’t come to school excited about education the way adults think about it. They’re not thinking about tests or standards or where they fall on a chart, especially not in kindergarten. They’re excited about who they’ll talk to, who they’ll sit by, and who they’ll play with. They’re curious about the room, the toys, the books, and the teacher. They’re trying to figure out whether this feels like a place where they belong. When school ignores that and rushes straight to measurement, some kids start disconnecting before we ever notice. That doesn’t suddenly change as they get older. If students don’t see why what they’re learning matters to them, or isn’t taught in ways they can connect with, they check out. Not because they’re lazy or unmotivated, but because information alone doesn’t feel compelling anymore. Facts are everywhere. Meaning is not. What students still need is someone to help them make sense of it and why it matters to them. Good teachers have always understood this. When students get time to play, create, move, and explore, they’re far more willing to do the harder, less exciting work too. The practice. The repetition. The struggle. But when school becomes nothing but work, day after day, students don’t rise to the challenge. They either comply or they disengage. That’s what great teachers understand. Not standards. Not testing. Not pacing guides. Great teachers make learning matter because they know learning is human before it’s academic. Standards can organize a system. Tests can measure a moment. But neither one convinces a student to care. Great teachers do.

Healthy Hanukkah! We played dreidel and every spin led to a group exercise. They were bummed it wasn't chocolate coins.. Just some old fake pirate gold. 😁

Thanks @KC4elemPE for a fantastic presentation on instants activities in PE! It was so nice to hang with my LCPS peeps today! @JMU_CTA @UVACAPE1 @awheeler_wheels @PEGoshenGators

We enjoyed getting to know you, especially during the handshake activity!

One last glorious ride at #hpai2023 for the #CMO Cadre and the amazing work that VA #physed T’s created and provided to keep students healthy and active. Thankful to have been included in the mission! @SHPhysEd

Living that #teamDairy life at JMU. #hpai2023

Glow dancing with @AndrewWymer10s It's an afternoon party at #hpai2023

Dragon fruit is one sweet co-pilot. #hpai2023

Paper dance with @KC4elemPE - who knew?! So much fun! #apeCTA2023 @UVACAPE1 @JMU_CTA

We are thrilled to announce the return of one of our favorite presenters and LCPS friends Kelly Clark @KC4elemPE. We look forward to seeing you at the Adapted PE CTA June 26-29! @JMU_CTA @UVACAPE1 @hpede_vadoe

Sometimes the weather is too good to not have a soccer game outside during PE.

When the gymacafatorium floor has to be unexpectedly washed due to a messy lunch, every is all smiles when we use the music room with #brainball #addition

#familieslovePE What a wonderful week showing what we do during Family PE Week! We appreciate everyone who came to participate. I hope you had fun and learned a few things too. 😊 @ActiveSchoolsUS @OPENPhysEd @Lincoln_ES

Lincoln leopards- bring your parent to P.E. week has been an excellent event! Thank you parents and Mrs. Clark and we hope to see more parents on Thursday and Friday!

Can't wait for our families to visit Family PE week at Lincoln starting tomorrow! loudounnow.com/2022/09/28/pa…

Filling our healthy plates while working on underhand throwing. Thanks for the idea! @FocusedFitness2

Kelly, can you bring a few things to the PD on Monday? Sure...

A beautiful morning for a 9/11 remembrance ceremony.