(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – December 9, 2024) — El Paso ISD is transforming its physical education programs with cutting-edge technology, thanks to a generous grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). The district has utilized the DoDEA grant to implement the innovative Lü Interactive Playground across 12 elementary schools, promoting health, wellness, and educational enrichment for students of all ages.
The following 12 campuses qualified for the DoDEA grant: Bliss, Cielo Vista, Logan, Milam, Nixon, Park, Powell, Tippin, Tom Lea, Torres, Hartley and MacArthur. These campuses were selected based on their eligibility criteria, which aligned with the DoDEA grant requirements. The selection process considered factors such as the percentage of military-connected students enrolled, alignment with grant goals, and the campuses’ capacity to implement and sustain the program effectively.
Lü offers a diverse array of applications that engage students in physical activities while imparting essential lessons in nutrition, fine motor skills, and overall wellness. Beyond traditional physical education, Lü also integrates STEM activities and yoga exercises, aiding students in relaxation, stretching, and daily preparation.
Teachers can further personalize the experience by incorporating videos of their own students performing exercises, such as warm-ups and circuit drills, into the Lü system. This customization fosters a sense of ownership and pride among students, enhancing engagement and motivation. By utilizing recordings of familiar faces and routines, educators can create a more relatable and inspiring learning environment, encouraging students to actively participate and track their progress over time.
“Physical education has changed, and we have to change with it,” said John Adams, Director of Health, Wellness, and Physical Education for El Paso ISD. “This system is innovative. We have to embrace technology and give the kids what they want.”
Lü goes beyond enhancing physical activity by offering a holistic approach to wellness. Students engage with interactive apps that make learning about nutrition both fun and informative, while teachers have access to tools that seamlessly integrate STEM-based activities into physical education classes. This dual focus ensures that students are not only staying active but also developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, creating a well-rounded experience that stimulates both the body and the mind.
“Our students are truly benefiting from this system. It enhances their physical fitness while also deepening their understanding of nutrition within our curriculum,” said Lisa Mendez, Project Manager for the DoDEA grant. “At El Paso ISD, we are committed to ongoing training and staying informed about the latest activities and technologies available to our students. Our goal is to provide them with the best possible opportunities for growth and wellness.”
This initiative aligns with El Paso ISD’s Strategic Blueprint, advancing several of the district’s five strategic levers. The implementation of the Lü supports Whole Child Development by fostering environments where students thrive physically and emotionally, and it exemplifies Academic Excellence through the integration of STEM activities and innovative teaching tools. Additionally, the initiative contributes to the district’s vision of becoming a Destination District, offering unique and cutting-edge programs that set El Paso ISD apart.
As part of Superintendent Diana Sayavedra’s vision to make El Paso ISD a destination district, the introduction of innovative technologies like Lü underscores the district’s commitment to delivering top-tier educational experiences.
"One of the things Superintendent Sayavedra is promoting right now is making us a Destination District," added Adams. "These are the kinds of things that can make that happen because there are not a lot of districts that offer this technology."
With the integration of Lü, El Paso ISD is setting a new standard for how physical education can be fun, engaging, and beneficial to students’ overall development. This initiative aligns with the district's goal of fostering an environment where students are empowered to thrive—both physically and academically.
To learn more about DoDEA programs, click here.