JD Hughes

Hughes Fam.-2023
Coach Hughes with his wife Beth, daughters Janie & Josie and son Stevenson

J.D. Hughes
Physical Education Specialist (K-5)

    My name is J.D. Hughes and I have been an elementary physical education teacher since 1995 in Douglas County, GA. I am the Best Selling author of No Standing Around in My Gym: Creative Lesson Plans, Games, and Teaching Tips for Elementary Physical Education (2002), PE2theMax: Maximize Skills, Participation, Teamwork and Fun (2005), PE2theMax II: Stepping up the “Game” in Physical Education (2008), The Best of No Standing Around in My Gym, PE2theMax Volumes 1 & 2 DVD’s (2009), PE²: Double the Physical + Double the Education = Double the Fun (2011) and The Best of PE² and HyPEd Up Volumes 3 & 4 DVD’s (2013). HyPEd Up: Taking Physical Education Games to the Next Level (2017), HyPEd Up II: Physical Education Games to the Max (2019), PE2theMax’s Greatest Hits (2021), and Gymnastics & Scooter Skills Video Unit Flash Drive (2022).

Please check out my website at www.pe2themax.com. I also had the honor of being awarded the Georgia Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year in 2004-2005 and 2014-2015 and was also awarded the 2014-2015 Southern District Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. My desire as Mirror Lake's Physical Education teacher, is to provide a challenging yet developmentally appropriate physical learning environment striving for motor skill development, physical fitness and cognitive awareness as recognized by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE). I enjoy working with students and families to promote physical fitness after school hours through the West Georgia Elementary Coed Kickball League https://www.westgakickball.com/. I also enjoy serving as a cooperating teacher and mentor for local colleges. I'm a National Board Certified Teacher (2001, 2011 & 2021), with a Master's (1997) and Education Specialist's degree (1999). I also provide staff development to local school districts, conduct conference presentations and workshops all over the nation. Please know that I am passionate about physical education, constantly striving to look for new ways to improve my teaching, to share my practice, and strengthen the teaching profession.
     In my class, you'll get a look at 21st century physical education, including a view of fun-packed games and activities that I have developed or modified to engage and motivate students. I focus on movement-based education; lessons that promote communication, cooperation and personal responsibility, and activities that encourage brainstorming and critical thinking. Your child will learn how to become physically fit and most importantly......have FUN in Physical Education!

K-2 Lesson & Games Map.pdf

3-5 Lesson & Games Map.pdf

Physical Education Schedule

1st Period:      1st Grade         8:00 – 8:45       
2nd Period:    Kindergarten 8:50 – 9:35       
3rd Period:    2nd Grade 9:40 – 10:25         
4th Period:    3rd Grade 11:30 – 12:15    
5th Period:    4th Grade 12:20 – 1:05      
6th Period:    5th Grade 1:10 – 1:55      

                   Classroom Procedures:

1: Restroom breaks: students may go to the restroom at any time during class without asking the teacher as long as he or she does not go when the teacher is giving instructions or somebody is currently in the restroom.

2. Water fountain usage: students may go to the water fountain at any time during class without asking the teacher as long as he or she does not go when the teacher is giving instructions or somebody is currently at each of the water fountains.  

3. Entering/exiting the gym: each class will be assigned a blue boundary line to sit on when they enter and exit the gym. For example, students enter the gym every day and sit on the designated line assigned to them, then they repeat the procedure before they exit the gym. This habit ensures that there is not pandemonium at the beginning and end of class.

Physical Education Rules and Consequences:

1. Play safely and have fun.

2. Treat all others and equipment with the utmost respect.

3. No candy, gum, food, or toys in the gym at anytime.

4. Wear tennis shoes at all times.

5. Always maintain control of your actions.

Consequences that can be given when a student
breaks a rule:

1. Verbal warning

2. Time-out from the activity

3. Trip to the principal’s office

4. Cleaning tasks while others play

5. Note home to parents

Paybacks System:

Consequences, other than verbal warnings, are given in the form of “Paybacks.” Paybacks are given to students after repeated warnings of breaking a class rule. If a teacher observes that a student is constantly being an interruption in the physical education class, then it is necessary that the student take some responsibility for his or her actions.

As a consequence, students will “pay” the teacher “back” by sitting out or doing odd jobs. These odd jobs may include cleaning gym baseboards, dusting, cleaning windows and doors, cleaning out or straightening up the equipment room, or any other jobs available in your gym. When given the option, most students would rather work than be sent to the office. No other people are involved, and students respect and appreciate the fact that the problem will stay between the teacher and the student.

Mirror Lake F.I.T.T. Club

I am excited to offer to all 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade students the opportunity to improve their fitness while raising awareness to making healthier lifestyle choices in both nutrition and exercise. The premise of the FITT Club will be governed by the FITT Principle:

•F = Frequency or how often you should exercise

•I = Intensity or your Target Heart Rate Zone

•T = Time or how long you should maintain the intensity

•T = Type or choosing a variety of fitness activities that you
        enjoy

When: Every Monday in September through May -
Grades 2-3 from 7:05 to 7:30 am or whenever you arrive

           Every Wednesday in September through May - Grades 4-5 from 7:05 to 7:30 am or whenever you arrive

Where: with Coach Hughes in the gym

What: Fitness activities that include flexibility, jump rope, stretch bands, squats, abdominals, bicep curls, push ups, shoulder raises, hula hooping, lunges, etc.

Cost: FREE!!

NOTE: the main goal and focus of the FITT Club is to provide a fitness-based circuit designed to improve your child's fitness level. The FITT Club will be treated as an extracurricular club and all 2nd- 5th Grade students are welcome, but poor behavior or lack of participation will always result in dismissal from this club.