Physical Education

Welcome to P.E.

Discovery Physical Education

   “Guiding children to be active for a lifetime”

   Our PE curriculum includes a balance of skills, concepts, game activities and rhythm experiences designed to enhance the physical, academic and emotional development of every child. Throughout the year, we teach lessons that allow every student the opportunity to work together to improve social responsibility and cooperation. Fitness scores and assessments are used as part of the ongoing process of helping students enjoy, understand, improve, and maintain an optimal level of health and well-being.

Participation in Physical Education

   Students in grades 1–5 will meet with the Physical Education Specialist for 30 minutes three times a week. Students in full day Kindergarten will meet with the Physical Education Specialist for 30 minutes two times a week.  Students are encouraged to dress in comfortable clothes on their designated P.E. days. Appropriate shoes MUST be worn on P.E. days for safe participation (tennis shoes or sneakers). No open toed shoes, crocs, sandals, boots, or dress shoes will be allowed. Students may wear any shoe to school but will need to change into tennis shoes prior to P.E. Girls may wear dresses, but should wear shorts underneath. In the event your child’s participation is limited or restricted because of a medical condition, please notify us immediately in writing. After three consecutive days of missed participation, a doctor’s note is required. We encourage medical excuses to include what the child MAY or MAY NOT do! For a copy of the Physician Activity Checkllist click here.

Report Card Scale 

                                                                    4 = Exceeds standard

                                                                    3 = Meets standard

                                                                    2 = Progressing toward standard

                                                                    1 = Below standard

Meet the PE Team

Mr. Matthew Joseph

Mr. Matthew Joseph

Phone: 571-252-2370

Email Mr. Matthew Joseph

Degrees and Certifications:

BA-Physical Education and Health Education K-12
MS-Physical Education, Motor Development K-12


Mr. Joseph has been teaching Physical Education for 29 years. He is excited about beginning teaching his 19th year in Loudoun Co. at Discovery Elementary School. He previously taught eight years at Cedar Lane Elementary School in Loudoun Co.. He has taught Physical Education at Dogwood ES in Fairfax Co. for 5 years and Wassom Middle School in Fort Campbell, KY for 5 years, as well as coached football, wrestling and tennis for Fort Campbell H.S. Mr. Jospeh has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and Health Education from Fairmont State University and a Master's degree in Physical Education emphasizing in Motor Development from West Virginia University. He enjoys coaching volleyball and basketball, spending time outdoors, and spending time with family.

Ms. Michelle Ritenour

Ms. Michelle Ritenour

Phone: 571-252-2370

Email Ms. Michelle Ritenour

Hello, I am Ms. Ritenour and I am so excited to be back at Discovery for my 7th year.
I have been teaching in Loudoun County for 20 years. I attended the University of Maryland and George Mason University, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Health and Physical Education. I taught for ten years at the middle school level before taking some time off to raise my boys. I started teaching again in the county ten years ago at the elementary level. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, shopping, relaxing at the beach, and cheering on my favorite sports team.
Mr. Joseph and I are very excited about the new activities we have planned for this school year.

Mr. Kolby Schlag

Mr. Kolby Schlag

Phone: 571-252-2370

Email Email Mr. Kolby Schlag

Degrees and Certifications:

BA Health and Physical Education K-Adult
Drivers Education
NASP certified

Hello Trailblazers, my name is Kolby Schlag and I am excited to be at Discovery Elementary School as the itinerant physical education teacher. I will be at Discovery Elementary in the afternoons and I will be at Belmont Station Elementary in the mornings. This will be my second year as a physical educator. I student taught at Discovery during Spring 2022 then started my career in Frederick County, Virginia Fall 2022.

I have a BA in health and physical education from Shepherd University. I am also a certified drivers education instructor and a National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) instructor. In addition to teaching, I am a certified umpire baseball umpire for the VHSL.

I live in Winchester, VA area with my wife, Lindsay and our 7 year old Great Dane. During my free time I enjoy spending time with my wife, working out, woodworking, playing video game, fishing, and going to the OBX for vacation.

I look forward to this school year as a Trailblazer!