The Lü Upgrade Kit: A simple, cost-effective way to modernize first-generation Üno & Düo units
John B. Whitsitt Elementary, located just south of downtown Nashville, serves a diverse student population, with nearly 70% of students coming from non-English-speaking households. This unique context shapes a school culture where creativity and interaction are important parts of the learning experience.
Six years ago, as the Whitsitt began its transformation into a STEAM Magnet school, Principal Molly Rucker and PE teacher Kevin Terry were searching for tools that could align with their vision—something that would not only support academic achievement but also amplify student engagement across disciplines.
“With technology being a huge area of interest for students, we wanted to find a way to incorporate it with physical activity to keep students engaged,” explains Principal Rucker.
While other educators considered tablets and laptops, Kevin explored tools that encouraged movement and engagement. When he came across Lü, something clicked. After presenting it to the school community, the decision was easy: Lü offered exactly what they were looking for.
“The students and teachers instantly fell in love with it,” Kevin recalls.
A lasting impact on student engagement
Since its installation five years ago, Lü has transformed the way physical education is taught at Whitsitt. Kevin has integrated Lü into a wide range of activities—from bowling tournaments where students track their scores in real-time to rollerblading sessions set in a vibrant roller rink. But it’s not just PE that’s seen a change: Lü has become a versatile tool used for academic competitions, school-wide assemblies, and even 5th-grade promotion ceremonies.
“I’ve had teachers, principals, PTA presidents, and district leaders observe my classes—and they’re always amazed by how engaged the students are,” Kevin shares. “Being able to add lights and sound to my activities just takes PE to another level. I have also expanded my lessons to incorporate cross-curricular activities by tying in themes and by customizing applications to fit what they are learning in the classroom.”
The Decision to Upgrade
As one of Lü’s early adopters, Whitsitt was using a first-generation Düo. Since technology and Lü solutions have evolved over the years, Whitsitt saw an opportunity to further enhance its experience. Instead of replacing the entire system with a newer model, the school opted for Lü’s Upgrade Kit—a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution that brought significant improvements to their existing unit.
“Our familiarity with Lü made it an easy decision,” says Principal Rucker. “Just like any technology, new improvements and features are appealing to the audiences they reach.”
The results were immediate. The upgraded projector provided crystal-clear visuals, even with the gym lights on—something that wasn’t possible before. The addition of a student-facing camera quickly became a favorite among students, allowing them to see themselves in action and self-assess their performance.
A Worthwhile Investment
From a financial standpoint, the Upgrade Kit proved to be a smart and sustainable choice. Instead of replacing the entire system, Whitsitt was able to enhance two Lü units for a fraction of the cost. By updating only the components that needed it, the school not only saved money but also avoided unnecessary tech waste—a choice that aligns with Lü’s values as a certified B Corporation.
“The upgrade is 100% worth the investment,” reiterates Principal Rucker. “There has been some time and attention spent perfecting an already phenomenal system.”
Looking Ahead
With upgraded features now in place, Whitsitt Elementary plans to continue exploring new ways to use Lü beyond traditional PE—particularly in supporting social-emotional learning and professional development.
For schools considering an upgrade, Kevin states: “I would recommend the Upgrade Kit to anyone interested. It has been a great addition to our gym. I am so thankful that our principal was able to make this happen for us. She understands the benefits of Lü, not only for physical education but for the whole school community.”
