Packsaddle Elementary School physical education teacher Misti Atkinson is a 2021 Locals Love Us favorite school coach. Staff photo by Daniel Clifton
Over 21 years teaching physical education in the Llano Independent School District, the past 14 years at Packsaddle Elementary School, Misti Atkinson has shared her love for physical fitness with thousands of children.
She’s even taught the children of former students.
And some of those former students might be among The Picayune Magazine readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune listeners who picked her as a 2021 Locals Love Us favorite school coach.
“To me, I try to make P.E. fun, and I want them to learn something they can play at home or recess,” she said. “A lot of times, people think physical activity has to be complicated, but it can be just the basics of just getting out and moving, kicking a ball around or playing catch, even jumping rope.”
At Packsaddle, Atkinson sees every student in physical eduction, and she tailors her classes to each grade. The younger students focus on the basics of movement, games, and having fun. Older students spend more time learning different sports, often developing a love for the game.
Atkinson starts her day getting kids to school as a district bus driver. She arrives on campus at 6:40 a.m., starts her route at 7 a.m., and returns for classes at 8:10 a.m., putting in a full day before driving students home.
“I just love the kids, the funny thing things they say, the funny things they do,” Atkinson said. “If there’s one thing I try to get them to understand is they should never be afraid to try. You never know what you can do until you spread your wings and try.”
daniel@thepicayune.com
