Lovettsville Elementary School is earning national attention for transforming the way students learn to think. This fall, the school was recognized as the national Thinking Maps Spotlight School for October, celebrating its innovative, schoolwide pilot partnership that builds critical and creative thinkers through visual learning. Now in its first year of implementation, Lovettsville Elementary is partnering with Thinking Maps to increase instructional rigor and strengthen student understanding across all grade levels. Thinking Maps is a whole-school learning methodology that uses consistent visual patterns linked to eight specific thought processes. These patterns help students visualize abstract concepts, organize their ideas and make connections across content areas, creating what educators call a “Language for Learning.” At Lovettsville Elementary, the impact has been immediate. Teachers have seen critical thinking come alive as students take ownership of their learning through tactile creativity and visual organization. The excitement has spread quickly, leading to a full-school implementation and a consistent language of thinking that connects teachers, students and families. Part of what makes Lovettsville’s rollout unique is Principal Daniel Lani’s commitment to integrating Thinking Maps into every aspect of learning, at school and at home. Through newsletters, he helps parents learn how to use the maps with their children, strengthening the school-to-home connection and ensuring that critical thinking extends beyond the classroom. “The sky is the limit for our students and teachers, and I can honestly say that partnering with Thinking Maps is the best instructional decision I have made in my 16-year career as a school administrator,” said Principal Daniel Lani. “It’s inspiring to watch students grow more confident and engaged as they learn how to think for themselves.” The initiative directly supports the LCPS Instructional Framework by promoting effective teaching and learning practices that empower students to think deeply and independently. It also aligns with the One LCPS 2027 Strategic Plan for Excellence, particularly Goal 1: Empowered Students, which focuses on preparing students to be knowledgeable critical thinkers, communicators, collaborators, creators and contributors. Lovettsville Elementary’s national recognition underscores the school’s dedication to cultivating empowered learners and reflects LCPS’s broader commitment to instructional excellence and innovation.

Lovettsville Elementary Recognized Nationally for Innovative Thinking Maps Pilot

LCPS

November 7, 2025

Lovettsville Elementary School is earning national attention for transforming the way students learn to think. This fall, the school was recognized as the national Thinking Maps Spotlight School for October, celebrating its innovative, schoolwide pilot partnership that builds critical and creative thinkers through visual learning.

Now in its first year of implementation, Lovettsville Elementary is partnering with Thinking Maps to increase instructional rigor and strengthen student understanding across all grade levels. Thinking Maps is a whole-school learning methodology that uses consistent visual patterns linked to eight specific thought processes. These patterns help students visualize abstract concepts, organize their ideas and make connections across content areas, creating what educators call a “Language for Learning.”

At Lovettsville Elementary, the impact has been immediate. Teachers have seen critical thinking come alive as students take ownership of their learning through tactile creativity and visual organization. The excitement has spread quickly, leading to a full-school implementation and a consistent language of thinking that connects teachers, students and families.

Part of what makes Lovettsville’s rollout unique is Principal Daniel Lani’s commitment to integrating Thinking Maps into every aspect of learning, at school and at home. Through newsletters, he helps parents learn how to use the maps with their children, strengthening the school-to-home connection and ensuring that critical thinking extends beyond the classroom.

“The sky is the limit for our students and teachers, and I can honestly say that partnering with Thinking Maps is the best instructional decision I have made in my 16-year career as a school administrator,” said Principal Daniel Lani. “It’s inspiring to watch students grow more confident and engaged as they learn how to think for themselves.”

The initiative directly supports the LCPS Instructional Framework by promoting effective teaching and learning practices that empower students to think deeply and independently. It also aligns with the One LCPS 2027 Strategic Plan for Excellence, particularly Goal 1: Empowered Students, which focuses on preparing students to be knowledgeable critical thinkers, communicators, collaborators, creators and contributors.

Lovettsville Elementary’s national recognition underscores the school’s dedication to cultivating empowered learners and reflects LCPS’s broader commitment to instructional excellence and innovation.