By Mike Hutchens
Communications Director
On their very first day of the new school year, Union City School System faculty and administration took a field trip.
Make that field trip(s).
Director of Schools Wes Kennedy, his staff and teachers boarded six buses and toured several local businesses Wednesday morning as part of the first day of in-service work for the UCSS staff.
The 203 employees visited plants at Tyson, Williams Sausage, Kohler, MIA Seating, G&H Tool and Die and Greenfield Products following the traditional back-to-school breakfast, during which Kennedy welcomed returning personnel and recognized new hires for the 2018-19 school year.
“I think it’s important that we visit places where our students’ parents work and where many of our students might work some day,” he told the group before they dispersed. “It’s important we learn and know about these businesses because they are a part of our community, a vital part of our community.”
Kennedy’s comments were part of his annual state-of-the-system address and one in which he encouraged teachers to “love your students,” “love your coworkers,” and “love your job.”
He then drew rousing applause when he surprised everyone in the group by telling them they each would be receiving a 1 percent bonus check, a 1 percent raise and an outdoor camping chair in school colors – all compliments of the school board.
Kennedy then gave his directive to the staff, which has three more days of in-service activities before registration on Aug. 7.
“Be positive. Put a smile on your face every day. You never know, that might be the only smile your student sees all day,” he said. “Let them know you care about them. We’re all in this together.
“Another part of my vision is that I want both our current and former students to stick their chests out with pride and say ‘Union City’ when someone asks them where they go or where they went to school. Their experience here and how they were made to feel in addition to what they learned will dictate if they do that or not.”
Six of the current seven school board members were also in attendance at the breakfast, and Kennedy lauded that group for their continued support of Union City Schools, the faculty and administration and the students in each of the system’s three buildings.
“This bunch wants to see you do well,” he said, pointing to tables where five of the board members (Rev. Curtis McLendon, Tim James, Scott Gilliam, Karl Ullrich and Cathy Waggoner) sat. “They just want you to teach our students and not worry about anything else.”
The first full day of class in the Union City School System is Aug. 9.
Photo: Barry Bell of G&H Tool and Die conducts a tour for school staff. (Mike Hutchens photo).
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