By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Barely a month into the school year, the new Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum at Union City Elementary School is already drawing rave reviews.
“This is the best thing I’ve seen in my 37 years in the education business,” Director of Teaching and Learning Rene Flood – a former ELA teacher herself — told the Union City School Board at Monday’s monthly meeting.
“There’s not a classroom I went into (when I observed) that I didn’t learn something myself. It’s relatable to social studies and science, and we’ve already had several other systems contact us, wanting to visit and see what’s going on.
“I’m so thankful to the board and Mr. (Wes) Kennedy for putting this in the hands of our teachers.”
The UC School System – after extensive research by Mrs. Flood and others — purchased the new curriculum in the spring for grades K-4 with an eye toward improving early literacy skills for all students.
CKLA is a comprehensive elementary school program for teaching reading, writing, listening and speaking while also building students’ vocabulary and knowledge across essential domains in literature, world and American history, and the sciences.
A handful of first-grade students, along with UCES Elementary School teachers Tina Grissom and Clarissa Youngblood, were in attendance at Monday’s meeting and the students addressed the board individually, citing several things they’d already learned in human body system classes.
Ms. Youngblood, a third-grade teacher, told the board, “The quality of work is improving and so is the retention of information.”
Mrs. Flood offered several other comments from teachers, who gave glowing reports on the program and its results in just a short period of time.
Several board members expressed their appreciation to the students for their presentation, the Rev. Curtis McLendon echoing the sentiments of the group by commenting, “I’ve said it over and over, but we have the best school system on the planet.
“This is another example of that.”
In other business on Monday night’s agenda, which was presented after McLendon offered an opening prayer and board chairman Karl Ullrich led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance, the board:
- Heard a brief personnel update from Director of Schools Wes Kennedy that included the hiring of Kathy Clark as a special education assistant.
Kennedy also lauded Mrs. Flood for the organization of her presentation and work with the CKLA curriculum and publicly thanked members of the Obion County Commission, who earlier in the day voted to give UC Schools $15,000 for start-up costs of adding a school resource officer at UC Middle School. All three Union City Schools campuses now have SROs present in their respective buildings.
The head administrator also offered congratulations to teachers Casey Arnett, Jessica Flood and Chelsea Cupp on the recent births of children, and offered condolences to board member Cathy Waggoner and UCMS teacher Robyn Doyle on deaths in their families.
Kennedy reported all new LED lighting at all three campuses has been completely installed and work has begun on new heating and cooling systems at UC High School, Middle School and the Civic Auditorium.
He also reminded board members that their annual Tennessee School Boards Association conference has been scheduled for Nov. 15-17 in Nashville.
- Unanimously approved the consent agenda, that included last month’s meeting minutes, the agenda, approved bills and budget amendments.
- Elected McLendon and Tim James as the group’s Tennessee School Boards Association delegates.
- Approved Resolution 176-20, a late addition to the agenda. The resolution recognizes the Hazard Mitigation Plan as representing the Concerns of Union City.
Ullrich explained the approval of the resolution was necessary in order to qualify for FEMA funding. He said the resolution has already been passed by the City of Union City.
Photo: First Grader Lili Ann Petty addresses the board while Director of Schools Wes Kennedy (seated) looks on. (Mike Hutchens photo).