By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Life on the farm was good to Tornado RISE.
Students from the Union City Schools CDC classes visited Todd Family Fun Farm recently and had a blast, according to all involved.
The group – which numbered 42 – enjoyed a corn maze, animal races, the pumpkin patch and explored a sunflower field, among many things on the day-long field trip.
They also had lunch before returning to their respective campuses for dismissal in the afternoon from the Yorkville venue.
Several UC School System teachers and educational assistants accompanied the group, as did eight UCHS seniors who volunteered to help.
The activity for RISE (Reaching Independence through Structured Environment) students was a reward for progress and good behavior in the first nine weeks of the 2021-22 school year.
The widely-acclaimed RISE program addresses communication skills and special needs students’ ability to function in our society.
UC Schools Special Education Coordinator Laney Rogers – who also serves as the system’s Preschool Coordinator and Federal Projects Coordinator – said the experience fit nicely with the main overall objection of the program.
“Our teachers and staff have a common goal, and that is one of making sure our students become independent and responsible in society,” she said. “Most of our students have never experienced farm life, but they were attentive and really soaked up a good deal of what was explained to them in the overall experience.
“It can be hard at times to watch our students struggle with tasks we take for granted. But our staff understands that stepping in and doing things for them really negates the independence we strive for.
“And we’re so fortunate to have the support of our administration and our entire system as we navigate this process.”