By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–A trip to Thelma’s Skateland was the third-quarter good behavior reward for 33 Tornado RISE students from Union City Schools.
The group of special needs students was accompanied by 11 teachers and eight senior mentors from UCHS who were chosen by administration to help chaperon and interact with the students.
The students had total access to the facility and enjoyed skating, music, games, and snacks.
Tornado RISE (Reaching Independence through Structured Environment) is a Union City School System program that addresses communication skills and special needs students’ abilities to function and interact socially in society.
“Trips like these are important because they teach and promote life and social skills for our students,” said UC Schools’ Special Education Director Laney Rogers. “Simple things are learned – like ordering a snack or speaking to an adult or someone in authority.
“Preparing them to be contributing members of our society is part of our mission in Tornado RISE.”
RISE rewards students for progress and good behavior in each nine-week grading period with field trips to Discovery Park of America, other themed parks and facilities, and eating-out experiences at area restaurants, examples of such past perks.