Photo courtesy of Union City Schools
By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Tornado RISE students who exemplified excellent behavior over the past nine weeks were rewarded with a special “date” Monday.
Nearly 50 special needs students in the Union City Schools System enjoyed a meal and a movie after earning points for good conduct and positive habits over the final quarter of the 2021-22 school year.
Henry Scott, the gracious owner of Scott’s Grill in downtown Union City, closed his restaurant to the general public to serve RISE members an early lunch. The group, accompanied by 10 UC School System special education teachers and eight high school senior chaperons, then made the short trip via bus to Martin, where they enjoyed a movie and snacks.
The outing was the latest by the widely-acclaimed Tornado RISE (Reaching Independence through Structured Environment) program that addresses communication skills and special needs students’ abilities to function in society.
RISE rewards students for progress and good behavior in each nine-week grading period with special perks, including numerous field trips to places such as Discovery Park of America and Safari Park and several dining experiences.
“Our teachers and staff work diligently and tirelessly to make sure our RISE students become independent and responsible,” said UC Special Education Coordinator Laney Rogers. “It’s heartwarming to see their efforts pay off with outings like these where our students can function well and enjoy things that many of us take for granted in society.”
Rogers, who also serves as the system’s preschool coordinator and federal projects coordinator, said any and all such field trips are designed with one goal.
“Navigating through the individualized expectations of our students and generalizing those goals in non-school settings is what Tornado RISE is all about,” she added. “These opportunities wouldn’t be available without the support from our administration and our entire system.
“Our goal is for them to be the best version of themselves that they can be.”
Students from Union City Elementary, UC Middle School and UCHS were all part of the Purple and Gold contingent to enjoy Monday’s experience.
