By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–It’s a rite of passage each fall for Tornado RISE students.
Students from Union City Schools’ CDC classes made their annual trek to Todd Family Fun Farm Thursday, enjoying a much-anticipated field trip to the popular venue.
Some 39 special needs students toured a pumpkin patch, enjoyed pig races and a petting zoo, and made their way around a corn maze and a sunflower patch, among many activities.
They also enjoyed a bar house playground and a yummy lunch before returning late in the day in time for school dismissal.
The regular excursion has become a favorite of RISE (Reaching Independence through Structured Environment) students, who were rewarded for progress and good behavior over the first nine weeks of the 2022-23 school year.
The group was accompanied by several teachers, educational assistants, and a handful of UCHS senior chaperones.
The widely acclaimed program addresses communication skills, and abilities students need to effectively participate in society.
Laney Rogers – who serves as the school system’s Special Education Coordinator – said the experience is one of several that fit well with the overall objectives of the RISE program.
“Above all else, our administration and staff are driven to ensure our students learn the necessary skills and have the tools to become independent and responsible in society,” Rogers said. “The simple things that many of us take for granted are the program’s main focus. Functioning with others, being able to communicate, and being respectful and responsible in a group setting are wonderful opportunities for them to learn.
“Most of our students have never experienced farm life. It was so rewarding and heartwarming to see their faces in this setting and observe how attentive they were to instruction.
“We at Union City Schools are blessed to have the support of administration as we navigate through this process.”