By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Wes Kennedy’s challenge to Union City Schools faculty and staff for the upcoming 2024-25 school year Thursday was a simple one.
‘Rise Up.’
“Rise up and do your duty. Rise up and be a peacemaker in times of conflict. Rise up for your co-workers. And rise up with empathy and compassion during the long haul,” the Director of UC Schools said while welcoming personnel to Day 1 of professional development.
“Rise up and refuse to play the victim. Rise up to the divisive tone of society. Rise up and overcome obstacles. Rise up every day and be the ultimate team player.”
Kennedy’s charge and positive tone to more than 230 school employees provided the perfect charge in between a pair of emotional in-house produced videos that depicted UC teachers and students compassionately interacting. Music teacher Allison Butner provided a stirring rendition of the contemporary Andra Day hit song ‘Rise Up’ as an appropriate backdrop to the first meeting of the new school year.
Opening Day morale got a great boost when the group was informed they’d receive several gifts — perks that have become an annual highlight of Kennedy’s welcome-back activities.
Each UCSS teacher was assured of a pay raise. Additionally, every employee received a $150 Wal-Mart gift card, a $100 credit in their school lunch account, and a couple of items of school spirit wear.
Mimicking the old game show’ $25,000 Pyramid,” several nice prizes were awarded to winning faculty contestants. Among those were a new television, a Hobo wallet, a Blackstone grill, concert tickets to see ZZ Topp and Kansas, and an overnight stay at the Paris Landing Hotel. An iPad and a Kindle were also given away.
Leaders Credit Union and Obion County Farm Bureau Insurance (Hadley Malone and Kyle Baggett) teamed up to provide a delicious breakfast to the group, with LCU also providing gifts and essentials to teachers.
Assistant Director of Schools Michael Paul Miller opened the session by introducing the ‘Rise Up’ theme and encouraging faculty and staff to provide students a place to get away from turmoil, distractions, and chaos. Campus principals Allison Palmer, Lance Morgan, and Jacob Cross introduced first-year teachers, educational assistants, and other personnel in their respective buildings.
Kennedy then offered a brief review of last year, lauding the faculty for high test scores, improved attendance, and fewer discipline issues. He also noted that more than $20,000 was presented to students who excelled on AP (advanced placement) tests.
The system’s top administrator then turned his attention to the new school year.
“Let’s overcome any and all hardships for our children,” he said. “We must be the calm in our kids’ lives. Encourage them to respect each other’s beliefs, even in differences. Make sure they know you care about them.
“Attack each day with a positive Christ-like attitude.”
Professional Development activities – including training and multiple workshops – will continue Friday and Monday for Union City teachers prior to student registration next Tuesday. The first day for classes is Thursday, Aug. 8.