By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
It was much more than a “pretty fair” day for members of Tornado RISE.
The overall consensus of the group was that it was a “GREAT DAY!”
The Obion County Fair Association hosted the contingent of special needs students from Union City Middle School and High School on Wednesday morning, treating them to a fun-filled day that included carnival rides, a trip to the petting zoo, and visits to the grounds exhibit building.
The experience ended with lunch – courtesy of Twin Oaks Technology – and a performance of the Fair Musical Show.
The field trip served dual purposes, according to UCMS RISE sponsor Cristina King, who noted that the Fair visit was “hands down” the favorite of the many excursions planned for the group during the school year.
“All the fun stuff is just part of it for our students, though,” said King. “Just as important is for our kids to be around and get to experience so many of the things our community has to offer. We want to get them as comfortable as possible in all settings, and our No. 1 goal is to get them to be as independent as possible in our society.
“From simple things like how to wait in line, to how to take turns, to how to order food at a concession stand – there are just so many things that we take for granted that are very difficult tasks in their world. They learn those skills in outings like this, and they do it while having fun.”
The Tornado RISE (Reaching Independence through Structured Environment) Program addresses communication skills of special needs students and focuses on their abilities to properly function in society. Laney Rogers is the school system’s Director of Special Populations.
Several teachers and educational assistants chaperoned the Union City group, with a handful of UCHS students also serving as mentors and providing encouragement and direction.
King reflected on the growth she’s seen with several students in the program from their initial time as 5th graders to their current status of noticeable development as teenagers.
“When we get them at the middle school level, some still need to hold hands with someone and are not very confident,” she explained. “The ones who’ve been in the program and have matured and had serious growth from these types of experiences and are now in high school, they’re walking around here like they own the place. They don’t need as much supervision.
“I’m so appreciative of the Fair Board for opening the grounds and allowing our kids to have these experiences. Jamie Adams has been a real trooper in making this happen.
“And, as in so many situations, our administration at Union City Schools is simply second to none in the support and encouragement they give us and our students. We, as a school system and a community, are blessed beyond measure to be able to provide these experiences for our special students.”