By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Those students and parents who signed up for Distance Learning at Union City Schools got their first lessons Friday morning.
UCSS administration and faculty gave presentations to those who’d previously registered for the option, outlining guidelines and expectations, among other directives.
Assistant Director of Schools Michael Paul Miller led sessions attended by students and family members from all three Union City campuses at the UC Civic Auditorium.
Miller told those in attendance that the DL process would not resemble what all students were subjected to when classes dismissed due to the coronavirus outbreak in mid-March.
“We weren’t prepared. Nobody in education was,” Miller said. “Now, though, we are. Our teachers are prepared and have been in extensive training. They will continue to be.
“This will be something entirely different than what we did in the spring. There will be accountability and responsibility placed on every student. Assignments will be given every day and they must be completed. They will be graded.”
School principals David Byars (UCES), Lance Morgan (UCMS) and Jacob Cross (UCHS) ‑‑ along with Microsoft TEAMS leader Kelly Shanks ‑‑ also were a part of each presentation/instruction. Each gave direction and guidance and were specific in their directive.
School-issued laptops were given to UC Middle and High Schoolers who did not have their own device as loaners, with specific instruction about their care and liability. UCHS School Resource Officer Raphe Whaley presented a safety video that is also included on the school website (tornadotouch.net) regarding the dangers and warning signs of some Internet practices and pitfalls.
Class assignments will be done in multiple forms in the elementary with a variety of options. The submission of the student’s work must be done electronically, though.
Miller said for those without Internet, hot spots are available for check-out at the Obion County Public Library, with several private rooms also set up with those services. Additionally, the Northwest Tennessee Boys and Girls Club will be utilized from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day, making available computers, Internet and extra instruction in the form of Director of Student Populations Laney Rogers, who will be there to assist from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
There are also Internet connections in each school parking lot.
Miller also told parents of students they would be “co-teachers and, at the very least, facilitators of instruction” in the process.
“I want you to fully understand what you and your child are getting into because it’s so different from what we did before. We 100 percent support what is best for every child and we know every situation is different.”
“These are unprecedented times, but we’ll get through them together. We hope to see all of our students in person every day at some point this year. Until then, we’re just going to make the best of the situation with everyone pulling together to help.”
Each administrator claimed they and their respective faculty would be flexible in working through the process, which is part of the Level 3 plan at which UC Schools will begin the 2020-21 school year.
Those who begin Distance Learning on Monday are locked into the plan for the first nine weeks of school.
A TEAMS workshop for Union City Elementary School parents and students is set for next Friday (Aug. 21) at 1 p.m. at the school library.
Those parents/students who signed up for the DL option but did not attend Friday’s meeting should contact their building principal with any questions.