By Mike Hutchens
Union City Schools Communications Director
Though school isn’t scheduled to start for another week, the faculty and staff at Union City Elementary got to see some of their students a little early Thursday.
UCES personnel took to the streets and visited several local neighborhoods, where they handed out popsicles and school supplies to grinning and appreciative young people on a sweltering afternoon.
The actions were part of annual “team-building” activities employed by Union City Elementary School Principal Rene Flood and Special Education/Pre-School Coordinator Laney Rogers.
“Every year, Laney and I put our heads together and try to come up with something that not only is community service, but something we can use to promote togetherness and camaraderie within our faculty,” Flood said, as she boarded one of two buses that transported 87 staff members total to various locations.
“It’s not just the kids who are excited to get the treats and the supplies. You can see how happy our teachers are to see so many of the kids they already have relationships with from last year. I think it’s a win-win thing and something great that we’re doing.”
Members of the community donated funds for the treats and 325 bags of school supplies. Buses stopped at East Gate Village, Green Acres Mobile Home Park, Ware Apartments and in other neighborhoods where children came outside to readily accept the goodwill gestures.
Several teachers even knocked on doors at homes where they knew former students lived.
The staff had put up signs in some neighborhoods beforehand, telling residents they’d be handing out popsicles at a certain time Thursday. They added to that surprise with the bags of school supplies.
The UCES faculty was joined in the gesture by senior representatives of all sports and band members at Union City High School.
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