By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Having been introduced to archery at Union City Elementary School last year, fifth grade students in Hunter Rice’s physical education classes at UC Middle School were thrilled to find out they’d get a refresher course recently.
Tara Dowdy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service paid a two-day visit to the UC Schools’ multi-purpose building where she again guided students through a study on all phases of archery.
It was quickly apparent that the classes had paid attention to their first lessons a year ago.
“The kids were really stoked when they found out Mrs. Dowdy was coming again,” Rice said. “Most all of them had learned about the sport, the safety procedures and had shot for the first time when they were fourth graders.
“It was pretty clear that most all of them had paid attention and were very comfortable with the bow and arrow in their hands. Several of them shot really well.”
Rice said he’d been working for several weeks to get Dowdy back in the classroom setting in the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak. She was recently given the go-ahead to resume instruction and spent one day reviewing the 11 steps critical to safe shooting before overseeing the students shooting.
The 11 points of emphasis address everything from how to stand to how to hold the bow.
Union City Schools was the first in the area to introduce the National Archery in Schools Program two years ago. The program not only teaches archery skills, but also encourages students to get outside where they can be physically active.
The National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) is a joint venture between state Departments of Education and Wildlife.