By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Faculty and staff at Union City Schools kicked off the 2021-22 school year with a hearty round of laughter, a handful of gifts, and words of encouragement and praise from their boss.
Parting from the traditional professional development day schedule, administration from the three UC Schools campuses and the board office entertained around 200 personnel members with a game show spoof that provided many chuckles and prizes for contestants.
After enjoying a system-wide breakfast, the spotlight shined brightly on Director of Schools Wes Kennedy as top school administrators dressed in his typical attire orchestrated a program of ‘Wes’s Favorite Things’ – much to the delight and entertainment of the remainder of the staff.
The group participated in several game-show-themed competitions, with tickets to a Chris Stapleton concert, Tennessee Titans tickets, a Walmart gift card, and several custom-made wood designs (by Kennedy) among the prizes.
Keeping with the ‘Wes’s Favorite Things’ subject matter, there were several other prizes given out, including fishing equipment, sushi kits, bucket hats, Kennedy’s favorite snacks and a new office chair.
Every UC School System employee received a purple and gold pullover, a “grocery check” bonus, and the news that Kennedy had deposited $100 in each of their school lunch accounts.
It was also announced that a four percent increase in insurance premiums for employees and their families would be absorbed, thanks to Kennedy and the UC School Board. Pay increases for both certified and non-certified personnel were announced later in the day.
Faculty and staff also were informed of new luxurious teacher lounges at each school with Kennedy having made custom tables for each room that also includes work stations, modern appliances and big-screen televisions.
Kennedy then was both encouraging and philosophical when addressing his workforce at the end of the opening session.
“Find happiness by serving others,” he said at the beginning of his fifth year in his current capacity after a lengthy tenure as UCHS Principal. “Be good to kids. Love on them. Give them your best. And if you don’t have anything good to say, say nothing.
“We don’t know exactly what the new school year will be like, but I’m excited about it. I expect you all to coach up your kids. I expect you to provide discipline and leadership. Set good examples and be supportive of each other.”
Assistant DOS Michael Paul Miller opened the morning session following a buffet-style breakfast, praising the school staff with words of “Nobody does it like you do.”
“And we expect you to have another great year this year.”
Leaders Credit Union sponsored the breakfast with representative Ron Tharpe presenting school personnel with a handful of gifts to use during the school year.
Personnel new to the Union City School System were introduced by their respective building principals.
In-service activities will continue Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday with numerous trainings and instruction on a variety of subjects.
Students will register in person for the 2021-22 school year Thursday at their respective campuses.