More than 60 Union City Elementary students left school for their three-day Labor Day weekend with a smile on their faces and money in their pockets.
In all, 65 fourth graders received $50 each Friday as an incentive payoff for excelling in TCAP testing last spring as third-graders.
Forty-one students were proficient in reading and math on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program test. Nineteen more were recognized for that accomplishment in math only, while five earned the prize and recognition in ELA (English Language Arts) only.
In all, checks for $3,250 were handed out at the end of the day by UCES Principal Allison Palmer, Vice Principal Bill Kail, and Assistant Principal Maggie Miller.
Recognized students also received a certificate noting their accomplishments. Palmer invited this year’s third graders to the ceremony in an attempt to motivate them to aspire to similar rewards when that group takes the test in April 2025.
“We were so happy to be able to brag on these kids and reward them for a job well done,” Palmer said. “Those were some of the biggest smiles I’d ever seen when they found out they were getting money for doing well.
“I thought it was important for this year’s third grade to witness what can happen when you strive to do your best on the TCAP test. And we’re blessed as a school system to be able to provide these incentives for those who perform well.”
