Parent/Family Update

Hi Parents/Families,

We hope this message finds you well. Here are some important updates and reminders for the upcoming week:

1. No School on Monday, January 15 - MLK Day: In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be no school on Monday, January 15. Let's take this time to reflect on Dr. King's legacy and the ongoing journey towards equality and justice.

2. February is Black History Month: As we approach February, we are excited to celebrate Black History Month. Stay tuned as we share our plans on how we will acknowledge and appreciate the incredible contributions of African Americans throughout history.

3. Literacy Week - January 22 to 26: From January 22 to 26, we will be celebrating Literacy Week. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of reading and inspire students and families to make reading a part of their daily routines. Please see below for more information.

Please don't forget to explore the New Worlds Reading initiative, where eligible children can receive FREE books and engaging activities. It's a fantastic opportunity to foster a love for reading in our young learners. More information included below in our newsletter.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Have a fantastic week everyone,

Dr. Alejandro Lozano

Sometimes, educators and parents ask themselves how they can continue supporting a child who is nonverbal. Research has proven that children who are nonverbal can eventually acquire language and even become fluent speakers. The article Teaching nonverbal autistic children to talk provides seven strategies to promote language. The strategies are the following: 1. encourage play and social interaction 2. imitate your child 3. focus on nonverbal communication 4. leave "space" for your child to talk 5. simplify your language 6. follow your child's interest and 7. consider assistive devices and visual supports. Parents, continue working collaboratively with your child's intervention team to encourage language development.

I invite you to read the two articles. We will continue supporting students to find their voices and we invite you to join in collectively supporting this endeavor as well!

https://www.autismspeaks.org/science-news/nonverbal-child-autism-language-delays

https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/seven-ways-help-your-child-nonverbal-autism-speak#:~:text=Encourage%20your%20child%20by%20modeling,for%20your%20child%20to%20imitate.

Dear Parents,

Your participation as volunteers plays a crucial role in enhancing our students' experiences. We kindly request all interested parents complete the Volunteer Application, if they haven't already.

Completing the Volunteer Application is necessary to initiate the background check process. This step is essential for anyone planning to join us on upcoming field trips or help with other school activities.

1. Click on THIS LINK
2. Click NEW or RENEWING and fill in the requested information
3. You will receive an email confirmation once your application has been approved (it may as long as 1-2 weeks, but it is generally approved sooner).

If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Janina Villalona, School Business Manager, at: janina.villalona@ucpcfl.org

We would like to inform you of an upcoming meeting of the Charter School Board of Directors, which is open to the public. This meeting is an excellent opportunity for you to stay informed about the decisions and wonderful progress of our school.

Thank you for your continued support!

Date: Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Virtual Option

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82726018131

Meeting ID: 827 2601 8131 One tap mobile

+13126266799,,82726018131# US (Chicago)

Please see Meeting Notice attachment for more information.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Geneliz Nieves at GNieves@ucpcfl.org

"Roar with Knowledge" emphasizes the importance of learning, curiosity, and intellectual growth. It encourages students to be vocal in their pursuit of knowledge and to boldly express their ideas and thoughts.

"Lead with Pride" signifies the leadership qualities associated with lions. It inspires students to be confident, responsible, and compassionate leaders in their school and community. It also reflects the sense of pride they should feel in their accomplishments, achievements, and contributions to the world around them.

Together, this mantra encourages students to be academically ambitious, courageous, and empathetic leaders who contribute positively to their school and society as they grow into responsible individuals.

Please take an opportunity to view the school calendar for the 2023-2024 school year. Pay close attention to early release dates, as well as days where we have no school programming. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly: Alejandro.Lozano@ucpcfl.org

Quarter 3 Important Dates (regularly updated)

• Monday, January 15 - Martin L. King, Jr. Day (Teacher/Student Holiday)
• February 1 - March 1 - Black History Month
• Thursday, February 1 - 100th Day of School (Dress as 100 Year Old!)
• Friday, February 2 - Early Release (12PM - No Aftercare Available)
• Friday, February 16 - Rodeo Day (Teacher/ Student Holiday)
• Thursday, March 7 - End of 3rd Quarter (Last Day for Students)
• Monday, March 11 to Friday, March 15 - Spring Break (Teacher/Student Holiday)

We are delighted to inform you that as part of our commitment to providing a well-rounded education, all our students have the opportunity to participate in Visual Art and Physical Education as part of their "special area" curriculum. These enriching programs are offered to all students on campus throughout the week. Additionally, our 5th-grade class enjoys the added benefit of engaging in STEM activities, including coding and 3D printing, providing them with valuable hands-on experiences in the world of technology and innovation. We believe these programs contribute significantly to our students' holistic development and academic growth. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to reach out to us. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a well-rounded education for our students.

This is a friendly reminder that there will be no school on Monday, January 15, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This day commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was an exemplary leader in the American civil rights movement.

As we take this time to honor his contributions to equality and justice, we encourage you to reflect on the values he stood for. We hope you and your family enjoy a meaningful day, filled with reflection and unity.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, January 16.

Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! is designed to raise awareness about the importance of reading and to inspire Florida's students and families to make reading part of their daily routines. Please review below for a synopsis of some activities we have planned.

Monday-Mystery Reader-The classroom will be provided with links to listen to a story. The students will then guess who they think the mystery reader is and the reader will present themselves to the classroom on Monday afternoon.

Tuesday-Beach Blankets and Books-The students will bring their favorite beach towel and sunglasses to school. They will then read their books in the hallway or classroom at 9:00 for 15 minutes. You may send in their favorite book to read. Please make sure it is labeled with their name. The classroom will also provide books.

Wednesday-Word Scramble Wednesday-The students will wear a t-shirt with letters and will work with their classroom to create words from Boggle-style games throughout the campus.

Thursday-Readers are Leaders-The Flamingo students will be coming around campus to read a story to the classrooms. This will begin at 9:00 am.

Friday-Vocabulary Parade Friday-The students will dress up as their favorite vocabulary word (school appropriate) Each K-5 classroom will receive a book to read involving words. Attached are some examples of vocabulary parades:
https://www.pinterest.com/marendon34/vocabulary-parade/ https://www.debrafrasier.com/vocabulary-parades/in-school-vocabulary-parades/

Please let Ms. Morgan Music know if you have any questions. mmusic@ucpcfl.org

Please join us in wishing our amazing team members a Happy Birthday!

Dear Parent/Caregiver,

On behalf of UCP Osceola, I’d like to share with you about New Worlds Reading, Florida’s FREE book delivery program. New Worlds Reading mails free books and activities to eligible children to help strengthen their literacy skills, build reading confidence and nurture a lifelong love of reading. Once enrolled, students will automatically receive free books and resources through fifth grade, even if their reading scores improve.

New Worlds Reading is administered by the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning, which has selected Scholastic as a partner. Books are selected in collaboration with the Florida Department of Education, with materials available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole or braille. This is an incredible opportunity to help your child build a free personalized at-home library and foster a love for reading in your home.

To be eligible, a child must be in VPK and not yet meeting age-appropriate standards according to FAST Star Early Literacy or in K-5th grade and not yet reading on grade level in a public or charter school. Apply for your child today by scanning the QR code below or visiting newworldsreading.com/enroll.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions. Additionally, you can email the program directly at support@newworldsreading.com.

Thank you for continuing to encourage your child’s love of reading!

--

Estimado padre/madre/cuidador(a),

En nombre de UCP Osceola, me gustaría compartir con ustedes sobre New Worlds Reading, el programa de entrega de libros GRATUITO de Florida. New Worlds Reading envía por correo libros y actividades gratuitos a niños elegibles para ayudarlos a fortalecer sus habilidades de lectoescritura, desarrollar confianza en su capacidad de leer y fomentar un amor de por vida por la lectura. Una vez inscritos, los estudiantes recibirán automáticamente libros y recursos gratuitos hasta el quinto grado, incluso si sus calificaciones en lectura mejoran.

New Worlds Reading es administrado por el Centro para el Aprendizaje Lastinger de la Universidad de Florida, que ha seleccionado a Scholastic como socio. Los libros se seleccionan en colaboración con el Departamento de Educación de Florida. Los materiales están disponibles en inglés, español, criollo haitiano o braille. Esta es una oportunidad increíble de crear una biblioteca personalizada y gratuita para su niño/a, y fomentar en el hogar el amor por la lectura.

Para ser eligible, el niño deberá estar en VPK (programa de prekindergarten voluntario) y no cumplir todavía con los estándares apropiados para su edad según la evaluación FAST Star Early Literacy, o estar en kindergarten al 5.º grado en una escuela pública o chárter y no leer todavía al nivel de su grado. Inscriba a su niño/a hoy mismo. Para hacerlo, escanee el código QR que aparece a continuación o visite newworldsreading.com/enroll.

No dude en comunicarse conmigo si tiene alguna pregunta o duda. También puede enviar un correo electrónico al programa directamente a support@newworldsreading.com.

¡Gracias por continuar fomentando el amor por la lectura en su niño/a!

UCP Charter Schools follows the protocols and policy required by state statue on the use of Outside Care Providers (OCPs)/Private Instructional Personnel (PIP) requested by parents and guardians to supplement a student’s educational, medical, and/or behavior services in a public school during the school year including observing the student in the educational setting, collaborating with instructional personnel in the educational setting, and providing services in the educational setting.

Each Outside Care Provider goes through a local school district approval as a contact vendor and meets with the campus Principal prior to providing on-campus services. As vendors, they provide services deemed as a medical necessity by the related insurance carrier and services are focused on increasing opportunities for personal and educational growth by matching student needs with the approved services.

For more information on how your child's clinician can become a UCP Outside Care Provider/ Private Instructional Personnel, please visit the link below.

*NEW Link: Registration Information for Outside Care Providers

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We want to ensure you're aware of our procedure regarding absences due to autism treatment appointments for your child. When it comes to therapy sessions like applied behavioral analysis, speech therapy, or occupational therapy related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), these appointments are considered excused absences upon submission of the necessary documentation.

Additionally, as part of our commitment to your child's educational progress, we evaluate their development according to grade-level standards outlined in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). In alignment with this, we ask for your cooperation in:

• Notifying us in advance about upcoming appointments.
• Scheduling appointments at times that minimize the impact on your child's classroom learning.
• Understanding that regular attendance is crucial, as chronic absenteeism, even with valid reasons, can sometimes pose challenges like grade retention or the risk of students leaving school prematurely.
  
  

Your understanding and cooperation in these matters greatly assist us in providing the best support and educational environment for your child.

BREAKFAST

Monday: No School

Tuesday: Fresh Seasonal Fruit, 100% Apple Juice, Whole Grain Raisin Bread, Margarine

Wednesday: Fruit Cup, 100% Blended Juice, Whole Grain Bread, Margarine

Thursday: Fruit Cup, 100% Apple Juice, Whole Grain Bread, Sunflower Kernels

Friday: Fresh Seasonal Fruit, 100% Blended Juice, Whole Grain Bread

LUNCH

Monday: No School

Tuesday: Milk, Teriyaki Meatballs, Broccoli, Green Peas, Applesauce Cup, Whole Grain Roll

Wednesday: Milk, Macaroni & Cheese, Blacked-Eyed Peas, Mixed Vegetables, 100% Apple Juice, Whole Grain Roll

Thursday: Milk, Chicken Salad, Fresh Baby Carrots, Potato Salad, Seasonal Fresh Fruit. Whole Wheat Bread

Friday: Milk, Ham or Turkey Sandwich with Cheese, Juice

As we embark on a new academic year, I would like to reiterate our commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all our students. In line with this, I want to remind everyone that our school is a nut-free environment. This policy has been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all our students, especially those who have severe nut allergies. Even trace amounts of nuts or nut products can trigger severe allergic reactions in some children, which can be life-threatening. By maintaining a nut-free school, we aim to create a space where every child can thrive without the worry of exposure to allergens. We kindly request your cooperation in adhering to this policy by refraining from sending any nut-based products or foods containing nuts to school with your child. Thank you, as always, for your continued support!

While some illness during the school year is to be expected, we kindly request your assistance in reinforcing some critical hygiene practices at home and at school:

1. Frequent Handwashing: Encourage your child to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, using the restroom, or touching shared surfaces.

2. Symptom Monitoring: Please monitor your child for any symptoms of illness daily before sending them to school. If they are experiencing any symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhea or loss of taste or smell, it is crucial that they stay home and seek medical guidance as needed.

3. Student Illness Notification: In the event that a student is observed as unwell while at school, our health assistant will contact you promptly. You will receive a Student Illness Notification form (sample attached) that outlines the details of the situation. This form will provide important information for your awareness and assistance. Importantly -- note that the form may also specify a time-period where a student may be asked to quarantine/ stay home. Please be sure to review the form carefully and call us with any follow-up questions you may have.

We understand that adhering to school health guidelines can be challenging and inconvenient at times, but it's important to recognize that each action we take to keep our school community healthy contributes to the collective well-being of our students, teachers, and staff members.

Your understanding and cooperation during this period are deeply appreciated.

UCP now has a new vendor for student uniforms. If you are interested in purchasing uniforms, please follow the steps below:

▰Step 1: Visit www.Ibiley.com

▰Step 2: Find your School (UCP Osceola)

▰Step 3: Look through the various options and pay.

NOTE: For UCP Charter School K-5th Grade parents - we have some limited scholarships to help buy UCP Uniforms for UCP Students. If you are in financial need for this support - please click HERE to fill out the form.

As a reminder - UCP Charter School K-5th grade students are required to wear a UCP polo to school.

Few activities produce such valuable benefits for so many as school partnership and volunteering. Your involvement as an OASIS Volunteer or a Partner in Education for Osceola's schools reaps great rewards for students, teachers, parents, and administrators alike:

• Positive attitude toward school
• Improved attendance and academic performance
• Higher quality education
• Preparation for tomorrow's workforce and decision makers

As part of the school district's community relations efforts, the OASIS Department oversees the OASIS Volunteers and Partners in Education. Both of these programs help foster a strong sense of community between our schools and Osceola County as a whole.

Our schools need support for a variety of programs and projects. In order to help, you must first become an approved OASIS Volunteer.

Click here to submit a new application or to renew your volunteer status for the 2023-2024 school year.

The Code of Student Conduct is published each year to clearly communicate the behavioral expectations of students at all grade levels and to summarize the policies of The School District of Osceola County relative to management of student conduct. This handbook outlines the responsibilities and rights of all students, defines the District's rules of conduct and the behavioral expectations for students, identifies the consequences for violations of the rules of conduct, and clarifies the procedures for processing disciplinary infractions.