Parent/Family Update

Dear Parents/Families,

We are thrilled to announce that September 15th marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time for us to celebrate and honor the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States and around the world.

Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th to October 15th, is a time to recognize and pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our society in countless ways. It is a time to celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America.

To embrace and commemorate this vibrant and important heritage, we have some exciting activities planned. One of the highlights is our Door/Wall/Board decorating competition. Each classroom has been tasked with creatively decorating their doors, walls, or boards to highlight the significance of Hispanic culture in their unique way. We believe this project will not only engage our students' creativity but also help them learn more about the wonderful contributions of Hispanic individuals.

We will be asking for your help in selecting the winners of the Door/Wall/Board decorating competition through a voting process. Your participation will be instrumental in recognizing our students' efforts and creativity. Furthermore, we encourage all families to find intentional ways to share the importance and significance of Hispanic individuals in the United States and around the world. Whether it's through books, discussions, art projects, or family traditions, we believe that understanding and celebrating diversity is a vital aspect of our student's education.

As part of our celebration, we are also excited to announce "Hispanic Culture Day" on Friday, October 6th. On this day, we invite all students and staff to wear something that represents Hispanic culture. It could be clothing, accessories, or anything that reflects the rich and diverse heritage of Hispanic communities. This will be a fun and educational way for our students to showcase what they've learned and appreciate the beauty of Hispanic culture.

Thank you for your continued support in making our school a place where cultural diversity is celebrated and cherished. We look forward to your participation in the Door/Wall/Board decorating competition and all the other activities we have planned for Hispanic Heritage Month.

Please review the rest of this newsletter for additional important updates. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to us.

Cheers,

Dr. Alejandro Lozano

Proud Principal

Understanding and addressing tantrums is an important aspect of parenting, and it's not limited to just toddlers. As our children grow, tantrums may signal underlying emotional regulation difficulties. According to the Child Mind Institute, a tantrum is a reaction to something upsetting. Identify what causes the tantrum and come up with a plan to avoid them. What if the tantrum is by a 7-year-old and not a toddler? Parenting for Brain (based on peer-reviewed studies) states that it could be a sign of difficulties with emotional regulation. Some strategies that can be used are the following: acknowledge and name their feelings, describe and validate how they feel, accept their emotions, patiently be there, and do not give in.

Parents, we know tantrums can be difficult to handle at times. Nonetheless, there are many high-quality resources which provide strategies for parenting and children's behaviors. Let us know how we can continue supporting you to help our students become self-regulated! I am including articles below for your reference/ review.

• https://childmind.org/article/how-to-handle-tantrums-and-meltdowns/
  
• https://childmind.org/es/articulo/como-manejar-rabietas-y-crisis-emocionales/
  
• https://www.parentingforbrain.com/how-to-deal-with-7-year-old-temper-tantrums/

Joining our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is a great way to get involved and make a positive impact on your child's school experience. The PTO assists with fundraising, spirit shirts, campus/ community events, major projects, and more!

To learn more about how you can be a part of our PTO, please don't hesitate to reach out. Contact the PTO for more information, and together, we can make our school an even better place for our children. Your participation matters! :-)

If any parents have interest, please email: ucposceolapto@outlook.com

"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.

This is a friendly reminder that all Osceola County Schools are closed this Friday, September 22. We hope you and your family enjoy the long weekend!

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

Today, we would like to shine a spotlight on a truly exceptional member of our community - Yummy Wei, the restaurant located in the Plaza Del Sol mall. Their unwavering support for UCP Osceola over the years has been nothing short of incredible, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for their generosity.

The wonderful folks at Yummy Wei has once again stepped up to make a significant impact on our students' education. They have purchased a diverse and wonderful collection of books to donate to our students and their classrooms. This act of kindness goes beyond words, as it directly enriches the educational experiences of our students, helping them discover new worlds and expand their horizons through reading.

Yummy Wei has been a steadfast supporter of UCP Osceola for several years, consistently demonstrating their commitment to our mission of empowering our students with helpful and valuable resources. Their dedication to our school community is truly heartwarming and inspiring.

We believe that it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of local businesses like Yummy Wei, who play a vital role in enhancing the educational opportunities for our students. Their generosity serves as a shining example of the positive impact that can be made when individuals and businesses come together to support our shared goals.

Thanks again to our friends at Yummy Wei! We appreciate you more than you know! :-)

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.

We are thrilled to share an exciting update with you! At UCP Osceola, we are committed to providing our students with enriching and engaging learning experiences. With that in mind, we have recently introduced three fantastic after-school programs designed to make learning both practical and fun.

Our after-school clubs include:

1. Cooking Calculations: In this club, students not only explore the culinary world but also apply math concepts in a hands-on way. They get to experiment with measurements, fractions, and ratios while whipping up delicious dishes.

2. Music/Dance: Our music and dance club is a creative outlet for students to express themselves while enhancing their literacy and numeracy skills. Through rhythm and movement, they develop a deeper understanding of patterns and language.

3. Board Games: Board games are not only entertaining but also educational! In this club, students engage in strategic gameplay that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and social interaction, all while reinforcing ELA and Math skills.

We launched these clubs last week, and the response from our students has been absolutely fantastic! They are enthusiastic, engaged, and eager to participate. We've seen some incredible moments of learning and fun, and we wanted to share a glimpse of the excitement with you. Please take a moment to view some pictures below.

We believe that these after-school programs will not only enhance your child's academic skills but also foster a love for learning in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. If you have any questions about these programs or would like more information, please don't hesitate to reach out.

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

We are excited to share some heartwarming news from our school campus. Most recently, we had the privilege of celebrating not one but two special occasions—baby showers for two beloved members of our UCP Osceola familia.

First, we gathered to honor our Enrollment Specialist, Darsy Sansores, as she prepared to welcome a new addition to her family. Darsy's dedication and warmth have touched the lives of many, and it was a joy to celebrate this momentous occasion with her.

Additionally, we came together to celebrate our Occupational Therapist and Lead Therapist, Katherine Timothee-Hines. Katherine's expertise and care have had a positive impact on our students, and we are thrilled to be part of her special moment.

We wanted to share some pictures from these heartwarming celebrations, which truly reflect the sense of community and support that defines here at UCP Osceola. Please take a moment to view the attached photos (below).

As we celebrate these wonderful staff members, we also want to extend an opportunity to you, our caring parents/families, to share in their joy. Attached, you will find the registries for Darsy and Katherine. If you would like to offer a gift to commemorate this special time in their lives, your thoughtfulness will be greatly appreciated.

• Link: Darsy's Registry
• Link: Katherine's Registry

We are immensely grateful for the dedication and compassion that Darsy and Katherine bring to our school community. Join us in congratulating them on their growing families, and let us continue to foster the sense of unity and support that makes our school community a truly special place.

We are thrilled to announce that UCP Osceola will be hosting a fantastic Fall Festival on Saturday, October 7th, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, right in our school parking lot!

Our Fall Festival promises to be a fun-filled day for the whole family, featuring:

• Delicious Food Trucks: Enjoy a variety of mouthwatering treats from local food trucks.

• Bounce House: Let the kids bounce, play, and have a blast in our inflatable bounce house.

• Games and Prizes: Test your skills and win some exciting prizes at our carnival-style games.

• Yard Sale: Looking for hidden treasures or wanting to declutter? Tables are available for yard sales, so you can shop or sell.

• Vendor Tables: Discover unique items and crafts from local vendors.

We are also delighted to share that all proceeds from the festival will support our school and its programs, making this event not only a day of fun but also an opportunity to contribute to our school community.

For questions or if you're interested in hosting a yard sale or becoming a vendor, please reach out to Ms. Heather (HPentecost@ucpcfl.org) or Ms. Rebecca (rtoogood@ucpcfl.org) directly.

We can't wait to see you there! Mark your calendars, invite your friends and neighbors, and join us for a fantastic day of community, entertainment, and enjoyment!

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the date. We look forward to celebrating this special day with all of you.

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

BREAKFAST

Monday: Fresh Seasonal Fruit, 100% Blended Juice, Whole Grain Bread, Sunflower Kernels

Tuesday: Fruit Cup, 100% Orange Juice, Whole Grain Bread

Wednesday: Fruit Cup, 100% Blended Juice, Whole Wheat English Muffin

Thursday: Fresh Seasonal Fruit, 100% Orange Juice, Whole Grain Raisin Bread

Friday: NO SCHOOL

LUNCH

Monday: Milk, Tacos w/ Shredded Cheese, Stewed Tomato, Black Beans & Rice, Applesauce Cup, Whole Grain Tortilla

Tuesday: Milk, Meatloaf w/ Brown Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Succotash, Applesauce Cup, Whole Grain Roll

Wednesday: Milk, Lemon Pepper Diced Chicken, Butternut Squash, Black-Eyed Peas, 100% Apple Juice, Whole Grain Bread

Thursday: Milk, Pasta w/ Meat Sauce, Broccoli w/ Cheese Sauce, Yellow Corn, Whole Grain Roll, Margarine Cup

Friday: NO SCHOOL

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 at the beginning of 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. Here is a link to the Uniform policy/on-line store: https://www.ucpcharter.org/uniforms

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.