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Written By: Gabriella Oliveira, MSW, Clinical Counselor Tips for Parents to Ease Anxiety and Build Confidence The night before the first day of school can feel like a rollercoaster: excitement one moment, tears or tummy aches the next. If your child is feeling nervous, they’re not alone, and neither are you. It’s completely normal for kids to experience some anxiety about starting a new school year. As parents and caregivers, you have the power to help them feel seen, understood, and supported. Notice the Behavior Behind the Emotion If your child has been acting out, withdrawing, or showing new behaviors. Being extra clingy, irritable, or having trouble sleeping might be their way of expressing worry about the first day of school. Kids don’t always say “I’m anxious,” but their behavior often speaks for them. Try gently helping them name what they’re feeling: "I’ve noticed you’ve been a little more upset lately. Sometimes big changes like starting school can make us feel nervous or unsure. Do you think that might be happening?" "It’s okay to feel a lot of things at once: excited, nervous, even frustrated. Let’s figure it out together." Feel free to use feelings chart as a visual guide to best assist you child identify the feeling and give it a name. By giving your child space to talk and helping them name their emotions, you’re giving them tools to better understand and cope with what they’re feeling. Start by Acknowledging Their Feelings Before jumping into solutions, take a moment to simply listen. Kids want to know that what they’re feeling is okay. Try saying: "It’s okay to feel nervous. A lot of kids feel that way on the first day." "I understand, starting something new can be hard. I used to feel that way too." Avoid saying “There’s nothing to worry about”. Even with good intentions, that can make kids feel like their emotions aren’t valid. Build Confidence With Supportive Statements Instead of trying to take away their anxiety completely, focus on reminding them of their strengths and helping them feel prepared. Say things like: "You’ve done brave things before, and you can do this too." "Let’s make a plan together so the morning feels easier." "Feeling a little nervous means you care, and that’s a good thing." Simple Coping Tools to Practice Together Help your child feel in control by practicing calming techniques before school starts. These can also be helpful tools to use on the day itself: Deep Breathing: Take a few slow breaths together: in through the nose, out through the mouth. Positive Self-Talk: Teach phrases like: “I can handle this.” or “I’m brave, even when I’m scared.” Walk-Through the Day: Talk through what the morning will look like or visit the school if possible. Pick a Comfort Item: If allowed, a small object in their backpack (a note, a keychain) can offer reassurance. Create a Routine: Predictability helps. Lay out clothes, pack lunch, and talk through the next morning together. Words That Go a Long Way Sometimes it’s the little things you say that can make the biggest difference. Here are some phrases you might try on the big day: "I’m proud of you for being brave." "I can’t wait to hear about your day when you get home!" "It’s okay if today feels hard, we’ll get through it together." The first day can feel big, but your calm, steady support makes all the difference. Just by showing up with love, patience, and encouragement, you’re helping your child start the year strong—and teaching them that it’s okay to feel, and okay to grow.

Written By: Barbie Jones, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Social and Emotional Readiness for Kindergarten Kindergarten marks a significant milestone in your child's life—one that requires emotional and social preparation as much as academic skills. Here's how you can help your child develop these crucial foundations: Encourage Independence Foster self-reliance by teaching your child to put on their own jacket, open lunch containers, and use the bathroom independently. These skills build confidence and reduce anxiety in the classroom environment. Practice Separation If your child has not spent much time away from you, arrange short separations with trusted caregivers or friends. This helps them understand that goodbyes are not permanent and builds their comfort with new adults. Teach Sharing and Turn-Taking Kindergarten involves constant interaction with peers. Play games that require taking turns, practice sharing toys, and help your child understand that everyone gets a chance to participate. Develop Emotional Vocabulary Help your child identify and express feelings through words or visual cues. Encourage them to name emotions like sad, happy, or angry, or to point to pictures representing these feelings. Teaching simple phrases such as "I feel sad" or "I'm excited" gives your child tools to communicate needs effectively instead of becoming frustrated and acting out. This emotional literacy becomes invaluable in the kindergarten classroom, where they will need to express themselves clearly to teachers and classmates. Remember, kindergarten teachers do not expect perfection; they are prepared to help children grow. Focus on progress rather than mastery, and celebrate your child's developing independence.

Written By: Barbie Jones, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Building Early Literacy Skills Strong literacy foundations make kindergarten a smoother transition. These simple activities can nurture your child's reading readiness: Daily Reading Routines Reading together for just 15 minutes daily significantly impacts your child's vocabulary and comprehension. Let them choose books sometimes, and don't worry about reading the same story repeatedly—repetition builds familiarity with words and concepts. Allow your child to turn the pages of the book as you read the story aloud. Letter Recognition Point out letters in your everyday environment—on signs, food packaging, or license plates. Focus on helping your child recognize letters in their name first, as this has personal significance. Rhyming Games Play with rhyming words during car rides or waiting times. "Can you think of a word that sounds like 'cat'?" “Can you point to something that rhymes with ‘red’?” These activities develop phonological awareness—the ability to recognize and work with sounds in spoken language. Print Awareness Show your child that text has meaning by running your finger under words as you read. Point out that we read from left to right and top to bottom. These concepts may seem obvious to adults but are new discoveries for young children. Remember that literacy development should be playful and pressure-free. The goal is to nurture curiosity and positive associations with books and language.

Written By: Barbie Jones, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Developing Math Foundations Math readiness involves more than counting—it's about recognizing patterns, understanding quantities, and developing spatial awareness. These everyday activities build mathematical thinking: Count Everything Count steps as you climb stairs, apple slices during snack time, or cars in the parking lot. This reinforces number sequence and helps your child understand that numbers represent quantities. Sort and Classify Sorting laundry, organizing toys by color or size, or categorizing groceries develops logical thinking. Ask your child, "How are these items the same? How are they different?" Explore Shapes and Spatial Relationships Point out shapes in your environment: "The stop sign is an octagon." Use position words like "above," "below," "besides," and "between" to describe where objects are located. Play With Patterns Create simple patterns with blocks, beads, or even food items: "Red grape, green grape, red grape—what comes next?" Pattern recognition is a fundamental mathematical skill that prepares children for more complex concepts. Math learning happens naturally through play and daily activities. When you incorporate mathematical language and concepts into everyday experiences, you are building a strong foundation for kindergarten math success.

Written By: Barbie Jones, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Developing Fine and Gross Motor Skills Physical readiness for kindergarten involves both fine motor skills (small movements) and gross motor skills (large movements). These abilities support classroom activities and playground interactions: Fine Motor Development Strengthen hand muscles through activities like: ● Playdough sculpting ● Using child-safe scissors ● Stringing beads ● Drawing and coloring ● Using tweezers to pick up small objects These activities develop the coordination needed for writing, cutting, and manipulating classroom materials. Pencil Grip and Control Encourage proper pencil grip by providing short crayons (you can break crayons to make them shorter) and pencils (such as golf pencils) that naturally promote a tripod grip. Tracing lines, shapes, and letters helps develop control and precision. When guiding your child with drawing or tracing activities, encourage them to begin at the top of the paper and work their way downward. This top-to-bottom approach develops proper writing mechanics and helps establish the directional patterns they will need for writing letters and numbers in kindergarten. Gross Motor Activities Large muscle development supports classroom stamina and playground success: ● Jumping, hopping, and skipping ● Throwing and catching balls ● Climbing at playgrounds ● Balancing on one foot ● Dancing to music Self-Care Skills Practice buttoning, zipping, and fastening shoes. These skills build independence during bathroom breaks and outdoor transitions. Remember that children develop at different rates. Focus on providing varied opportunities for movement rather than comparing your child to others. The goal is to help them feel comfortable and confident in their physical abilities.

Written By: Barbie Jones, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Establishing Routines and School Readiness The transition to kindergarten goes more smoothly when children understand expectations and routines. Here's how to prepare in the months before school begins: Consistent Schedules Gradually adjust bedtimes and wake-up times to match the upcoming school schedule. Children thrive when their bodies are accustomed to consistent routines. Practice Attention Span Kindergarten requires focusing on teacher-directed activities. Build attention span by gradually increasing the time spent on a single activity, starting with just a few minutes and working up to 10-15 minutes. Mealtime Independence Practice opening lunch containers, using utensils effectively, and cleaning up afterward. Pack a practice lunch and have a "school lunch" picnic to build confidence. Morning Routines Establish clear morning routines that your child can gradually take ownership of: getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and preparing a backpack. Visual checklists can help children track their progress. Visit the School Attend kindergarten orientation events, play on the school playground during off-hours, or walk by the school regularly. Familiarity with the physical environment reduces first-day anxiety. The goal isn't to create stress about kindergarten but to build excitement and confidence. Talk positively about school, answer questions honestly, and assure your child that teachers are there to help. With thoughtful preparation, you are setting the stage for a successful kindergarten experience.

Written by: Dr. Karyn Scott, Director of Curriculum and Instruction K12 Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child's academic success, and fostering a strong school-home partnership can enhance their learning experience. One of the most effective ways to support your child’s educational journey is by reinforcing goal-setting skills both at home and in collaboration with their teachers. When parents and educators work together, children receive consistent guidance and encouragement, helping them develop responsibility, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment. By aligning home strategies with school expectations, you can create a supportive environment that empowers your child to set and achieve meaningful academic goals. Here are five strategies to help you guide your child in this process! 1- Set SMART Goals Together Encourage your child to create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) . Instead of a vague goal like “I want to do better in math,” guide them to say, “I will practice multiplication for 15 minutes each day to improve my test scores over the next month.” SMART goals provide a clear roadmap and make success easier to track. 2- Create a Visual Goal Board A goal board is a great way to keep your child’s academic goals front and center. Use a whiteboard, poster, or digital tool to display their goals, progress, and achievements. Seeing their objectives daily serves as a constant reminder and motivation to stay on track. You can also add stickers or rewards for milestones reached! 3- Develop a Daily and Weekly Plan Help your child break down their goals into manageable steps by creating a structured schedule. If they want to improve their reading skills, schedule 20 minutes of reading time each night. If they have a big project, assist them in dividing it into smaller tasks with specific deadlines. Consistent routines help children build discipline and avoid last-minute stress. 4- Encourage a Growth Mindset Teach your child that mistakes and setbacks are part of the learning process. Instead of saying, “I’m not good at this,” encourage them to think, “I haven’t mastered this yet , but I will keep trying.” Praise their effort rather than just their intelligence to foster resilience and persistence in their studies. 5- Celebrate Progress and Success Recognizing achievements, big or small, keeps children motivated. Celebrate their hard work with words of encouragement, a small reward, or a special treat. Reinforcing their progress helps build confidence and enthusiasm for future learning goals. By guiding your child in setting realistic and meaningful academic goals, you equip them with essential skills for lifelong success. With your encouragement and these simple strategies, they will learn to take ownership of their learning, stay motivated, and develop a positive attitude toward their education. Throughout the school year, meet with your child’s teacher to help set those goals.

Written By: Yanira Melendez , M.S., Clinical Counselor Summer is finally here, and before we know it, we will be returning to a new school year. I love to call them the 3 R’s: Reconnect, Recharge, and Relax . Create lasting memories with the people and children we love most. Whether we’re spending time at home or exploring our local community, this season offers so many opportunities to bond with our families without breaking the bank. This summer, let’s focus on laughter, love, and togetherness. I know this can be challenging, but remind the kids to take a break from screens, slow down, and soak up the sunshine when it’s not raining. There are free local adventures to enjoy outside or in our own backyards and these are often the memories that money can’t buy. We can break it down into three categories: outdoor fun, at-home creativity, and exploring while we learn. Outdoor fun can include visiting local parks and nature trails: riding bikes, going for walks, or creating a scavenger hunt. We can visit nearby beaches or plan a lake day, soaking up the sun and packing some snacks. Even camping in the backyard or visiting a community garden can spark creativity and connection. If you’re struggling to get the kids outside, let’s get creative at home. Try a family art night by painting rocks or making a collage. Cook or bake together and let the kids take the lead. Have a board game night everyone enjoys, or turn your living room into a home movie theater: pick a theme, pop popcorn, and make movie tickets! Exploring your local community can also be fun. Visit the local library, check out free museums, or stop by the farmers’ market. The goal is to put the 3 R’s into practice. It doesn’t take a lot of money to make summer magical—just time, attention, and imagination. The local library is a great place to start. https://ocls.org/locations-hours/

Written by: Tania Villalon, ELA Teacher Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time for kids to have fun while continuing to learn! By using ideas from the Science of Reading, we can make sure that middle schoolers and upper elementary students not only enjoy their summer but also boost their reading and writing skills. One exciting way to do this is by creating a summer reading journal. Imagine your child diving into new books and jotting down their thoughts and favorite quotes! Encourage them to write about what they loved, what surprised them, or even to invent new endings for their favorite stories. This creative journaling not only keeps their minds active but also helps them understand stories better—what a win-win! Another fantastic summer activity is multimedia storytelling. Kids can take a story they adore or come up with their own and turn it into a captivating presentation using fun digital tools like videos or slideshows. Picture your child crafting a colorful presentation filled with images, sounds, and their own voice narrating the tale! This approach helps them think critically about the story, understand character motivations, and organize their thoughts. By engaging in this creative process, they'll learn new vocabulary and strengthen their reading skills—all while having an absolute blast! Finally, how about organizing an interactive book club? This is a super fun way for kids to dive into books together! They can read a book as a group and then gather to chat about it, sharing their thoughts and ideas. Parents can spice up the discussions by asking fun questions like, "If you could be any character, who would you choose and why?" or "What would you do differently if you were in the story?" These lively conversations not only make reading more enjoyable but also help kids think deeper about the material. With these fun activities grounded in research, your child can have an amazing summer filled with learning and laughter!

Dear UCP Osceola Families, Welcome back! The 2025–2026 school year is set to begin with excitement among incredible students, dedicated staff, and supportive families. Whether returning to campus or joining for the first time, everyone is a valued part of the UCP Osceola community. The mission at UCP Osceola is to create an inclusive, engaging, and nurturing environment that empowers every student to reach their full potential. Success extends beyond academic achievements; the goal is to nurture well-rounded students who are confident, compassionate, and prepared to navigate their futures. Focus remains on building strong foundations in academics while encouraging creativity, social growth, independence, and a love of learning. The team is committed to collaborating with families at every step to ensure each student receives the required support to excel. Anticipation is high for the remarkable achievements students will attain this year. Let us collectively aim for a year of personal growth, shared laughter, and unparalleled success. Here’s to a fantastic school year! Sincerely, Joshua Torres Principal,  UCP Osceola

Written By: Anna O'Connor Morin , Senior Director of Education Preparing for the school year is essential to help your child feel confident, excited, and ready to learn. Research shows that children who start school behind often struggle to catch up, with about 75% never reaching the same level as their peers. Early preparation, such as building routines, engaging in fun learning activities, and fostering excitement about school, can make a big difference in your child’s success.. By preparing your child for the school year, you are setting them up for a strong foundation in learning and life. Here is a parent-friendly list of ideas to help prepare students for back to school: Toddler to Pre Kindergarte n Fun Activities to Prepare for School 1. Visit the Zoo or Farm: Introduce your child to animals by naming them, discussing their colors, and mimicking their sounds. This builds vocabulary and curiosity. 2. Explore Nature: Take a walk outside, let your child touch soft grass, and observe colorful flowers. This encourages sensory exploration. 3. Play Hide and Seek: Engage in this fun game at home or in the yard to develop problem-solving and social skills. 4. Splash Pad Fun: Visit a community park with splash pads. Ask your child to count the spaces where water comes out to practice early math skills. 5. Star Gazing: Sit outside at night and count stars together. This activity fosters curiosity and early counting skills. 6. Bedtime Reading: Read a book together before bed and talk about family memories or upcoming school adventures. This builds literacy and emotional readiness. Preparing for the First Day 1. Visit the School: Plan a visit to meet your child’s teacher and administrator. Attend back-to-school orientation to familiarize your child with the environment. 2. Practice Morning Routines: Rehearse getting ready for school, including breakfast and driving to school, to establish a predictable routine. 3. Talk About Feelings: Discuss your child’s feelings about starting school. Address any anxieties and share excitement about new experiences. 4. Create a Daily Routine: Establish a consistent schedule for mornings, afternoons, and bedtime to help your child adjust to the school year. 5. Read Stories About School: Share books about classrooms, learning, and making friends to build excitement and familiarity with the school setting. Parental Involvement 1. Join School Activities: Inquire about the parent-teacher association, volunteer opportunities, and field trips. Stay involved in your child’s education. 2. Establish Communication: Ask the teacher about their preferred communication method, such as email or a classroom app, to stay informed and connected. Elementary School Build Excitement for School 1. Visit the School: Take your child to meet their teacher and explore the school before the first day. Attend back-to-school orientation to help them feel comfortable in their new environment. 2. Talk About School: Discuss your child’s feelings about starting school. Share positive stories about making friends and learning new things to ease any anxiety. 3. Read Books About School: Choose stories about classrooms, learning, and making friends to help your child feel excited and prepared. Establish Routines 1. Practice Morning Routines: Rehearse getting ready for school, including breakfast and the drive to school, to create a predictable and stress-free start to the day. 2. Set a Bedtime Schedule: Create a calm and consistent bedtime routine to ensure your child gets enough sleep. Limit screen time before bed to help them wind down. 3. Organize School Supplies: Help your child organize their backpack and supplies. Teach them how to keep their materials neat and ready for use. Engage in Fun Learning Activities 1. Explore Nature: Take walks outside to observe plants, animals, and the environment. Encourage your child to ask questions and share what they see. 2. Practice Math and Reading: Create a fun reading list or play games that involve counting and problem-solving to keep their minds active. 3. Visit Community Spaces: Plan trips to parks, museums, or libraries to spark curiosity and learning in a relaxed setting. Encourage Social and Emotional Readiness 1. Talk About Friendships: Discuss how to make new friends and practice social skills like sharing and taking turns. 2. Model a Growth Mindset: Encourage your child to try their best, learn from mistakes, and celebrate their efforts to build confidence and resilience. 3. Plan Family Activities: Spend quality time together to strengthen your child’s sense of security and readiness for new experiences. Stay Involved 1. Join School Activities: Get involved in the parent-teacher association, volunteer opportunities, or field trips to stay connected to your child’s education. 2. Communicate with Teachers: Establish open communication with your child’s teacher to stay informed about their progress and needs. Middle School Build Excitement and Confidence 1. Visit the School: Take your child to meet their teachers and explore the school layout. This can help them feel more comfortable and confident about navigating their new environment. 2. Discuss Expectations: Talk about what middle school will be like, including new responsibilities, making friends, and participating in activities. Highlight the exciting opportunities they will have. 3. Encourage a Growth Mindset: Help your child focus on their strengths and the importance of learning from mistakes. Celebrate their efforts and perseverance to build confidence. Establish Routines 1. Practice Time Management: Teach your child how to use a planner or calendar to keep track of assignments, activities, and deadlines. This will help them stay organized and reduce stress. 2. Set a Consistent Schedule: Create a daily routine that includes time for homework, extracurricular activities, and relaxation. Ensure they get enough sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast to start the day right. 3. Organize School Supplies: Help your child set up an organizer with sections for each subject, including a calendar for assignments and space for work in progress. Stock it with essentials like pens, pencils, and paper. Engage in Learning Activities 1. Encourage Reading: Create a fun and meaningful reading list to keep their minds active. Choose books that match their interests and challenge their thinking. 2. Explore Interests: Support your child in exploring hobbies or activities they enjoy, such as sports, music, or art. This can help them feel more connected and engaged in school life. 3. Visit Community Spaces: Plan trips to museums, parks, or community programs that offer sensory-friendly or educational activities to spark curiosity and learning. Foster Social and Emotional Readiness 1. Talk About Friendships: Discuss how to make and maintain friendships. Role-play scenarios to help them practice social skills like starting conversations and resolving conflicts. 2. Provide a Safe Space to Share: Listen to your child’s concerns about middle school and brainstorm strategies to help them succeed. Reassure them that it’s okay to ask for help when needed. 3. Encourage Peer Interactions: Arrange opportunities for your child to connect with peers, such as group activities or community events, to build their social confidence. Stay Involved 1. Attend Open Houses: Participate in back-to-school events to meet teachers, learn about classroom expectations, and establish a connection with the school community. 2. Communicate with Teachers: Maintain open communication with your child’s teachers to stay informed about their progress and address any concerns early. 3. Support Independence: Encourage your child to take responsibility for their learning by setting goals, asking for help when needed, and making decisions about their education.

Notice of Bid for Osceola Charter Location Notice of Bid This Invitation to Bid (ITB) is for the purpose of obtaining responses from caterers and vendors to provide meal services for UCP of Central Florida (1101), Osceola Charter (0900). Child Nutrition Programs operated will include the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the programs checked below:  ☒ School Breakfast Program (SBP)  ☐ Afterschool Snack Program (ASP)  ☒  Seamless Summer Option (SSO)  ☐ Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)   UCP of Central Florida, Osceola Charter is a public charter school located in Kissimmee, Florida. The goal of the Food Service Program is to provide healthy, nutritious, and appetizing breakfast and lunch meals to students during the school year and summer programming.   Bid Submission Responses should address each of the requirements set forth in this ITB. Please provide the requested information no later than 5:00 PM EST on 06/26/2025 (date) to the address below. Responses will be publicly opened at 9:00 AM EST on 06/27/2025 (date) to be evaluated per the criteria specified. UCP of Central Florida Child Nutrition and Food Services Matthew Copeland 4780 Data Ct. Orlando FL 32817 Timeline 06/02/2025 Solicitation available to public 06/18/2025 Bid questions due 06/20/2025 Bid questions answered by publishing Addendum 1, if applicable 06/26/2025 Bid submissions due by 5:00 PM EST 06/27/2025 Bid submissions publicly opened 06/27/2025 SFA review of Bids 06/27/2025 SFA recommendation to FDACS and FDACS review  07/04/2025 Contract Awarded 08/11/2025 Vendor begins service   Evaluation Criteria Bids received will be reviewed to ensure all materials have been submitted as specified in this ITB. Contract award decision will be made based on the most responsive and responsible Vendor that provides the bid. Contact For questions, contact Matthew Copeland at matthew.copeland@ucpcfl.org Please download and review the Bid & Contract below